The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-11-12
About Creeas-A Preacher views

A5CEJ CrGeGS-A4 ETedcn6r 8 v lows
To critfcise an editor, through the columns Of
his own raper, is either a very rash thing, or
else It is no small compliment to that editors
fairness; for the editor can have sill the adyan-
tage if he chooses to take it. lie may seize the
s'unaerhod'' in the tussle.
But the writer feels that he runs no such risk
in yeIltuling to discuss with the editor of the
vIRGINIAN his recent editorials touching creeds
and religious doctrine. reader Of the NIR-
GILMAN during several years, we have seldom
been able to concur in its political doctrines
but have always enjoyed the fairness and lib
eral spirit with which such matters have been
treated. Accept our bow, Mr.. vIRGINIAN; this
letter is in very truth a deserved compliment to
you.
About Mr.. Macquearyl Who has notread your
several references to him with interest?
But surely you do not know that he denies that
Christ was God on earth, with power to forgive
sins; he denies that the death Of Christ was "a
preparation for our sins;'' he denies that Christ
rose from the dead and assembled TIC the right
hand Of the Father. These are fundamental
doctrines of the Episcopal Church. but Mr..
Macqueary disbelieved them all, and now he has
taken charge of of Universalist church ''be-
cause to quote his Words he thought it good
chance, as the church was wealthy and promi-
nent.'
Having published these views to the world,
how could the bishops of his church do less than
recall his ssorders?" Were they not sworn to
maintain the consistency of their denomination?
Indeed, ought not the mans own sense OF fitness
to have impelled him to give ND his place and
seek connection with body OF men like him in
belief?
The writer believes in the largest charity and
fraternity, but how can q Unitarian and an CO.
ttnge1icdt Christian stand together?
Now, as to the general subject of creed re
vision. We all agree that creeds are in one
sense Of human origin, j. e., they are mans in
depreciation of the Bible. But disbelief III
creeds does not proUe better knowledge OF the
Bible. 1t may be caused by disbelief in the Bi-
ble Witness the latter half of the 18th Century
in England, France and America. Religion
lay DYING skepticsln and inhdelity held
their carnival Tt was the time of Paine, OF
voltalre, of the English Deists Creeds were
booted at
Whitfield ana the Wesleys arose. God gave q
great revival of faith in the Bible and in Jesus,
the effect of which is still felt. Renewed at
tachments to creeds and doctrines followed
Who will say that the one was not caused by
the other? Which of ell the historians has not
so declared?
Who can say that this modern assault on
creeds is born OF deeper knowledge OF the BIZ
BILE and not of disbelief in, or Indifference to,
the Word of God? Can you, MIR. Editor?
Now a word about the Confession of Faith
and the Rochester Presbytery. Inevitably
mems views of Bible teaching are coored by
the philosophical system to which they hold.
Since Aristotle there have been two systems Of
philosophy current in the world. The one
claims such names as Aristotle, Paul, Augustine,
Calvin, Hodge: the other such as Arminius, Yves