The Bible and Modern Criticism 87 In the study-room it ensnares, in lecture-halls it makes great pretenses, for mere popular lectures it is still service able; but when the thunders of God’s power break in upon the soul, when despair at the loss of all one has loved takes possessi®n of the mind, when remembrance of a miserable lost life or of past misdeeds is felt and realized, when one is on a sick-bed and death approaches, and the soul, appreciating that it is now on the brink of eternity, calls for a Savior just at this time when its help is most needed, this modern religion utterly fails. In the year 1864, in Geneva, one of those modern theologians was summoned to prepare for exe cution a young man who had committed murder and robbery. But he candidly exclaimed, “Call some one else, I have noth ing to say to him.” This incompetent criticism did not know •of any consolation for the sin-burdened soul; therefore an orthodox clergyman was obtained, and the wretched man, murderer though he was, died reconciled to God through the blood of Christ. But suppose that all the teachings of this criticism were true, what would it avail us? It would put us in a sad con dition indeed. For then, sitting beside ruined temples and broken-down altars, with no joy as respects the hereafter, no hope of everlasting life, no God to help us, no forgiveness •of sins, feeling miserable, all desolate in our hearts and chaotic in our minds, we should be utterly unable either to know or believe anything more. Can such a view of the world, such a religion, which, as was said of Professor Harnack’s lectures in America, only destroys, removes and tears down, be true? No! If this modern criticism is true, then away with all so-called Christianity, which only deceives us with idle tales! Away with a religion which has nothing to offer us but the commonplace teachings of morality! Away with faith! Away with hope! Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker