AT THE FEET OF GAMALIEL

A young man named Percy W. Heward spoke at the Christian Band meeting at the Rotherhithe Free Church. His

knowledge of the Scriptures seemed fairly full, and learning that he was conducting a series of Bible Studies in a

room kindly lent by the Mildmay Mission to the Jews in Philpot Street E., I attended with great profit. Early in these

studies Mr. Arthur Page gave a series on `The attributes of God', and Elijah Bendor Samuel shed much light on the

Scriptures in a series entitled `Hebrew Word Studies'. Nothing very exciting occurred however until the Rev. James

Neil, M. A. came in October 1902 and gave a set of lectures on `Figurative language of the Bible'. The terms used

were almost like Double Dutch (to use a colloquial figure of speech) and many of the names

of the figures that were explained, like Hendiadys, Hypocatastasis, Metonymy I could not spell. However, when the

series finished, I together with most of the class sat for an examination. I have my answers before me, as I write,

fifty-six years later and read the questions and answers with mingled feelings. To the surprise of all concerned, my

papers were marked First Prize. A consultation was held.

The man who had been marked Second was an older brother, and actively engaged in Gospel work. It was felt

unwise that a novice should go clean over the heads of all, many of whom had been Christians for some years, and

my papers reveal the markings that were adjusted, so that I should be second instead of first. All this was done to

save me from pride, but whether such action could be justified I am not at all certain. However, this examination

and its unexpected result put me into prominence, and I was asked to become the Secretary of the work. As `no

good thing could come out of Nazareth' my address was broadened to S.E. on notices, so avoiding the name

`Bermondsey'. I wondered at the time how this conformed with the teaching of the Word, but conscious of my own

ignorance accepted both the second place and the work of the Secretary without question. The classes began to

expand, and soon a larger meeting place was found, and we were accommodated in the Commercial Street Baptist

Chapel, immediately opposite Toynbee Hall, but completely destroyed by air raid later. This work grew and the

need for helpers increased, until Mr. Heward asked me to consider whether it appeared to be the Lord's will to give

up my daily occupation and become the full time Secretary of the Bible Training College as the movement was then

HISTORICAL NOTE

The B.T.C. began quietly as the Young Men's Bible Study and Training Association. In 1902 the College was

organized, but during 1903 the Lord granted slow progress till the Prospectus of 1904 was issued announcing a Two

Years' Certificate Course and Thorough Tuition, and excising the words `Young Men's', so as to provide for

brethren and sisters in Christ of all ages, abilities and circumstances. Then numerous applications were received,

and granted. During 1904 the Free Training Classes proved helpful to many (average attendance 45-50), and

likewise the examinations. The following College Societies have been formed - Student Preacher's Association

(Gospel Ministers supplied), Students' Prayer Union and Missionary Union. Everything is prepared for the Bible

Training Colportage Association, etc. Bible Schools and Conferences have been hopefully held (may there be

`increase' in every way). Twelve manuscript magazines are, to use a College term, - `in working order' - the

majority monthly. Able lecturers have co-operated with the Principal and the Hon. Sec. (especially Rev. E.B.

Samuel and Mr. S. Bloxsidge - Hebrew and Greek experts). Greek Classes have been formed. Noonday meetings at

the College Chapel and the Offices have been conducted (both parts of the experience of Matt. 18:20). A word

concerning the latter (68 Fleet St.) - opened in June - peculiarly central - visitors are welcomed, particularly

intending or semi-intending students. Further information will be given gladly. Brethren come from Eltham, Erith,

Fulham, Ilford, Mitcham, Walthamstow, Willesden, etc. `Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Thy Name give

glory, for Thy mercy and for Thy truth's sake'.