Psalm 96 THE LIVING AND TRUE GOD o sing unto the Lord a new song: Theodore Georgian sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name: show forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, MINISTRY OF HOPE his wonders among all people. Edmund Clowney For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens. THINGS SECRET AND REVEALED Honor and majesty are before him: Carl Ahlfeldt strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the Lord, 0 ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: TABERNACLE OF DAVID bring an offering, and come into his courts. Collinsworth Lecture o worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that HERE AND THERE it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. NEWS AND EDITORIALS Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord: For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. VOL 35, NO. 9

..,",. Idolatry New and Old ordination vo~s with tongue in cheek, WIth no intention of living up to their vows; men who recite the Apostles' Cr~ed believing hardly a phrase of that Our Living and True God universal statement of faith; men who prea.c~ their unbelief by cloaking it in tra~ltlonal THEODORE J. GEORGIAN vocabulary, thus lulling their people to sleep; men with per­ he New Yorker has added its sonal beliefs that are more Unitarian and accept Jesus rather than some and humanistic than Christian, but T voice to the countless books and other figure as a model, because magazine articles on the new or radical who apparently refuse to see the in­ "there is something there, in his congruity involved in their remaining t?eol~gy. 1 ref~r to a fascinating ar­ w.ords, his life, his way with others, ticle rn three installments which ap­ within the fold of the Christian hIS death, that 1 do not find else­ church. peared last autumn. Entitled "The where . . . There may be powerful New Theologian," it touches on many The new theology is no isolated f teaching elsewhere, more impressive phenomenon; it is being picked up in aspects of the thought of men like at.Id mov!,ng deaths. Yet 1 have chosen many Christian circles in America and , Bishop Robinson, Tillich, Bonhoeffer, him ... Europe. As someone has said of Bon­ Bultmann, Barth, and the so-called But can you take the figure of hoefrer's religionless Christianity, it "Death-of-God" theologians. Jesus from the pages of the New Tes­ "has been sweeping through the theo­ According to the apostles of a "re­ tament and remake him in your logical world like a fire." This makes ligionless Christianity," it is no longer image? You cannot transform him into it all the more dangerous. possible to speak of a God who is a an exclusively humanitarian figure, We know that no one can write supernatural Person. After the trenches without taking into account his eternal God off just by saying, "Abracadabra, of World War 1 and the gas chambers pre-existence, his claims to be the Son the concept of God doesn't speak to of World War II, ours is a secular­ of God and the Messiah, his super­ me any more." The Scriptures teach ized "world-come-of-age" that doesn't natural works, and his total worth as that all men have received a clear and need God. The death of God means the Redeemer. convincing revelation of God. The that it is no longer meaningful to be­ whole universe is like a theater for lieve in the existence of God, because Wistful Honesty displaying God's glory. Wherever we the concept of God does not offer any 1 find something wistful in the turn, we cannot avoid seeing him. solution to the crying personal, social, "Death of God" theologians. I think God Unavoidable economic, and political problems of that Bonhoeffer looked desperately for The signals from God are loud and today's world. You talk about God. the presence and working of God in clear; sin has ruined man's receiving But how does your speech about God the midst of the horror that was set, so that at best his knowledge of communicate anything understandable Hitler. And Hamilton writes: ". .. God has been greatly corrupted. The to modern man? You cannot verify by now it seems that He does not make situation, then, is this: men must have controlled observation anything you himself known, even as enemy." "1 am a religion; they will worship some say or believe about God, can you? still waiting and hoping for God to god. But because they have wickedly How can the supernaturalism of Chris­ rise up again." corrupted the knowledge of the true tianity be reconciled with modern 1 also find these theologians to be God, there remains no genuine piety science? honest. Professor Van Buren admits among men. So that men's very re­ And so they say we should let theol­ that he doesn't pray, that he is not a ligions become their worst crimes, ogy confine the Christian name of God Christian. Ordained an Episcopal since they constitute inexcusable and to the past, "and wholly refrain from priest, he would not mind being un­ willful perversions of the inborn idea proclaiming his redemptive presence in frocked, if his Anglican Church of God which they suppress. our historical present." All that we wanted it so. And Hamilton speaks Wherever the gospel of Jesus Christ need for living our life are the ethics with refreshing candor as he reflects goes, it meets this condition among of Jesus. Our religion must no more on his place in traditional Christian­ men. When Paul crossed the Aegean be expressed in doctrinal terms-for­ ity. Calling the church the Establish­ Sea into Macedonia, he encountered get creeds and confessions of faith­ ment, he sees a problem in his con­ the paganism with which the Mace­ but rather, in deep, heartfelt concern. tinuing to teach in a church seminary, donians tried to suppress the true According to Dr. William Hamilton, and feels: "The time has come for knowledge of God. The apostle wrote faith in God dissolves into love of me to put up or shut up, for me to be to the Thessalonians of their reception man. As Jesus of Nazareth is alleged an in or an out." 1 salute these men of the gospel, of how they "turned to to have done, we too must find our for their honesty. God from idols, to serve the living place "beside the neighbor, beside the 1 can only wish that half as much and true God ..." enemy, at the disposal of the man in honesty would be found in Christian What a remarkable change in those need." Hamilton says, moreover, that pulpits throughout the nation. In­ people. Conversion, we call it. For he chooses to remain in the church stead, you find men who have taken (concluded on page 135)

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130 The Presbyterian Guardian

\ President's Inaugural Address The Ministry of Hope

EDMUND P. CLOWNEY

r. Oliver, members of the Board ing hope of the gospel gives me lib­ M and of the Faculty, friends, your erty to accept this charge in the pres­ kindness brings a glow of cheer to this ence of the Savior. My reflection on occasion. It's a quiet glow, and I'm the theology of hope has been first the glad for that. Westminster has certain seeking of my own need. scruples about adopting the props of Yet to consider the ministry of "show biz." We have had no frugging Westministry Seminary in the light of in the aisles, and the men of the choir the Christian hope is like seeing the sang without drums, guitars, or slap campus foliage in the slanting fire of bass. The only pageantry apparent is an autumn sun. The familiar bush is the medieval mummery of gowns and aflame with glory. hoods, and these, I take it, are symbols Hope is the word of our time. The of decorum, not festivity. revolutions that sweep the continents This restraint is most commendable. are born of hope. Time magazine I Westminster has never had a president began an article on the fate of the and I have never been president of civil rights revolution in America with anything but a college literary society. these words: "In the classic pattern My best friend has her misgivings revolution leads to hope, hope to frus­ about my new role. Some of you know tration, frustration to fury. Thus it is Mrs. Stone has it. Tennessee Wil­ me as ex-Eutychus and others have no­ that so many revolutions end by de­ liams describes her as she enjoys ticed a certain resemblance to Charlie vouring their own children and de­ health, leisure, and luxury. "Mrs. Brown. As I take these new responsi­ stroying the goals for which they were Stone pursued the little diversions, the bilities on my shoulders you are ready fought." hair-dresser at four o'clock, the pho­ to ask with Lucy, "What shoulders?" Hopes in Contrast tographer at 5:00, the Colony at 6:00, Well, all of you may take comfort that Hear the cadenced language: revo­ the theatre at 7: 30, Sardi's at mid­ the theme of this address is the min­ night . . . she moved in the great istry of hope. lution to hope, hope to frustration, frustration to fury. That whirlpool to empty circle. But she glanced inward You will realize that the humor of the depths contrasts with the springing from the periphery and saw the void the situation is not jesting. There is rhythm of the Apostle Paul: "And not enclosed there. She saw the emptiness absurdity in every calling of God's only so, but we glory in tribulations ... but the way that centrifugal force grace. I will solemnly confess that God also: knowing that tribulation worketh prevents a whirling object from falling has not permitted me to stand here patience; and patience, experience; and inward, she was removed for a long tonight without making the absurdity experience, hope: and hope maketh time from the void she circled."2 in my case painfully evident to me. not ashamed; because the love of God Only a fresh discovery of the abound- The transition from secular hope to is shed abroad in our hearts by the existential despair requires only the in­ Holy Ghost which is given unto us" stant in which the bubble bursts and (Romans 5:3-5). Dr. Edmund P. Clowney was in­ all is nothingness. Just now a secular The nations are gripped with a stalled as the first President of West­ optimism is the mood of the American minster Theological Seminary on Oc­ fever of hope. They have seen that technology can check disease, reap mind and the keynote of contemporary tober 24 with the Rev. LeRoy B. theology. The call is to clear away the Oliver, Chairman of the Board of abundant harvests and offer leisure in defeatism of old and new orthodoxies Trustees, presiding. Profe~sor C:0r­ luxury. They have seen too the weap­ nelius Van Til gave the mvocatton, ons of technology; they covet goods, and to venture with the secularists in Scripture was read by the Rev. John wealth and power. the building of the new metropolis, P. Clelland of Troy, Alabama, and This hope is doomed to frustration the city of man. Let the church nail the inaugural prayer was offere1 by partly because it is devoured b~ i!s up its escape hatch to heaven, renounce Professor John Murray. A semmary own fierce haste, partly because It IS its heritage of accomplished salvation choir sang under the direction of Mr. exploited by a more cynical selfishness, and become a partner with Christ, es­ William Viss. Professor Paul Woolley, but finally because it is realized. The tablishing in history the New Man- Dean of the Faculty, presented Dr. glory of this secular hope has come. The economy of abundance for whi~h Clowney to Mr. Oliver, who asked 1 October 7, 1966. the constitutional questions and de­ the Gentiles seek has been found - in 2 Quoted in Man Alone, Eric Joseph­ livered a charge to the new President. the American suburbs. son, ed. Deli, p. 469.

