The Bible and History Teachers' Convention, which convened at Takoma Park, July 30 to August 25, was marked by deep piety and an appreciation of the responsibilities of such a council. The first devotional study, conducted by L. H. Christian, sounded the keynote of the convention. He emphasized the need of building for faith in the word of God. Subversive influences are at work in the educational world, and history is being rewritten. False interpretations of history are directly responsible for the world upheaval today, and it is significant that these two groups, the Bible teachers and the history teachers of our colleges, should meet together in a convention.
Both groups met together for devotion each morning, after which we separated, to enable each section to concentrate on its own particular problems. We were happy indeed to have M. L. Andreasen as the chairman of the Bible teachers' section. In this convention the following colleges were represented:
S. D. A. Theologlical Seminary: M. L. Andreasen, L. H. Wood, B. P. Hoffman, F. H. Yost, J. L. Shuler, M. E. Kern.
Atlantic Union College: L. H. Hartin.
College of Medical Evangelists: V. J. Johns, E. T. Seat.
La Sierra College: R. A. Anderson.
Madison College: H. J. Welch.
Oakwood Junior College: C. E. Moseley.
Oshawa Missionary College: C. O. Smith.
Pacific Union College: W. R. French, E. H. Emmerson.
Southern Junion College: P. E. Quimby.
Union College: J. N. Anderson.
Walla Walla College: G. Dalrymple.
Washington Missionary College: L. A. Seinmens, D. E. Rebok.
Others in Attendance: J. I. Robison from Northern Europe; J. D. Livingston and G. B. Taylor from South America; H. M. Lee from Korea; M. J. Sorenson from Ethiopia ; L. E. Froom from the General Conference; and the editors from the Review and Herald.
The mornings were occupied with the discussion of subjects on the agenda, among which were "Bible Classes, and Their Place in the College Curriculum," "Required Subjects for the Theological Course," "The Correlation of Courses Between Different Colleges," etc. Some of the members had been assigned topics from the fields of their particular study, such as, "The Objectives of Bible Teaching," -Qualifications for Bible Teaching," "Principles of Interpretation," ''The Place of the Spirit of Prophecy in Our Educational System," "How to Create an Evangelistic Spirit in Our Colleges."
How can we make our theological courses definitely evangelistic? In other words, how can we bring a vision to our students that will send them forth from our colleges to become mighty soul winners? Seeking the answer to these questions occupied much time, and sonic very helpful plans were laid which, if carried through, will doubtless bring great blessing to our educational program.
Harnessing the unused talent in our colleges in some soul-winning program requires much planning and supervision, but if our youth do not catch the spirit of evangelism while they are under the influence of the college, there is little likelihood that they will feet much of an urge after they leave the institution. With this in mind, it was recommended that a systematic visitation of the homes in near-by towns and cities would do much to create a spirit of real soul-winning evangelism.
It was felt that our Bible teachers lose much by the continued confinement of the classroom, and the recommendation was made that every second summer at least, our college Bible teachers be permitted to engage in definite evangelistic work, either leading out in, or associating with, some strong city effort. Wherever practicable, the students in field evangelism should be definitely associated with such a series of meetings. Such a plan could do much both for the college and for the conference in which the meetings were held. The question of sabbatic leave was also studied, and in the convention it was felt that if our Bible teachers were permitted, after a number of years of service, to visit other sections of our world field, they could bring definite help to those to whom they were sent; and, returning to the college after such experience in other lands, they would be far better equipped to brine,- to our young people the vision that would' urge them to greater missionary endeavor.
One feature that contributed much to the success of the convention was the round-table Bible council, which convened in the afternoon. This gave opportunity for the free discussion of topics upon which there may or may not be complete unanimity. The spirit of Christian forbearance and Christlike humility which marked these periods of study, was convincing proof to us that the Lord was in our midst. These words from Sister White came to us with particular meaning:
"Brethren, we must sink the shaft deep in the mine of truth. You may question matters with yourselves and with one another, if you do it in the right spirit." —Review and Herald, March 25, 1890.
"We must not think, 'Well, we have all the truth, we understand the main pillars of our faith, and we may rest on this knowledge.' The truth is an advancing truth, and we must walk in the increasing light."—I.d.
"You must lay your preconceived opinions, your hereditary and cultivated ideas, at the door of investigation. If you search the Scriptures to vindicate your own opinions, you will never reach the truth. Search in order to learn what the Lord says. If conviction comes as you search, if you see that your cherished opinions are not in harmony with the truth, do not misinterpret the truth in order to suit your own belief, but accept the light given."—"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 112.
The convention met in the classrooms of the Theological Seminary, and it was a pleasure to attend classes there also as opportunity permitted. The days in which we live call for a clearer understanding of our message, and those who attend this institution certainly have unique opportunities for deeper study. God is greatly blessing this institution.
The strong counsel we received from H. A. Morrison and others of our General Conference leaders added much to the convention. A memorial was drawn up and presented to the General Conference, setting before our leaders some things which we believe will make for a stronger ministry. Each morning before the devotional service, a group of our Bible teachers gathered for a season of prayer and supplication. And that spirit of earnest seeking of God continued with us throughout the day as we sought the answer to our problems.
These twenty-seven days of prayer, study, and counsel on the part of those to whom is given the sacred responsibility of molding the coming leaders for the cause of God, will mean much, we feel, in the whole program of our educational work. The convention closed in an atmosphere of real Christian fellowship. We had been on the mountain with our Lord. In a measure we beheld His glory and would fain have tarried. But the multitude was calling for our service. Thousands of our young people were turning their faces to the colleges again. Another school year was about to begin. Whatever this year may bring to our youth, the Bible classes in our colleges will be richer for this coordination, counsel, and devotion.
