In the San Francisco Chronicle's report (issue of September 11) of the “Conference of Methodist Laity” at Pacific Grove, occurs the following item:— “Myron T. Holcombe read a paper on ‘Necessity of Bible Study,’ saying that Bible cranks were especially numerous in Oakland. He said the church has authority over the Scriptures and not the Scriptures over the church.” Now this may be an incorrect report; we hope it is. We do not like to believe that Protestants are yet prepared openly, at least, to take such a position. Why a necessity of Bible study if the church has authority over the Scriptures? This is good Roman Catholic doctrine, but it is not true Protestant teaching. The exaltation of humanity and the lack of respect of God's word is always a result of apostasy, and deepens and accelerates the apostasy of which it is the result. Would to God that the Protestant Church would conform her teaching and practice to the word of God instead of exalting tradition or the teachings of men above the word.