p. 6 | Bible Classes by J. M. McLellan

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 10, 1856

Bible Classes.

By J. M. McLellan

"Search the Scriptures." John v, 39. This is the admonition of the Son of God, and the only effectual way of finding out what is truth. In these days of fables we should do as did the noble Bereans in the days of Paul; [Acts xvii, 11;] they "searched the Scriptures daily." Now it seems to me that the best and most effectual plan that could be devised for "searching the Scriptures daily," would be to establish a Bible class in each of the different churches for the examination of such subjects as they may think most important. I think it would be very beneficial in bringing the churches into the unity of the faith, and help us all to see alike, as the Bible will be the great rule by which every subject will be tested. It seems to me that we all must arrive at the same conclusion.

There are also other advantages to be derived from the establishment of Bible classes in the different churches; and one is,

1. There will be a subject proposed each Sabbath for investigation, and by having that subject in our minds through the week, it would keep them from being occupied with unprofitable ones.

2. It would release the few messengers of God who have the burden of the last message of mercy from spending so much of their time in laboring with, and among the churches, to get and keep them right, when if we had Bible classes established in each church, we could investigate, "search the Scriptures," and learn ourselves what duty is, and let the messengers go into new fields and carry the word of life unto perishing souls.

I think it is a sin to hinder the messengers of God from the work that he has called them to, which is to lay the last solemn truths of the Third Angel's Message before the world; and can they do this by being called to go the same ground over and over again? No. Is it then any wonder that they do not have that freedom they once had? The reason is the last message of mercy cannot stand still: its course is onward; and as the message rises God's messengers must move forward in spreading it before the people.

Dear brethren, let us not hinder them and call them back, but let us do all we can to help them go. Let us aid them with our prayers, that God may bless their labors and prepare them to face the "powers of darkness," that they may stand firm in the coming contest, [2 Tim. iii, 8,] which I believe lies just before us. Let us be up and doing. Let us "search the Scriptures daily" for ourselves and find what duty is, and after finding it, practice it, that we may have our work done and well done, that we can render up an account of our stewardship with joy and not with grief; and that we may not be ashamed before him at his coming.

J. M. McLELLAN.

Hastings, Mich.