These articles, A DEFENSE OF DISPENSATIONALISM, were written at different times and under different circumstances so that they pretend to no uniformity of style. The underlying thought of the author was to refute charges that were leveled against the truth and against eminent servants of Christ. The Lord will answer these attacks in His own time and way, and the judgment seat of Christ will bring all to light. We praise God for giving us sound ministry, which brought to light His mind, and which we consider a veritable treasure house. In spite of the aspersions cast on men more worthy than themselves, we would hold fast the precious deposit of truth.
It may be well to comment on the expression, "Historic Faith," which others have quoted with some approbation. Just how much or how little of precious truth was known in early days by so-called Church Fathers may be gathered from statements made by the noted Catholic priest, C. Chiniquy. When he was discussing some problems with his bishop, he was referred to the "Holy Fathers" as the place where he could find the answers to all his questions and difficulties. When the bishop could not furnish him with a copy of the writings of the Fathers, he secured a used copy by Migne from a Montreal book dealer by the name of Mr. Fabre. When the earnest and inquiring priest searched these old writings, which covered six centuries, he pronounced his pursuit as a most desolate work. He said that he did not take a step in the labyrinth of the fathers' discussions and controversies "without seeing the dreams of his theological studies and religious views disappear as the thick morning mist when the sun rises above the horizon." Thus is demonstrated how soon the truth of God became obscured, and, for a soul's enjoyment and blessing, it was lost. It is useless to go back to the early Church Fathers either for soul food or for confirmation of the truth. To offer statements about the "Historic Faith" as evidence against the early acceptance of the blessed hope of the Lord's coming for His Church is beyond cavil a monstrous notion. The truth was found in the writings of the apostles, but soon it was given up and lost.