THE Mission recently held in Bradford has brought to light the appalling apostasy of the days we are living in.
We have heard before of the utter unbelief that is preached in a large number of the pulpits of that city — these men do not like to have their teaching called by the name that truly describes it, but infidelity it is, pure and simple.
Seven of the Congregational ministers of Bradford have written to the Yorkshire Observer explaining that they stood aloof from the Mission because they believed Dr. Torrey’s main teaching to be untrue. He has replied that “if they believe his main teachings are untrue, they do well to hold aloof from the Mission, but that those in their churches who believe in the reliability of the Bible, in the Deity of Christ, in the Atonement of Christ, in salvation through the acceptance of Christ and in that way only, in the efficacy of prayer, and in the personality and power of the Holy Spirit, which are his main themes, would do well to withdraw from their congregations.”
We thank God for the faithfulness of His servant Dr. Torrey, and feel that he needs to be borne up in prayer by all who have the interests of souls at heart. He is in the very zone of fire, and is being attacked by the whole artillery of Satan.
But his advice raises a serious question. Where are these troubled souls to go? Every sect in christendom today is full of the “higher criticism” and the unbelief which this engenders; witness the recent utterances of Canon Henson. The apathy of Christians in this respect is one of the most serious aspects of the case. One has recently written to us, “I have no fear for the Bible; it will hold its ground.” True, but what about those who give up the Bible? and what about the thousands who attend the ministry of men who no longer believe the Bible?
The Scripture is clear. There can be no question as to what is the path of duty for every faithful Christian today — “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:1919Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19)). It is not a question of churches, chapels, or parties of any kind. Fidelity to Christ is the one test. Philadelphia was commended because amidst great weakness, thou “hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name” (Rev. 3:88I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8)).
Let Christians who feel the state of things get together for prayer. It may be but two or three in one place — let them get together for prayer, for reading the Word, and God will make plain what He would have them do.
But above all, “Cease to do evil.” What can be expected from an unconverted ministry, groping in the utter darkness of “higher criticism”?
A. H. B.