Biblical Institutes by S. N. Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 23, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 17.

Biblical Institutes.

By S. N. Haskell

IT is now thirty years since the Sabbath reform commenced in this country in connection with the doctrine of the second coming of Christ. From that time to the present the success of this work has been in getting people to investigate the Scriptures of truth. If the Bible is only read and believed, it is the only argument needed. The Scriptures are our authority. The Bible is the text-book to every true child of God. Biblical Institutes among us commenced about ten years ago under the direction of Elder James White. The benefit derived from them was great. Our experience in them since that time has led us to conclude that they are essential to the growth and prosperity of any Conference. These courses of instruction have been held more or less throughout the country. They are instrumental in developing successful laborers in the cause.

Many of those who are now preaching present truth have not had the advantages of a liberal education. They have come from the various occupations that men usually follow. But we trust that they are men that fear God and love his truth. How can they be educated so as to become workmen that need not be ashamed, is a question of great importance. We have no confidence in the idea that it matters not how little we know if we are only converted. The great apostle to the Gentiles wrote to his son Timothy, who had been instructed in the Scriptures from a child, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15. The apostle Peter, who never had had an education at the schools of that time, wrote to his brethren, "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." 1 Pet. 3:15. This would require not only a knowledge of the truth but ability to tell it.

Solomon never "finished" his education. He never reached the point where he ceased studying that he might instruct the people. He says, "Because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words; and that which was written was upright, even words of truth." He then adds these forcible words, "The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one Shepherd." Eccl. 12:9-11.

Such expressions as these show clearly that Inspiration instructs those laborers who become efficient workmen, to avail themselves of the advantages offered not only to improve their education in a general sense, but to study that they may understand how to present the truth in the most acceptable manner. No man has a right to become a professed ambassador of Christ without this disposition. We often hear of the "ignorant fishermen" whom the Saviour called to carry the gospel to the world. But it should ever be remembered that he did not intrust them with the gospel until the greatest Teacher that was ever upon this earth had given them practical lessons in laboring for souls three and a half years. And even then they were not fitted to go forth until they had been endued with power from on high. Then after this they met from time to time and counseled together relating their experience. Can any one think that God is less particular in the closing work of the gospel? In carrying to the world the most solemn message that the world has ever heard, God will require as much preparation as in any age in the past.

We have to some extent realized this and have tried to meet our responsibility by having schools in our midst where the Bible is made a specialty, and where instruction is given in methods of labor. But all cannot attend these schools; and therefore we have adopted the plan of holding institutes, in which the truth of the Bible is taught, and the best methods of presenting it are dwelt upon. In these instruction is given in all branches of the work. It would be well if such an institute could be held in each Conference in the country, at least once a year. And this should be done if efficient teachers can be secured. Ministers, colporters, canvassers, and all who intend to labor in the cause, in any capacity, should attend them. If there are successful workers, they should attend to give those of less experience the benefit of their experience. If they are not successful, then they should certainly attend to learn the cause of their failure and how to remedy it. If they have it in their minds to labor but have never entered the field, then they should attend that they may acquire the best methods of labor at the commencement, knowing that it is far easier to learn to do right from the first than to unlearn when the habits have been once formed.

Securing harmony of faith, and in methods of labor, has been a source of strength and union among us. We must be in union in faith and purpose. Our plans of operation, as far as general principles are concerned, are the same the world over. Our interests are one. Our hopes are one. Any Conference or people who have received this same truth find themselves in a short time behind in their plans of operations if they do not have the privilege of consultations and instructions. The great apostle to the Gentiles felt the need of something of this kind. Hence he sought repeatedly to meet with his brethren at Jerusalem. There is no time in the history of the church when the reformers did not feel the need of gatherings where they could meet for consultation and prayer.

We have called these meetings "Biblical Institutes." The most successful method of presenting the truth, of canvassing, of doing colporter work, and holding Bible-readings, are freely discussed and instruction given. And what is still more important, there is a united seeking God for his blessing to rest upon the efforts at this time of instruction, and that there may be a special fitting up by the Spirit of God for the work he has for his people to do. We are glad to learn that there are to be such gatherings at the northern camp-meetings on the Pacific Coast this spring. It would be well if there could be much of the time at our camp-meetings devoted to this kind of work. But it would be far better if there could be from one to three weeks devoted to this kind of instruction in advance of our spring camp-meetings.

It requires as much wisdom and discretion to hold Bible-readings and make them successful as to preach a sermon. Not that every person who can hold a Bible-reading can preach a sermon. But it requires as much study, thought, and preparation. There are many who hold Bible-readings in this country; we do not say there is no good accomplished by them, but we know of but few, comparatively, of whom it can be said they have made this work successful in the truest sense. We have watched its progress with much interest, believing it would be one of the greatest means of getting the truth before the masses in the colporter work. It is proving a success in our city mission work. But our people need instruction as to the best methods of giving them. At these institutes it is a very fitting time to impart such instructions. Questions concerning our faith and the nature of our work are among the things of which a specialty is made. From the standpoint of the Christian living amid the perils of these last days, nothing can be of more importance than a knowledge of these things.