A MISSIONARY EDUCATIONAL CONVENTION.
By M. E. Cady
TRULY, such was the spirit and character of the recent convention held at College View, Neb., June 29 to July 10. As never before Seventh-day Adventist teachers and educators awoke to the realization of the fact that the primary object and purpose of their schools, from the primary to the most advanced, is to speedily prepare workers for all branches of the cause, who shall go to every kindred, nation, tongue, and people, heralding the great truth that in this generation Christ will come and the reign of sin shall be put to an end by "the kingdoms of this world becoming the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ." This wondrous thought was the key-note throughout the convention. All the delegates, which besides the educators included a number of field laborers, gave earnest and serious expression to the deep conviction that was stealing over them that the hope of the cause and its successful triumph lay in the thousands of young men, young women, and children attending our schools, becoming possessed with the thought that the hour has come for the mystery of God to be finished and that now He calls upon them to rise and finish the work. This suggestive motto was adopted by the convention, with the thought that it be adopted by the schools everywhere: "The Advent message to all the world in this generation." That the thoughts expressed in the above13actions of the convention were more than mere sentiment and enthusiasm is shown in the plans laid to more thoroughly organize the educational work, to unify the courses of study in the primary, intermediate, and training schools; to secure the best text-books and helps that can be found, and speedily prepare others most needed; to require uniform standards and qualifications for pupils and teachers, and to provide such instruction and training—both as to matter and method—as will fire the children and youth with a missionary zeal and devotion which will cause them to carry the message of Christ’s soon coming to all the world. The Macedonian cry was heard in the convention from several countries, and some of those present responded to the calls made. Several times during the convention was it affirmed that there is a place in this great closing work for every young man and woman who has a consecrated mind, soul, and body to put into it. With this assurance from those whose hands are on the pulse of the work throughout the whole world, and who are constantly receiving appeals for some one to bring the message, why should not our youth volunteer at once, filling our training schools to overflowing, receiving quickly the needed preparation for efficient service in the Master’s vineyard? Let all our youth consider seriously their relation to the closing work that God is now carrying on in the earth, and earnestly ask the question, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" The writer has attended nearly all our educational conventions, but none that gave such promise of immediate and glorious results as the one recently held. A report of the convention is being prepared, and should be procured and read by all our people. It will contain the actions of the convention, and much of the valuable instruction given on various phases of the educational work. Price, ten cents. Address the Educational Secretary, Prof. C. C. Lewis, College View, Neb.