Proposal of a Bible Institute

One of the points introduced by James White was the suggestion that a Bible institute be held in California:3BIO 56.3

We called attention of the brethren to the importance of a Biblical institute being held in this State by Elder Uriah Smith of Battle Creek, Michigan, during the month of April, 1877. We urged—3BIO 56.4

That our principal hope for accession of numbers to help extend the cause on this coast is in the proper selection and thorough drilling of young men to go forth and teach the Word of God, and circulate our publications among the reading public.—Ibid.3BIO 56.5

The time was favorable, he pointed out, just before the tent campaign and the harvesting of crops in California. He felt that at least fifty persons needing “such a drill” could be brought together for such a session. In the Signs of February 1, he set forth the plans.3BIO 56.6

It would probably run about four weeks with two or three lectures each day. The Oakland church (sixty members) would open their new house of worship for the lectures and bear the incidental expenses arising from the meetings. Explaining the work, White stated that it would offer “thorough training on theoretical and practical subjects, besides the spiritual benefit which is ardently hoped will attend such a gathering” (Ibid., February 1, 1877).3BIO 56.7

As they neared the time of opening, he commented, somewhat in warning,3BIO 57.1

The lecturers will be thoroughly prepared for the work of the occasion, and students will have all they can do, early and late, without taking time to visit. Plain living, and hard study, will be necessary to success on the part of students who shall take this course.—Ibid., March 1, 1877.3BIO 57.2

He expected a large attendance, and advised: “If students will bring bedding, and can live on bread and fruit, the floors of the church basement, office [Pacific Press], and some other rooms will be free to them.”3BIO 57.3

The institute opened in connection with the California State Quarterly Meeting held on Sabbath, and the dedication of the Oakland house of worship on the weekend of March 31 and April 1. James White enthusiastically reported:3BIO 57.4

The Biblical institute opens very encouragingly and promises to accomplish more than we had hoped.... Here are young men of mind and culture who are making the best of their time in close study of the great Bible truths that lie at the foundation of the last message. Great results will appear in the future history of the cause from this series of Biblical lectures.—Ibid., April 5, 1877.3BIO 57.5

Some forty-seven students attended. At its close he wrote of the work done:3BIO 57.6

The lecturer took a brief survey of subjects, guarded well all critical points, put questions to the class upon the previous lecture, and answered questions presented in writing. This work usually occupied an hour. Two or more lectures were given each day. This kept the class hard at work. Thus sixteen days were profitably and very agreeably spent by Elder Smith and his class at Oakland, California.—Ibid., May 3, 1877.3BIO 57.7

J. H. Waggoner and James White also participated in giving some of the lectures. Uriah Smith calculated that the matter presented to the class in the seventeen days was equal to “sixty-four ordinary lectures.” He noted that “some of the most important subjects were presented by Brother White,” who he said “attended and took part in the work as other duties would permit.” As to the class, Smith reported that they gave evidence that they had come to work, and the “interest continued unflagging to the close.”3BIO 57.8

In his report to the readers of the Review, Smith described the closing days of the institute:3BIO 58.1

The last two days three sessions were held each day, during which the time was largely occupied by Brother and Sister White in giving instruction to the class of a practical nature, touching the best methods of study and labor, and the course to be pursued by those who labor in public or private in the sacred cause of present truth. This was most timely, and was highly appreciated by the class.—The Review and Herald, May 3, 1877.3BIO 58.2

Soon after Uriah Smith had given his first lectures, arrangements were made for a presentation of the material in synopsis form in the Signs of the Times. The May 3 issue carried lesson one on “The Great Image of Daniel, Second Chapter,” and lesson two, “The Vision of Daniel, Seventh Chapter.” Anticipating the publication of the material in book form, the editors had the type set in a column wider than usual so it could be used in a book as well.3BIO 58.3

By urgent request, Smith was detained on the Pacific Coast for a number of weeks, making it possible for him to visit most of the churches.3BIO 58.4

James and Ellen White continued with their writing; in her case, she pressed on with the events of the Passion Week in the life of Christ. On Friday morning, May 11, after they had been in California for twenty-five weeks, they took the train for Battle Creek.3BIO 58.5