Another Protest by F.

Signs Publishing Co. · Melbourne, Victoria · Jun 14, 1920

FromAustraliasian Signs of the Times, Vol. 35, No. 24.

Another Protest

By F.

IN recent issues we reviewed a few statements contained in an article by Rev. T. R. R. Stebbing in the Hibbert Journal for January, 1920. We protested in those reviews against this gentleman’s attempt to remove the miraculous from God’s Word. It is refreshing, therefore, to notice that to the following issue (April) of the magazine, a true-hearted Christian contributes a reply to the higher critic, part of which we will quote:—

I protest against the statement that this article emanates from within the Church of England. I deny that the author can be a true and consistent member of that Church, for his statements are not in accordance with the Articles of her Faith. He is evidently a Rationalist, and his conclusions are heretical.

The Church of England, in common with all Christian Churches, teaches that without faith it is impossible to please God; and that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” and is to be received and believed as the Word of God.

But, as St. Paul says (1 Cor. 2:14), “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, for they are spiritually discerned.” Again, “Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid.” Mr. Stebbing evidently is content with a foundation of morality only, or none at all. He labours under the misconception that . . . the Almighty does not, yea cannot, vary the nature and order of His works; in short, that He is the slave of His own laws, as we see them in operation. This is a fundamental misconception.

The religion of the Bible—the Christian religion—is of two worlds, a natural and a spiritual, and both need, and have received, “Revelations” from Him who is over all, from whom they are, and by whom all things exist. Man, too, is of a dual constitution—a natural and a spiritual, and this is plainly taught throughout the Bible. Is it impossible, then, or even a matter of surprise, that the Almighty Father should condescend to the lower plane of human existence and do wonders in furtherance of His gracious purposes, or commission and empower His agents (even man) to do them? Is it reasonable to think it impossible, or even incredible, that the Almighty should summon men to His more immediate presence for similar Divine purposes, as in the cases of St. John, St. Paul, and others?

To find God man must be raised to a higher plane of existence, or be spiritualised; for, as Augustine says, “Our souls can find no rest till they find and rest in Him.”

Job says, “Oh that I knew where I might find Him!” Job 23:3. Also in chapter 38 and onwards, God challenges Job to answer Him concerning things of the creation; but Job answered the Lord and said, “Behold, I am vile: what shall I answer Thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth.” Job 40:3, 4. When Job was humbled, then he became wise. God magnified and blessed him. Job 42:10.

Would that within the Church there were more of such earnest and faithful Christians as he who makes this decisive protest against such rationalism as is taught from many a popular pulpit, for not only does higher criticism deny “the Articles of Faith” of the Church of England, but it is seeking to remove the very pillars of God’s temple. F.