Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-07-25

of the people, as well as with those who
may be technically termed Bible students.
quite beyond any influence which it has
exerted at any prior time. People do not
realize how much Bible truths, translated
into daily actions. are influencing men anJ
women, and even children.
we may admit, as we must that many
persons are ignorant and that the principles
of moral and upright living are not taught
in the public schools to the extent which
they should be- But, on the other hand,
when we consider the fact that so many fire
Bible schools are being held throughout the
country, that so many Bible institutes are
lifting men and women for the better, the
work being accomplished by the churches
and the Christian Associations, it must fill
us with hope and bring home to us clearly
realization Of the power of the Bible in
its effect upon the molding Of human life
along the strong, clean lines laid down
in it.
Great Interest Manifested
Those who have not visited any of the
numerous Bible conferences which are being
held throughout the country and other con-
terences, having for their object the study
of the truths of the Bible. can scarcely
realize the amount of interest in the work
manifested by those in attendance as we'll
as by those to whom is entrusted the work
of teaching the classes.
Take, for example, the Perkasie Park
conference last week. Two or three we'll
known Bible teachers were there, each of
whom gave two or three days of clear and
concise teaching. There were present from
oOo TO 500 persons, including some fifty
ministers who were deeply interested in the
work and in the manner in which it was
carried on. On one rainy night. when the
rain descended almost In torrents, with
the thunder roaring and the lightning fash
ing, night when the weather conditions
would have justified almost any one in re-
naming at home, there We're more than
800 persons gathered in the tabernacle.
The same conditions and the same
amount OF interest are true also of the Bible
conferences held at Silver Bay, Mortified,
Geneva, Wis, and many other places.
The Bible Schools
The Bible schools, which were started
first in Chicago, then were taken up IL
New York and later in Philadelphia, have
also had wonderful influence in stimulating
interest and enthusiasm in the knowledge OF
the Bible. Those who are familiar with
this work or even have knowledge of what
1t has accomplished are filled with en-
thusiasm.
DR.. Torrey, who some years ago con
Quoted series Of public services in Phia-
dephia, has established in California a
Bible school which ranks second to none.
He also has established n summer school
at Montrose, Pa, for the furtherance Of
this work. TO 1t come people from all over
the State and from many other States as
well, not only for Bible study but also for
the study of the problems of every day
life There are other classes conducted in
a similar manner and with the same end
In view In many other parts of the country.
Deserves Public Support
1T might be well if people generally
looked upon Bible institutes and similar
organizations for the study of the Scriptures
worthy Of national intprnGt Tba
suits achieved fully justify any support that
may be given. From my own observations
! can assure any one that the persons who
attend the summer conferences held in var
ious places find their faith, as well as their
interest in Bible study, wonderfully
deepened.
"As to the practical part of these con =
| ferences, they are generally financed by reg
| stration. The teachers are obtained from
| various places. They are universally deeply
interested in the work and usually come for
| their expenses, making contribution of
| their time to the work. The graduates
| pursue their work in Sunday school Bible
classes, or they form groups for the study
| of the Bible in the several communities from
which they come.
| There are usually number of minis.
| ters in attendance, especially those from
| the smaller churches, and they not only learn
much concerning the Scriptures, but also
! find many new ideas which are of value to
| them and to their congregations.
This interest In the Bible and the desire
| to learn more about the Word of God is one
| of the bright spots in our life today. In
the midst of troubles which tend to make
even the stoutest hearted pessimistic, it is
well to keep our eyes upon these bright
places, which shed light persistcntly and
which influence for the better the lives OF
countless numbers of men and women.'