Ministerial Lectures by Stephen N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 1, 1873

Ministerial Lectures.

By Stephen N. Haskell

Some general remarks have already been made upon the nature and design of the ministerial lectures which are now in contemplation. Their importance, as a means to fit men and women for usefulness in the cause of God cannot be overestimated. Our preachers are few, and there is not a single Conference that does not call for help. From the Southern States, also, the cry is, Send us help. Beside these, there are calls from the Danes, Swedes, Norwegians, French, and German, of our own land, and letters from Europe which show that there are openings in France, Spain, Italy, and in other parts of the Eastern continent. These calls must be met by us. But at this time, we lack the men who are qualified to do the work, which must be done in the wide harvest field.

To do what lies in our power toward their preparation for the work, we have decided to establish a school at Battle Creek, where suitable instruction shall be given to fit for usefulness those who are willing to give themselves to the service of God. But as many of our people who should have the benefit of this school cannot visit Battle Creek to attend it, we have adopted a plan of ministerial instruction within the limits of each Conference. This will bring the instruction within the reach of all. It is, therefore, the imperative duty of those who wish to qualify themselves for usefulness in this sacred work to attend these lectures and participate in their benefits. We cannot too strongly urge this upon our people. It is not designed to call ministers from their fields of labor; but the object is to benefit those who contemplate entering the work, and also to instruct any who feel interested in a more perfect understanding of the present truth.

It will require an effort and cost a sacrifice on the part of those who attend. But the benefit to be obtained is worth vastly more than all it can possibly cost. The interest we have in the truth, and the estimate we place upon that understanding of it which will make us useful in its advancement, is shown by the sacrifices made for it.

God calls for volunteers in his cause; and there are hundreds of men and women among us whose hearts beat with lively emotion when they hear of the earnest appeals from every quarter, “Come over and help us.” But when they consider their own disqualifications, their hearts sink with sadness. All such should avail themselves of the privileges offered by the present arrangement. None should think of waiting until they are partly through, before commencing, or leaving before they close. The entire time should be devoted to learning what can be learned that will be of practical benefit in the future.

To the friends in New England, I would say, Possibly there may never be another such a course of instruction given in New England, and perhaps not in other Conferences, except where the denominational school may be located. Therefore it is very important that you avail yourselves of this opportunity, even if it be at much sacrifice.

God is loudly calling upon his people by his providence and by his Holy Spirit, to arouse from that state of lethargy into which they have fallen, and to buckle on the armor anew, and to take hold of the work of God as though they were in earnest. We therefore hope to hear from many in the New England States that will be interested in these lectures, and will attend them. Address me at South Lancaster, Mass.

S. N. HASKELL.