SECTION ONE, MICHIGAN by M. B. Miller

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, February 12, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 7

SECTION ONE, MICHIGAN.

By M. B. Miller

Dear Brethren: Undoubtedly you noticed in last week’s Review that the second T. and M. Institute to be held in this State this winter is to be at Battle Creek, commencing Feb. 20. This Institute is not designed exclusively for Section 1, yet it will be just as profitable to us, and we should have as great a burden for its success, as though it had been appointed for our special benefit. It is located as near a central point in the section as it could be. Now the question arises, How many, and who, will attend? We know it will cost you a little sacrifice of time and means to be there; but we want to mention a few reasons why you should not fail to attend this Institute. 1. The missionary work is the Lord’s work. 2. The result of faithfully performing this work will be souls saved in the kingdom of God. 3. The times in which we live call loudly for this kind of work, therefore we should prepare ourselves to do it correctly, so that the Lord may own and bless the effort. 4. The success of the Institute in a large measure depends upon the attendance. Shall the meeting be a failure for want of numbers? With present facilities, one hundred can receive instructions as successfully as fifteen. 5. There is great necessity for improvement in the missionary work, especially in the business department.

Any of the above facts is a sufficient reason why all who can consistently should be present during the Institute.

Brethren, do not begin to frame excuses for neglecting to attend this Institute, but see if you cannot lay some plan by which you may attend. This is an exceptional chance for getting instruction in the T. and M. work.

There will be no Conference in session, or other business meetings to interfere with the daily work of the Institute. Directors should feel a burden concerning the meeting, and investigate the matter of attendance from their several districts. Churches should look the matter over and see who can or will attend. A word of encouragement, a little assistance, might be the means of getting some to attend who otherwise would stay away.

The Lord has committed much to our trust in giving us the light of the third angel’s message. Will we be faithful in the discharge of our duty? In conclusion, we advise all to read carefully the following texts of Scripture, and then decide in the light of the facts they state what is duty in regard to attending the coming T. and M. Institute: Luke 19:40; 12:48; Judges 5:23; Matt. 25:25–27; Luke 16:10, 11. Compare with the above the following texts: Eccl. 11:6; Ps. 126:5, 6; Matt. 25:21.

M. B. Miller.