THE GENERAL CONFERENCE INSTITUTE

Our readers will be waiting with interest to hear of the opening of the Institute which this year was appointed to occupy the week previous to the session of the General Conference, commencing Oct. 10.MMM 399.2

The Institute was opened Oct. 10, at 2:30 p. m. Eld. S. N. Haskell was chosen chairman, and F. E. Belden, secretary. The following order of exercises has been adopted: 7:45 a. m., Prayer and Social meeting, 9:00 a. m., Subject: How the Third Angel’s Message can be advanced the most speedily and efficiently; 10:30 a. m., Bible and Historical study; 2:30 p. m., Bible and Historical study; 4:00 p. m., Church Officers and their duties; 7 p. m., Foreign Missionary operations.MMM 399.3

Instruction on the different subjects to be taken under consideration is arranged for by committees, who conduct the exercises themselves or secure the help of others. These committees are: On the advancement of the message, J. O. Corliss, A. T. Jones, E. W. Farnsworth; on Bible Study, S. N. Haskell. R. A. Underwood, J. H. Morrison, R. M. Kilgore, A. T. Robinson; on Church Officers and their duties, U. Smith, E. J. Waggoner, R. A. Underwood; on Foreign Missionary operations, S. N. Haskell, J. G. Matteson, W. C. White, L. R. Conradi, U. Smith.MMM 399.4

The subjects proposed to be considered in the hours for Bible and Historical study are so far, A historical view of the ten kingdoms, The divinity of Christ, The healing of the deadly wound, Justification by faith, How far we should go in trying to use the wisdom of the serpent, and Predestination. Other subjects will doubtless be introduced.MMM 399.5

At the present writing, only four meetings have been held. At 7:30 last evening Eld. Haskell made stirring remarks upon the work of the message in foreign lands. At 9:00 a. m. to-day (the 11th) a Bible reading was held by A. T. Jones, on the advancement of the work of the third angel’s message. The point brought out was that personal consecration must lie at the foundation of all our success in this work. We are Christ’s representatives, and should be actuated by his love and his Spirit, and should manifest his character before men. The meetings at 10:30 a. m., and 2:30 p. m., were occupied by Eld. A. T. Jones in an examination of the subject of the ten kingdoms. At 4 p.m. Dr. E. J, Waggoner, by arrangement, took up in the form of a Bible reading, the duties of church officers. He first brought up scriptures to show what the church is, and what its office is in this world. An understanding of this is necessary to a clear comprehension of the duties which devolve upon, not only the members of the church, but its officers. Only some of the first principles can be brought out in one lesson. The subject will be followed out in subsequent meetings. This evening further instruction will be given on the subject of our missionary work.MMM 399.6

There is a good representation of brethren present. Nearly a hundred delegates are already enrolled. These are from Oregon, California, Colorado, Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, Indiana, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine.MMM 399.7

The meetings are held in the new meeting-house just erected by the church in Minneapolis, and the Minnesota Conference. This is a fine building, furnishing an ample and pleasant audience-room in the upper portion, and rooms in the basement, convenient for Sabbath school, and for the use of the T. and M. Society of the Conference. A more neat and comfortable house of worship, is not often seen. By the side of the church stands the building erected for the Minnesota T. and M. Depository. It is a well-constructed building, admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is to be used. The location is a pleasant one, at the corner of 4th Avenue and 30th Street. There are vacant lots all around, but the city is rapidly extending around and far beyond this location.MMM 399.8

The brethren who have had in charge the work of preparing for the Conference, have evidently bestowed much thought upon their duties, and have spared no pains to furnish generous accommodations for all the delegates, and to make our stay with them a pleasant one.MMM 399.9

Sister White is present, in the enjoyment of a good degree of health and strength. Much disappointment and regret is expressed by the brethren that Eld Butler is unable to be present on account of sickness. He is remembered fervently in their prayers. The prospect is good for a profitable meeting. This will surely be the case, if all present will so seek the Lord as to secure his presence and his blessing.MMM 399.10