During the period 1875-1910 Churches of Christ in Australia developed firm organizational structures. They concerned themselves with evangelism, both at home and overseas. With a growth in numbers and organization, and with the upward social mobility of the membership, traditional doctrines and practices were modified. Along with other Christian groups they faced the challenge of the Darwinian revolution. During this period they also confronted emerging social questions. One consequence of the pressure of these developments and challenges was that strong personalities emerged to offer leadership.

      Many periodicals were published during this period, mostly by individual initiative. It was the editors of these journals who were best placed to influence opinion. These challenged the influence of evangelists associated with prominent churches, particularly Americans, who had enjoyed an inordinate influence in the period 18644-1875. As conferences became better established the powerful influence of editors began to be pared back fractionally.

      Many histories were written in this period. Those already mentioned include the colonial histories that appeared in the 1884 Australian Christian Witness, the 1897 Christian Pioneer and the 1898 Australian Christian. Attention has also been drawn to Maston's Jubilee History, Mr. Gore's That They All May be One and to articles on Australia in Brown's Churches of Christ, Taylor's two histories of Churches of Christ in South Australia, The Story of a Century and The History of Churches of Christ in South Australia, 1846-1859, have also been cited. Two additional histories, that appeared in the 1940's, throw light on the period 1875-1910. One was written by and the other edited by A.W. Stephenson. These were Pioneering for Christian Unity in Australia and New Zealand (Melbourne, Austral, 1940) and One Hundred Years: Churches of Christ in Australia (Melbourne, Austral, 1946).

      The material in this section is concerned with the early development of conference structures in Victoria and South Australia, with the floating of the Austral Printing and Publishing Company and with developments that lead to the setting up of a Federal College of the Bible at the 1906 Federal conference.

1. Conferences
a. Victoria
b. South Australia
c. New South Wales
d. Intercolonial
2. The Austral Printing and Publishing Company
3. The Federal College of the Bible
a. South Australia
b. A. B. Maston's Essay
c. Further Initiatives
d. A Federal College of the Bible

1. CONFERENCES

      In Victoria debate over conference organization, which had been earlier aborted, was concerned with the degree to which conference decisions would be binding on the participating churches. When this issue was finally resolved, debate continued over the question of the power to be vested in conference committees. Additional information on conference developments in Victoria are traced in B.J. Combridge's They Carried a Torch (Melbourne, Austral, 1967).

      The point at issue in South Australia was whether churches that permitted the unimmersed to commune at the Lord's table should be allowed to be part of a State-wide Union of Churches of Christ.

      In New South Wales, where British influences predominated, the concern was with doctrinal purity. Material is also included on the first Intercolonial Conference held in 1889.

      a. VICTORIA

A.C.P., 1874-1875, pp. 125-126.

      The adjourned Conference of the Churches in Victoria, was held in the chapel, Lygon Street, Melbourne, on Monday, November 9, 1874. Shortly after 10 a.m. Bro. R. Dick resumed the chair; meeting opened with prayer. The secretary reported the order of business to be the consideration of the report of committee, appointed "to report upon the mutual relationship and polity of Churches of Christ." Bro. Yates stated that the committee had failed to agree to a report. The committee was then relieved from further duty.

      Bro. Yates moved, and Bro. A. Stewart seconded--That the standing committee be directed to appoint a competent brother, to prepare a paper on the mutual relationship and polity of the Churches of Christ in Victoria, to be read and discussed at the next meeting of the conference, such essay to take precedence of all other business. An amendment was also submitted by Bro. Giddes and seconded by Bro. Ashton--That the question of mutual relationship of Churches, be not entertained, until difficulties arise among the Churches in the co-operation. Amendment put and lost, motion put and carried.

      Bro. Harding moved, Bro. Yates seconded--That the resolution given notice of by Bro. W.H. Martin, be now considered. Amended by Bro. Green, Bro. Ashton seconded--That the meeting do now adjourn; amendment put and lost, motion put and carried. Meeting adjourned for luncheon.

      After re-assembling, Bro. Harding moved, Bro. Hamill seconded--That the purpose of this Conference is twofold, viz., social and deliberative. So far as it is social its purpose is to promote brotherly love, and to cement union amongst us; so far as it is deliberative, its purpose is to deliberate upon the best means of propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Put and carried.

      A variety of resolutions, amendments, and counter amendments were then submitted, respecting the basis of representation at future Conferences, and the advisability of allowing discussions by any attending the same, eventually.

      Bro. Ruse moved, Bro. J.P. Wright seconded--That the Churches recognized in this cooperation, be represented by their officers, or in the event of the office-bearers being unable to attend, by delegates to the number of brethren holding office; provided that any Church not possessing officers, such shall be represented by at most, three delegates, the business and voting to be restricted to said representatives. Put and carried. Moved by Bro. Green, Bro. Ruse seconded--That the names of all delegates be forwarded to the Conference Secretary for the time being, prior to the assembling of the Conference, to which the credentials of the brethren appointed shall be duly submitted. Put and carried.

      Moved by Bro. Harding, Bro. Peck seconded--Provided that it is specifically declared that no decisions of the Conference are or shall be regarded as binding upon the associated or individual churches to whom they may be referred apart from the concurrence of the said churches therein. Put and carried.

