The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1883-02-21
For the Central Presbyterian.
The Cumberland" Fear.

Dear "J A. y" If such ideas pre-
vail, we shall soon be Cumberland Pres
byterian Church No. Or So, or very
nearly so, said some one in the Assembly
at Staunton, Va, when an overture was
presented looking in the direction of the
late Aggressive" talk. This is the
sledge-hammer with which all such ideas
are to be beaten out of existence. It's
blows have been heard several times since
the Assembly met at Staunton, and will
be heard yet again, no doubt. What is
the sum and substance of this fear? 1t
is assumed
L. That unless man has had his seven
years of drilling in college and seminary,
he cannot be trusted to preach the Cos
pei for us. Yet we often allow our chill
dren to 60, and go ourselves, and sit un-
der the ministry of men who never had
such training. Such men we invite into
our pulpits to preach to our people, now
and then. We recognize them f1Zly as
ordained and worthy preachers of the
gospel. And, not seldom, we leave our
country people to hear more of their
preaching than of any other. But as
these men cannot talk, read or write
things pertaining to Hebrew, Greek, and
Latin, they cannot have a Presbyteg7n,,
licensed Do they show themselves "ap's
to teach ?" Yes. Do they preach al
ceptably? Yes. Do they save souls and
edify Christians? Yes. Do they keep
up their churches? Yes And beyond
this, they Uisit the poor; comfort the af-
1icted minister to the dying, and
smooth many souls way through the
end of its journey. What more do we
We may speak of them, in comparison
with our ministers, as Ignorant and un-
learned men,. But they have shown
themselves workmen approved of God,
and who need not be ashamed. Are
these things true or not? All know their
truth. Now then: Why may qOe not
have such men? There is no arguing
against facts. Facts do prove that the
high training, demanded by our Church,
Is not necessary in order that men may
preach the gospel. These facts we adj
NIT as to other denominations but we
" scot" when it is suggested that we APP
ply them within our own bounds. 1t is
2. That capt to teach" means such an
education as would fit man for col
lege professor or such as would enable
him to give instruction in almost any
branch of learning. And this I Squarezv
denyI 1t is not true This denial may
be accepted as challenge by any one,
anywhere, or at any time, to prove that
the words, capt to teach" as used in
l Tim. iii : 2, mean what is assumed, as
above stated.
Further, any or all other instructions
given in the New Testament may be in.
Guided and added to this one. If such
instructions mean anything more than
that men must have ability to teach the |
gospel safely and well, l am unable to
zee it. A time there was when some
such high finish was needed in order to |
read the Bible, theology, ETC., etc. But
hat time is gone. We have seen how |
little our best scholars could do towards
oettering the present translation. The
New Version" is not a success. Would |
TO God it had never been attempted |
For one of It's chief results has been to
raise suspicion as to the inspiration of
all Scripture" A good and notable
proof that much learning is not essential |
o save us from being Cumberland
Church No. 2" or from any other error
Let us have men Thoroughly furnished
n the Scriptures, with enough education
% tell what they know, and with hearts
earnest for Christ and souls; steady, tried,
aithful men. The Church need seek no
urther. 1t is assumed
3. That only learned" men can meet
he opponents Of Christianity. But does
not the devil use learning lust as DOW
erfully as we CAM Did the Bible ever
each that Christ is to win by human
wisdom In fact, does the gospel make !