ORLEANS, MICH., T. AND M. INSTITUTE.
By B. L. Whitney
This meeting, which closed Wednesday evening, Feb. 18, though not so largely attended as was anticipated, was nevertheless one of considerable interest and profit. From the beginning it was evident that the meeting could not accomplish all that should be done, from the fact that from lack of interest or other reasons but a small proportion of the officers of the districts of that division for which the Institute was held were present. But one district secretary and seven librarians were in attendance from the four districts, including between thirty and forty churches. But those who were there took an active interest in the work, and very good progress was made. The review of the class during the last two days was as creditable as any exercise of the kind I have ever seen in any Institute, and showed a thorough understanding of the accounts on the part of the members of the class, which numbered about sixty. The following preamble and resolutions, unanimously adopted by a rising vote, the last day of the meeting, will be of interest as indicating the feeling of the members as to the importance of the work:— Whereas, We, the ministers, directors, and members of the Orleans T. and M. Institute, having had opportunity during the session of this Institute to see the importance and bearing of a more thorough effort to carry out the system of the tract and missionary organization as adopted by our people, are desirous of becoming still further acquainted with the system and principles of this organization; and Whereas, We are deeply interested that a more general effort should be made throughout this State to put this system in efficient operation in all its details; therefore Resolved, That so far as consistent we will attend the T. and M. Institute to be held at Battle Creek, Feb. 20 to March 15, 1880, that we may have the opportunity of further drill in this important branch of the work. Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to the ministers of142this Conference, to the directors, secretaries, and librarians of this tract society, and to others desirous of engaging more actively in the missionary work as canvassers or otherwise, to attend this meeting. Nearly all the ministers of this division of the Conference were in attendance, and manifested a good degree of interest in the work. The public services held in connection with these meetings were well attended, the house of worship at times being crowded to its full capacity. There seemed to be a remarkable desire on the part of the public to hear. The brethren of the Orleans church did all in their power to make the meeting a success, and cheerfully entertained all who came.