      Moved by Bro. Harding, Bro. Peck, seconded--That this Conference shall convene annually at such place as the Conference at its previous meeting shall decide, on Good Friday, at 10 o'clock, a.m., and shall continue its sittings till adjourned by its own vote. Put and carried.

D. A. EWERS--editor of C.P. & "ed. notes" in A.C. (to 1915).      

      b. SOUTH AUSTRALIA

A.C.W., 1884, p. 8.

      It would perhaps be putting the case too strongly to represent the present condition of the Churches in South Australia as a crisis, but we cannot help thinking that the future success of the cause in the neighboring colony depends so much on the wisdom of the present that the situation is really a critical one. The immediate cause of the agitation which has culminated in a lengthy annual-meeting debate and a strenuous effort to modify the constitution of the existing Evangelistic Association, is the alleged open communion practices of some of the Churches. Judging from facts elicited during the discussion and the expression of opinion by some of the leading speakers, a semi-open communionism has taken considerable hold of the Churches in the sister colony. They are not, if we are rightly informed, avowed open communionists like their Baptist and Plymouth Brethren neighbors, but adopt the principle enunciated by Alexander Campbell, "We neither invite nor debar." Instead of the collective conscience of the Church fixing the limitation of communion rights, this important function is handed over to the individual conscience of the applicant for fellowship.

      c. NEW SOUTH WALES

C.P., 1896, p. 7.

      On reference to the Constitution of this Association I find it stated that the object is to extend the interests, consolidate the influence and secure and preserve the purity of the church.

      d. THE INTER-COLONIAL CONFERENCE

D. A. Ewers, C.P., 1889, p. 135.

      Intercolonial Conference.--Bro. Floyd in this issue supports the suggestion made at the annual meeting of the brethren in South Australia last September, that an Inter-colonial Conference should be held. That such a meeting would be for the glory of God, and the extension of His cause we do not for a moment doubt. It will, of course, be wise to avoid even the appearance of ecclesiastical legislation, but we are satisfied there is no danger of that in this movement. As the subject was first mooted in South Australia, and as we understand that the brethren there hold a Conference at the time of the Autumn Agricultural Show which takes place before Easter we suggest that they should then move in the matter, and place some definite proposals before the conferences to be held in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and New Zealand on the 19th April.

2. THE AUSTRAL PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY

A.C., 1901, pp. 591-592.

      When first I came to New Zealand, now nearly twenty-two years ago, there fell into my hands a small card tract about the size of a post-card, printed on both sides, issued by The Christian Sower Tract Fund in Chicago. The idea at once suggested itself to me, Why not have a "Christian Sower Tract Fund" in this country? Seven years after the "Christian Sower Tract Fund" of Australasia started work. This effort proved two things to me--1. That a work of the kind was needed. 2. I was also convinced that a work of this kind would receive the support of the churches if run on the right lines. I had no printing press nor office of any kind, and my opportunities of advertising were few, yet the work was successful.

      I often tried to get rid of the idea, but over and over the question came to me, if all this work can be done in this way, what could I do if I had a printing press of my own? I spoke to many brethren on the subject, some discouraging the idea, others giving me a careful hearing and much encouragement.

      A threat on the part of nature that I might be unfitted for preaching, the chosen work of my life, led me on my return from my first visit to America to re-consider the whole question. Besides, on that journey I gathered much information and some enthusiasm on the general question of the publication of Christian literature. Over twelve months were spent in thinking, talking and planning. During this time I made myself a general nuisance in talking to every man on the question I could get to listen to me. The first actual steps were taken after I had spent eleven years in thinking the matter over and waiting for the right moment to come, so that certainly no undue haste was taken.

      On the evening of February 16th, 1891, the circular reproduced on next page was posted to some seventy-five brethren in Melbourne and suburbs, and as a result forty brethren came together on the date and in the place named. Over this meeting F.G. Dunn presided, and I laid before those present my plans. My idea was to form a limited liability company to carry on the publishing interests of the brotherhood. This first meeting expressed in a general way its approval of the scheme submitted, but at my request no definite action was taken. I very much desired that anything which might be done should be the result of careful consideration, and after all possible aspects of the case had been fully discussed. A second meeting was held on April 21st, but owing to a great storm it was adjourned to May 5th.

      At the meeting on May 5, in the Lygon Street Schoolroom, W.C. Craigie presided. It was resolved that an effort be made to float such Company as I had named. On the suggestion of F.G. Dunn, it was decided to call the proposed Company, The Austral Printing and Publishing Co. The following were elected Provisional Directors: Thos. Smith, W.C. Craigie, F.G. Dunn, B.J. Kemp, Robert Lyall, James McGregor, and W.C. Thurgood, and I was appointed Secretary pro tem. Shortly after a prospectus was issued as a supplement to the Standard and Pioneer, and so I suppose reached nine-tenths of the brethren who would be likely to take an interest in this kind of thing. For months the fate of the enterprise trembled in the balance. From the first I did not see how the work could be successfully carried on with a smaller capital than 1500 pounds, and I hesitated to start on less. Finally, at a meeting held on November 20th, 1891, it was resolved to make a start with the stock subscribed, which finally settled down at 941 shares of one pound each. This represents the whole of the money which has ever been invested in this work.