November, 1966 131 kind, which is the essential manhood haustion can no longer lift the oars of all men. (Col. 3:4). The Christian hope is against the waves, then he comes, one. The glory of the returning Yet .this mood does not dispel more walking on the water. reflectIv~ Christ, the glory of the new heaven and more sombre expressions Jesus Lives a.nd earth, is the glory of the resurrec­ of despa~r. Sub-C~ristian hope will al­ He comes, who is the Prince of life tion body bearing the nail prints that way~ ~Ismtegra~e into despair and sub­ and he enters death for our salvation: we too shall one day see. ~hf1stIan despair will always generate Illusory hope. His triumph is the seal of our hope. The Christian hope is worldly, new­ "Blessed be the God and Father of ~ The glory of the Christian hope has w?rldly. W do not come to our age another center than the economy of our .Lord Jesus Christ, who according With a special language game that is to his great mercy begat us again unto abundance or the New Mankind. God fun to play on Sunday mornings. We a living hope by the resurrection of is the hope of Israel, the promised talk plainly about what the world is Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an portion of his people. "Out of the and what it. will be..Christ is our hope inheritance incorruptible, and unde­ depths have I cried unto thee, a Lord for that frail and Withered body lying filed, and that fadeth not away, re­ ... I wait for the LORD, my soul in deathly silence among the funeral served in heaven for you, who by the doth wait, and in his word do I hope flowers. She is joined to Christ. Be­ power of God are guarded through ... Let Israel hope in the LORD: for cause he lives, she lives and when the w~th t~e faith unto a salvation ready to be re­ voice of his risen body again sounds L?RD there is mercy, and vealed in the last time" (I Peter WIth him IS plenteous redemption" on earth her resurrection laughter will 1:3,4). echo his name. (Psalm 130:1, 5, 7). Not the ghostly hope of modern God Our Hope heresy but the glorious hope of The Coming World Hope cleaves to the living God, not Christ's living flesh is the hope of the Christian hope is not made real by to a nameless infinite nor to an im­ go.spel. The apostle Paul could not say being conformed to the narrow pos­ personal ground of being, but to the this more plainly. "If Christ has not sibilities of a world shut up to death. God who speaks and utters his cov­ been raised your faith is vain, ye are The real world is the coming world, enant name Jehovah; the God of Abra­ yet in your sins ... If we have only the n~ man ~s the living Lord. Hope ham, Isaac, and Jacob. He not only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of that IS no Wider than a coffin is a calls his people by his name but calls all men most pitiable" (I Cor. 15: mockery in life and a terror in death. himself by their name: EI Elohe Is­ 17,19). God's great handiwork in nature rael, God the God of Israel. The God We do not create a doctrine of the and ~istory will not end in corruption of the Name is self-determined, not resurrection to generate hope; we must but rn glory. The groaning and tra­ indeterminate; infinite, not indefinite; hope because Christ did rise from the vailing creation will be delivered from present, not absent. The most high dead. The spurious theology that con­ the bondage of corruption into the lib­ God dwells in the midst of his people. tinues to speak of Christ's resurrection erty of the glory of the children of No greater blessing can be given to while allowing for the decay of his God (Romans 8:20). a people than that God's Name should body somewhere in Palestine is itself The new secularism calls men from be named upon them. The crown of decaying in our time. If Christ's resur­ religious myth to secular reality be­ the covenant lies not in what God rection is but the projection of our cause it does not believe in the resur­ gives to his people but in what God is hope, then he is dead and his God is rection of Christ's body or in the to his people: I will be your God and dead with him. world to come that bursts from the you shall be my people. Love is the But Paul knew the living Christ; he garden tomb. But Christian hope calls bond of God's personal covenant. Is­ had seen his resurrection glory and he pilgrims to journey through the world rael is restored from rebellion when waited for the day of his coming of creation to the world of consumma­ God proclaims his Name to Moses, again. "When Christ, who is our life tion. We have here no abiding city but the name of lovingkindness and sov­ shall be manifested, then shall ye also we seek after that which is to come. ereign mercy. with him be manifested in glory" Hope affirms the world, for the meek God's personal presence becomes the hope of his people when he comes to Mr. Chairman, in pursuance of the action of the Board of Trustees on dwell not in the bush or in the temple May 17, 1966, I present to you Edmund Prosper Clowney, native of but in his Son. The blessing of God's Philadelphia, Bachelor of Arts of Wheaton College, Bachelor of Theology name is revealed as the presence of of Westminster Theological Seminary, Master of Sacred Theology of Yale God our Savior and Christ Jesus our University, ~octor of Divinity of Wheaton College, student of theology hope (I Tim. 1:1). and of mankind for many years, pastor in Connecticut, Illinois and New The dayspring of hope that arises Jersey, sometime editor of the Presbyterian Guardian, Lecturer and Instruc­ to shine on those who sit in darkness tor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor of Practical and the shadow of death is the glory Theology in this institution, long celebrated as facile with both the artist's of the present Lord. Not only is the brush and the writer's pen, master of the columnist's scalpel, author of Child of the virgin the Lord's Christ, Eutychus (and his pin), Preaching and Biblical Theology, Called to the blessed by the aged Simeon; he is Ministry, Another Foundation, administrative and educational pioneer par Christ the Lord, hailed by the hosan­ excellence, for induction as the first President of Westminster Theological nas of the hosts of heaven (Luke 2: 26, Seminary. 11). God is in the midst of his -P.W. people. When hope is gone and ex-

132 The Presbyterian Guardian "Hope then lives iti the tension between promise and ful­ is constantly joined in the New Testa­ fillment." ment with the experience of suffering. Tribulation works steadfastness; stead­ fastness, approvedness; and approved­ shall inherit the earth, but it affirms firming the promises given to the ness, hope. Hop~ is the product.of the the world not as it now is but as it fathers by becoming the hope of the experience of raith. Through fires of shall be when death is swallowed up Gentiles (Romans 15: 12) . We must testing hope becomes pure a~d. strong. of life. heed Paul's full expression: "the riches The Christian not only rejOiCeS m Hope then lives in the tension be­ of the glory of this mystery among hope, he sorrows in hope and suffers tween promise and fulfillment. "In the Gentiles, which is Christ in you in hope. hope were we saved; but hope that is the hope of glory" (Col. 1: 27). Paul thinks of the dwelling of Christ in the Out of the fullness of hope in seen is not hope: for who hopeth for Christ the ministry of hope is exer­ that which he seeth? But if we hope Gentile church as the great fulfillment of redemptive history. Here is hope cised. Paul ministered in hope, labor­ for that which we see not, then do we G~­ of glory-Gad's great plan has ~oved ing that the offering up of the with patience wait for it" (Romans tiles might be a sacrifice well-pleasmg 8: 24, 25). Hope in the promise is to Its Climactic phase. The praises of the Gentiles are a pledge ot the con­ to God. His prayer was, "Now the hope in the sure Word of God. Con­ God of hope nll you with all joy and temporary theology puts the living summation of redemption. The nations are delivered from darkness to become peace in believing, that ye may abound Word of Scripture aboard the same m hope, in the power of the Holy Stygian ferry where it has laid the partakers of the inheritance.of .the Spirit (Romans 15:13). livmg body of the Savior and conveys saints in light. Even the contributions them both to a shadowy underworld of the Gentiles for the poor saints of The Dynamic of Hope where religious concepts are preserved Jerusalem become a sign of th~ mi?"­ It is to train men in this mmistry from annihilation. Yes, we are told, istering of the wealth of the nations m of hope that Westminster has been Scripture must be a unique and au­ the fulfillment of the promises of raised up. By the dynamic of the hope thoritative witness to Christ, but only God. of the gospel the dilemma of contem­ on the understanding that witness is Christ the Pledge porary theology and theological educa­ not revelation but man's fallible re­ tion is resolved. We are not forced sponse to God's revealing act. Yet hope holds more than such to choose between secular relevance pledges of the promise. Christ himself Comfort of the Scriptures and Scriptural revelation. To blind un­ IS the pledge tor every believer. The belief the gospel seems unreal because Again the hope of the gospel is Holy Spirit is the earnest, the down­ it promises too much, fantastically too being bound by the dead grave clothes payment of the full redemp~i~n of t?e much, but its promises could not be of human possibilities. If history is new creation and by the Spirit, Christ more relevant to the needs of a dying supreme over God'~ Word .then i~s himself is present in glory transfor~­ sinner. Perhaps the gulf has widened sure promises are dissolved in ambi­ ing the individual believer and his between the image that man has of guity. But if God's Word is sover~ig.n body the church into his own image himself and the picture that God re­ over history, then he speaks and It IS from glory to glory. veals of him. Yet God is still true done, he commands and it stands fast The hope of the Christian is a rain­ though every man be a liar. and he will watch over his word to bow of assurance that stretches from perform it. Then through the comfort Before the guilty rebel can hope in Christ's presence in glory through the Christ his false hope in his own idol of the Scriptures we have hope, for Spirit to his coming in glory at the the zeal of the Lord of hosts will make must be thrown down like Dagon be­ end of the age. Not only does the fore the ark. The ministry of hope all his promises yea and amen in Christian have his hope in Christ Christ Jesus. wields the axe of judgment before it sealed because Christ stands for him kindles the sacrifice of praise. Hope is We possess the living and the writ­ in his heavenly mediation, that hope is not served by removing the offense of ten Word on the same terms. Not sure because Christ abides in him wit­ the gospel. To proclaim "Peace" when only does Christ testify to the Scrip­ nessing by the Holy Spirit that he is judgment is coming is to deceive and tures and the Scriptures to Christ but a son of God and an heir of glory. destroy. The true prophet is known by ~is Christ shaped the Scriptures by What is the calling of this hope? his cry, "No peace to the wicked." Spirit and the Scriptu~es shap~d Chnst Is this the "theology of glory" so often in the obedience of his Sonship. Every secular hope builds a city that deplored? Does it spawn pharisaical cannot abide, a kingdom that will be We dare not weaken the Word of complacency? Is it the ultimate carica­ shaken a house that will fall in the God's promise in order to exalt the ture of all status-seeking on the part flood ~f judgment. Hope in Christ Word of his presence in Christ. To the of those who imagine they have ar­ cannot rest in chariots and horses. It contrary, it is by the wisdom .of the rived spiritually? dare not usher in his kingdom by richly indwelling Word of Christ that All these objections seem quite vali:l using the sword in his name. Hope we press on to know Christ in us, the from without. The gospel of grace IS walks the way of the cross, the path hope of glory. Paul who speaks so an open invitation to license until one of service and suffering, not of po­ Chri~t much of the presence of and of has tasted grace! The gospel of hope litical dominion and compulsion. union with Christ draws this grand ---_._------doctrine from the realization of the history of redemption in Christ. He "We possess the living and the written Word on the same describes the mystery of Christ's con- terms."

