p. 125 | BIBLE CLASSES by Editor

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 21, 1856

BIBLE CLASSES.

By Editor

In answer to some inquiries addressed to Bro. Cottrell on this subject from requests which have been sent to this Office we have received the following:

Bro. Smith:—I have received yours, in which you inquire in regard to the best mode of conducting a Bible Class. I have attended a Bible Class only a very few times, and have never thought much on the subject, and am not prepared to recommend any particular mode of conducting them.

But I think it is evident, that in order for any to be profited by a Bible Class, each member of the class should learn a few practical lessons beforehand; such as, to rule their own spirit, to bridle their own tongue, and not to be many masters. The object of a Bible Class, if I understand it, is mutual instruction, by each member giving his views, so that all may have the benefit of the thoughts of all the rest, to aid them in arriving at truth. All should consider themselves learners, and in giving their own views, should do so in the most calm and passionless manner possible. This is the way to inquire after truth. But if the members come together to urge each their own views in the spirit of debate, and thus declaim as opponents against each other; in my humble opinion, it would be much better to have no Bible Class at all.

Public debates between Christians are not the road to unity of faith; but a calm, dispassionate statement of our different views will tend to mutual instruction and edification. R. F. C.