The Biblical Institute.
By James White
As the time appointed for the Biblical Lectures to commence draws nigh, we are feeling more the importance and solemnity of the anticipated occasion. This is designed to be a general gathering of our young preaching brethren who hold credentials and licenses from their State Conferences, and of more experienced ministers, so far as the circumstances—taking into the account their local duties, distance, and the expense—will admit. And we shall be very glad to welcome any others who design to give themselves to the work of teaching the Word, and therefore are anxious to learn the way of the Lord more perfectly. The gathering will be a very large one. We learn by the mail, which is brought from California on the fast train, that three brethren have left San Francisco on a slower train. We also hear from Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, that there will be a large attendance of our young preachers from those States. And it is expected that there will be a very general attendance of our laboring brethren from Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. And we shall be no less gratified to see a good representation of youthful laborers from the eastern States. We extend a special invitation to those from the ranks of the first-day, or no-day, Adventists, who have recently accepted, or have become interested in, our views of Bible truth. But, as a guard against those coming who can put their time and means to a better account, and that the Battle Creek church be not overburdened, the following restrictions were stated in the first call for the Biblical Institute, Oct. 20, 1874. Any departure from this general plan by the liberalities of individuals will be stated to the persons by private letters. “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.”