November, 1966 133 "It is to train men in this ministry of hope that Westminster have seen that the dynamic of hope has been raised up ... Our hope is the presence of the Savior's drives the church to mission, to edi­ glory." fication, to worship. The preaching of the church offers the promise of hope; its order applies the discipline of hope; Those who do not believe that to that hope "with every grace en­ Christ will come in power and judg­ the ministry of mercy is a sign of dued." No Christian in this life has hope, presenting in d~eds of co~pas­ ment will sooner or later seek to wield yet become what he is called to be, power and execute judgment. But sion a token of the relief of all misery and the church too is still under con­ and the restoration of all blessing that those who remember the purpose of struction. It must be seen in its de­ the restraint of wrath in Christ's long­ will come with the new heavens and sign, not in its incompleteness. Yet the the new earth. suffering will plead with men to re­ fullness of Christ indwells the church pent. The mission of the church is The realism of hope takes strong and to that fullness the church shall interest in the life of man and the rulfilled in hope. The false hopes of come. secularism and of universalism and the history of the world. The pilgrim to This keynote of hope must shape the city of God does not pass by on foolish hopes of Arminianism will be­ the training of the ministry. Only in tray the ministry of the gospel. Only the other side when he sees a wounded hope can Westminster or any of its man on the road to Jericho. The cheer­ hope in God's sovereign grace, a sure graduates stand fast. The Christian hope that does not mislead and can­ fulness of hope ministers to men in apologetic is one of hope. We dare not their need. not be frustrated, only that hope will scale down the gospel until it is be­ sustain the ministry of evangelism. lievable to unbelief. Neither dare we Hope Possessed When Christ would encourage his flee with the gospel to a noumenal You will observe that the biblical apostle at Corinth he said in a vision, never-never land that is safe from sci­ doctrine of hope furnishes an approach "Be not afraid, but speak . . . for I entific scrutiny. We must be strong that is superficially similar to many of have much people in this city" (A~ts and of good courage and utter God's the trends of our time yet really set 18:10). Just because our hope IS In name over his whole creation. Hope against them. The emphasi~ on history, the Lord, the high mystery of his knows that the victory is won, that on biblical theology, on Involvement electing love is the anchor of hope. faith shall be sight, that Christ is now with contemporary affairs, thes~ .all Hope in the Lord drives men by seated on the right hand of Power. have new meaning when Christian Christ's love to preach the gosp~l training is stamped with hope. Yet all through the highways and hedg~s,. In Hope's Perspective hangs upon that living hope that cen- season and out of season. Calvinism But steadfast hope must also ~e ters upon the living God. . can be dried like a pressed flower ~o abounding hope. Not only apologetics Further, and this may be most Im­ keep the color of the divine gl?ry In but each discipline of seminary s~dy portant of all? the pe.rspective a! hope two-dimensional death. But Christ the has a fresh dynamic in the perspective joins the bel~ever With ~h~ object of hope of glory is the Prince of Salva­ of hope. Biblical studies gain in value, his faith. Neither the ministry of the tion who will thrust forth laborers for the sure Word of God becomes Word nor training for it may abstract into his harvest. Glorying in hope is infinitely precious. Further, hope doctrine from life. On the one hand the dynamic of revival whenever mis­ grasps the structure of Scripture as the the doctrines of the application of re­ sionary zeal grows cold. Word of promise and unfolds ~e demption require much further study. Fruits of Hope beauty of the history of redemptI.on What riches there are to be possessed The ministry of hope that evangel­ and of its realization in Jesus Christ, in understanding the doctrines of izes the world also edifies the church. Systematic theology has always traced union with Christ and of the work of Abounding hope purifies and unites the history of salvation, but deepened the Holy Spirit! How strange it is by hope, systematics can a.ddress our the people of God. E:,ery on~ who ~as that the high mysteries of. God's sov­ his hope set on Christ punf~es him­ age with fresh understanding of the ereignty have been much dlscuss:d but self even as he is pure. There IS a ho.ly fullness of scriptural doctrine. What that so little theological analysis has intolerance of unfaithfulness to Christ power lies in the biblical development been given to the subject of prayer. that is kindled by hope. Lost hope of the calling of God, to take one On the other hand, the training of brought Judas to betrayal and renewed example. . men as ministers of hope must not hope comes as the breath ?f the .Spirit Because hope is the reac~ of fait? only instruct them in the doctrines of to the Christian who is WInded In the through time it must take hlstol)' sen­ that hope; it must encourag~ ~em to race. To despair of Christ's pr~~ise ously not only in the Bible but ~n the possess it. Just because <:~nst In you for his church is sin. The Christian church. Experience works hope In the is the hope of glory, traInIng. f?r 0-e who convinces himself that tolerance life of the individual and the perspec­ ministry of hope must be traming In of false teaching is ecclesiastical real­ tive of hope cannot ignore the experi­ maturity in Christ. The charter of the ism sins not only against truth b~t ence of all the people of God through Seminary wisely defines a grand de­ against hope. The zeal of true hope IS the ages, or the growth of their under­ sign: to "un~t~ in. those. who .s~all jealous with Paul to present the church standing of God' s Word. sustain the ministerial office, religion as a pure virgin to Christ. Practical theology, too, has much to and literature; that piety of the heart Hope also holds fast to the unity of gain from the theology of hope. We which is the fruit only of the renew- the church of Christ. We are called ------in one hope of our calling and press "Our one hope is in one Lord who has come and is coming."

