Shall we assume that these views, which they deem so important to-day, were of no importance when the Church of Christ first took form?  We may ask, what estimate should we have of Christ, who, knowing his people were in error as to the authorship and origin of the Scriptures, would leave them in darkness for more than eighteen hundred years?  Is it to be assumed that he would wait through the long centuries for the coming of critics to enlighten his people?  That is what we are logically asked to accept at their hands.  It is thus made clear that the issue of this conflict, as in all the past, is narrowed down to the person and character of our Savior.  It is well to face the issue calmly, and with a clear understanding of what is pending.  Did Christ know truth?  Was he honest?  Hence, the attitude of the Church should be taken in view of the trend of modern critical discussion.

II.  SHOULD REPLY BE MADE?

"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psa. xi. 3.

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thess. v. 21.

"Buy the truth and sell it not.”  Prov. xxiii. 23.

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints.”  Jude 3.

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle.” 2 Thess. ii. 15.

"I am set for the defense of the gospel.”  Paul, Phil. i. 17.

It is a question among earnest Christian men, who are busily engaged in the work of the Master, as to whether we should turn aside long enough to make reply to the destructive critics.  It is affirmed that, as the Word of God has already passed through all the attacks that have been made upon it, it will defend itself in the future as in the past—­that our duty is to preach the gospel.  Certainly the victories of the gospel are a noble defense of its truth and power to save.  There should be no respite from this work.  But there are vast multitudes of people that permit the critics to do their thinking for them.  They are not well informed concerning the Scriptures, and consequently are not prepared to repel the attacks of skepticism, nor to reply to the specious arguments or positive assumptions of the critics.  These multitudes are in danger of casting aside the Word of God, and missing the offer of eternal life.

The fact of the increased activity of the enemies of the truth must be known to Christian people.  Their organized and persistent use of the press has gained for them a wide hearing.  Shall the Christian people deny themselves this instrumentality of getting a hearing for God and his truth before the world?  Would not silence be construed by the world as meaning that the cause dear to the heart of God’s people is indefensible?