STRONGHOLD OF TRUTH
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Bible. As an authority we use this book (a) against every form of what we call rat-ionalism, or undue exer cise of the reason. 'vVe use it ( b) against every phase of what is called mysticism-I mean that which emphasises what is called "the inner light," as against the written \i\Tord. 'vVe have to be very careful about what is often called "inner light," and about impressions which come into the mind, which we think are the messages of God, when perhaps they are contrary to the Word of God. A man once went to Spurgeon and said that the Lord had told him he was to enter The Pastors' College. That wise man replied: "I am in daily and almost hourly com munication with the Lord, and He has not told me any thing of the sort." (c) \i\T e also use this authority against every form of scept-icism. Here is a book of moderate compass which has moulded literature, colored civilization, affected every philosophy, transformed individuals and uplifted communities, and we say that a book for which this claim can be made must be authoritative and divine. (d) We also use it against every form of individualism -I mean the attitude of people who are always thinking of the Bible as a book of rules. It is not a book of rules, it is a book of principles. It might be easy to think of it as a book of rules, but it would not minister to our spiri tual manhood and womanhood. God calls us to look at the great principles and apply them, and thus to turn them into rules for our daily life. And so against every form of pure individualism this authority is supreme. (e) Then we say the Bible is our authority against every authority concerning religion. 'vVhen we are faced with anything concerning the Church, or Christianity, which is said to be essential, we ask, "What saith the Scrip tures?" ( f) And, most important of all, we use this book as our authority for spiritual life and preaching and practice. Preachers must know this Book if they are to preach acceptably. If we are to go to our people with a "thus saith the Lord," this Book must be in mind, heart, and
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