{July} 1847 London: Campbell
(NOTICES The words underlined in the original MS. are printed in SMALL CAPITALS.)
(The Editor has printed in ITALICS some of the passages to which he requests the reader's especial attention.)
Editor's Preface
The defense of the doctrine of the cross, so essential to the peace of every true believer, would of itself be a sufficient apology for laying this tract before the Church of Gad, were any such apology needed. But another important consideration is found in the necessity there is for exposing the serious errors which lay hidden under a school of doctrine, of which this paper affords a sample, styled by its advocates as "deep," and "blessed teaching," and even as "precious and invaluable truth" -by which the unsuspecting are led to imagine that there is some hidden or divine mystery enjoyed only by the initiated. This, I believe, is a common artifice of the adversary to cloak error and beguile the souls of the simple If any man think he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know it. Knowledge puffeth up. This is no question of difficult interpretation or of prophetical inquiry, but one concerning which every child of God can judge, and is hound to judge for himself. I speak as to wise men, judge ye what I say. Though we, says the Apostle, or, an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Is it not alarming when statements so opposed to Scripture are sent forth with an air of triumph, circulated as recherche, and received as deeply interesting, and even refreshing May the Lord keep His sheep -and may the cross then, in its simplicity be prized by us more than ever, and surely there we shall find a breadth and length, and depth and height yet unfathomed.
It will afford another instance of the abounding grace of our God, if out of all this sorrow, the doctrine of the true presence of the Holy Ghost in the assemblies of God's saints, and somewhat of the preciousness of the cross be revived amongst us.
Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!
CHRISTOPHER McADAM Countess Wear, Exeter, July, 1847.