THE BIBLICAL AND MISSIONARY STUDIES AT HEALDSBURG by William Clarence White

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Dec 15, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 48.

THE BIBLICAL AND MISSIONARY STUDIES AT HEALDSBURG.

By William Clarence White

FOR several reasons the Special Course of Biblical Lectures of the Healdsburg College has not yet begun. It will open January 3 and continue till April 19. In many respects the course for this year will be more profitable to advanced students than that of any previous year. The experience of each year fits both teachers and students to do better work the succeeding year. Besides this, more classes will be organized this year, so that the students of last year can go forward with their studies, and not be led over the same subjects that were studied last year.

More attention will be given than in any previous year to the teaching of the various branches of Bible and missionary work. By a vote of the late General Conference it was recommended that this work be more thoroughly taught in our schools, so that when Bible-workers enter the city missions they may engage at once in practical training, instead of having to spend much time in acquiring a knowledge of the Scriptures.

Missionary correspondence and visiting will be taught by Sister M. L. Huntley, who for many years has been secretary of our International Tract Society, and has conducted large and successful classes in this work at South Lancaster.

"It is expected that students in this course will become thoroughly experienced in the most approved methods of practical missionary labor. To aid in securing this experience, a Students' Missionary Class will be formed to do practical missionary work. This work will consist of visiting among people of the vicinity, and also of correspondence with home and foreign countries. The class will meet from two to four times per week and report their experience in labor, submit for criticism letters written to correspondents, and receive instruction and counsel upon the various topics pertaining to this work. This will include, also, besides the practical work mentioned above, a knowledge of the duties of Tract and Missionary secretaries, treasurers, and librarians, and the methods employed by them in keeping their records."

It is to be regretted that so much important work must be crowded into fifteen weeks. We are sure that more time could be used to profit in this work, but our late camp-meetings, followed so closely by the General Conference, made it impossible to begin the course sooner.

But while we regret the shortness of the time, we are sure that this late commencing and short term has its advantages for some. There are those whose business engagements hold them till near the close of the year. There are others who think they cannot afford to attend the school for more than four or five months. For both of these classes the present year's engagement offers special advantages, and we hope they will let nothing deter them from entering the school next January.

Let all who intend sometime to attend the College remember that time is precious. Do not let another year pass by without your becoming better posted and better fitted to engage in the Master's work.

W. C. WHITE.