134 The Presbyterian Guardian ing and sanctifying grace of God, with combine these with Christianity. Above solid learning." all, never say that anyone religion­ A ministry of hope can be raised Christianity, for example-is the only up in no other way, for learning is true religion. not the right hand and piety the left Through Jesus Christ hand of the gospel minister. Rather learning and piety alike are the reason­ To such soft-headed thinking Paul able service of the renewed mind prov­ would have shown no sympathy. Em­ ing what is the good and accepta~le phatically he tells the Thessalonians and perfect will of God. Jesus Chnst that formerly they were on the wrong is the hope we minister and our ~ol?e track. The gods they served were no as we minister. Our one hope IS In gods at all. But now, in and through one Lord who has come and is coming. Jesus Christ, they have found the hv­ The rolling wooded campus of our Ing and real God, whom to know is catalogue is a hill-top where we watch lit e eternal. for the dawn of his appearing. Centuries before, the people of Is­ rael had soberly heard the prophet Westminster's hope is not a new Elijah's ultimatum: "How long will faculty, a new student body, and cer­ you go limping with two ditferent ~~r tainly not a new administration. opinions? It the Lord is God, follow hope is the presence of the Savior s him; but if Baal, then follow him." glory. And Elijah then called on the living "Therefore seeing we have this min­ God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and istry, even as we obtained mercy, we Jacob. Our Lord jesus Christ acknowl­ Kenneth Meilahn Installed faint not ... For we preach not our­ edged this God, which meant that selves but Christ Jesus as Lord and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were not at Immanuel, Bellmawr ourseives your servants for Jesus' sake. dead, but alive, for God is not the he Rev. Kenneth J. Meilahn was Seeing it is God that said, Lig~t sh~ll God of the dead but of the living. shine out of darkness, who shined In T installed as pastor of Immanuel In the words of Jeremiah the prophet, Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Bell­ our hearts to give the light of the "The Lord is the true God; he is the knowledge of the glory of God in the mawr, N. J. on October 14, with the living God and the everlasting King. moderator of the Presbytery of New face of Jesus Christ" (II Cor. 4:1, At hIS wrath the earth quakes, and the 5, 6). Jersey, the Rev. Rollin Keller, pr~sid­ nations cannot endure his indigna­ ing. Scripture and prayer were gIven tion." by the Rev. Henry Krabbendam, a Yes, ''The fool says in his hea.rt, Georgian (from page 130) minister of the Reformed Churches of 'There is no God'." And all the while Canada, doctoral candidate at West­ Living and True God his trust is in his idols that "have minster, and stated supply of Commu­ mouths, but they speak not; eyes have conversion is turning from something nity Church of Center Square, Pa. they, but they see not; they have ears, Ministers of the Presbytery who took to something else. But consider what but they hear not; noses have they, but conversion involves. Recall your own part were the Rev. Messrs. Calvin they smell not; they have hands, but Busch, sermon; Robert Eckardt, charge childhood and upbringing. Your reli­ they handle not; feet have they, but gion, your church, are a part of you, to the pastor; and Leonard Chanoux, they walk not; neither speak they charge to the congregation. part of your way of life. For religion through their throat. They th~t make should affect every phase of life. To them are like unto them; so IS every Mr. Meilahn was ordained by the change all this has to take a religious one that trusts in them" (Ps, 14:1; Presbytery of Philadelphia in. 1~51, revolution. Nothing less. After all, 115:5-8). and since 1952 has served as principal their gods must have seemed very real By contrast, the children of God and teacher in the Middletown, Pa. to the Thessalonians. Mount Olympus, speak in accents of faith, in the words Christian School; and also as assistant regarded as the home of the gods, was at the Psalmist: "Out of the depths to the pastor and director of music of only some fifty miles away. Was there have I cried unto thee, 0 Lord." And Calvary Church of that city. The good reason to put all that behind, in we know that our cry is heard, for Meilahns have eight children and are favor of a new religion---one concern­ ours is the living God, the Father a musical family with talents both vocal ing a Jesus of Nazareth who claimed Almighty, Maker of heaven and ea~h. and instrumental. to be the Son of God? With Thomas we reverently worship: Bellmawr, a growing industrial com­ In some circles today, essentially "My Lord, and my God!" This is my munity south of Camden with a large God. He is in the heavens, he has that question is asked when the sub­ Roman Catholic population, has but ject of Christian missions is brought done whatever he pleases. Therefore, up. And the answer given is in the God's people can trust in him ~nd three Protestant churches, a small con­ negative. Missions, we are told, must serve him with single-hearted devotion, servative Baptist congregation and a not presume to force any people to "for he is their help and their shield." Methodist Church besides Immanuel. give up their r~ligiou~ heritag~. Let's Therefore "we will bless the Lord The congregation· had been without a simply be edectic. Let s recognize the from this time forth and for evermore. pastor since the Rev. Howard Hart best elements in every religion and Praise the Lord!" left for Bridgewater, S. D. a year ago.

November, 1966 135 Trust God for his secret things! belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." We have here a great principle which applies in a wonderful way to Things Secret and Revealed our lives today. THERE ARE THINGS SECRET CARL A. AHLFELDT These belong unto the Lord our God. that we might learn this! It n the book of Deuteronomy we have a them! How terrible were the threats would prove a real blessing and relief I a historic scene in which the leader of what lay ahead if they turned away for us. Moses stands before the children of from him! The same holds true for us What are some of these secret things Israel and delivers three great ad­ today. that belong to the Lord? God's eternal dresses. All of these repeat and em­ But the address is tempered with counsel is among them. And what is phasize the law of God. Hence the mercy. Moses told them of how God this? It is simply God's eternal plan. name Deuteronomy, or second law. would restore them if they humbled Thus we find it stated in Ephesians The second address is by far the long­ themselves and returned to him when 1 :11, "In whom also we have obtained est of the three, and occupies most of they had sinned. He assured them that an inheritance, being predestinated ac­ the book. In it Moses rehearses the sta­ his grace would work in their lives. cording to the purpose of him who tutes of the Lord, emphasizing their "And the Lord thy God will circum­ worketh all things after the counsel spirituality, and urgently insisting that cise thine heart, and the heart of thy of his own will." All history is but they be obeyed. seed, to love the Lord thy God with the unfolding of God's great, eternal, There follows the third address of all thine heart, and with all thy soul, secret plan. This includes his predes­ Moses, which is relatively brief, ex­ that thou mayest live" (30:6). This is tination of all things and events ­ tending from chapter 27 through a precious promise. "being predestinated according to the chapter 30. This third address has one Judgment and Mercy purpose of him who worketh all things great subject: Blessing and Curse. In Doubtless the people trembled as after the counsel of his own will." it Moses dwells upon the blessings of they heard these words. We should God's counsel includes in particular obedience to God's commandments, tremble as we read them. The way of the unconditional election of his and the dreadful curses which follow the transgressor is hard. Thank God people unto salvation. Thus we read upon disobedience. Moses is driving for his grace which forgives our trans­ in Ephesians 1:4, "According as he home to the people that they must gressions and enables us to render a hath chosen us in him before the obey the law of God. Those who stood new obedience unto him. foundation of the world, that we and listened to Moses as he gave this There is, however, in this third and should be holy and without blame be­ third great address must have trem­ solemn address of Moses one larticu­ fore him in love." God's counsel even bled. He minced no words; he ham­ lar verse upon which I woul dwell includes the origin and existence of mered home his theme: obey the law with you. It has had a large place in sin, yet in such a way that we may of God. my own life. Many years ago I under­ never call God the author of sin. All First, there were the instructions to lined it in my Bible, and have found these phases of the divine counsel are erect large stones on Mount Ebal, to it very precious. It is chapter 29, verse among the secret things which belong plaster them, and write the law of God 29: "The secret things belong unto the unto the Lord our God. upon them plainly. Then there was the Lord our God: but those things which The disposal of God's providence antiphonal blessing and cursing to be are revealed belong unto us and to our also belongs to these secret things. For done. Half of the tribes were to stand children for ever, that we may do all instance, our lot in life is of God's on Mount Gerezim to bless and half the words of this law." sovereign doing. Why were we born on Mount Ebal to curse. How vividly From Moses' address it is evident here in America, with all the blessings this would remind the people that that God works in a mysterious way of the gospel, and not in darkest theirs would be either a blessing or a his wonders to perform. Here, in Deu­ paganism? This is of the s~cret curse, depending on whether they teronomy 29, the things predicted of things of the Lord. The various obeyed or disobeyed. Then Moses Israel if they disobeyed were strange events that befall us belong to them vividly described the blessings of indeed. Could such dire judgments be too. It is not ours to ask "Why?" obedience and the curses of disobedi­ visited upon God' s covenan~ people.? What comes to others is also of God's ence. Who would not tremble to hear Stranger still was the protnlse of his disposing. It is not ours to look in the words of Deuteronomy, chapter grace. Could he, despite such a re­ envy or curiosity upon what the Lord 28? Thereupon, as recorded in chap­ bellious people, carry out his purposes pleases to grant to our brethren. We ter 29, came the strong reasons for of gmce with them? Such ways of God should love them, yes. But God's will renewing their covenant with God. Moses here terms "secret things." for their lives or God's bounty to How much the Lord had done for They belong exclusively to the Lord. them should not cause us to ask Let Israel be concerned with the things "Why?" or to pry into their affairs. revealed, which belonged unto them Peter had to learn this lesson from the The Rev. Carl Ahlfeldt is the and to their children. "The secret Lord. Jesus had predicted a martyr's pastor of Knox Orthodox Presbyterian things belong unto the Lord our God: future for Peter. Then Peter became Church, Oklahoma City. but those things which are revealed (continued on page 138)

