AN IMPORTANT QUESTION by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 18, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 11.

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION.

By Editor

A LATE number of a Roman Catholic newspaper has the following:—

"The Gospel Messenger asks: 'What do we believe?' Well, it's a hard matter to say. A diligent search through the columns of the Messenger fails to discover anything very definite in the way of a religious belief. But then that is not unusual with Protestant papers."

The charge is too true. The idea has obtained of late in religious circles that pronounced belief on religious subjects—it does not matter often of how much importance—is downright bigotry. If one criticises error, he is uncharitable and narrow. One may have thoroughly studied a doctrine, and rejected it, because it is contrary to the plain teaching of the Bible; but then he is prejudiced. Yet in all these instances he may only be true and faithful.

Some religious papers may be read from year to year without finding any pronounced opinion upon many of the most important doctrines of God's word. The columns are filled with a goody-goody, wishy-washy stuff that can't stand alone, furnishing neither timber with which to build nor food by which to grow.

Noah knew his mission. Moses knew his. Elijah, Ezekiel, and Paul knew theirs. John the Baptist was clear and positive. He knew who he was not, and who he was. "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, . . . as said the prophet Isaiah." John 1:23. The great Teacher of all spake with authority.

God give us teachers, whether in press or in pulpit, who have the courage of their conviction, with conviction founded on the eternal Rock of truth, God's holy word as it is in Christ Jesus. Souls are perishing for truth. God's "people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."