The Burning Bush - Far Eastern Bible College

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The Burning Bush 16/1 (January 2010)which later became “The Fellowship of Independent EvangelicalChurches” (FIEC). Fountain explains Poole-Connor’s reason for doing sowas because the latter believed that professing loyalty to a “secondary”issue as practised in a denomination has hastened doctrinal decline.Instead, joining arms to fight against modernism was the greater needinstead.Several noteworthy highlights of this book are firstly, Fountain’sspiritual discernment that the connection between defence of the Word ofGod and the blessing of the Holy Spirit was ignored during this period.People were seeking for revival of the dead church but yet were attackingGod’s Word at the same time. Secondly, Fountain’s keen perception thatthe rapid momentum of the decline was largely due to “silence of goodmen” who were not speaking up against the deceptions of false brethren.This enabled the poison to spread because of the neutrality and toleranceof many. On this, Fountain shows Poole-Connor’s discerning view andreaction against teachers of Higher Criticism, modernism and friendlinessto Rome. Thirdly, Fountain pointed out that the rapid decline was alsodue to the fact that many respected preachers, who were outwardlyevangelical in their speeches, were really tolerant compromisers in theirpractices. He quotes Poole-Connor writing, “But let it be emphaticallyrepeated—words are not enough. It is action that is demanded. ... Theirleniency is eloquent advocacy; ...”. Indeed many of such characters arestill living today. And finally, his astute insight on how the pervadingfocus on evangelism, with little attention paid to doctrinal issues of thosedays (particularly biblical inerrancy and authority), was also a keyproblem. He named those who unwittingly helped promote this mindset,listing D L Moody, Ira Sankey, and R A Torrey among such and to someextent Andrew Murray.Poole-Connor was unique in that he was careful not to blindlyembrace even those evangelicals who were greatly used by God in hisage. He would diligently examine their practices against the light ofGod’s Word, no matter the outward “achievements”. Towards the end,Fountain gives a stirring account of Poole-Connor’s life in his final years.Poole-Connor never wavered nor faltered in his brave attacks on falsetrends. And he continued to do so even though it led him to lonelinessbecause of the severe criticisms that were directed at him for hisevaluation of the situation.60
A REVIEW OF DAVID FOUNTAIN’S CONTENDING FOR THE FAITHThe warnings this book ring relevantly true in our times. It wouldhave, however, lent even greater weight to itself if it included moreScripture passages to substantiate its views. Notably, it is the Postscriptchapter by Dr Peter Masters that truly makes this book complete andupdated for our day. This chapter was wisely requested for by Fountainthrough foresight. It honestly points out that while the idea of “unity onbasis of essentials, laying aside non-essentials” was relevant andadequate in Poole-Connor’s day, it is not sufficient today. This is so basedon the very point that Poole-Connor who did himself forewarnemphatically about; that at the end of the day, actions and practices arewhat count, not just stated beliefs. Creeds have little meaning whencompromise continues to be present. Dr Masters rightly warns that thepractices, not just the statements of their evangelical beliefs, that must bethe yardstick of cooperation today. The common practices andexperiences, resulting from contemporary Christian worship, charismaticpractices and other unbiblical practices, continue to lead the way back toRome.This book has achieved what it has set out to do in giving the readera picture of the events surrounding the period of spiritual disaster inEngland. It traced the causes and effects of compromise which Poole-Connor faithfully battled against. These are days when many Christianshave succumbed to compromise and have tolerated errors. Many do so toplease others and to promote self. Hence, this book has truly been anencouragement to this writer’s heart that God had raised and sustainedPoole-Connor to remain true and faithful to his Master till his last breath.May the above be an example and inspiration to all. For we mustnever falter in raising the banner of Truth, sword in one hand and trowelin the other, as we march faithfully on the Lord’s side.Joseph Poon is a Master of Divinity student at the Far EasternBible College.Note1David Guy Fountain, Earnestly Contending for the Faith: E J Poole-Connor, a “Prophet” Amidst the Sweeping Changes in English Evangelicalism(London: Wakeman Trust, 2005), 174pp.61
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The Burning Bush - Far Eastern Bible College

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