Fireside Correspondence School by W. E. Howell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 31, 1910

Fireside Correspondence School

By W. E. Howell

More About the Perennial Bible Institute

Let no one get the impression that “Bible doctrines” is the only study offered in the Perennial Bible Institute. There is another already being given, and three more on our list of “prospective studies” to be developed in the near future.

The other one we are giving now is New Testament history; in other words, the life of Christ from his birth to his ascension, prefaced by an introductory lesson on the “Preparation of the World for Christ.” It is an excellent thing to have a thorough knowledge of the great doctrinal themes which give power to the second advent movement, and to be able to present them simply and intelligently to others; but this can never take the place in the Christian’s experience, of the vital, practical principles of daily living so clearly and impressively exemplified in the life and teachings of the lowly Nazarene. When we are tempted and weary and perplexed and afflicted, we do not generally go for strength and comfort to doctrinal study as such, but rather to the sweet, simple words of invitation, forgiveness, and assuring promise uttered by Jesus or his apostles.

It is easy for us to say in a general way that we know the life of Christ, we are getting that in the Sabbath-school lessons free, we feel more need in another direction, etc. But it can be said with confidence that any one who will take up a systematic study of Christ’s life in its historical and geographical setting, and in the light of the many customs and traditions of the times which throw light on his teachings, with the degree of thoroughness inculcated in our course, will find that his supposed knowledge of these things is somewhat meager and indefinite after all. In Lesson I of this course, the author says, “You should be able at the end to think through the life of our Saviour and outline his wonderful teachings.” That these lessons have a very practical trend is suggested by the first question of the first Test Paper, “Why do many fail to have a healthy Christian experience?” Lesson II is entitled “Immanuel, God With Us;” Lesson III, “Early Years and Private Life of Jesus,” etc.

This is an especially fine course for young people. It will fortify them against temptation, will revive and sustain them when under discouragement, will help them to sense more fully the value of the personal companionship of Jesus at all times and under all circumstances. It covers the same ground that is passed over in this subject in resident schools, and the student’s work, if satisfactorily done, will be credited on the course he may wish to complete later in any of our schools.

But its value is by no means confined to the young. Some are taking it who have reached middle life and more. Those who are willing to use their spare time faithfully, making a little sacrifice on other things if necessary, will be surprised at what they can accomplish.

The way in which one spends his spare time is a truer index to what he is and what he really desires to become, than his use of the time demanded for his regular occupation. The doors of the Fireside Correspondence School are open to all who really care to become more than they are. There is no feature of its work that gives more substantial aid in self-improvement than the Perennial Bible Institute. The subjects to be added to its list of studies as soon as the lessons can be completed, are Old Testament history, Acts and the Epistles, and Daniel and the Revelation. Much has been said on the importance of the latter study, and an entire course of forty lessons will be given to it, as also to the other two.

Any who are interested to attend the Perennial Bible Institute should address Fireside Correspondence School, Takoma Park, D. C., or—

W. E. HOWELL, Principal.