p. 171 | THE FATHERS by J. Clarke

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 29, 1879

THE FATHERS.

By J. Clarke

“SCRIPTURE without any comment is the sun from which all teachers receive their light. . . . We should not consult the fathers to throw light upon Scripture, but Scripture to explain the fathers.”—De Aubigne’s History of the Reformation, page 51, vol. 3.

The rule above quoted was the rule which led the early reformers out from the errors and darkness of the Romish church into the light and freedom of the gospel, and it is as necessary now as it was then, for all who would continue the work of reformation to the end.

Many suppose that Martin Luther, and other reformers of that period, completed the great work of reformation, and now we have only to follow in their path to win the eternal reward. But it is evident that they only began the work of purification. We live in an age of greater light, and we are called upon to complete the work they so nobly began.

Did Martin Luther study the word of God, to test the writings of those who went before him? We should do the same. Did he carefully reject the writings of the fathers when they conflicted with the word of God? So should we. Did he put the word of God above public opinion, above the custom of the church? We should do likewise.

The work of the Reformation in Luther’s time was a noble work, a divine work; the early reformers laid the foundation well, but the reformers of this age are called upon to build up the walls and finish the building. Shall we not each one aid in this work as we have the ability? J. CLARKE.