      The history of the Austral Co. may some time be written; the difficulties which presented themselves during the first five years of our existence will never by fully known. I bad not had the advantage of a business training, and the agony of soul caused by the financial tangle and strain can only be appreciated by those who have had the same experience. And then the difficulty of keeping in view the real objects of the Company was great. Gradually, however, the atmosphere cleared, and the sea calmed, until now it is smooth sailing compared with the first five years.

      Since the starting of the Christian four years ago our field of usefulness has been greatly enlarged and our opportunities for doing the work originally intended have greatly increased.

      The starting of the new paper marked the beginning of a new era in our history, and greatly enlarged our field of usefulness. The fact that we have but one paper is not alone the secret of its success; apart from our publishing house and the present combination of interests the present paper could not be made to pay its way. Our publishing interests are combined, and thus they stand--divided they fall. The financial aspect of a single paper is not the only one. It takes a union of effort and ability to run a paper, and this we have had, the brethren everywhere vying with each other and giving me every assistance. I have not pleased everybody, but the great rank and file of our brotherhood have testified their approval by the support which they have given the paper. I have simply acted fairly and impartially, and I have found that this course pleases most right-thinking men and women.

3. THE FEDERAL COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE

      The establishment of the Federal College of the Bible was preceded by numerous local ventures. The South Australian initiative, so visionary to begin with, was eventually reduced to a modest exercise. A.B. Maston's 1886 Victorian conference essay resulted in a series of effort, the most significant of which were the Victorian Biblical Institute and an early "Australian College of the Bible." It was the loss of preaching talent to America that resulted in the calling of the first Federal Conference in 1906 and the establishment, at that conference, of a Federal College of the Bible. A history of the College, All to the Glory of God (Melbourne, College of the Bible), written by K.R. Bowes and K.J. Clinton, was published in 1982.

      a. SOUTH AUSTRALIA

S.A., pp. 34-36.

      H.S. Earl, accompanied by A.R. Magarey, left Australia on January 20, 1870, and returned ten months later. He met with only a fair success, for he had struck a period of commercial depression in America, and outside Kentucky the response to his appeal was negligible. The total amount raised was five thousand dollars. He closed his report on the tour with an appeal to the Australian churches, on which, he felt, rested the chief responsibility of establishing a college.

      To launch the projected college more money was plainly required. The need of trained evangelists was ever in the minds of the leaders of the Movement. T.J. Gore, who was always in the forefront in advocating evangelism, urged in the columns of the "Australian Christian Pioneer," July, 1875, that the church needed evangelists whose time and energies were devoted to the preaching of the Gospel. "We have no idea that any church is answering the great need of its existence," he wrote, "when it quietly sits down to the work of edifying the brethren while the Gospel is hidden from those in the very shadow of the walls where it assembles for worship. In South Australia and Victoria the brethren are alive to the necessity of having evangelists to proclaim the Gospel." As to the sources of evangelists he added: "We must look to ourselves. In order to have evangelists the churches ought to sharply observe their own young men, and if they promise to be useful as preachers of the Gospel, give them encouragement. All other things being equal it would be better to have Australian evangelists than those from America. We want preachers native to the soil. To this end we are trying to establish a Bible College in our midst where young men can be prepared for usefulness as preachers of the Gospel."

      Six years later the college fund amounted to 2,340 pounds. A trust deed was then executed, the original trustees being Philip Santo, Alexander Thomas Magarey, and Silvanus James Magarey. A Committee of Management of not more than seven members, including three trustees, was given sole control of the affairs of the trust. Adelaide was named as the location of the college. The project had aroused some interest in the other colonies but not enough to induce brethren to invest their money in it. There was a difference of opinion as to the city where the college should be located. Whilst the trustees were "anxious to meet the views and to secure the earnest co-operation of the Brotherhood," they were not prepared to have the provisions of the Trust Deed set aside in favour of Melbourne as the home of the college.

      In 1887 M. Wood Green left Australia for America and Great Britain to solicit further gifts to the fund on the basis of certain conditions to be incorporated in a Supplemental Trust Deed, viz., that the college should be an intercolonial institution owned and controlled by the Australian and New Zealand

colonies, and that the representation on the Board of Control should be in proportion to the amount of money contributed by the various colonies. Mr. Green's tour brought in another 3,700 dollars and a promise by the Christian Missionary Society to pay 700 dollars per year for five years after the college was opened. English and Scottish brethren subscribed 93 pounds.

      Lectures in connection with the college began in 1888 and continued for two-and-a-half years, during which time seven young men received tuition under T.J. Gore. In addition evening classes were conducted for the benefit of "Speaking Brethren." The inadequacy of the funds to maintain a college staff and assist students while they were being trained, and the disinclination of the other colonies to co-operate by raising funds, thus qualifying for representation on the Board of Management, led to the suspension of activities until a more favourable season arrived.

      After the establishment of the Federal College of the Bible in Melbourne in 1907, considerable correspondence was exchanged between its representatives and the trustees of the fund held in Adelaide with a view to the application of the income to the Federal institution. Eminent legal opinion was against the diversion of the income, and the question was finally dropped.

      Although a college as such has not been founded in Adelaide, the income from the invested Trust Fund has been of untold value to the South Australian churches through the evening classes conducted for many years, with little break since "T.J. Gore's Class" was a recognised means of training. Financial assistance has also been given to enable courses of instruction to be offered by the Youth Department and other organisations.

