NOT A COMPLIMENT TO CHRISTIANITY.
By G.
Mr. Wu Ting Fang, Chinese minister to the United States, delivered a lecture recently in New York City, on “Confucius.” Some of his comparisons of Confucianism with Christianity were criticized in the press and by individuals. He makes a statement in the press that, owing to the incomplete reports of his address, he has been misunderstood. I have been reading portions of the Bible and have the greatest respect for it, and I appreciate the Bible and greatly-respect Christianity, and I never in my life made an attack on Christianity. I have said that some of the doctrines are too grand and too elevated for man to follow, but that, instead of adverse criticism, is in praise of the high standard of that creed. I hope that the clergymen and missionaries will not come to any conclusion by reading the incomplete reports published in the papers. There is no doubt that Minister Wu, as he is popularly called, is strictly honest in his assumption that his estimate of Christianity is a compliment. It certainly is all that could be expected from an adherent of a human religio-philosophical system. But from the believer’s standpoint it is anything but complimentary. Even from the standpoint of what may be termed common logic, it is not complimentary. For a superior to set a standard for an inferior which is “too elevated” for him to follow, is not only unreasonable, but it is unjust. We have read of an ancient monarch who posted all his decrees in public places, ostensibly for the information of the people; but he was careful to have them posted so high that it was impossible for them to read them. Then all violators had to suffer the penalty. That this was barbarous injustice, will not be disputed by any sane person. Now if Christianity were set before the world on this principle, it would be but a mockery of the doomed race. True, the Christian’s standard, “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” is beyond the reach of sinful man in himself; but He who set the standard does not expect the sinner to attain thereto in his own strength. Therefore, with the standard there comes the proffer of the necessary assistance. To him who will accept the help in simple faith, the perfect life is no longer an impossibility. “Without Me, ye can do nothing,” says the Saviour; but, by the same Spirit, the apostle Paul is led to say, “I can do all things thru Christ which strengtheneth me.” To say of Christ that He has set before the sinner a crown of life suspended so high that he can not reach it, is not a compliment. Altho made unwittingly by Minister Wu, it is a charge of folly and deception.