Fireside Correspondence School by W. E. HOWELL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 24, 1910

Fireside Correspondence School

By W. E. HOWELL

A Perennial Bible Institute

IN the earlier days of the advent movement it was customary to hold, here and there, now and then, a Bible institute. Sometimes it was specially for workers, to review leading points of faith and to study the best methods of presenting the advent doctrines to the people. Sometimes it was adapted to the needs of the laity, especially newcomers to the faith. But for whatever purpose held, no one who attended them can be persuaded that they were not highly profitable seasons. Farmers would “quit work” earlier than usual, housewives would minimize their home duties, office workers would hurry home, teachers would shorten lessons a little, and many would come long distances, in order to take advantage of the opportunity to gain a better knowledge of the precious Word.

As the work has grown in recent years, the same principle of institute work is connected with camp-meetings, State meetings, and conference sessions. Untold good is accomplished in this way.

A New Way

Yes, a new way, but perhaps we better not say out plainly a better way, has been devised. It may not have occurred to the reader that in the Fireside Correspondence School, whose headquarters

are at Takoma Park, D. C. (it is located from Maine to California and to the uttermost parts of the earth), there is a Perennial Bible Institute. “Perennial” means all the year round. That’s the way we eat and drink and work and sleep and live; why not include in our program that which is not “bread alone,” and have a “continual feast” of good things?

By this new way, the student may stay at home, do his regular work properly, and attend institute at the hours most convenient for him. He is supplied with a set of forty lessons on “Bible Doctrines,” two or three at a time, just enough to keep him busy and not enough to make his task look too large. The lessons contain a systematic arrangement of all the leading points of present truth, in clear, simple form, and in their natural order. Each lesson contains a topic, memory texts, references to the Bible and to our denominational books, notes on important points, and a set of questions and requirements, called a Test Paper, in which the student is asked to state clearly, accurately, and in his own words, his understanding of each point brought out. And best of all, the student has his paper examined by a sympathetic, God-fearing teacher, who helps him over any difficult points and aids him in making the connection between his study and his daily life. The lessons are easy enough for the beginner, and afford abundant room for thought and study to those who are in a general way familiar with the subjects. Their orthodoxy is attested by abundance of Scriptural evidence. It is doubtful whether any such set of lessons on the great truths for this time has ever been prepared before.

When we attend a camp-meeting or an institute, we rejoice for a season in the good things we get, but it takes great care “lest at any time we let them slip.” By this new way, forty-two of our correspondence students are having a continuous institute—a camp-meeting all the year! Hear what some of them say:—

“I have enjoyed my studies very much. The Bible Doctrines are very practical and interesting. It is my determination to become an efficient Bible student.”

“I am very glad that I have the opportunity of being a member of the ‘Correspondence School,’ as I have been wanting for some time to take a course in Bible study; and now my wants are met in a way that I can surely appreciate.”

“The few lessons I have taken give me a broader view of the Bible. It is so helpful to find the same thought in different words in different books of the Bible. It seems marvelous how so much thought and proof can be contained in such a small compass.”

“I have never understood the prophecies as I would like, but I am sure I shall at least know more about them when through with this study. I hope to improve with each lesson and be able to pass the examination at the end of the term. I wish the Fireside Correspondence School every success, for I am sure, by the help of the Lord, it will prove a great benefit to many.”

“Although I have thus far been able to send in seven lessons [on Bible Doctrines], I find even they have been of much benefit to me, and I feel assured that those to follow will add much to my little store of knowledge, and at the same time enable me to come into closer touch with Him who is the source of all wisdom.”

Reader, if you have been “long in the message,” it will refresh you to go over the old landmarks of faith in an orderly way during your spare time. If you are “new in the faith,” you will find a surprise of beauty and grandeur at every turn in your study. If you are young and are “preparing” for some course in school later, you will find these lessons simple enough for you, yet strong enough to count on your credits; and the truth you learn will become to you an “anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,” after you leave home and are passing through school or other experiences. For fuller information and terms for admission to the Perennial Bible Institute, address Fireside Correspondence School, Takoma Park, D. C., or—

W. E. HOWELL, Principal.