THE WORD OF GOD VERSUS THE WISDOM OF MEN.
By W. N. G.
Dr. C. W. Wendte (Unitarian pastor), of this city, is having a controversy with Dr. L. W. Munhall, revivalist, who has been conducting meetings under the auspices of eight evangelical churches. The latter holds that the Bible means what it says, and threw out some criticisms of those Unitarians who hold to the “higher criticism.” Dr. Munhall resented very tartly some remarks against his revival methods. Dr. Wendte deems this a “splendid opportunity” to “place before the public the rising and truly helpful view of the Bible.” This “rising and truly helpful view” eliminates much of the Scriptures as “intrinsically absurd;” for instance, “the statement that the first woman was made out of a rib of a man, the account of a serpent and an ass talking, the stories of Nebuchadnezzar eating grass like an ox for seven years and that Jonah lived three days within the belly of a great fish.” Of Mr. Munhall’s methods we have nothing to say, as we know nothing of them from observation. If he clings as closely to the Scriptures as Dr. Wendte’s representation would indicate, we have no hesitancy in saying that thus far his method is good. We note this controversy for the purpose of showing the trend of the modern Bible teaching, or rather Bible destruction, called “higher criticism.” The support of this method is altogether human, as the authorities cited are all celebrated for their learning in this world’s wisdom,—such as R. F. Horton, D.D., Dr. Briggs (of Union Theological Seminary fame), Canon Fremantle, Revs. Driver, Cheyne, Walter F. Adeney, Rev. Frank Porter (of the Yale Divinity School), and others. Dean Stanley is also quoted as asserting that Genesis contains two contradictory accounts of creation. Then, to show how sweeping is the influence of this system of theology, Dean Farrar, of Canterbury, is brought in to say:— “I can not name a single student or professor of any eminence in Great Britain who does not accept, with more or less modification, the main conclusions of the German school of critics. In Germany itself there are scores of learned professors, and among their entire number there is said to be only one—and he a man of no name—who clings to the old method of interpretation.” The Word of God itself gives ample answer to this class of critics who would assume to prune and amend its matter: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. Then if a man have a thorough knowledge of the Scripture (which he can attain only through a great measure of the Holy Spirit), tho he have no other knowledge, he is “thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Again, we read: “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:26–31. Christ is “made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification.” How are we sanctified?—Through the truth, which is the word of God (John 17:17). It was written by “holy men of God,” who “spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Now God says of this Word, that he will not alter the thing that is gone out of his lips (Ps. 89:34). Christ indorsed the Law to the last jot and tittle (Matt. 5:17–19); he indorsed “Moses and the prophets” (Luke 16:29–31; John 5:45–47), and he specially indorsed the story of Jonah and the great fish, and gave it a literal application (Matt. 12:40). Not only did he thus indorse all the Scriptures, and say that he would not alter them, nor destroy a jot or tittle of his law, but he has pronounced a curse upon any who shall attempt to do so (Rev. 22:19). “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men.” 1 Cor. 3:19–21. “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away; but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:24, 25. The revival that is needed in the church to-day is a return to the Word of the Lord. The reformation that is needed in the world is a reform based upon individual acceptation of the Word, “as it is written.”