shelbybark

blog: archive / rss

The Best By Test?

Here’s Roger Salter’s article for 11/23/03

A learned and godly Presbyterian once produced a booklet commending the doctrines and practices of his denomination under the title, “The Best by Test”. His arguments were very persuasive. It is well nigh impossible to improve upon the theology of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, and there is no doubt that a return to the symbolic statements of Reformational theology would be of immense benefit to the Christian Church of our time. The history of Presbyterianism is also very noble and that communion has promoted the cause of the gospel with a steady stream of teachers, preachers, pastors, and missionaries of superb calibre. There is a great danger in pride of denomination and prejudice against others, but there are many grounds for giving thanks to God for the testimony of the Presbyterian Church and the rich heritage it has contributed for the benefit of all believers. One great Scottish Presbyterian of the 19th century, John Duncan, missionary and scholar, described himself as follows, “Christian, next a Catholic, then a Calvinist, fourth a Paedo-baptist, and fifth a Presbyterian. I cannot reverse this order”. Duncan?s order of priorities is interesting and thought provoking. Without examining and expounding his statement in detail, which was his prerogative, it is easy to recognize the cogency of his position and comply with it.