Having Itching Ears by L. E. F.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 20, 1916

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 43, No. 25.

Having Itching Ears

By L. E. F.

"WILL belief in the Bible by and by cease to be a test of the fitness of a candidate for appointment to the Christian ministry? The question is timely, in view of the recent course of some denominations in the examination of seminary graduates. What is now known as 'the enlightened school of religious thought' had its innings a few days ago when the New York Presbytery accepted three candidates of Union Theological Seminary who declined to affirm their faith in the divine birth and the resurrection, two of the time-honored tests of ministerial fitness. They were in a dubious state of mind also concerning the miracles recorded in the Old Testament, especially drawing the line at the pillar of fire which guided the Israelites in their journeyings, the manna in the wilderness, and the story of Jonah. There was a sharp tilt, in presbytery, between the representatives of the old and the new school theologies, and the conservatives deplored the drift toward heresy, but without avail. The new school took the bit in its teeth and came out of the fight victorious."—Christian Herald of April 26, 1916.

C. E. Weaks and wife; two of the 132 new recruits who are being added to our standing army of missionary laborers outside the United States, already numbering 2,927. Mr. Weaks will take charge of the circulation of our publications in the vast Asiatic Division Conference, with its 879,652,000 people.

A. B. Cole and family, who have just sailed for Japan. Mr. Cole will take charge of the Japan Mission Press, and will also act as secretary-treasurer of the Japan Mission. We are now conducting mission work in 67 non-Christian countries. About 500 main stations and substations are operated.

Such reports are coming with alarming frequency in these days. And, too, they now occasion but little surprise or comment. Whither are we drifting?

We are sweeping toward the time when men "will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4: 3, 4.

Paul is here depicting the characteristics of the "last days," as will be seen from a careful reading of the third as well as the fourth chapter.

The times are portentous, and the divine indictment is unequivocal. Woe to the teachers of unsound doctrines! The blood of souls lost by their sophistries will be upon their garments.

To all Christian teachers comes the divine command, "Preach the Word,"—"the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." For "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." 2 Tim. 4: 2; 3: 15-17. L. E. F.