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The Lake Union Conference

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 21, 1914

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 21.

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The Lake Union Conference

By Allen Moon

THIS meeting was held at Battle Creek, Mich., April 14-24. The first five days of the time were devoted to a ministerial institute, except that one hour each day was occupied by the bookmen in the study of principles relating to the sale of truth-filled literature as a means of the rapid spread of the gospel message.
Almost the entire list of delegates responded at the first meeting. It was noticeable that all were in their seats at every meeting.
The daily program began at 8:30 A. M. with a devotional meeting continuing until 9:15. Scripture study was conducted from 9:30 to 10:45, and again from 11 to 12:15. Another period in the afternoon, from 2:30 to 3:45, was given to Bible study; and the bookmen occupied the time from 4 to 5:15 for their special study.
The ministerial institute was designed to give all laborers an opportunity to cease from active field work and turn aside for a little time of rest and study, to seek a better preparation for the service of the Master by becoming better acquainted with the Word of truth and receiving a more complete endowment of the Spirit of truth. The demand for such a season is indicated by the meager results from labor bestowed in recent years. It was believed that God, who is almighty and has given to the world a mighty truth, can make his ministers mighty in word and doctrine, and is able by the aid of the Holy Spirit to move men's hearts.
Those who conducted the studies were specially guided by the Holy Spirit in their efforts to bring from the great storehouse of truth that which would be most helpful to all. If any failed to obtain a more exalted conception of the work of the ministry, or a clearer view of the divine call and the sacred responsibility resting upon the one who enters that high calling, they must have failed to allow the Word of God to have due weight on the mind. Doubtless all were impressed with the fact that the Lord has amply provided in his Word for the enlightenment of his servants as to all that pertains to the minister and his work,—in fact, his life, his deportment, his responsibility, and the source of his power to accomplish anything.
The business of the conference was laid over until the close of the institute work, in order that all minds might be free from care and perplexity as far as possible. On Monday, the twentieth of April, the delegates entered heartily into the transaction of the business of the session. It was desired that the work be completed before the next Sabbath, which, with other matters to occupy the time of the delegates, left scarcely four days in which to accomplish it. However, everything was disposed of in the desired time. Committees labored earnestly and reported promptly, and the work was done. Whether or not the haste and dispatch necessary to the consideration of voluminous and important questions in so short a time was in consonance with thoroughness and perfection, the future will no doubt reveal. It can be said truthfully that the plan of transacting the business of a great union at its biennial session, within the time of the working days of one week, is in the experimental state. No criticisms were heard from those on whom the responsibility of the work rested.
The spiritual atmosphere throughout the entire meeting was most excellent in every department, which no doubt contributed to the celerity with which the work moved forward. Perhaps as the end draws near much less time will be spent in business transactions; but, instead, all will be concerned about the most vital business of all, the preparation for a change of worlds.
ALLEN MOON.