136 The Presbyterian Guardian counsel of God known through his serious danger of losing this liberty. Word, in submission to his sovereign The historic principle of the power of providence, and with genuine love for Scripture alone to bind the conscience one's fellow men in their sin and is about to be abandoned. Dr. Eugene misery, their confusion and hopeless­ Carson Blake, general secretary of the ness apart from God's saving grace. World Council of Churches, has called Are there not more young men and EDITOR on church people not to insist upon women in our midst who will catch the principle of sola scriptura. It seems ROBERT E. NICHOLAS the vision of short-term service as to interfere with a favored plan for self-supporting volunteers to help our church union. missionaries in the cause of the The greatest guarantee of liberty All correspondence should be ad­ dressed to The Presbyterian Guardian, gospel? R. E. N. known to man is thus offhandedly to 7401 Old York Road, Phila., Pa. 19126 be consigned to the tubes, in the push Christian Liberty for church union. But a church with­ out this guarantee will be at the mercy Self-supporting Volunteers Edwards E. Elliott of the directives of ambitious bureau­ he idea by now is familiar. Most locomotive as it speeds along is a crats. The conscience will again be in­ Tof our readers have heard of the A picture of liberty. Its liberty is formed and bound by the will and John Kortenhoevens who went to gained by staying with the rails. De­ word of man. Korea .last year at their own expense parture from the rails makes not for Jesus himself denounced this sort of to assist the Orthodox Presbyterian liberty but death. thing, when, quoting Isaiah, he said, mission in a number of ways. Within The liberty which Christians enjoy "But in vain do they worship me, recent weeks Priscilla Galbraith flew is not liberty from law as such, but teaching for doctrines the command­ to Japan for a year of service. While liberty to run the way of God's com­ ments of men" (Matthew 15 :9). supporting herself by teaching oral mandments. This is the way we are Christian liberty is precious. Let's English to various groups, she is living made, and our very salvation involved stand fast in it, and be not entangled in Sendai in order to aid in the mis­ our being restored to these tracks, again in a yoke of bondage. sionary labors of the Uomotos in that "that the righteousness of the law part of Japan. might be fulfilled in us, who walk not This short article by the pastor of This idea of service as a missionary after the flesh but after the Spirit" the Garden Grove, Calif. Orthodox associate is one that ought to catch on (Romans 8:4). Presbyterian Church appeared in the with others in days ahead. To be sure, Today, a "new morality" is being Orange County News on 9-16-66. it takes more than an adventurous proclaimed, not only by certain pro­ STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGE­ spirit or a natural desire to see another fessors, but also by clergymen. With MENT AND CIRCULATION (ACT of October part of the world-though such lesser every man doing that which is right 23, 1962; Section 4369, Title 39, United motivations may be present. Good in his own eyes in a given situation, States Code) : health is a prerequisite. Ability to ad­ the result will not be liberty, but death 1) Date of filing: October 17, 1966. 2) Title of publication: The Presby­ just to the ways of another culture -a death extending to whole civiliza­ terian Guardian. ("that I might by all means save tions. 3) Frequency of issue: monthly (ex­ some") is necessary. Part and parcel The basic code of conduct to which cept July-August). of the plan is the willingness to earn our consciences should respond is not 4) Location of known office of publi­ cation: 7401 Old York Road, Philadel­ one's livelihood while on the field, or the product of human efforts at devel­ phia, Pa. 19126. to save money ahead of time or even oping moral standards. In fact, it is 5) Location of headquarters: same. to borrow it as one might do for a wrong for men who bear God's image 6) and 7) Publisher and Owner: The college education. to allow other men to become basic Presbyterian Guardian Pub. Co.~a non­ profit corporation without stockholders; Furthermore, such volunteers must rule-makers. "God alone is Lord of editor and business mgr., Robert E. be qualified to assist in the peculiar the conscience." The authority among Nicholas: same address as above. ways needed by the missionaries work­ men to which we yield obedience is 8) Known bondholders, mortgagees, ing in a particular place. Any final given "from above," and is thus lim­ and other security holders owning or holding 1 per cent or more of total decision involves more than the per­ ited by Scripture. amount of bonds, mortgages or other sonal inclination of the individual. His Civil and parental rules are to be securities: none. or her Session should be willing to obeyed, except when they contradict 10) Average no. copies each issue dur­ commend the volunteer to the consider­ Scripture. But in the area of faith and ing preceding. 12 months (x); single issue nearest filing date (y). A. Total ation of the Committee on Foreign worship we stand so clearly in the copies printed: (x) 2,927; (y) 3,000. Missions, whose approval must be ob­ presence of God, that religious rules B. Paid circulation: sales through deal­ tained for the sake of orderliness and are doubly limited. Not only must ers, etc., none; mail subscriptions or C. mutual responsibility-to say nothing they not contradict Scripture, they must Total paid circulation: (x) 2,420; (y) 2,473. D. Free distribution (including of assistance in clearing the red tape not overlay Scripture. When men samples) by mail or otherwise: (x) 421; tied to such an undertaking! would bind the conscience, the Chris­ (y) 468. E. Total distribution: (x ) We have yet to mention the prime tian can appeal to the Word of God, 2,841; (y) 2,941. F. Office use, leftover, requirement (assumed in all that has and find liberty. This principle has unaccounted: (x) 86; (y) 59. G. Total: (x) 2,927; (y) 3,000. gone before): a wholehearted com­ been written into several denomina­ I certify that the statements made by mitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and tional constitutions. me above are correct and complete. Lord, with a zeal to make the whole The modern church, however, is in ROBERT E. NICHOLAS: Editor-Manager

N ooember, 1966 137 curious about the disciple John: "Peter now I know in part; but then shall I seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and for us. We may speak of God's will know even as also I am known" (I as it is secret. This is his eternal coun­ what shall this man do? Jesus saith Cor. 13:12). Surely also God reserves unto him, If I will that he tarry till sel which is unfolded continually in the secret things for himself for our the events of providence, But we may I come, what is that to thee? Follow good. If we knew these secret things, thou me" (John 21:21-22). also speak of hIS revealed will which what rea~ worry and unhappiness they is ~et forth for ~s in his holy Word. Unknown Future rnighr bnng us! Only the mighty mind ThIS refers especially to his command­ Also included among God's secret of God can bear the burden of his ments, his law, stressed much here in things is all of the future. Thus it is great secrets. Deuteronomy. It embraces all of his with the various events before us in Word, including the precious promises God broke our years this life. Who of us can know them To hours and days, which he has gIven to us. For the lost or predict them? In particular, we can­ That hour by hour sinner these things which are revealed not kno~ ~e time of our departure And day by day, include first of all the commands of from this Iife, The Psalmist put it Just going on a little way, the gospel-to repent of his sins and We might be able all along well: "My times are in thy hand" To keep quite strong. to trust in Christ as his Savior and (Psalm 31 :15). No one, saved or un­ Should all the weight of life Lord. saved, has a right or any possibility Be laid across our shoulders, Ybese things which are revealed be­ of knowing when he will depart from And the future rife long to us and to our children. "But With woe and strife, this life. "Boast not thyself of tomor­ ~eet us face to face those things which are revealed belong row; for thou knowest not what a day At just one place, unto us and to our children for ever: may bring forth" (Prov. 27:1). That We could not go; God has revealed them very plainly. Our feet would stop, and so Thus Moses reminded Israel: "For is one of the secret things that belong God lays a little on us every day ... unto the Lord our God. But we can go, if by God's power this commandment which I command Embraced in this unknown future We only bear the burden of the hour. thee this day, it is not hidden from is the time of our Lord's return. I love thee, neither is it far off. It is not in What does God want of us con­ the thought of our Lord's return. It is heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who cerning these secret things that belong one of the many wonderful things shall go up for us to heaven, and to him? He wants us not to seek to that God has revealed to us. But one bring it unto us, that we may hear it, pry into them. "The secret things be­ thing about it he has not revealed to and do it? Neither is it beyond the long unto the Lord our God." It is a us - the time of his return. We know sea, that thou shouldest say, Who sin to try to pry into the eternal coun­ it not. We have signs by which to go; shall go over the sea for us, and bring sel of God, to seek to know what he we see many of them fulfilled even it unto us, that we may hear it, and do has predestined. It is a sin to enquire today. I believe that his coming draws it? But the word is very nigh unto as to whether some one is among the nigh. But no one can say when. "It thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, elect of God. Leave God's eternal pur­ is not for you to know the times or that thou mayest do it" (Deut. 30: 11­ poses to him. the seasons, which the Father hath put 14). If this was true in Moses' day, in his own power" (Acts 1: 7). "But God also asks us to trust him con­ what shall we say of today, with all or that day and that hour knoweth no cerning these secret things. Years ago, of the Scriptures before us? man, no, not the angels which are in while attending seminary in the city Knowledge heaven, neither the Son, but the Father of Philadelphia, I found on a street­ It is for us to possess these things ... Watch ye therefore: for ye know car a bit of verse which has a great which are revealed. "The secret things not when the master of the house message. belong unto the Lord our God: but cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at When dark threads are woven those things which are revealed belong the cockcrowing, or in the morning" And seem so out of line, unto us and to our children." We pos­ (Mark 13:32, 35). Trust in the Master Weaver sess these things by knowing them. Who planned the whole design. Why does God reserve these things In all life's choicest patterns, Everywhere we are told in Scripture for bimsel]? One reason is because Dark threads are always there that we must know what God has re­ some of them are just too high for us. To make the gay threads brighter, vealed. Not only are we to know these The golden rose more fair. things, but our children are to know Our finite minds can not grasp them. At times it seems so intricate Thus God speaks through the prophet And hard to understand; them. "And these words, which I Isaiah: "For my thoughts are not your But trust in the Master Weaver command thee this day, shall be in thoughts, neither are your ways my And his steady, guiding hand. thine heart. And thou shalt teach them ways, saith the Lord. For as the heav­ Trust God for his secret things! diligently unto thy children, and shalt ens are higher than the earth, so are THERE ARE ALSO THINGS talk of them when thou sittest in thine my ways higher than your ways, and REVEALED house, and when thou walkest by the my thoughts than your thoughts" (Is. way, and when thou liest down, and 55 :8-9). God reserves some of the "The secret things belong unto the when thou risest up" (Deut. 6:6-7). secret things too because, although we Lord our God: but those things which "And Moses commanded them say­ shall one day know them, we are not are revealed belong unto us and to our ing, At the end of every seven years, ready for them now. The Apostle Paul children for ever, that we may do all in the solemnity of the year of re­ has this in mind as he writes to the the words of this law." lease, in the feast of tabernacles, when Corinthians: "For now we see through What are these things which are all Israel is come to appear before the a glass; darkly; but then face to face: revealed? They are God's revealed will Lord thy God in the place which he

