Bible Study at Healdsburg College.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
The managers of this institution, recognizing the facts briefly mentioned above, determined that this should be a place where education of the true kind might be obtained. To this end there are several classes in the Bible, adapted to the capacity of the various students who attend. At a certain hour in the day, nearly the entire school is engaged in these Bible-classes. Those students who are not of our faith are not required to pursue this study unless they wish to, but most of them do so from choice. There are certain classes engaged in studying Old Testament history, in which those of any denomination can join without scruple. Soon after the camp-meeting this fall, an advanced class was started. This class is engaged in purely denominational work. The design is to fit men and women for active duty in the field, especially in the work of holding Bible-readings. At present it consists of thirty-seven members, whose ages range from sixteen to sixty years. The average membership thus far is thirty-four. Of this number, four-fifths will doubtless engage in active missionary work during the coming year. Several of them have already done good service. In this class the different points of our faith are taken up in a systematic manner, from a Bible stand-point. “What does the Bible say?” is the one question constantly before the class. Each student is expected to turn to every passage to which reference is made, and follow the reader. This tends to produce readiness in finding Scripture texts. Questions are asked freely by both teacher and students, until everything is made clear to the minds of all. When a subject has been canvassed in this way, each member of the class is required to get up a series of questions such as he would use in presenting the matter to one out of the faith. Quite often students have the privilege of showing the connection between certain texts before the class, or else of presenting it in writing. We hold that when a person knows a thing he can tell it; consequently the ability to state the different points clearly is made the test of knowledge. This class, we said, is designed to fit men and women for work in the field; but we believe that it should not be limited to those who expect to leave their homes. As already shown, it is the duty of every one to know the Bible for himself, that he may be protected against the deceptions of Satan. There should be scores engaged in such study where there is one now. Do you say that the process just described is a slow one, and takes too much time? There is no royal road to a knowledge of the Bible any more than to a knowledge of geometry. It is true that the Lord could give us at once a perfect knowledge of the Bible if he wished, but we do not read that he ever did so. He has given us minds, and expects us to use them. He is not in so great need of workmen, that he will employ those who do not use all the means placed in their power. Those who have attained eminence as Bible students, and have been leaders in the cause, have become so by hard, unremitting labor. The way is open for others to follow their example. But we do not expect any to accomplish this work without the help of the Lord. There is nothing which a person can undertake with so good assurance of divine aid as the study of God's word. Great results may be accomplished in a short time, if we earnestly and prayerfully apply ourselves to the task. Do not say that you cannot afford the time; our time is given us for no other purpose than to work in the service of God, and to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. But little of it yet remains, and Satan is mustering his forces for a desperate final conflict. It is not enough that we have a sword; we must have it drawn from the scabbard, and sharpened for use. Let us awake, and put on the whole armor of God. E. J. W.