The Fitness of Scripture: Richard Chenevix Trench and Victorian Doctrines of Scripture by Cole William Hartin A Doctoral Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Wycliffe College and the Graduate Centre for Theological Studies of the Toronto School of Theology. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies awarded by Wycliffe College and the University of Toronto. © Copyright by Cole William Hartin 2019 The Fitness of Scripture: Richard Chenevix Trench and Victorian Doctrines of Scripture Cole William Hartin Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies Wycliffe College and the University of Toronto 2019 Abstract This thesis outlines Archbishop Richard Chenevix Trench’s theology of Scripture, showing that he reads the Bible distinctively by situating him within the broader Victorian Church of England. Furthermore, it argues that because of the clarity with which Trench apprehends the character of Scripture and the interpretive implications of this, he offers a comprehensive paradigm from which one can articulate a coherent understanding of “the fitness of Holy Scripture for unfolding the spiritual life of men.” I examine Trench’s theology of Scripture by way of comparison with other prominent thinkers in the Church of England during his time. First, Charles Simeon’s devout but unidimensional interpretation, which aims to discover the full range of biblical teaching, is set beside Trench’s layered Christological reading of the text. The next chapter discusses Benjamin Jowett’s attempts to uncover the original meaning and context of each passage of Scripture. Trench’s doctrine of the Holy Spirit’s authorship juxtaposes with Jowett, opening room for a further future unfolding of the meaning inherent in Scripture. Trench’s doctrine of Scripture comes into closer focus against the relatively similar exegesis of John Keble on the Parable of the Good Samaritan; one finds Trench has a looser view of ecclesial authority, opting instead for scripturally grounded authority. The previous findings are synthesized in the following chapter, which outlines Trench’s character as an Orthodox interpreter with special focus on his conservatism, traditionalism, and cohesiveness. This is ii contrasted with F.D. Maurice, who engages Scripture very differently, despite a shared history with Trench. In conclusion, this thesis suggests that Trench’s vision of Scripture is sufficiently comprehensive and concrete to serve as a basis for further understanding the current divisions in the Anglican Communion surrounding the interpretation of Scripture. Though Trench’s theology is unlikely to provide any constructive answers, it is useful for laying the common ground for such constructive discussion. iii Acknowledgments Having the opportunity to spend the past few years working on this essay has been nothing less than a gift of God’s grace. There have been pockets of frustration and monotony, but I’ve been overwhelmed by the constant sense that I don’t deserve to do something so wonderful. So I am thankful to God in Christ for these years spent reading and thinking about his Word in his Church. There have been a lot of people who have helped me along the way. I’m grateful to the faculty and staff of Wycliffe College, the University of Toronto, and the wider Toronto School of Theology community. I’ve been stretched and challenged by my professors, but also by my peers. The friendship of Aaron Mix-Ross, Jeff Boldt, and David Adkins has been especially refreshing; they have each offered insights that have helped me along the writing process. During the writing of my dissertation, I had the privilege to serve in two parishes. The first parish, St. Matthew’s, Islington, has been incredibly supportive; countless folks have asked me how I was progressing, offering encouragement on my good days and sympathy on my bad. I’m thankful especially to the several wardens I was able to work with, and for the clergy, the Reverends Stephen Blackmore, Gail Marshall, and Merv Mercer. They allowed me time off and offered financial support so that I could attend academic conferences that have enriched my work. Dawn Mercer offered many kind words, and Derek Taylor graciously helped with editing the chapter on Trench and Keble. My many hours writing in my cold office were warmer because of all of you. I’ve only lately arrived at St. Luke’s, Parish of Portland, but I am thankful for the support of the congregation, and specifically for the mentorship of the Rev. Canon David Barrett. I’m thankful too, for the friendship and guidance of Fr. Ajit John. His genuine curiosity about what I’ve been writing has been deeply encouraging. Professors Joseph Mangina and David Neelands were of great help throughout my time at Wycliffe and proved to be wonderful members of my supervisory committee. Ephraim Radner has been an incredible supervisor, always offering timely and thorough responses to my writing despite a very busy schedule. I am thankful for his example as a professor and a priest, and I iv know that I speak for many of my peers in saying that he has served as a faithful witness in life and godliness. In the later stages of the writing process, the editorial insights of Dr. Rachel Lott were invaluable. Her stylistic suggestions have improved my writing tremendously. In addition, professors Richard Greene and Gareth Atkins offered challenging suggestions and helpful critiques during my defence. My parents, Brenda and Larry, and my parents-in-law, Barb and Steve, showed interest throughout these past years. I’m thankful for their concern. It’s been somewhat embarrassing explaining to my sons that I still have to go to school, even though I’m an adult. I’m thankful, at least, I’ve managed to finish this before they started kindergarten, so they don’t tell all of their classmates that their dad is still a student. I’m grateful for both of them, for their happy interruptions, the sound of their pattering feet, and their squirmy hugs. And last of all, I’m thankful for my wife, Amy. Doing a PhD never really felt like a sacrifice to me, and I think this was solely because of her love and support. In fact, spending four expensive years reading and writing was a sacrifice, one that I fear she felt more than anyone, and still happily accepted. Her love is an anchor to our whole family. All of the errors here belong to me. v Contents Introduction ....................................................................................................................................1 Background: The Interpretation of Scripture and Richard Chenevix Trench ......................1 Thesis in Outline: Trench, Simeon, Jowett, and Keble........................................................6 Chapter 1 Trench and the Evangelicals .....................................................................................10 1 Trench on the Unity and Multivalence of Scripture .......................................................10 2 Trench on the Church Fathers .........................................................................................23 3 Charles Simeon on the Nature of Scripture ....................................................................25 4 Charles Simeon’s Exegesis .............................................................................................39 Chapter 2 Trench and the Broad Churchmen .........................................................................49 1 From Scripture to Text: Shifts in Anglo-European Scriptural Interpretation .................49 2 The Broad Church and Scripture ....................................................................................52 3 Trench and the Future Unfolding of Scripture: Ontology and Providence .....................56 4 Trench on the Multiplicity of Meaning: Authorship and History ...................................60 5 Benjamin Jowett: Broad Church Interpreter ...................................................................62 6 An Exposition of Jowett’s “On the Interpretation of Scripture” .....................................65 7 Frederic William Farrar: Providence and Progress in History........................................79 8 From Interpretation to Application: Jowett on Scriptural Meaning................................82 9 Jowett on Language and Concluding Reflections ...........................................................83 Chapter 3 Trench and the Tractarians .....................................................................................87 1 Authority and Primitivism in Trench and Keble.............................................................87 2 Trench’s Exegesis: The Parable of the Good Samaritan ................................................94 3 Trench on the Inexhaustibility of Scripture ....................................................................97 4 Trench’s Figural Reading of the Parable of the Good Samaritan .................................104 5 Keble on the Parable of the Good Samaritan ................................................................106 vi 6 Trench on Authority and the Nature of Words .............................................................111 7 Trench and Keble on Providence and Authority...........................................................116 8 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................118 Chapter 4 Trench the Orthodox ...............................................................................................120