138 The Presbyterian Guardian shall choose, thou shalt read this law were attentive unto the book of the This is God's revealed will for every before all Israel in their hearing. law" (Neh. 8:1-3). one of us. It is not revealed to us Gather the people together, men, and The Bereans realized the importance whom God has chosen in his sovereign women, and children, and thy stranger of knowing God's revelation. "These love. That belongs to the secret things. that is within thy gates, that they may were more noble than those in Thes­ But everywhere in Scripture comes the hear, and that they may learn, and fear salonica, in that they received the word clear command to repent and to be­ the Lord your God, and observe to do with all readiness of mind, and lieve, to receive the only Savior from all the words of this law: And that searched the Scriptures daily, whether sin. This is for you and this is for their children, which have not known those things were so" (Acts 17: 11) . me. From that faith will flow obedi­ any thing, may hear, and learn to fear How zealous we should be to know ence to all the commandments of God the Lord your God, as long as ye live God's holy Word! We should read it, revealed to us in his Word. in the land whither ye go over Jordan study it, memorize it, meditate upon to possess it" (Deut. 30:10-13). If we possess the things that are re­ it, and teach it. "Those things which vealed to us, if we know them and How zealous the people were to are revealed belong unto us and to obey them, then we may certainly obey these instructions when they re­ our children for ever." leave the secret things with the Lord turned from captivity in the time of Obedience and our lives shall be crowned with Nehemiah! "And all the people gath­ The whole point of our knowing good success. "This book of the law ered themselves together as one man the things revealed is that we may DO shall not depart out of thy mouth; but into the street that was before the them. Here again we have the recur­ thou shalt meditate therein day and water gate; and they spake unto Ezra ring theme of obedience. "The secret night, that thou mayest observe to do the scribe to bring the book of the things belong unto the Lord our God: according to all that is written there­ law of Moses, which the Lord had but those things which are revealed in: for then thou shalt make thy way commanded to Israel. And Ezra the belong unto us and to our children prosperous, and then thou shalt have priest brought the law before the con­ for ever, that we may do all the words good success" (Josh. 1:8). gregation both of men and women, of this law." "Gather the people to­ When we walk with the Lord and all that could hear with under­ gether, men, and women, and children, In the light of his Word, standing, upon the first day of the sev­ and thy stranger that is within thy What a glory he sheds on our way! enth month. And he read therein be­ gates, that they may hear, and that While we do his good will, fore the street that was before the they may learn, and fear the Lord your He abides with us still, And with "II who will trust and obey. water gate from the morning until God, and observe to do all the words midday, before the men and the Trust and obey, of this law" (Deut. 31: 12) . For there's no other way women, and those that could under­ The first act of obedience is to turn To be happy in Jesus, stand; and the ears of all the people to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. But to trust and obey.

Albert Steever Ordained Albert W. Steever was ordained to 1"1. the gospel ministry and installed as pastor of First Orthodox Presby­ terian Church, San Francisco on Oc­ The Rev. Messrs. (I. to r.): tober 14 by the Presbytery of the West James Austin Coast. The Rev. Richard Lewis pre­ Wilson Rinker sided, with licentiate James Austin reading the Scripture and the Rev. Robert Churchill Wilson Rinker leading in prayer. Albert Steever The Rev. LeRoy Oliver of Philadel­ phia preached. A charge to the pastor Richard Lewis was given by the Rev. Robert LeRoy Oliver Churchill, and to the congregation by Thomas Champness the Rev. Thomas Champness. Mr. Steever has been serving First Church since early in the year, having been licensed by the Presbytery of Phila­ delphia in May of 1965. He assisted in the work of Emmanuel Church, DIRECTOR OF NURSING WANTED WAN TED: SUPERINTENDENT Wilmington, Delaware that summer. for a Psychiatric Hospital in Ontario, PSYCHIATRIST and part-time Psy­ Mr. Steever attended the Willow to open in July 1968. Should be avail­ chiatrist for 30-bed private Psychiatric Grove Christian Day School. In 1962 able shortly for organization and psy­ Hospital, with in- and out-patient he was graduated from Shelton Col­ chiatric post-graduate training. B.Sc.N. services, to open in Ontario in 1968. lege and received his B.D. from West­ preferred. Standard salary. Apply to Comparable Salary. Apply to A. Van­ A. Vandermaas, M.D., President, Salem dermaas, M.D.,President, Salem Chris­ minster Seminary in 1965. He is mar­ Christian Sanitarium Assoc., Inc., 10 tian Sanitarium Assoc., Inc., 10 Norris ried and the Steevers have one child. Norris Place, St. Catherine, Ontario. Place, St. Catherines, Ontario. November, 1966 139 Collinsworth?s Lectures VIII The Church as the Tabernacle of David Edited by R. K. Churchill

e have shown the "olive tree" as "tabernacle of David." It remained tists and the Anti-infant-baptists; now, Wa tree was saved, but the wicked down a long time, but after awhile it Amos, can you help us a little? Amos, "branches" were destroyed. Now God was to be "built up again," and when you say it was "down," and you say says he will save his people as a it was "built up again" it was said it was "built up," and we want you "house," but he adds in the next by Amos to be "the tabernacle of to tell us how it was "built up. " Was verse of Amos 9: David built up again." It was the it a rebuilding of the fallen taber­ All the sinners of my people shall tabernacle of David before it fell nacle? Were the little ones left out? die by the sword, which say, The evil down; it was the tabernacle of David In that day will I raise up the taber­ shall not overtake nor prevent us (v, when down; and it was the tabernacle 10) . nacle of David that is fallen, and close of David when built up again. It had up the breaches thereof; and I will Then the 11th verse: the infant offspring in it before it fell, raise up his ruins, and I will build it In that day will I raise up the taber­ as in the days of old (Amos 9: 11). nacle of David that is fallen, and close and they were in it after it had fallen. up the breaches thereof; and I will When the Jews were scattered all over But that does not tell how it was raise up his ruins, and I will build it the Roman Empire they had their chil­ done. The Anti-infant baptists all say as in the days of old. dren with them. They were the infant the children were in it when it fell, Now we have come to "the taber­ constituents of that kingdom or taber­ and when it was down, but they differ nacle," the "tabernacle of David." It nacle. as to its rebuilding. "I will build it as had been "built up in the days of old." It was in a scattered condition for in the days of old." How was it built What was that "tabernacle"? The awhile; but Amos saw the thing that in the days of old? It was made up of church. A tabernacle is a portable was down "built up." It was the "taber­ the family of Abraham, parents and habitation or pavilion. It can be torn nacle of David." When he saw it children. God did not leave it to us. apart, carried away, put together, and reared up after being down, it seems It is no part of our business to choose set up again. The church was com­ that the Spirit of inspiration looked whether we will have our children in pared to it because the materials could forward to, and forestalled a difficulty the church or not. It was by his own be scattered abroad. Here, you see, that now seems to be in the minds choice that infants were placed in the God speaks of "sifting" them, that is, of some persons. The Baptist brethren church in the first place; it was his scattermg them. They were in that tell us that when the tabernacle was own work to scatter that church, and scattered condition when Christ came built up the children were left out­ it was of his own choice when he said, into the world. They were all over that God in his providence scattered "I will build it as in the days of old." the Roman Empire. 'The tabernacle them with their parents all over the Now David's tabernacle had children of David had fallen down." It had Roman Empire; and when he gathered in it before it fell; it had children in been "built up in the days of old," the materials together to rebuild the it when down; and God did not say and it is to be "built up again," as it tabernacle, he left the infant members that he would cast it aside and substi­ was 'in the days of old." out. Is that true? Let us consult Amos tute something else in its place, but Now the first question to be settled a little further. that he would build it up again "as is, How was it "built up in the days Children Included in the days of old." That is what of old"? In other words, what were David's tabernacle is made up of, and the materials that made it up? The Amos, we want some help. "What David's tabernacle is God's church. is the matter?" Why the Infant-bap­ Jews, the house of Jacob, the house of Now let us look at the Baptist taber­ tists and the Anti-infant-baptists have Israel and the house of Judah that nacle with a magnifying glass and see found that the "tabernacle of David" David reigned over. That was David's if we can find a child in it. Not one. kingdom, David's "tabernacle." Now was once down, and they find, by Let us look at the Reform (Carnpbel­ reading God's Word, that it had been what were the constituents of it? Who lite) organism and see if we can find up before it fell; and we find by read­ formed the membership of his "taber­ a child. Not one. Are they (Baptists nacle"? Parents and their Children. In ing the Bible, that before it fell down all the children of the parents in it, and Reformers) in the tabernacle of the days of old it was organized, Bap­ were in it too; and after it fell down David? No; for the tabernacle of tist brethren, Reform (Campbellite) they find that the people were scattered David has children in it. God said he brethren, and all say it was made up all over the Roman Empire and the would "build it up as in the days of then of parents and their children. children with them. Now here is the That is the manner in which "the old"; and if he did not, he forswore difficulty, Amos, the Baptist brethren tabernacle of David" was "built up in himself. say God built up a new "tabernacle," the days of ald." and left the children out, while the Illustration Fallen Tabernacle Infant-baptists say he rebuilt the taber­ Now, a few thoughts in this way. It fell down; it was scattered; and nacle of David, and that is the point Here is a time-piece. It is made up of in a scattered condition it was the of controversy between the Infant-bap- a great many wheels, some large and

