Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-10-16
Study THE Bible
THE SYSTEM OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
As Outlined by Rev. J. 3. Gilbert in a Lecture at
the Fourth Street N. 3. Church
Yesterday.

There was good-sized assemblage OF
Sabbath School teachers, ministers and
others engaged in religious work,a at the
Fourth Street Nj. E. Church yesterday
afternoon. Rev. j. E. Gilbert, OF In
d~lauapolis, General Secretary Of the
American Society of Religious Educa-
t!on, explained the method Of Bible
study devised and taught by the organ
ization to which be belongs. A great
deal OF interest was manifested in his
explanatory talk. and the meeting can
not fail to be productive Of good.
Rev. Gilbert is IA eminent Biblical
scholar, and is q pleasing and interest
int speaker. The object Of the lecture
was to enroll as many Wheeling people
as possible, irrespective of denomina-
tiop, in the c~ommendable work which
was started at Indianapolis about seven
wears ago, md has rapidly extended IN
til there are now over 5000 subscribers
to the system.
The speaker prefaced his explanation
Of his system Of bible study with a few
remarks, emphasizing the Importance
OF the work. There were three reasons
to which he called attention-frst,
Christian character can be builded by
mea of the truth; second, truth at
taiBs its highest ed Lcatioual value
when IL is studied; third, the truth may
be so instilled in early life that II can
not be removed in after years. II these
three reasons are admitted to be truth
full, there arises the primary and
vital ~Questiou-how may the truth
be so given In early life
that the foundation of good
character may be laid, and the process
Of truth seeking continue for a life
time, that a person may build himself
ND to the highest and noblest attain
mentsP Rev. Gilbert was surprised
that the church had not addressed
itself toward answering this momentous
question. What the church needs, more
than anything else, is q larger acQuaint-
ance with the truth Of God. II must
come through individual study, and not
from the lips OF others.
Rev. Gilbert then told OF the forma-
ton of the international society which
be represented, having for its object
the study Of the question he had put.
1t sought to bring together all classes
Of persons-schOlars, laymen and min
isters-who are asked to give the beDe-
ft OF their researches; men OF means
who ara willing to contribute toward
the great cause Of Bible study; and
students who are willing TO
pursue the study OF the ques-
ton. The society is now preparing
a course Of study for the colleges, In
order that the light Of God may be in
vested In secular learning. A depart
ment for mothers has been established.
They will be taught that a study of the
Bible In the home circle will exalt home
life, and make the family a nurture OF
piety. A system has been perfected by
which individuals may pursue al order
" course in sacred Scripture, and by
which Sabbath school teachers may be
trained to teach the Scriptures for spir-
itual profit.
Rev. Gilbert outlined his system with
the aid OF a blackboard. The course Of
study continues three years, and each
subscriber is furnished with four text
books each year. The system Of study
is constructed upon psychological prin-
ciDles, insuring an easy progress to the
student. The advantages Of the sys-
ten are: first, the student received a
connected knowledge of the idea Of
God, the Scriptures being a progressive
| revelation; second, il the whole church
| starts upon this basis there will be a
community eff thought; third, it gives
an opportunity to make the Bible a
subject for conversation; fourth, a list
| OF other works is furnished when the
course Of study is completed.
In the department Of teachers, the
PURPOSE Of tho Society is not merely TO
give spiritual life, but to enable teach
ers TO induce the students TO study the
Scriptures. A Bible teacher Is a Bible
student. set to make Bible students. In
order to make students the teacher
must first be trained to study. he
must study Gods Word, not anybody's
notes on Gods Word. The system aims
TO aid teachers in awakening interest
in students, aud gives practical exer-
! clses In tho work. This problem Is TO
so grade the work that the teachers
work may be constantly diminished,
and that of the student correspond
lngly increased.
When Rev. Gilbert finished his lee
ture he asked how many were ready TO
become subscribers TO the system, and
| there was a gratifying response. He
will address q meeting Of mothers at
Bellaira Tuesday evening, and will
probably deliver other addresses in this
| citv 6,-inR the week.