American Institute of Sacred Literature

The first prospectus of the new organization states its purpose as follows: "To promote the philological, literary, historical, and exegetical study of the Scriptures by means of such instrumentalities as may be found practicable."

[4] The purpose of the council was (1) to associate more closely those who desire to promote the study of the Bible from the historical standpoint, and of other sacred literatures as related to it; (2) to induce properly qualified persons to undertake this work either independently or in connection with another calling; (3) to extend through the AISL a wider acquaintance with the right methods of Bible study and their results; (4) to direct the affairs of said institute.

[2] It was the province of the Institute as a whole to conduct all non-residence work of whatever character in subjects pertaining to "sacred literature".

It was the purpose of the university to provide through the institute, for churches, schools, pastors, teachers, and the general Christian public, facilities for non-resident study in the Bible and kindred subjects in such a variety of forms, grades, and topics that satisfactory aid may be given to any person or group of persons seeking assistance, advice, or training in topics associated with religious education.

The officers of administration were the President of the university, the Secretary of the institute, and an executive committee from the Divinity School faculty.