Biblical Institute for New York by N. Y. and Pa. Conf. Com.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 28, 1878

Biblical Institute for New York.

By N. Y. and Pa. Conf. Com.

It is now decided that this Institute will be held at Rome, N. Y., commencing March 19. Notwithstanding the generous offer of the Adams Center friends, there are several reasons why Rome seems to be the place where it should be held, and there seems to be no real objection in the way. The brethren are anxious to have it here, and are willing to do all they can to make it a success.

They would be willing to entertain free of charge all who may come during the Institute; but they are not able to do this, as most of them are in moderate circumstances and have but little employment at this season of the year.

We have proposed to the brethren here that they furnish entertainment for those who come, receiving only the actual cost of board during the time they are here, this not to exceed one dollar a week each.

To this proposition they all readily accede, and will do all they can to make it pleasant for those who come. We think this very reasonable for those who desire entertainment. For those who choose to come prepared to board themselves rooms can be secured, and supplies of graham flour, oatmeal, dried fruit, &c., will be furnished at the lowest rate.

Now we hope that a special effort to come will be made by those who ought to attend this Institute. There are scores who should enjoy the benefit of the instruction that will be given here, to qualify themselves for usefulness in the cause. Some of our brethren have been to considerable expense of time and means to go to other States to attend such a course of instruction, and have felt fully repaid for their effort; and now that this is brought right into our midst, we trust that these privileges will be appreciated by those who ought to enjoy them. We fully indorse Bro. Cottrell’s remarks upon this subject in REVIEW No. 8.

The question has often been asked if it is designed that any should attend except those that are preparing to preach the truth. We answer most emphatically, Yes. While the main object in view is to benefit such, yet it is perfectly proper for any who wish to work in the cause in any department, and wish to become better informed concerning our faith, to attend the Institute and share in its instruction. Those who wish to spend much of their time as missionary workers, and those who can assist in tent labor, of both sexes, will find in the exercises of the Institute an invaluable help to increase their usefulness and prepare them to work efficiently and intelligently.

There are many of our brethren and sisters, especially among the young, who could, with such preparation, and a consecration to God and his work, prove a blessing to the cause. Here is an opportunity such as may never occur so favorably again, and we trust it will be well improved. Again we invite our brethren throughout the State to take hold of the matter, and see to it that those who ought to attend are encouraged and helped to do so. There ought to be a class of at least one hundred. We would cordially invite those from other States who are desirous of attending a Biblical Institute to come; and we can assure them of a welcome among us.

Let us remember that while we may attain a theory of the truth, and be able to present it attractively and clearly, that this is not all that is necessary if we expect the blessing of God upon our labors. Let us come so seeking the Lord that he may meet with us; and that this may be a season, not only of intellectual advancement, but of spiritual refreshing.

We ask the brethren and sisters everywhere, especially in this Conference, to remember our Institute in their prayers, that those who go forth from it may go armed, in head and heart, for the battle. N. Y. AND PA. CONF. COM.