      The present Board of Management consists of T.P. Richardson, D.K. Beiler, and R. Johnson (trustees), and L.B. Bowes, C.L. Fitzgerald, and H.R. Taylor.

      b. MASTON'S ESSAY

A.C.S., 1886, pp. 242-245.

      To be able to tell the story of the gospel in such a way as to win men and women to Christ, is certainly one of the most transcendent powers which any Christian can possess.

      A very little discernment will be sufficient to understand the full significance of the following statement: before we can train young men for the work of evangelists, WE MUST HAVE THE YOUNG MEN TO TRAIN. Once find a young man with some "preach" in him, having ordinary intelligence and a real longing, unquenchable desire to save the lost, and, above all, having his whole soul overflowing with love to Jesus, and then the training part is a very small portion of the business.

      There is one question which continually presses itself for an answer, and that is: why is it that so few young men are preparing for evangelistic work? or who have even the slightest aspirations in that direction? Why is it that in a history of almost forty years the colonial churches have produced so few preachers?

      1. Are the churches praying as they should that the Lord of the harvest send forth more laborers into the field?

      2. Is this matter on the hearts of those who are the reputed leaders in the churches?

      3. And then it would seem that many young men are kept out of this work by the exaggerated notions of the difficulties and trials which it entails. Of course, the preacher has his duties, his obligations, his hardships, his self-denials, and, as a rule, the countless inconveniences that belong to poverty; but, over and above and around all this, like angels of light and glory, there are the privileges and joys and blessings of the preacher's life, and, in making up the account, these things must not be lost sight of.

      The following two statements will now be taken for granted; their discussion is waived, but they are necessary premises for the coming conclusion:--

      1. There are young men in these colonies who will devote themselves entirely to the work of an evangelist.

      2. The churches realise, and are agreed upon, the necessity of some special training for this work.

      In presenting the following scheme, it is set forth as a national one, and it is intended to be taken up and carried to a practical issue by all of the 7,000 disciples in these colonies.

      I. There are in all the larger centres of population great colleges and universities, either under control of the State or some one of the religious denominations. In these institutions there are the best instructors that large salaries can induce to leave Europe, and who are capable in the highest degree of imparting the secular education, so necessary in these times to the real success of the gospel preacher. These schools are open to all without distinction, and a first-class education can be obtained in them at the smallest possible cost. "But," it may be urged, "why not establish a literary college of our own? why depend upon the State for doing that which we ought to do for ourselves?"

      1. We have not the students sufficient in number to support a college, such as is here contemplated.

      2. Even if we had both students and money, it would be sad waste of the latter to spend it in maintaining a literary institution when the State can supply us, at a very small cost, with such excellent facilities in this direction.

      II. Let a committee of competent brethren be appointed to arrange a literary course of study extending, say over three years; and this course to be taken in some of our State universities or colleges.

      III. In conjunction with the foregoing provision, and in rank superior to it, a Bible College, or, to give it a less pretentious name, a Bible Normal School, should be established on a similar basis to that of the Bible College at Lexington, Ky. This is not to be a divinity or theological college; but it is to be a Bible College in which the Bible, and all that pertains to it, is to be studied in a systematic and thorough manner, the great object being to make the student complete master of the one Book. It is granted that the carrying out of this programme will take both time and money.

      IV. To carry out this plan, suitable buildings would have to be provided in easy distance of some university, in the centre of as large a population as possible; and these buildings would need to be sufficiently large to accommodate the president as a place of residence, to supply class rooms, and to furnish clubbing facilities for at least a portion of the students. Temporarily, buildings might be rented; but, for many reasons, it would soon be necessary that we have buildings of our own. In fact, the provision of suitable buildings should be the first step taken in the founding of the Bible College.

      V. It would be necessary to place over this department a man of known scholarship and an educator of experience, having special reference of course to the branches to be taught, and who at the same time is a good practical preacher. The whole time and attention of this one man should be given to the education and training of the young men under his charge for the practical work and responsibilities of the preacher's life.

      VI. But now another difficulty is to be faced. Where is the money to come from, and how is it to be raised? It is believed that, if a plan can be proposed which will meet with the general approval of the churches and is feasible, the money necessary to accomplish it can easily be raised in these colonies. It has been hinted several times that the American brethren should be asked for help in this matter. There are several reasons for not agreeing to this:

      1. The American brethren have already got their hands full.

      2. It is not in accordance with the great spirit of Christianity to ask others to do a work which we are quite able and ought to do ourselves. But now a second question is to be considered: How is this money to be raised? Let some brother, held in high esteem and of universal reputation among the churches, a good speaker and one whose whole soul is in the work, be commissioned to go from colony to colony, from city to city, from church to church, and from home to home, and place the claims of this work before them and solicit aid in its behalf, either in the form of direct money donations, property, promissory notes to be paid at a certain time bearing a small rate of interest, or legacies in wills. The details of this canvass cannot here be given, but this much is certain:

      1. It should be made by a good man, a man suitable in every respect for the work.

      2. It should be systematic and thorough. If the trouble be taken to read the history of our American colleges, it will be found that the funds required were mostly raised in this way. Just so, let some good man among us who loves Jesus supremely, and who is universally loved by the brethren, be chosen and sent out with the united prayers of God's people, and not only the money needed for this enterprise will be raised, but a holy enthusiasm in missionary work will be aroused; and last, but by no means least, students will be found who will take advantage of the institution which it is proposed to establish.

      VII. The control of the affairs of the college can be placed in the hands of a Board of Trustees, to be elected annually or otherwise in a way which may afterward be determined upon.

      Finally. In this address no half measures have been proposed, neither has anything been suggested which is beyond our reach. I am aware that some of the brethren advocate a kind of training class under the supervision of some approved evangelist. There are objections to this, for many reasons, and among them the following:--

      1. It has proved a failure wherever it has been tried. It may be kept running for a little time, but it soon dies out.

      2. It is only a partial measure, and does not come up to the demands of the age in which we live.

      3. Our young men who want to equip themselves thoroughly will not be satisfied with any such makeshift; and it will be found that those who can possibly do so will go to America where they can have the opportunities which they so much desire.

      In fact, until the colonial churches provide a suitable institution, I shall regard it my duty to advise all young men with whom I come in contact to go to some one of our American Colleges for the education and training they seek. I am aware that it is urged that, as a rule, our young men do not come back from America. Well, they go on their own responsibilities and at their own expense; and as they find such wide and inviting fields, they feel they have a right to do so, and so they remain. But I earnestly hope that some steps will be taken at this Conference towards the carrying into effect some scheme for the education and training of our own preachers in our own country to do our own work. There must be a beginning somewhere and at some time; and I am sure there can be no better place and time than at the Conference of the churches in Victoria in 1880.

A.C.S., 1886, pp. 254-255.

      The proposal arising out of Bro. Maston's essay to start "A BIBLE COLLEGE" in connection with our work, is the most important and far reaching matter that the brotherhood have as yet been invited to consider. We have long felt and have often said that the pressing requirements of our Australian churches, can only be met by Australians themselves, men identified with the colonies, and who have learned to look upon Australia as home. Our Australian national life is rapidly forming, and it is of necessity taking its own particular cast. It is not British, it is not American; it is distinctly Australian, and this distinctiveness will become more marked as time rolls on. Even the education of our own young men in American colleges will not meet our requirements, for absence from Australia during the formative period tends to destroy in some measure that special adaptation which belongs to our national life. Brethren from America and Great Britain have done noble work for us in days past, but the time is fast approaching when we shall have to rely upon our own resources. Recognising this, we shall do well to make early provision to meet a definite want, which already exists, and which will become more pressing from year to year.

      The Victorian Conference has taken an initiative step, but the proposal must not be confined to Victoria, it must be AUSTRALIAN in the fullest sense. It will require all the strength of our whole brotherhood in these colonies, to establish and carry on successfully a Bible college, efficient, in its character (and it must be made efficient, or it will be better not to attempt to establish one). Brethren are apt to point to those laborers amongst us who have not had the advantages of special education, and to compare their work with that of trained evangelists. But as Bro. Maston wisely asked, "if these men have been so successful without these special advantages, what would they have been but intellectual giants, if they had been favored with the help that such a college as is now proposed could have given them? There is point in this question too often overlooked. If education can make a preacher out of an ordinarily-gifted man, what will the same education do for the specially-gifted one? Nor must we forget that the world is being educated all round; and that for present, and especially future days, if the preacher is to hold his influence over men, and claim their attention concerning divine things, he must be able to stand forth properly equipped for his work.

      We commend this highly important matter to the careful, need we add prayerful, attention of our entire Australian brotherhood. God has been pleased to bless not a few of our brethren with worldly prosperity. The resources of this new land have made them wealthy. They would do well to consider whether they are laying up a proper proportion of that wealth in that treasure-house where "thieves do not break through and steal." It requires much grace to bear worldly prosperity without spiritual injury; here is an opportunity for our wealthy brethren to manifest their love to their Lord and his cause. This Bible college is especially their work. The thousands and hundreds of the wealthy must be the foundation, while the pounds and shillings of our poorer brethren will also be required; and without very substantial help from these favored brethren, the work cannot be done. We would impress most solemnly the question, "How much lovest thou to thy Lord."

      c. FURTHER INITIATIVES

A.C.S., 1887, p. 289.

      With a view to supply a long felt want, the brethren in Swanston Street, have made arrangements for the holding of classes in the premises connected with the chapel, which shall be under the presidency of Bro. J. K. Henshelwood, and shall have for their object, the training of young men for active usefulness in the Master's service. Bro. Henshelwood will be assisted by Brethren Maston and Moysey and others. The course of instruction will include, English grammar, logic, elocution, Bible history and criticism, exegesis and homiletics. Lessons in biblical languages may also be obtained by private arrangement with the president.

      The Institute will be opened by an address from Bro. Henshelwood on the 9th of January next, on or before which date, intending students are requested to have their names placed on the register, in the hands of the hon. secretary, to whom all communications relative to the Institute are to be addressed.

      The Institute will be free to all members of the Church of Christ.

      With a view to facilitate arrangements, early registration is requested, together with notification of the classes which applicants may wish to attend. Syllabuses may be obtained on application to the hon. secretary, F. Illingworth, 265 Swanston St., Melbourne.

C.P., 1889, pp. 186-187.

