p. 171 | INSTRUCTION FOR LABORERS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, March 17, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 11

INSTRUCTION FOR LABORERS.

There will be a special course of instruction for those who wish to work in the cause of God, connected with the closing of the long term of the College, commencing Wednesday, April 1, and closing Tuesday, April 21. This course was contemplated by the vote of the last General Conference, and preparations have been in progress since that time to make this an important blessing to the cause.

The present course of lectures in the Tabernacle, which are largely attended by the citizens, students, etc., will close just before this course at the College begins. It is expected that revival meetings will be held, and efforts made to settle and confirm those who shall embrace the truth. We hope to see thorough conversions also. There are a large number at the College who intend to labor in the ministry or as colporters, canvassers, or city missionaries. We expect thorough instructions will be given, not only in methods of working, organizing churches, canvassing, holding Bible-readings, working in city missions, etc., but that the underlying principles of successful work in this cause will be thoroughly considered.

We want to know what kind of men and women we must be in order that God may use us. We need to study the principles of humility, sacrifice, and true devotion to the work. We must understand the immense importance of the present truth, and how to consecrate ourselves to it, as well as to know the minutiae of methods of labor. We propose to take time to consider these things every day during the course, and shall have special services to fit those who take it for the duties they take upon themselves.

For years in the past we have seen the importance of schools of instruction. They had schools of the prophets anciently, where men of experience and deep devotion taught those who were younger the important lessons they would need to qualify them for usefulness. The testimonies of the Spirit have instructed us in the past that courses of instruction should be held where the inexperienced could be benefited. There has been a lamentable lack in the past among many who have gone out to labor. Many of them need to drink deeper draughts at the well of salvation and to understand more fully the duties of the positions they propose to fill. Why should we not every year have such seasons of instruction? We propose to have those present who are qualified to give instruction, and thus make these three weeks a season of great interest theoretically, practically, and spiritually.

We have thought that there might be many young laborers who are not at the College who would be glad to share the benefits of this special course. Why should not young and middle-aged directors, licentiates, and some young ministers, and many missionary workers, canvassers, colporters, etc., be present, to learn all they can of the nature of the work? Might we not expect God’s blessing on such a meeting? May not these courses of instruction in our schools at the close of the winter term become very important instrumentalities in the preparation of laborers in the future? We believe they will.

Those who come to attend this three weeks’ course can obtain board and lodging for $2 per week. Reduction of railroad fare can be obtained from most points by corresponding with A. R. Henry, Battle Creek, Mich. Will not the Conference officers of States lying within reasonable distance desire to send persons whom they think should attend?

TRUSTEES OF BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE.