Points of truth however interesting, scriptural knowledge however profound and extensive, biblical criticism however accurate and valuable, may all leave the heart barren and the affections cold. We want to find Christ in the Word; and having found Him, to feed on Him by faith. This would impart freshness, unction, power, vitality, energy and intensity, all of which we deeply stand in need of in this day of freezing formalism. What is the value of a chilling orthodoxy without a living Christ, known in all His powerful, personal attractions? No doubt sound doctrine is immensely important- every faithful servant of Christ will feel himself imperatively called upon to "hold fast the form of sound words"- but after all, a living Christ is the very soul and life-the joints and marrow-the sinews and arteries-the essence and substance of sound doctrine. May we, by the power of the Holy Ghost, see more beauty and preciousness in Christ, and thus be weaned from the spirit and principles of Babylon.!

 

C. H. Mackintosh