A Revival of Study
It is well for us to pause periodically to review the past as we face the future.
Especially is this helpful under the guidance of faithful veterans such as have been invited to give expression here to their sober convictions in the light of past experience and present trends. We value the convictions of such men, who constitute living links in the chain which binds this movement together—past, present, and future—into one co-ordinate whole. We need to ponder and pray over these frank counsels.
Precedent of Former Days
By W. M. Healey
There is very apparent need of a better knowledge of the Bible, and also a better understanding of how to use that knowledge. We ought to give more attention to study. In the early history of our work, much more time was devoted to study of the Scriptures, both by groups and by individuals, than is now the case. At the early camp meetings, while the workers were together making preparations for the meeting, sometime was devoted to study; and it seems to me that at this stage of our work it is essential that we be endowed with the Spirit of truth, and earnestly seek for a better understanding of truth as it is in Christ Jesus.
If we ignorantly teach error, and call it the word of the Lord, truth is dishonored, and our opponents may find occasion to bring reproach upon the work of God. The scholars of the world will no doubt seek to overthrow our work by calling attention to our lack of the scholarly attainments which they so freely display; and while we do not wish to compete with them according to worldly standards, we should maintain a high grade of scholarship as a qualification for preaching the gospel, ever holding scholastic attainment in subjection to the spiritual.
When the giant Goliath challenged the Lord's people to meet him in combat, he was clothed with heavy armor for protection from every assault. When the young shepherd boy, David, went forth to meet the challenge of the giant, the king of Israel, true to his instinct and education for self-preservation, commanded that the lad be clothed with his armor, which was doubtless the best that could be obtained. But although the armor for outward protection may have added to the self-assertiveness and confidence of Goliath, to David such outward protection meant complete failure. His preparation and dependence for success came from an entirely different Source. He went forth in the power of the living God, whom he had come to know through personal experience in meditation, study, and prayer.
At one time the apostle Paul endeavored to convince the unbelieving Greeks of the divine nature and power of Jesus Christ, meeting them on their own ground of science and philosophy. But even though so ably qualified by intellectual attainment, he was defeated, and from that time on he "determined not to know anything, . . . save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." The need of the present day is for a return to diligent study of God's word under the guidance of the Spirit of truth.
San Diego, Calif.
Earnest and Diligent Study
By W.C. Waite
In the early days it was the custom of the little handful of Seventh-day Adventists to seek faithfully and persistently for understanding of truth. Their insignificance in the matter of numbers, and the lack of highly educated men, led the little group to press close together for study and prayer. I remember distinctly that in our General Conference sessions, theological problems were sometimes introduced by men who had given much study to them, and they were discussed to greater or less length. This led to an action, sometime in the 70's, to establish a Theological Committee, to whom all such problems could be referred, and thus save much time which was consumed by discussion in the large assembly. This committee did faithful work, but after a number of years it was dispensed with.
It has been my privilege to attend a few councils set apart by small groups of men where points of truth were studied diligently. One of the most interesting of these occasions was the meeting held in the summer of 1888, where we reviewed the great truths regarding righteousness by faith,—a subject which was afterward presented at the Minneapolis Conference, and was finally accepted by our people.
St. Helena, Calif.
Digging for Truth
By R.A. Underwood
In the early days of this movement, the leading brethren often ma together for prayer and earnest study for the purpose of obtaining light on various subjects. So far as my experience goes, these study occasions were always a part of each General Conference, and in those days the Conference was held annually, and leading brethren from all the conferences united in this study. Much that is believed and taught as truth today was dug out by hard study in the early days, usually some one person leading out.
I well remember the time when I began to preach that Christ was the Creator, and that it was He who spoke the law from Sinai. Also when I began to preach that the Holy Spirit was the third Person of the Godhead. This was at the time of one of our camp meetings, and the president of the conference called for a vote of the delegates, requesting me to preach such doctrine no more. I said at that time, "Very well, I can keep still on this subject, but the day will come when this truth will be believed and taught at all our camp meetings." I am glad that I have lived to see the day when this truth is so fully recognized.
I am sure that there is still more light to come to God's people, and that there should be a diligent digging for truth, just as there was in pioneer days.
Loma Linda, Calif.
