The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-18

hesitation. exception or reservation. There Is no escape from the issue. If this modern criticism is true. Christ was the greatest false teacher and deeeiver If Christ taught Gods truth, then this erti- cism is false. For myself. 1 had rather stand for Christ against the critics, than with the critics against Christ.
 But what is the effect of this criticism upon the Word? If the confusion of the destructive critics be true the Bible is true only in part; it is an admixture of error: 1t is not God Breathed it Is not the Best Book. it Is worthless as an in fallible rule of faith and practice. What. of necessity. then is the effect of this criticism upon the preacher? How can his confidence remain unshaken? Preach CTS should be, of all men. men of deepest conviction. It Is a notable fact that the great men of our day who have been honored of God in leading multitudes into His kingdom, have held most firmly by the views of the Bible which have been handed down to us. There is a positive ness and an unction about their preaching which we should earnestly covet as among the best gifts.
 Effect On the People.
 What is the effect of such criticism upe the people? It is agreed that our is becoming more and more materali. Reports of the special manifestation the Spirits work come from but fe our churches. The spiritual expe of those joining our eommunions orally superficial The number of cai. dates for the gospel ministry Is made quate; and. is there not a manifest lower ing of reverence on the part of the people for the Bible and it's teachings? Is not the cry going up everywhere throughout the church. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation" as the bride of our absent Lord sits weeping beside His unattended garden. we hear the plain tive prayer: Savior, visit Thy planta- ton; grant us, Lord a precious rain; all will come to desolation, unless Thou re- turn again." I am not of those who be- lieve the ark of God will be taken; but do very sadly fear the destroying ln- fuence of this critical spirit upon the ministry and upon the people. I shall not presume to forecast the action of this assembly upon any question: but I do pray the Holy CGost may deeply impress us every one W II the paramount im- portance of these things have been say ing, and today by the altars of our an- cestral faith, we will renew our VOWS of subscription to the gospel of our fore fathers. in every book and chapter and sentence and word, the inspired oracles of God. "'rhe pillar and fount of truth.'
 Fight for Moderator.
 Nominations for the incoming modera- tor was next in order and the following were named:
 Ruling elder, Allen G. Hall dean of the law school of Vanderbilt university, Nashville; nominated by G. W. Bull of Nashville.
 pr. John W. Bachman of Chattanooga Tenn, nominated by Dr J W. Stagg of Birmingham Ala.
 Dr. Josephus John of Austin, Texas, was nominated by pr. Theron H. Rice of Atlanta.
 Dr. J. W. stagg of Birmingham nom mated by Dr. A. J. McKelway of Char lotte. N. c.
 Hon. Bonnet II. Young of Louisville, Ky. nominated by Dr. J. II. Thonwel of Fort Mills s. C.
 The Rev. William T. Boggs of Jackson vile, Fla. was nominated by F. NJ. Green of Danville, Ky
 After voting by roll call four times AL len G. Hall of Nashville Tenn. was elected moderator
 During the afternoon sessions the re- ports on foreign and home missions and also on publication and Sunday schools were presented. A telegram of fraterna1 odist conference in session in Birming- ham, Ala. Reference was made in the telegram to Acts 2O-32.