THE COLLEGE CREED

Published in November 1903:

Dei Gratia

I believe that the Bible, as originally given, not merely contained some thoughts of God, but that it was the Word

of God; that it reveals the ruin of man, who by nature receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, and seeth no

beauty in Christ that he should desire Him; that it reveals the substitutionary character of the work of the Lord Jesus,

according to the gracious counsels of the Triune Jehovah; that it reveals present holiness and the glories of heaven as

inseparable accompaniments of regeneration; that it reveals the Divine command to true, spiritual witness; with the

promise of guidance and blessing; and that it reveals the everlasting punishment of all who obey not God.

Receiving these truths, I am constrained to know the things freely given me of God, and to show myself approved

unto Him, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

CERTIFICATES, DIPLOMAS, ETC.

The reward of true study is found in Phil. 3:10. All true service brings Jehovah glory, and His people blessing.

No rival aim should be permitted, or can be permitted, without sin. And the writer would grieve if any B.T.C.

students thought more of his approval than the Lord's `well done' in that day - the double interpretation of `thought

more of' suggesting two related actions.

Howbeit, there is no harm in Certificates, which may prevent a lengthy explanation, encourage to `painful' study

by a reminder of that which is past, and take the place of primitive `letters of commendation'. The danger is lest

they become unattainable, or valueless by reason of an examiner's flexibility. We desire to avoid these errors.

Brethren who attend College Classes during two years, and pass examinations (monthly, and final) will receive a

Certificate stating facts. A third year well spent in College study will qualify for the Diploma, which is in no sense a

rival to American degrees. These awards will not be given to men who manifest lack of spirituality - if any such

can long endure the College labours. They will testify a general knowledge and love to the Word, a special

acquaintance with special passages, and an ability to explain the Truth to others. The Preacher's Diploma is

necessarily confined to brethren. `But if I fail in one or two exams?' The B.T.C. will not excuse errors, nor will it

demand entire re-entry. Another examination on the same subject must be successfully taken before the certificate

be granted.

In thus looking to the future, we would remember and repeat the words `if the Lord will'. Persecution may

hinder our purposes, but work out His, and, in any case, may this B.T.C. be found faithful `unto the Lord'.

The College has none. Be not alarmed. Our aim is primitive Christianity, and the servant of God is never off

duty, unless he be undutiful. Our brethren take their holidays from B.T.C. Classes, when they will - provided eight

absences be the maximum, and notice be given. One, has wisely attended every Class during 1904, but his record is

unique. In accord with our desire for Scripturalness, students on `holiday' continue some studies and buy up

opportunities for witness, rather than worldly pleasure. If the Lord will, in 1905, College caravan testimony during

vacation, and other village work will provide a helpful change. On Bank Holidays, Optional Conferences are held.

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As we are tracing the pathway which this earthen vessel followed, it seems right to reproduce here, what is the

earliest piece of writing of mine that was put into print. The date of publication May 1904.

Expository Extracts

Collected and Compiled from College Class Notes

By the Secretary (Charles H. Welch)