      Some disappointment had been felt and expressed that the efforts of the Swanston street people to provide a training institution for the benefit of the young men in the Church, had not been more fully and generally appreciated by the brotherhood in and around Melbourne. That there were some grounds for this feeling of disappointment could not be denied. But over against it must be placed the fact that so large a number of the young men of the church should have persevered in their studies so long as to have made such a degree of progress as he felt proud to say, had been attained by those whose photos were seen in the picture surrounding his own. The fact that within so short a time as 14 months as many as 12 young men belonging to the various churches, to say nothing of the two lady students who have recently joined the Greek class--should, in addition to a fair knowledge of the biblical subjects embraced in the curriculum of the Institute, have acquired such a knowledge of Greek as to be able to read the New Testament in the original tongue, is one which speaks for itself. With such a band of tried and tested young men surrounding him, he felt certain that the permanence of the Victorian Biblical Institute is assured, and that already the foundation was laid for a Bible College in Melbourne, of such a character and of such dimensions as would be worthy of the Church of Christ when that Church shall have become the largest religious body in the Australasian continent.

C.P., 1889, p. 226.

      Training Classes.--We give this clause in full. As the engagement between the brethren in Swanston street and Bro. Henshelwood terminates at an early date, it is highly desirable to take such steps as shall secure the services of Bro. Henshelwood for the continuance of the training classes, and to adopt such means as may increase their usefulness, and create a more general interest in the work. To this end we would recommend that Bro. Henshelwood be employed by the missionary committee, and only put to labour at such places as will not interfere with the efficient conducting of the said classes. We do not think it easy to over estimate the value of this work, and would impress upon our younger brethren especially, the importance of using the means now afforded of fitting themselves efficiently for a sphere of usefulness that shall bring glory to God and honour to themselves."

      A memorial was also read from the students praying the Conference to retain Bro. Henshelwood as a teacher, and brethren Parkes and Bull, two of the students spoke in its support. The report was adopted.

      Clause 10, referred to the courtesy of the Swanston-street church in giving the free use of its hall for Committee meetings. The goodness of God, the desire that all the deliberations should be guided by wisdom, and the deliverance of their trust into the hands of the Conference.

C.P., 1896, pp. 121-122.

      EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Your Committee have much pleasure in reporting that the operations of the Biblical Institute have been successfully carried on during another year, thirty-two students having enrolled.

      At present there is only one day student, who is devoting the whole of his time to study with a view to qualify himself for the work of an evangelist. The Principal, who conducts his studies, desires it to be known that he will be glad to hear from others who may be moved by a similar desire.

      The Correspondence class still continues its work, and is a help to country brethren, who are deprived of the opportunities of personal tuition from the Principal.

Circuit, p. 276.

      The report of the Victoria Biblical Institute was discussed at considerable length. The Principal; J. K. Henshelwood, stated that there were thirty-two young men enrolled; of these only one is preparing for the ministry. He made an eloquent appeal on behalf of the Institute. The discussion was somewhat acrimonious. Unfortunately, the Principal does not command the undivided confidence and support of the brethren. It is clear that the Colonies should be preparing a larger number of consecrated young men to preach the Gospel. Several religious bodies have built schools near the University, and so get the advantage of that great institution. The reports bearing upon the hymn-book, on temperance, and on Sunday-school work, were read and emphasized.

C.P., 1897, p. 85.

      To the Editor of the PIONEER.

DEAR BROTHER,--

      We beg to inform you that at a joint meeting of the Victorian Executive and Education Committees held on the 12th inst., it was resolved that the following statement and letter be sent to the editors of the Standard and Pioneer for publication. We therefore request you will publish the same.

      In reference to certain charges made against Bro. Henshelwood, and the differences which arose between the Executive and Education Committees in connection therewith, we have to report that by the exertions of Bro. C. G. Lawson all the parties concerned were brought together and after receiving the letter appended hereto from Bro. Henshelwood, it was decided that it be accepted as satisfactory. It was agreed by both Committees that any unbrotherly expressions made during the heat of controversy be withdrawn and regretted by all parties."

W.C. Craigie, Chairman Executive Committee.      
Wm. Wilson, Chairman Education Committee.      

      To the Brethren composing the Executive and Education Committees.

Dear Brethren,--

      Having heard you and your conceptions of my actions and words in what you view as repressing or denying the truth while giving my views of the action of the Presbyterian Church of England Courts relative to me, I desire to acknowledge, and deeply regret the injury unintentionally done to my brethren thereby, and request your consideration of my views as I expressed them and my expression of regret for injury done.

      I also express my sorrow for the trouble, as far as I was concerned, at Oamaru, and that I left there leaving a debt unpaid, which has been used against my good name and the cause of Christ.

      And for any unworthy conduct charged against me in this colony, so far as I have contributed to it by any apparent inconsistencies and going into public houses (though I disown my ever having been given to drinking habits); for any thing that I may have done that may have given countenance to the rumour concerning my habits, I express my sorrow, and ask you to accept my regret for same and my promise, God helping me, to be on my guard, and if possible walk more circumspectly in the future.

      I desire to be of service to the Master during the time the Lord may spare me; and it is my conviction I can be of use in the v.b.i., in the outcarrying of which I find delight; and I on my part will do my utmost, by the help of God, to deserve your confidence.

      I also take all the virus out of the names and terms which I have used towards those who have charged or witnessed against me and will, by the help of God and the Spirit of Christ, regard them

(especially Brethren Lyall sen. and Dunn) as having acted towards me, as they profess, through sense of duty and for the good of the cause.