140 The Presbyterian Guardian some small. Suppose it gets out of Jerusalem Council selves they would not wrangle over it; order and I take it to a silversmith. But some one is ready to say, I see but agree to send chosen men to Jeru­ After awhile I call to see him and I where your blunder is. I doubt not you salem to have Paul and Barnabas call find my watch all torn up and the intend it to be right, but you have a council of apostles and elders at wheels scattered about. As 1 have had blundered. There was a Baptist Jerusalem; and now, say they, let them no experience in that line, I see my brother in West Tennessee who, after talk the matter over, and whatever they watch all in pieces and feel as if the having heard me on this subject, said say, that will we do. We have started whole thing is ruined. I look at him I had mistaken the whole thing. He to go to heaven; we want to be happy; and express my astonishment that he said all this tabernacle building had and if it is necessary to keep the law has treated me so. "I will fix it up taken place before the coming of of Moses we will do so. If the apostles for you all right, sir," he says, "be­ Christ. That it had been down and and elders so decide, we will do it. So fore I return it." Suppose after I be­ built up, he granted; but not under Paul and Barnabas were chosen with come satisfied that he IS going to make the new dispensation. He said that others to go up to Jerusalem to lay it all right, I gather up the little it was not only built up before the the matter before the church. wheels and carry them off with me. He coming of Christ, but came to an end Now, with these preliminary re­ goes to work to set it up. He puts this at the coming of Christ. Let us see if marks I read this Scripture: wheel in the right place and that that is so. And the apostles and elders came to­ wheel in the right place; but after Sometime, I do not know how many gether for to consider of this matter. working awhile he lacks a little wheel, And when there had been much dis­ years, but quite a number of years puting, Peter rose up and said unto that used to work in this place. It is after the introduction of the new dis­ them, Men and brethren, ye know how gone. He may set up the large wheels pensation, and after the new covenant that a good while ago- rn the case, but it IS of no use; it is went into operation on the day of Mark the phraseology, "a good not set up as it was before. The silver­ Pentecost, for that was the beginning while ago"- smith knows it, and I know it. Now day of the present age, there was a God made choice among us, that the the church had its members as one or­ Gentiles by my mouth should hear the council called at Jerusalem. After Paul word of the gospel, and believe. And ganism before it fell down, and it had had been called to the apostolic of­ God, which knoweth the hearts, bore them after it fell. God said he would fice, and he and Barnabas had been them witness, giving them the Holy build it up again "as in the days of among the Gentiles, and a number of Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put old"; but if the little wheels are left no difference between us and them, congregations were organized under purifying their hearts by faith. Now out, it is not set up as it was "in the the new covenant, in the new dispen­ therefore why tempt ye God, to put a days of ald." Now it is down, God sation - but not in a new church­ yoke upon the neck of the disciples, wants it set up, and he employs Bap­ there were some false teachers at Jeru­ which neither our fathers nor we were tist ministers and Reform (Campbel­ able to bear? But we believe that salem, who having heard of the suc­ through the grace of the Lord Jesus lite) ministers to go and set it up for cess of Paul and Barnabas, went down Christ we shall be saved, even as they. him. Look at them at the work. there and told the Gentiles that they Then all the multitude kept silence, They gather all the adults and put must not only accept Christ, and the and gave audience to Barnabas and them in the compact, but leave all the Paul, declaring what miracles and gospel that Paul and Barnabas had wonders God had wrought among the children out. They very carefully fix it been preaching, but they must also Gentiles by them (Acts 15: 6-12). up but leave all the children out, and keep the law of Moses and circumcise James Quotes Amos say they have done the work. They themselves after the manner of Moses. Now the Holy Ghost was brooding have not built it up as it was "in the You Gentiles have never been under over the deliberations of this council. days of old." My friends, you all know this law; but now that God is going One after another would speak, and this is so. The Baptist brethren and to give you the gospel, you must have offer his views in the case. The Holy Reform brethren know it is so. It is the Mosaic law with it (i.e. the cere­ Ghost was guiding and overruling not set up as it was before unless all moniallaw). them. If Peter made any quotation the constituents that made up the tab­ This is what the false teachers said from the ancient Scriptures we do not ernacle before, are in it. Now let us to the Gentiles, and it stirred up great know it. If Paul or Barnabas did, we discharge such workmen, and send out confusion. They were men like we are, do not know it. But they offered their Infant-baptists to set up the taber­ and said, "Paul and Barnabas have views. But after awhile the Holy Spirit nacle. They look at it carefully, ex­ been with us and they have not said prompts James to rise. He is held till amine all the constituents that were in anything about the law of Moses; not the last, and the Spirit of God, the it before it fell, and while it is down, a word about circumcising ourselves infallible Spirit, prompts him to make and they say it should be as "in the and our children. Now you tell us you the crowning speech, to wind up the days of old" and they are just as cer­ are teachers, and right from Jerusalem whole affair and cap it with a quota­ tain to take the children with them where the twelve apostles are; and you tion from the ancient prophecies. Now into the church as they are to organize say to us we must needs keep t?e law listen to his speech: a church. Why? Because they were in of Moses as well as accept Christ and And after they had held their peace, it when organized, when down, when the gospel." Thus they talked about it, J ames answered, saying, Men and scattered, and the covenant of the brethren hearken unto me. Simeon doubtless, and reasoned about it as we hath de~lared how God at the first did church demands them, and God says it would reason about it. visit the Gentiles, to take out of them must be built as "in the days of old." a people for his name. And to th~s Paul and Barnabas Heard agree the words of the prophets; as It These lectures by the Rev. J. R. Col­ They would not act rashly, and not is written (Acts 15: 13-15). linsworth were first published in 1892. being able to settle the question them- James here crowns the whole affair. 141 November, 1966 The Holy Spirit directed it. It is the before the coming of Christ; and work of God. "And to this agree the after Christ came it was again set up. Presbytery of the South words of the prophets; as it is writ­ It was the tabernacle of David before ethel Church of Ft. Lauderdale, ten," - What is written? it fell; it was the tabernacle of David B Florida was host to the Presby­ After this I will return, and will after it fell; it was the tabernacle of tery of the South on October 17-18. build again the tabernacle of David, After an evening meal at the church which is fallen down; and I will build David when set up again, and into again the ruins thereof, and I will set that tabernacle of David the Gentiles Pastor Cornelius folsma welcomed the it up: entered. presbyters. At the worship service What for? These are they, that "came from the which followed a message on Hebrews That the residue of men might seek East and from the West, from the 13:17 was brought by the Rev. Jack after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, Peterson, recently appointed home upon whom my name is called, saith North and from the South, and sat the Lord, who doeth all these things. down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, missionary in West Palm Beach. Known unto God are all his works and all the prophets in the kingdom Prayer for the churches and the de­ from the beginning of the world. of God, out of which the children of nomination preceded the call to order Wherefore my sentence is, that we by Moderator Ted Pappas, a ruling trouble not them, which from among the kingdom were cast." Don't you the Gentiles are turned to God ... see it? Here are the Gentiles coming elder from Sharon Church, Hialean Acts Ij: 16-19). to the tabernacle that David reigned on Tuesday morning. Here James quotes that very proph­ over. Here it is set up, and the Gen­ The Rev. Sidney De Waal was wel­ ecy of Amos that was read awhile ago tiles get into it. Is it not a continua­ comed as a fraternal delegate from and he brings it in under the new tion of the same tabernacle? Classis Florida of the Christian Re­ dispensation. Under the guidance of formed Church. Following examina­ the Spirit of God, here is the tabernacle Tabernacle Built Again tion the Rev. Jack Peterson was re­ built up. Here James tells us under I challenge the man that lives to get ceived from the Presbytery of New the new dispensation-after the time up a new tabernacle, a new kingdom, Jersey. Licentiate Luder Whitlock, a that the Baptist brother said the old a new church under a new covenant 1966 graduate of Westminster Semi­ tabernacle of David had passed away, that never existed before, and then, nary, was examined and approved for and where he tells us there was no with truth in his mouth, say it is the ordination and installation as pastor old church, but a new one - James tabernacle of David. If a new taber­ of Sharon Church at a special meet­ says the Gentiles that never had been nacle is set up and the old one ig­ ing set for November 4. The Presby­ in God's church before, in David's nored, then Amos' prophecy is false tery, having followed the procedures tabernacle before, might come, and get and James' sanction a mistake, though required by the Book of Discipline into it. it was the crowning speech in that (Y 1, 3), acceded to the request of the Gentiles Brought In council called at Jerusalem to settle Rev. Thompson L. Casey, Jr. and Did the church commence on the a grave question. If it is not the taber­ erased his name from the roll of its day of Pentecost? No; for James says nacle of David built up, what is it? ministers. these Gentiles may come into the If it is the tabernacle of David built Chairman John Thompson, Jr. of church, and he tells us that it is one up, is it not a continuation of the same the Committee on Missions outlined that has been re-set up. It was re-set thing? How can you get it into some­ the progress of work at Cape Kennedy up on the day of Pentecost; and God thing else? If it was something else and Atlanta where Bible classes are said he would build it up "as in the God was false, Amos was false, James being held. The Rev. Robert Lucas re­ days of ald." And Peter, preaching was false and the whole council was ported on his labors at Collier City; at the time it was built up, knew the false. Here was the whole court of the Session of Bethel Church was re­ correctness of this quotation and said, apostles, and they sanctioned the quested to secure the advice of area "For the promise is to you and to your speech and it was concluded in that churches and report its recommenda­ children." The children must be in it. way. Now it was the tabernacle of tion with regard to this work. For the Here is the tabernacle set up again. David set up or it was not. If not, the Committee on Young People the Rev. Here is the new covenant going into whole thing was false. Robert Atwell reported an outstanding operation. Here is the new covenant Now, can anything be clearer, than August Bible Conference with an en­ with "the house of Israel and the the continuation of that same "taber­ rollment of 125. house of Judah." Here is the taber­ nacle of David"? It is built up as it Officers were elected as follows: nacle set up and the children are in was before, and is now working under Mr. Thompson, moderator; the Rev. it. Hence the promise to you and your the new covenant. This is placed side Robert Valentine, stated clerk; and children. They must not be left out. by side with all the phases under Elder Calvin Duff, treasurer. James sanctioned it under the new which we have examined the church; - J. H. T., JR. economy. and under all of which we find its The Baptist brother was mistaken organism perpetuated. I ask where is when he said it was built up before the room for a new church? Where Vineland, N. J. - The Rev. Robert the coming of Christ. The Holy Ghost is the use of a new church? Now, if Eckardt, former pastor of Emmanuel directed James to make the application the Anti-infant-baptists are not in Church, Wilmington, Del. has been of that ancient prophecy of Amos. He that tabernacle, they are not in God's installed as pastor of Covenant Church says that work was prophetic; that the tabernacle. If they are in that old con­ by the Presbytery of New Jersey. The Gentiles had got into the tabernacle tinued tabernacle, they are in a build­ broadcast of the Sunday morning wor­ of David. They got into the tabernacle, ing made up of parents and their chil­ ship hour over radio station WWBZ that was up before it fell. It fell dren. continues.

