THE BIBLICAL INSTITUTE AT SOUTH LANCASTER.
By Stephen N. Haskell
The Biblical Institute at South Lancaster, Mass., is prospering finely. The present number in the class is fifty-eight. Three meetings per day, and a prayer-meeting each morning at nine o’clock, keep the brethren somewhat busy. A good-sized wood pile at the door, and a fence to be built, gives them an excellent opportunity to exercise an hour each morning. Everything moves off harmoniously. God’s sweet Spirit seems to meet with the Institute. Bro. Smith has much freedom in speaking. We have not been able to attend nearly all the lectures; but from what we have attended, and from the nature of them, we are more than ever convinced of their utility. There should be among our ministers more of a critical study of the word of God. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” are the words of the apostle. 2 Tim. 2:15. The first thing of importance is to be approved unto God. No more striking evidence of its importance can be given than the fact that the disciples were not permitted to go out to preach until endued with the Holy Spirit. They were to tarry in the city of Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high. This was after three and a half years’ experience with the greatest educator that ever trod this earth. Something more than merely a correct theory or even the example of the Saviour was needed,—an inwrought work in the soul. The Spirit of God was to do something for them which nothing else could take the place of; therefore, these Biblical Institutes should have in view a two-fold object: 1. A more accurate understanding of the truth, which cannot fail to more permanently unite those acting a part in the cause of truth; and 2. A preparation spiritually more successfully to meet the enemy of all righteousness. It is God that must give this. We are happy to report that the importance of these two objects, to some extent at least, is felt by those attending this Institute. There is a great work before us. Men and women to fill every department in this cause are needed. Those who are not afraid of sacrifice nor of wearing labor in the cause of God, those who can renounce all for Christ’s sake,—such persons are wanted. The conflict is becoming more and more severe daily, and we might say critical, as eternal consequences depend upon decisions now being made. Too much pains cannot be taken to be prepared successfully to meet the wily foe. S. N. HASKELL.