      I also sincerely regret the injury that has been done to the cause and to the feelings of brethren through my unpaid debts being cast up to them, and ask you, my brethren, to assist me to free myself from the incubus of these, that have been hanging over and worrying me more than tongue can tell.

      Expressing my sorrow and asking your magnanimous and generous treatment, I am, dear brethren, Yours in the One Lord,

C.P., 1896, pp. 185-186.

      To the Editor of the PIONEER

Mr. Editor,--

      I love "our boys in America" just as well as I do our boys in Australia, but there are a few things in Bro. Cecil Armstrong's letter in your issue of May 7th, which I do not like. The whole tone of the letter is that of parsondom, which is likely to do "our boys in America" more harm than good. In the first place there is no reason for any of "our boys" to leave our own country to "graduate," as they can be as truly educated in any of our colonial capitals as in America. It is true we have no Bible College, and I'm not so sure as I used to be that we need one, but we have colleges and universities which cannot be surpassed in America or any other country in the world; and if our young men will attend any of these schools and get a good sound education, and in the meantime study the Bible, they will be on the high road to usefulness as preachers. But I have no special objections to "our boys" going to America if they feel it their duty. All honor to young men of pluck and push, who make great efforts to fit themselves for the most glorious work in the world. But if these young men leave their "own beloved land," to fit themselves for a mere professional career, and then refuse to return until "our churches call us home," the longer they remain away the better for all concerned. If any or all of these young men return to this country they will receive a warm and hearty welcome, and if they are found capable they will have plenty of work to do. If they are thinking of a mere living for themselves, good positions and popular applause, they may do better in America, but if they want to labor in their "own beloved land," let them not wait for some church to "call" them, but let them come without calling, and go to work, and if they have ability and zeal and consecration, they will find abundant scope, and their bread and water shall be sure. More than this the colonial churches can not just now promise.

A. B. MASTON.      

A.C., 1903, p. 476.

      On Monday we received the following letter:--

Auckland, New Zealand, July 31.      

      "Just a few lines to let the dear people of Australia know that the three American bound boys have arrived safely at this beautiful city. We had a rather rough passage, but we are now realising that all is calm and peaceful. Our minds go back to our Austral homes and the loved ones there, and we trust that when we have finished our course in America, we may in health and strength return to labor in the land we love in the cause of our blessed Master. May love, joy, and peace be with you all, and every blessing attend the efforts to extend the kingdom of our Lord there. With Christian greetings and a last farewell to Australasia. Kia Ora."

A.C., 1900, p. 215.

      At our "Enmore Students' Class" the young men in turn open the meeting by giving out a hymn and engaging in prayer. We then have the Old and New Testament lesson for the succeeding Lord's Day read by two of the students and I criticise their reading. We then appoint one to open the next meeting, and two to read the scriptures. Next comes the Bible Study. We are taking the gospel, dividing them up into parts, sections, and paragraphs. I suggest questions on each paragraph. The students memorise the text and answer these questions the following week. We expect soon to begin the study of Homiletics or the preparation and delivery of addresses, but we want first to get a good groundwork of New Testament knowledge, to part fill the barrel before we turn on the taps.

GEO. T. WALDEN.      

      This class, which is under the conductorship of Bro. T. Pittman, was commenced on Monday, April 23rd, and is intended to assist young men--members of the church south of the Yarra, near Melbourne--in their effort to qualify themselves for reading, speaking, in prayer, or exhortation in the worship of the church, and for preaching the gospel. The need of such a class was suggested to Bro. Pittman, by the supposition that quite a number of young men in the above churches were desirous of help in this direction, who could not attend the classes conducted by Bren. Morro and Johnston in Melbourne. The sequel shows this surmise to be correct, for no fewer than twenty-nine names are already enrolled.

      Young men who desired to pursue Bible study were requested through the columns of the Christian, a little less than a year ago, to meet W.C. Morro, B.A., and assist in organising a class for that purpose. The result was that two were organised, one meeting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 o'clock, and the other every Tuesday at 7.45 p.m. The former was intended for those who had more time to devote to study. It has been devoting the time since to a study of the Gospels, using McGarvey's text book on Sacred History. The work has been very thorough and painstaking. The class is at present engaged in the study of the Gospel of Luke. When the gospel study has been completed, the class will take up the book of Acts. Having completed this, something will probably be done in the way of exegesis of the epistles, and perhaps, also, an outline of the scheme of redemption. There are many other branches that need attention, but these must be reluctantly omitted on account of lack of time.

      This class has been in operation since 8th March, in two sections. Twelve men responded to the invitation tendered through the columns of the AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN, and at the first meeting it was decided to have two classes, one meeting on the afternoon of Wednesday at 5.15, the other at 8 o'clock in the evening. The afternoon class numbers eight, while the night class numbers nine; making seventeen students in all. Intimation was made last Wednesday of three new students taking up the work next week. I may state here that these classes are open for anyone who desires to take advantage of them. Any one may join either class, at the stated time above, in the lecture hall of the Christian Chapel, Swanston Street, Melbourne. But I would advise joining immediately or the class will be so advanced that new students will find a difficulty in pursuing the studies.

Jas. Johnston, Litt. B., Instructor.      

A.C., 1904, p. 35.

      In May, 1901, the Bible Students' Society was inaugurated by a number of young men in the church who were desirous of receiving sound Bible training and becoming more useful in the Master's work.

