Ministerial Institute and South-eastern Union Conference
By L. A. Hoopes
THIS important meeting was held at Graysville, Tenn., Dec. 22, 1913, to Jan. 1, 1914. How eager we all are to catch the first glimpse of any omen that betokens God's special manifestation of power which so long ago the prophets testified would be in the last time. The recent meetings held at this place, beginning with the week of prayer, furnished unmistakable evidence that God's "set time" to favor Zion had arrived. The general attendance was all that could be expected in this field. Every department of work carried on in this union was represented. The General Conference representatives were A. G. Daniells, W. T. Knox, L. M. Bowen, W. L. Burgan. I. H. Evans, G. B. Thompson, C. B. Stephenson, C. L. Benson, and W. W. Eastman represented the North American Division Conference. Thos. Jeys and Professor Ryan represented the Southern Union Conference. Each one had a particular line of work to carry, and each contributed materially to the interest and success of the institute and conference. Our press agent, Brother W. L. Burgan, kept the secular press supplied with good reports of the meeting. Brethren Knox and Bowen rendered most valuable service as a finance committee in helping us to get a better understanding of how we may improve the financial conditions of the institutional work in this Southland. This was a difficult task, but their work was much appreciated, and will surely result in great good to this field. The Holy Spirit directs in selecting men for this line of work today, even as in apostolic times. Time was given for departmental work; such as, publishing, Sabbath school, educational, young people's, and Negro. We all felt the lack of time to attend all these meetings, and especially when a delegate represented more than one of these departments. The Ministerial Institute
This was a fitting complement and climax to the revival that had so recently been experienced in the Southern Training School and Graysville church, during the week of prayer. The chief instructors were Elders Daniells, Evans, and Thompson. In this meeting were considered such vital subjects as The Finishing of This Work; Adequate Power; The Efficiency of the Ministry; How to Develop; The Place of the Word and Prayer in Service. The ones who led out in the presentation of these topics undoubtedly had the aid of the Holy Spirit in their work. The company was already convinced that, during the week of prayer, God had indicated his readiness to do a mighty work in the earth. These conditions formed the prelude to this institute. Fully two hundred persons had been greatly stirred during the week of prayer. Many were reclaimed, and many went forward for the first time in their experience. Twenty were baptized at one time, eight at another time, and still others are to follow. The same solemn, earnest work of the revival continued right on night after night into the institute. Miracles of the truest type were wrought. Selfish, carnal, rebellious66hearts, which stoutly resisted almost every overture of the Spirit of God, were instantly converted, and in a very brief time were transformed into zealous missionaries working for their associates. Little children kept up their earnest prayer bands right to the last day of the conference. This work of intercession was of a most practical character. They were praying for those of their number who were meeting with fierce temptations. How cheering were their testimonies when victory had perched on their banners! "God has heard our prayers," was often repeated. This revival work continued right on and took in the ministry. The Finishing of This Work and The Efficiency of the Ministry called for an advanced step in consecration. If the undershepherds are to lead the flock aright, they must know, by experience, every step of the way. Perhaps the greatest evidence of a true Pentecost was seen when the ministers humbled themselves under the mighty hand of God. We felt our need of power. How was the efficiency of the ministry to be obtained? We have the Word, we hear the preaching, our intellect is enlightened; now why this lack of power when we try to bring souls to a decision to obey Christ? The confession of faults, the putting away of sin, and the earnest prayer of faith must be experienced in this time of the latter rain, the same as in the former rain. This was done, and as a result many were seized with the conviction that right now this work is to be finished, and that "a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." Right on to the close frequent allusions were made to this fact. Almost every one caught a new vision of the present status of the third angel's message. Definite plans were considered for the finishing of this work. When the meeting was nearing its close, the almost universal testimony was that this had been a great spiritual uplift. Who can doubt that it is the outpouring of the latter rain to fit us all for the finishing of this work?