AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
75
In the early publications connected with the Bible Training College, the writings of Dr. E.W. Bullinger were
reviewed, quoted and advertised, but as the `primitive church' idea prevailed, Dr. Bullinger's name was dropped,
and finally any mention of his works forbidden. I was definitely assured that Dr Bullinger was as bad as, if not
worse than, a higher critic because he `cut up' the Word of God! Since that time I have been honoured by being
designated `worse than Dr. Bullinger'.
Before we rehearse the events of 1908-9 which led to active fellowship with Dr. Bullinger and the issue of The
Berean Expositor, a summary of what has already been reviewed may be of service.
Nov. 1900
Converted at Exeter Hall under the ministry of Dr. L. A.. Munhall.
Nov. 1900
Attended the first exposition of Scripture under Dr. W.H. Griffith Thomas.
Nov. 1903
Approximately at this time I began to attend meetings for Bible Study at Central Hall, Philpot Street,
which although held in the premises of the Mildmay Mission to the Jews, was entirely
independent of that Mission, the room being graciously lent for the work.
Early 1904
Sat for the examination held as a result of attending a course of lectures by the Rev. James Neil,
M. A., on `The figurative language of Scripture'. To my own surprise, and to the surprise of all
concerned my paper was originally marked 1st prize, but by agreement, subsequently re-marked
2nd prize. This led to:
March 1904 The appointment as General Secretary to the Bible Training College. Here commenced an active
period of Bible study and teaching, combined with an open-air testimony among the Jewish
population in the vicinity of Petticoat Lane, a training ground for Gospel and Bible speaker second
to none.
April 1904
An appeal for financial help so that a full-time Secretary, and an office and library could be
provided, appeared in the Monthly periodical.
May 1904
`We rejoice to say that some of the students have exemplified grace in that they have amplified their
gifts, and consequently Mr. Welch is "given wholly" to the
College work'. Extract from published announcement. In this month moreover there appeared for
the first time the following:
Edited by Charles H. Welch
and whether it be suggestive of future ministry or without special significance, the first text under this heading, was
Ephesians 2:13.
July 1904
68, Fleet Street, E. C. becomes the Central Office of the Bible Training College.
July 1905
College Hall opened for residential students and for Conferences, etc.
Dec. 1906
The Crisis. Fellowship commenced in the home of Mr. F. P. Brininger which ultimately led to the
publishing of The Berean Expositor, and all subsequent witness.
Sept. 25, 1907 All connection with the Bible Training College and its subsequent ecclesiastical developments,
brought to an end.
Now commences a story of endurance and physical hardship that up till now has been known by but a few.
Those days are happily so far back, and such wondrous grace has been so manifest along the upward though difficult
path, that we can venture to speak of those days with some measure of detachment.
The letter which is printed below is of interest to all who are concerned with the Editor's fight for the truth
`rightly divided'. It is an unfinished rough draft of a letter sent to the leader of the movement in which I served