F.P. Magazine Criticised
In an article by Rev. Donald Macleod of Partick Highland Free Church, Glasgow, in the December 1972 issue of the Banner of Truth Magazine, the Free Presbyterian Magazine is taken to task for publishing the article by the Rev. Terence Brown, Secretary of the Trinitarian Bible Society on the Bible and Textual Criticism which appeared in the
August issue. The Editor of the Banner of Truth in another article in the same issue asserts: “Mr Brown had no need to write a personal criticism of Mr Macleod’s earlier article . . . his own views were well enough known”. Notwithstanding these strictures we are still of the view that our action in publishing Mr Brown’s article was fully justified. If those who are of a different mind would re-read Mr Macleod’s first article they, too, may come to the conclusion that Mr Macleod’s hesitant support for the text underlying the Authorised Version, his failure to give sufficient warning of the baneful effects of infidel higher criticism and of Roman Catholic co-operation in the field of modern Scripture translation, and his vagueness in giving guidance to evangelicals as to what version to adopt left him open to serious criticism.
In this issue we have included several brief articles which have a bearing on the textual controversy. A full article on the Bible and Textual Criticism by Rev. D. Maclean, Glasgow, will appear in the March issue (D.V.).
Britain Enters the Common Market
On 1st January 1973 our country entered the European Economic Community. Through the long years during which successive British Governments have engaged in negotiations for entry into the Common Market we have remained implacably opposed to this proposal. Our opposition did not stem from a narrow isolationistic outlook but was based on reasonable and Scriptural grounds. The fact particularly that the nations of the Common Market were predominantly Roman Catholic in character meant that our Protestant constitution, already sufficiently endangered by the luke-warm Protestantism of many in our country, would be put further at risk by such an alliance. Should Britain’s newly-formed relationship with Europe continue and not be repudiated by a future Government, time will tell whether our fears were justified.
As it is a federated Europe which is ultimately in view, such a union of nations will require a religious cementing link. This can only be Roman Catholicism in the present state of Europe. If, however, it should please the Lord to pour out His Spirit on the nations of Europe, including our own sin-darkened land, the Gospel would provide a unifying bond and make a realistic and God-honouring alliance of nations possible. Until then we cannot see the present partial surrender of national sovereignty in any other light than a betrayal of the highest interests of our country, and as a judgment from the Most High for our national apostasy from the living and true God.
Famine Danger in Many Lands
Accounts have come to hand recently of a drought in India which is so serious as to be regarded as a national calamity. Millions face the
threat of famine if massive imports of food are not obtained. In the neighbouring country of Bangladesh, too, the famine situation is serious and likely to increase alarmingly. In Rhodesia a disastrous drought has seriously affected crops and African farmers are likely to suffer great hardship.
In the light of these solemn afflictive providences in other lands we have reason to wonder at the Lord’s forbearance and longsuffering towards us. It should humble us to the dust that the Lord, notwithstanding our grievous provocations, is still plentifully supplying our needs when He could in a moment, if it so pleased Him, break our staff of bread.
Eire Referendum
A referendum held in Eire resulted in the deletion of Article 44 of the 1937 Constitution. This article acknowledged the special position of the Roman Catholic Church in Eire. The aim is undoubtedly to pave the way for eventual union of Northern and Southern Ireland. Our view is that this change in the relationship of the R.C. Church to the State is merely a change on paper which will not materially affect the close relationship which exists, and which will continue to exist, between Church and State in Eire.
Ecumenical Experiment
In Livingston New Town where several churches already share services in an ecumenical experiment, Roman Catholics have agreed to worship under the same roof. They are to have a special chapel for themselves as they are not prepared to share services. This concession by the Romanists is hailed as a major break-through in R.C.-Protestant Church relations! How tragic that such a venture should be regarded other than as a betrayal of the Protestant faith.
He that sees Jesus Christ, sees all the glory of paradise, Christ being the mirror of beauty, the quintessence of happiness.
Thos. Watson
Praying is a soul-enriching trade. It is a trade with heaven, and brings down temporal and spiritual mercies. He that drives this trade most diligently, will be found the most thriving Christian. Surely the leanness among professing Christians is owing to this neglect in a great measure.
Boston