WestMinster Doctrine

ANENT

Holy Scripture:

Tractates By

Professors A. A. Hodge and Warfield,

With Notes on Recent Discussions.

BY

Rev. Robert Howie, M.A.

GLASGOW:

David Bryce and son.

Edinburgh: R. W. Hunter.

1891.

Prefatory Note

The title I have adopted shows that, while referring to the Proceedings of the Free Church Confession of Faith Committee, my remarks are confined to the discussions anent Holy Scripture. If objection be taken to my action in thus divulging what took place in the Committee regarding this matter, my apology must be that it is one in respect to which there is much anxiety throughout the Church. Besides, the leading motions proposed in the Committee have been already made public, partly by the authority of the Committee and partly without its authority. In view of the somewhat misleading accounts of the proceedings of the Committee that have reached the public, and of the fact that a construction has been put on the finding finally adopted, different from what would occur to the “plain man,” and certainly from what was intended by myself and others, it seems to me absolutely necessary, if further misunderstanding is to be prevented, that a fuller account should be given to the Church, and especially to members of the ensuing Assembly, of what took place in the Committee than is embodied in its brief Report.

First Chapter of the Confession. At the same time, in view of anxiety expressed in regard to the Church’s position on this subject, the Committee cordially avail themselves of the opportunity of recording their full and steadfast adherence to the doctrines laid down in the Confession as to the great truths of the inspiration, infallible truth, and Divine authority of Holy Scripture as proceeding from God who is the Author thereof. They resolve to bring this finding under the special attention of the General Assembly.”

Referring to the foregoing finding The British Weekly of March 26, in an article entitled “The Positive Side,” says, “The positive truth about inspiration urgently needs to be set forth. Much of the mischief wrought by criticism comes from the negative being presented alone. Thus timid minds are thrown into confusion where nothing seems stable. The Free Church of Scotland Committee at present engaged in revising the Confession have agreed to a very strong statement of their positive views on inspiration, the meaning of which, as the plain man will take it, is to affirm inerrancy. That this is not the real meaning is proved by the fact that many of those who supported the declaration have declared themselves convinced that the absolute accuracy of Scripture on all matters of fact cannot be entertained. While sensible of the difficulty, we are yet strongly of opinion that the Church, in the coming struggle to enlist the new generation under the old banner, will only succeed by absolute candour. This may lose something at first. We see that the ministers in the United States are complaining that their young men’s ...