To the charge of
holding “that the knowledge of Scripture, in the writings of Dr. Thomas, has
reached a finality,” we plead guilty. If we were ignorant or unfamiliar with the
Scriptures, or were like those who, when they attempt to write or speak, have
to look at them through the telescope of dictionaries, concordances, and such
like, we should not have ground sufficient to entertain this conviction; but
our acquaintance with them in daily intercourse for twenty-one years, enables
us to be confident on the point. Our reading has not been confined fined to the
Scriptures, or to the writings of Dr. Thomas. We have read what others have
to say. We have, therefore, all the materials to form a judgment; and our
judgment is distinctly to the effect imputed—that, in the writings of Dr.
Thomas, the truth is developed as a finality, and that they are a depot of the
Christian doctrine. In this sense we are “committed to Dr. Thomas.” Dr.
Thomas has been laid aside in the grave for a season; and so long as God
permits life and health, we shall defend the mighty results of his labours
against all ridicule and opposition from friend or foe. Were he in the land of
the living some who are in hostility would be in a different attitude towards
him. When he re-appears, they will be ashamed. Meanwhile, God, who used him in
the doing of His work, lives to note the gap made by his death, and the results
which were not unforeseen to Him. In His sight, and with His help, we shall
hold fast to the truth brought to light by his means; and, please God, will
rejoice with him at the near-impending realisation of all the hopes of the
saints, in the day when the bitterness of present warfare will only add
sweetness to the hour of triumph. We shall try and endure the odium which calls
this a dictatorial spirit. The clear perception, strong choice, and resolute
defence of that which is true and good is not the offspring of dictation;
nevertheless, if enemies or friends choose to consider it so, we must heed them
not. It is this spirit that enables a man to say at last, “I have fought a good
fight: I have kept the faith.” It is not a question of pulling up the tares,
which no man can do. It is a question of not being partakers of other men’s
sins, and of washing our hands of all complicity in the practical treachery to
the truth which would preach it as an uncertain thing, and defile it by
admixture with the leaven of the Scribes and Pharisees. (Robert Roberts, The
Christadelphian 11, no. 123 [September 1874], 408-9, emphasis added)
Further Reading: