The Scofield Reference Bible
definitely recognizes the divided state of Christendom; it tacitly, but
unquestionably, endorses the continuation thereof; in so many words it exalts
the leadership that keeps up such a condition; it so presents matters in the
various "helps" that the practical effect is to read Scripture
promises and provisions into the various human systems and thus perpetuate
their domination of the sadly divided children of God. It recognizes
"declension," "apostasy," etc., but fails to promote
exercise that would lead souls out of unscriptural associations and into those
that please God.

 

Mr. John Nelson Darby left the
Church of England (Episcopal) because "it was not the church of God" (I quote from memory). He had discovered, from the Word of God, that it did
not represent "the primitive church order" (to use the Scofield
Edition language). This was some 80 years prior to the appearance of the volume
we are considering. We would naturally expect that one who had done so would
wish to be associated with that which answered to the requirements of
Scripture; and so he sought to walk thereafter; and so he ministered.

 

For a time, Mr. Scofield was
contemporary with Mr. Darby, more largely with William Kelly, C. H. Mackintosh,
and F. W. Grant, not to speak of those who wrote less voluminously. The printed
ministries of these just mentioned and of others who testified to the same
effect were completed prior to the issuance of the Scofield Bible. The
existence of these writings, as well as of the assemblies formed by the
"recovered truths" expounded therein, must have been known to Mr.
Scofield. The recognition (in the "Introduction") of "Mr. Walter
Scott, the eminent Bible teacher," proves that Mr. Scofield was aware of
these facts. (That Mr. Scott eventually — I do not know the date — left the
path and spent his last years in independency, does not alter the force of the
above).

 

The omission (from his
"helps") of this testimony, while he owns the period was one of
unprecedented Bible study, is most solemn. The irresistible conclusion is that
it was deliberate. The path to which special attention was just then called by
a sustained activity of the Holy Spirit unparalleled in the history of the
church — this path is rejected for themselves, by these Editors; and that which
would give the readers knowledge of it is omitted.

 

If this is not so, let it be
shown where it is presented and then how it is exemplified by the men whose
labors we are reviewing herein as touching this matter.

 

No one would claim that the
omission is through ignorance; we are dealing with what was produced by able,
informed men. Nor is it that this matter lies outside the sphere contemplated
in the volume. Rather, the omission represents what these men desired to
do—their will. It was done, too with mutual understanding. They united, thus,
to keep God’s people divided.

 

The "Introduction"
observes that the "vast literature" on Bible study is generally
"inaccessible." The Editor has summarized, arranged, condensed it.
Alas! in the process, that with which the Spirit began (whether initially at
Pentecost, or early in the past century as a revived testimony—namely, the
unity of the saints in the assembly) has disappeared!

 

I am able to bear witness to the
effect of this. First I learned dispensational truths. As time went on, I
passed through exercises regarding objectionable things with which I found
myself identified in human systems. Only at the last did I come to what God
began with—the unity of His people, the place where "brethren" began.
I then had to extricate myself from the confusion involved in the human
principles which had been recommended to me by their being connected with
various good doctrines. This in turn was linked with the matter of attachment
to personalities—some of them the very men responsible for the Scofield Bible
"helps." But for the delivering grace of God, I do not see that I could
ever have become separate from the men and the realm with which my joys and
progress in Christian experience were so connected.

 

Oh, that these men had acted
upon the truth (assembly truth) for themselves and taught it fearlessly,
faithfully, fully, lovingly, even though reproach was attached thereto! Then
the Scofield Bible could never have become so popular. Oh, that their
condensing had not turned into dispensing with assembly truth in practice!

 

What a blessing they might have
been in this respect! What a responsibility is theirs for presenting so
laborious a work with the claim that it is complete, and then omitting that
which was so distinctly the Spirit’s special activity during the preceding eighty
years! When the Lord acts to bring a line of truth out into marked prominence,
it is because it is needed. There are souls that want it and are ready for it.
They have a right to it. How sad that many, confessedly unable to investigate
the details of these things for themselves, should be deprived of them by the
very men whom they trust to give them all they need, and who ask to be trusted
to do that!

 

Yes, there are many precious
truths in the "helps"; no question is raised as to that. But, a work
must be estimated according to what it fails to say which ought to be said, as
well as according to what it does say. (To be continued.)