THE BIBLICAL INSTITUTE.
By A. S. Hutchins
This Institute recently held at South Lancaster, Mass., should prove a permanent blessing to each one who has attended it. Truths, both doctrinal and practical, and of the utmost importance to us as a people, were here clearly and forcibly expounded by Brn. Smith and Haskell. As we reflect upon the privileges enjoyed here, and the light brought to bear upon the mind, we are deeply impressed that our work as a people to whom is committed the proclamation of the last message of mercy, is not only of the greatest importance, but that our time in which to work is indeed short, and fast-fleeting. The prayer and social meetings connected with the lectures, were seasons of interest, and occasions of spiritual refreshing to many hearts. The resolutions formed, and covenants made, that our life in the future should be characterized with greater holiness of heart, and marked with constant and continued devotion and consecration to God, should not be forgotten. Forgetful of these blessings, and our solemn vows to use them to the glory of God, we can no more honor him than Israel could sing the songs of Zion in a strange land. Oh that we might feel with reference to the work laid upon us, as did the prophet toward Jerusalem when in captivity he cried out: “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.” A goodly number of young men of promise and of hope to the church, were favored with the privilege of attending these lectures. Some of these are struggling with convictions of duty. They need the prayers and sympathies of their friends at home. They need words of encouragement from them, to help them break away and go at the Master’s bidding. But not all of them will have it. As these struggling souls shall lift, there are those who will stand ready to trig the wheel, but they will be sure to place the trig the wrong side of the wheel. May Heaven pity them. We are confident that some who may thus work against the voice of the Master would have been greatly benefited could they have attended this course of lectures. When we give our hearts to God, when we enlist in the service of Him who suffered and died for us, it is not for us to choose our pathway, nor to decide on our sacrifices. It is rather to say, “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.” “No man that warreth entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” Are the hands of any tied for the present, whom God bids to his work, he knows how to set them free, if all be committed to his care. The Judgment will reveal who has been faithful. Excuses that men and women may make to-day for neglecting duty, will fail then. The dying charge of David to his son Solomon, seems appropriate here: “Be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man; and keep the charge of the Lord thy God to walk in his ways, . . . that thou mayest prosper in all thou doest.” 1 Kings 2:2, 3. Said one strong young man in our last social meeting, “The great question with me is: Shall I improve upon this privilege as I should?” Let us all act with reference to this thought.