p. 195 | A BIBLE LYCEUM by Dennis Morrison

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 21, 1876

A BIBLE LYCEUM.

By Dennis Morrison

We are at work here. We have organized a society for the study of the Scriptures and for speaking in public. Our meetings are held at our house of worship, once in two weeks, on evenings after the Sabbath.

We are governed by a constitution and by-laws, and have officers similar to any other literary Society. The exercises are opened with prayer and singing at 7 o’clock sharp, and continue from two to two and a half hours. After singing the secretary reads minutes of last meeting. The president then calls on each member to speak on some Bible subject which he has previously chosen. They are generally ready with their notes and proof-texts, having left their excuses at home. After the members are through speaking, there is an invitation offered to any to read an essay on some Bible doctrine. You may know our society is interesting; for some of the brethren walk four, and some even seven, miles to attend.

At our last session, our president closed the speaking by remarks from James 1:26, 27. The Lord gave freedom; and the members listened with good attention, and seemed deeply impressed by the word spoken. It was a sacred place to us. The Spirit of the Lord was there, and we felt loth to say good night.

There are brethren here who could scarcely speak five minutes in public when our society was organized, but now the allotted fifteen minutes is too short for them. They enter heartily into the spirit of the work, and seem to realize that there is a work for them to do in this world besides eating, drinking, and sleeping. I believe there are many in our ranks who could by persevering efforts qualify themselves to carry the light to others. The truth is, we should make opportunities, not wait for them. Could my voice be heard from Maine to California, I would ring out the shout, Seventh-day Adventists, wake up, wake up! The Lord is coming! Neglect not the gift that is in thee!

DENNIS MORRISON.

Sheridan, Ill.