In the earlier days of this cause, when the framework of a world movement was being wrought out with comparatively meager tools and limited man power, there was a refreshing vigor about those spiritual forefathers of ours. There was a vision, a long-range objective, and a daring that is to be both admired and emulated. Oftentimes without extensive formal education, these men were nevertheless well trained. They were studious—yes, scholarly—in their habits. They applied themselves to learning with an understanding and a diligence that shames most of us today.
That they were intellectual stalwarts must be admitted by those who take the pains to investigate their habits and their achievements. If one inclines to question this rather broad statement, here is opportunity to test it out by scanning the adopted General Conference actions of 1882, reprinted on the opposite page. Compare the annual Ministerial Reading Course plans for today with those of the years 1882 to 1885. Banish the thought that this study plan is a modern creation amongst us. It became operative with Seventh-day Adventist workers away back in 1882, but later was allowed to lapse, and was revived in 1922. So there is nothing new in a reading course for our workers. But the amazing part of it all is the comprehensiveness of the twofold nature of the reading, embracing the extent of these courses, and the character of the reading outlined.
The sheer volume of those courses is astonishing. Some incline to fret these days over the task of reading four or five books totaling i,000 or perhaps 1,5oo pages in an entire year. But our men of the eighties read four, five, and six thousand pages a year—and it was not light reading. Go over the titles carefully as they appear on the opposite page. Then ponder the totals. The combination is really astounding. And the resultant strengthening of those men of the eighties is apparent to all who knew them. They labored, and we have entered into their fruitful labors. They builded and we are occupying the sturdy structure. Moreover, all our ministers—both ordained and licensed—were expected to pursue these courses. And, beyond that, they were to be examined yearly to see if they had carried out the plan! Verily, those were the days !
The truth is that we have grown intellectually soft and flabby in recent years. A solid book often wearies and overwhelms us. We shrink from it and groan under the mental application involved. We need to grip ourselves and resolutely harden our intellectual muscles. We need to put ourselves to the mental stretch. Those men accomplished what we shall never achieve unless we, by discipline and industry, apply ourselves to systematic study and a well-rounded reading program. This presents a sobering challenge to us today.
The 1944 Ministerial Reading Course, which is announced in the pages following, is an attempt to supply our need today. Five required volumes, together with a well-rounded list of electives, comprise the comprehensive United Study Plan. When we have read the five excellent volumes prepared by qualified specialists, we shall round out and build up the course by the choice of electives, selecting these according to special need, individual preference, or line of work. Departmental workers have recommendations from their general department as an aid, though these suggestions are not mandatory.
An increasing number of workers choose several electives. It is a well-known fact that some of the best-known men among us in various branches of service—and the very busiest—read an average of a book a week. They feel that they must. Otherwise they would
behind. The cutting edge of their mental tool's would otherwise become dulled. But the precise number of electives is a matter of individual choice. The main thing is for every worker to enroll in this course. Let us by the systematic united-study plan become stronger, more efficient workmen for God. We urge you to fill in and return the enrollment card you have received by mail, or to cut out and send in the blank appearing on page 27. "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good."
L. E. F.