Biblical Institute by Uriah Smith; S. Brownsberger; Wm. Russell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 29, 1874

Biblical Institute.

By Uriah Smith; S. Brownsberger; Wm. Russell

It is proposed to hold in Battle Creek, Mich., commencing at the close of the present term of school, about the middle of December next, a series of exercises to be conducted by Elds. White, Smith, and others, which the name above given will probably describe as well as any.

The work proposed to be done is to give instruction theoretical and practical in regard to the presentation of the present truth before the people, as Teachers’ Institutes give instruction in regard to the theory and practice of teaching.

The object to be accomplished is to aid our preachers in a better preparation for the work of publicly presenting the truth, and to instruct such as may be desirous of at once engaging in that work, who know not how to spend a long time in preparing. The exercises will consist of, say two lectures each day, with reviews and examinations; and the time employed will be about three weeks.

Once an attempt was made to have such lectures in connection with our General Conference; but it was a failure from the fact that those upon whom the burden of speaking necessarily fell, were completely overwhelmed with other duties. Now it is proposed that all who engage in this shall make this their whole business, during the time employed, and thus it may be made a success.

With reference to those who may attend it is proposed—

1. That such as are able, meet all their own expenses, which will be simply their fare, and a moderate price for board, nothing being charged for the lectures.

2. That such as are able only to pay their fare to and from the place, will be entertained by the Battle Creek church while here free of charge; provided that, in case they are not already licensed preachers, they bring from their church or Conference, a paper recommending their attendance.

3. That such as are not able to pay their own traveling expenses, receive help from their churches or Conferences, if in the judgment of said churches or Conferences they should attend.

Now we want to know how many would like to attend such an Institute as is here proposed. We want to hear from any, old or young, who are in favor of such a movement, that we may know how far it is indorsed by our people. We want to hear from churches or Conferences in regard to any whom they can recommend. Write one and all. Speak freely. Do not delay. The work, the truth, the times, demand enthusiasm.

We the undersigned were appointed a committee, Sept. 26, by the Battle Creek church, through its chairman, Bro. White, to call the attention of our people to this matter, and we respectfully submit the foregoing, hoping for an early response.

Address Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich.

U. Smith, S. Brownsberger, Wm. Russell. Committee.