      Geo. T. Walden undertook the teaching and general management of the class, but his other church work increasing, he was compelled to give up this position, the class meanwhile being carried on under the mutual improvement idea. At this period Campbell Edwards, who takes a great interest in the young men in all the States, came forward and kindly offered to supply clerical assistance to Bro. Walden if he would undertake the leadership of the class again.

      Thus in April, 1902, the Bible Students' Society merged into the Campbell Edwards' Training Class, with Bro. Walden as instructor.

      This class is open to all young men who are desirous of attaining greater usefulness and efficiency in the work of the church.

      We have 19 members enrolled, with an average attendance of 13, and meet once a week in the Enmore Tabernacle.

      The subjects taken up comprise opening exercises, reading the Old and New Testament Scriptures for the ensuing Lord's Day, with criticisms by the members and instructor, sacred history, hermeneutics, and exegesis, and the preparation and delivery of sermons, all the work being of a most practical character.

      The class conducts the week-night services at Enmore, Sydney, Paddington, Petersham and Marrickville churches once a quarter, and also holds a service once a month at the Commonwealth Home for Invalids in Redfern.

      Two of our late members, Arthur Day and Horace Kingsbury, are now continuing their studies at the College of the Bible, Kentucky University, and we hope to see more of our members following their good example in the succeeding years. We hear from them, with extreme gratification, that the work done in the C.E.T.C. has been very helpful to them in their extended studies at Lexington.

S. GOLE, Sec.      

A.C., 1903, p. 220.

      The Executive and Missionary Committees (which were appointed as a Training Committee) are pleased to report that the work outlined by Jas. Johnston at last Conference meeting was so readily supported by the young men of the brotherhood that he found it necessary to inaugurate a scheme which has for its ultimatum an institution akin to the Colleges of the Bible among the American brethren. This your Committee adopted, and so successful has been the working out of this scheme, and so numerous have become the duties connected thereto, that your Committee appointed an Administration Committee for the college. This Committee begs to present the following, which will speak for itself:--

      1. The number of students enrolled for 1902 was 68, while the number for the first term of this year is 57, 23 more than the enrolment for the first term of last year.

      2. The fees for tuition amounted to 46/18/6 pounds shillings & pence; and after meeting expenses to date there is a balance of 33/8/5 pounds shillings & pence in hand. The Conference Treasurer controls the finances.

      3. The Committee found it necessary to hire the University High School premises for the adequate conduction of the college classes for 1903 at a rental of 30 pounds.

      4. The Committee has been successful in securing affiliation, on equal terms, with the TEXAS Christian University of America, which has been ranked by the State Educational Department as a First Class Institution, and therefore her graduates are admitted ad sundum to the first class Institutions of America. Students from the Australian College of the Bible going to America will therefore receive credit subject for subject.

      5. The Committee has also added a two years' course in elementary musical training for preachers to the curriculum. The graduates from this course will receive a diploma from the Tonic Sol-fa College of London. Mr. E.W. Pittman is the instructor.

      6. The efficiency of the work done in the college may be gathered from the fact that out of 68 enrollments for 1902 only 39 secured passes in either one or both terms.

      7. The present student body is made up as follows: 46 first year students, 10 second year and 1 third, while 35 have enrolled for the music course. Total enrollments 92.

      Realising the importance of this work, your Committee commend it very earnestly to your support and sympathy, and recommend that the College of the Bible be under the control and management of the Administration Committee appointed by the Executive Committee.

(Jas. Johnston, M.A., Principal      
(F. G. Dunn, Administration      
(A. B. Maston, Committee      
(W. C. Craigie, Treasurer Adopted.      

      d. A FEDERAL COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE

O.E.I., p. 27.

      "The college began its history as the result of the Federal Conference held in Melbourne in April, 1906. Premises were leased for two years at 49 Rathdown St., Carlton. Tuition began on February 19, 1907; 20 students were enrolled from four States and New Zealand. The first year closed on November 15, with a students' demonstration. The second year began on Feb. 19, 1908; 32 students are enrolled. They are from the following places:--West Australia, 2; South Australia, 7; New South Wale s, 5;

Queensland, 2; New Zealand, 2; Victoria, 14. Seventeen students are preaching regularly, and earning sufficient to defray most of their expenses. Most of the other students are on the suburban speakers' plan, and get opportunities of speaking. Three teachers are wholly engaged in the work: H.G. Harvard and A.R. Main, in connection with the Bible course principally; W.W. Mantell, teacher of Matriculation course.

      "There are two courses of study: the Matriculation course; this prepared students for entrance into the course at the Melbourne University. This in addition to the work of the Bible course. The latter course covers a period of three years, and embraces the following subjects:--Old Testament History, 2 years; New Testament History, 2 years; Homiletics, 1 year, Hermeneutics and Exegesis, 1 year; Christian Evidences, 1 year; Church History and Christian Doctrine, 1 year; History, 1 year; English, 2 years; Logic and Psychology, 1 year; New Testament Greek, 1 year; Missions; Elocution.

      "There is a students' literary society and also a students' magazine published by the students.

      "So far, the college has been supported by individual offerings, but the first Lord's day in September has been set apart as Bible College day throughout Australia. The college is under the direction of the Federal Conference, through a Board of Management.

      "A fine building has recently been purchases, about eight miles from Melbourne, at Glen Iris."

H. G. HARWARD.      

[NOF 373-385]