THE TESTIMONY OF THE BIBLE CONCERNING THE Assumptions ofDestructive Criticism

BY

S.E. WISHARD, D.D.

LOS ANGELES, CAL.

JOHNSON & HANEY

BIBLE INSTITUTE PRESS

1909

Copyright, 1909

By S.E. WISHARD, D.D.

Presentation Copy

"In the defence and confirmation of the truth"

—Phil 1:7

BIBLE INSTITUTE

Los Angeles, Calif.

FOREWORD.

This booklet is sent out

To all Sabbath-school teachers,

To the young people of the Christian churches,

And to all believers in the living Word.

The work of the destructive critics has been widely disseminatedin current literature. Magazines, secular newspapers, and somereligious papers are giving currency to these critical attacks onthe Word of God. The young people of our churches are exposed tothe insidious poison of this skepticism. It comes to them under theguise of a broader and more liberal scholarship. They have neitherthe time nor the equipment to enter the field of criticism, nor isthis work demanded of them.

While abler pens are meeting and answering the questions raisedby destructive critics, something may be said that will clear awaythe fog produced by them and enable young Christians to comedirectly to the truth.

Hence this booklet is an attempt to "give God a chance" to havehis say. The testimony presented is on the divine plan of giving,"Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, lineupon line," "lest we forget."

There has been no attempt to cover the whole ground ofdestructive criticism in the brief compass of this booklet. It willbe enough to permit God to answer; hence, in the following pages hespeaks for himself. We are content that his voice shall beheard.

S.E. WISHARD.

PAGE

I. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD DESTRUCTIVE CRITICISM 9

II. SHOULD REPLY BE MADE? 17

III. WAS MOSES A LITERARY FICTION? 25

IV. WERE CHRIST AND THE APOSTLES MISTAKEN? 39

V. THE ATTACK ON THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS 59

VI. ASSUMPTIONS CONCERNING THE BOOK OF ISAIAH 73

VII. GOD'S REPLY TO THESE ASSUMPTIONS. 87

VIII. THE HISTORICITY OF THE BOOK OF JONAH 101

IX. RADICAL EXPOSITION 111

X. GOD HIS OWN INTERPRETER 119

I. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD DESTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walkin love, as Christ also hath loved us." Eph. v. 1, 2.

"Be patient toward all men. See that none render evil forevil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both amongyourselves and to all men." 1 Thess. v. 14, 15.

"He that believeth shall not make haste." Isa. xxviii.16.

"The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all hiscommandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and aredone in truth and uprightness." Psa. cxi. 7, 8.

"My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." Isa,xlvi. 10.

The attitude which God's people should assume toward destructivecriticism has been questioned. It should certainly be a position ofcalm patience, that can deliberately weigh valid testimony, andabide by the decision of intelligent j

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