142 The Presbyterian Guardian

\, Portland, Oregon - First Church Here and There in the had the assistance of Mr. Larry Baurer and his wife, Sue, for VBS and dur­ Orthodox Presbyterian Church ing the pastor's vacation this summer. San Diego, Calif. - The congre­ -comparing the Confession of 1967 Mr. Baurer has returned for his third gation of Paradise Hills has extended with the historic Westminster Confes­ year at Westminster Seminary. The a call to the Rev. Wallace Bell, who sion in the light of the Scriptures. Rev. Wallace Bell was the evangelist had served for a short time as pastor Pastor of the Kirkwood congregation for a series of meetings in First of Westminster Church of Bend, Ore­ is the Rev. Lester Bachman. Church, October 9-14. Pastor Albert gon. Mr. Bell is reported to have in­ Edwards has begun a Wednesday eve­ dicated his acceptance of the call when Denver, Colo. - Under the spon­ ning course on highlights of the West­ it was placed in his hands by the Pres­ sorship of the Session of the Park Hill minster Confession of Faith. bytery of the West Coast. The former Church, the Rev. Elmer Dortzbach, pas­ Willow Grove, Pa. - Mrs. Eliza­ pastor in Paradise Hills, the Rev. tor, services are being held in the beth Clowney, mother of Westmin­ Edward Kellogg, is now laboring in O. B. Drake School at 52nd and Ward ster's President and beloved member the Point Loma-La Jolla area. Road under the leadership of the Rev. of Calvary Church, Glenside, fell Samuel van Houte. Philadelphia, Pa, - Mediator asleep in Christ on September 30 after Church is being served by the Rev. La Mirada, Calif. - Calvary a three-week hospitalization. She was in Jay Adams, assistant professor in the Church's first Missionary Conference her 79th year. Pastor Laurence Sibley, practical theology department of West­ is planned for December 2 - 4, featur­ Dr. Van Til, and Professor Murray minster Seminary. Mr. Adams preaches ing the Rev. Messrs. Edward Kellogg took part in the memorial service at three Sundays each month and is being and Francis Mahaffy. In addition to a the church. "She is joined to Christ. assisted on the fourth Lord's Day by monthly missionary Sunday, S. S. Su­ Because he lives, she lives and when senior seminarian Larry Conard, who perintendent David Strong reports the the voice of his risen body again is also doing some visitation for the use of large cards, one for each mis­ sounds on earth her resurrection church. sionary, with his picture and informa­ laughter will echo his name." So tion about him and his family and a wrote her son. Five grandchildren also West Palm Beach, Fla. - Cov­ map of his country, together with slots survive. enant Chapel is now holding services for prayer requests - the cards to be Silver Spring, Md. - Knox temporarily in the Seventh Day Ad­ rotated every month from class to class Church's sixth annual Missionary Con­ ventist building at 7th and N. Federal to. s~imul.ate specific prayer for our ference was held October 21-23, with Sts. in Lake Worth. Meanwhile a site missionanes. a cantata by the choir on the previous is being sought in the West Palm Sunday evening entitled "The Greatest Beach area, reports home missionary Hatboro, Pa. - The Rev. Arthur Story Yet Untold." A youth banquet Jack. Peterson. Services were first held B. Spooner pastor for nearly five years and rally, displays of missionary work In August in a community room of a of Trinity Church, submitted his resig­ and messages by the Rev. Messrs. ShOppIng center and in private homes. nation, with the concurrence of the con­ Robley Johnston, Francis Mahaffy, and gregation, as of the end of October. John Galbraith supplied both infor­ Trenton, N. J. - The Rev. Le Roy In dissolving the pastoral relationship mation and inspiration. Faith-promises Oliver has been appointed moderator the Presbytery also named the Rev. for 1967 were received from members of the Session of Grace Church and John Mitchell moderator of the Ses­ of the congregation, of which the Rev. various ministers and seminarians are sion. After using temporary locations Charles Ellis is pastor. supplying the pulpit. Mr. William J. for several years, the congregation a Mechanicsville, Pa. - The Rev. Rankin has renounced the jurisdiction year ago moved into its own new of the church and demitted the min­ C. John Miller of the Presbytery of building on County Line Road. Mr. Philadelphia is serving as pastor of the istry, and the Presbytery of New Jersey Spooner is a member of the Board of Mechanicsville Chapel. An adult eve­ has erased his name trom its roll of Philadelphia - Montgomery Christian ministers. ning Bible school during the last week Academy. Dr. John Zinkand of West­ of September centered on the theme of Kirkwood, Pa. - On five succes­ minster Seminary has been invited to "Christ in the Old Testament." Dr. occupy the pulpit of Trinity Church sive Sunday mornings beginning Octo­ Edward J. Young of Westminster two Sundays a month. ber 9 the Kirkwood pulpit's guest brought three messages on Isaith, and preachers challenged the unsaved in a Schenectady, N. Y. - Mrs. Anna the Rev. Albert Martin of Caldwell, series of gospel messages. Speakers Harrison, mother of Mrs. Raymond N. J. spoke on Psalms 22 and 2. On were Dr. J. Philip Clark of the Inde­ Meiners, went to be with her Lord on the following Sunday evening Mr. pendent Board, President Edmund October 22 in her 93rd year. Her hus­ David Ketchen of Canada brought the Clowney of Westminster Seminary, the band died in 1935 and she had made message. He is a Westminster Semi­ Rev. George Bragdon of World Pres­ her home with the Meiners family for nary senior. byterian Missions, the Rev. William many years. Her three grandsons were Stratford, N. J. - A call has been Mahlow, also of World Presbyterian home for the funeral at which the Rev. extended for the pastoral services of Missions, and the Rev. Jay Adams of Raymond Meiners spoke from Gala­ Mr. Stephen Phillips, 1966 Westmin­ Westminster Seminary. In the evenings tians 6:7-8. Mrs. Harrison, a native of ster graduate who has been serving the same men spoke on "The Faith Ireland, was a charter member of Cal­ the congregation during the summer. and Function of the Christian Church" vary Church. (concluded on next page)

November, 1966 143 Mr. Kenneth Auotin THE PRESBYTERIAN GUARDIAN P.O. bOx 4376 C~rnpuo St~tion 7401 Old York Rood Atheno, Georgi~ 30EOl Philadelphia, Po. 19126 '. Feb 66 67 i Second Class Postage Paid at Philadelphia, Po. Return Requested

....We Don't Want to asked, "Do you promise to pray with and for your child, to set an example Force Our Children Because ... of piety and godliness before him, and to endeavor by all the means of God's Carl E. Erickson appointment to bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?" addy, school is boring and I'm more important than physical and in­ In order to fortfy and confirm his rea­ tired of studying, so is it okay D tellectual training, we say, "We don't sons for having his children attend with you if I say home today and play want to force our children ..." What church and its activities the Christian with my skate-board?" If you were the utter folly! parent must live a godly example be­ parent of a child who came to you The Bible teaches that children are fore them. He must show how im­ with such a complaint, what would to honor their father and mother portant one's relationship to God is. you say? Would you reply, "Johnny (Exodus 20: 12) . Honoring means 1£ it is not real to the parent, how can all right, you may stay home if you obedience as well as respect, for we he expect it to be real or meaningful wish because I don't want to force read, "Children, obey your parents in to his children? you to do something you don't want the Lord, for this is right ..." (Eph. If Christian parents fall prey to the to do." Of course you wouldn't! This 6: 1-4). Parents, therefore, have a re­ prevalent idea of "I don't want to v',?uld not be discharging your re­ sponsibility to teach their children force my children because ...", then sponsibility as a parent and it would what this means. I firmly believe that they are not better off than those par­ not be showing true parental love. God requires Christian parents to ents who espouse the philosophy, "Oh Let's imagine another time when "force" their children to go to Sunday well, we'll wait until Johnny is twenty­ junior might bring a grievance to his school and church. I admit that the one, then he can choose whatever reli­ father: "Daddy, I don't want to go to word "force" has a negative connota­ gion he wants." The sum of the mat­ Sunday school and church anymore. I tion. Perhaps the word "discipline" ter is this: "These words, which I don't like my teacher. He's boring. would be better, but it all adds up command these this day, shall be in Besides, going to Sunday school is for to the same thing. thine heart: And thou shalt teach girls. It's 'sissy' business. r d rather Children have no right to tell their them diligently unto thy children, and play with my skate-board." parents that they don't want to go to shalt talk of them when thou sittest Now more than one parent has let Sunday school and church. Children in thine house, and when thou walkest junior have his own way when con­ very often are not in a position to by the way, and when thou liest down, fronted with such an argument. know what they want or need. That's and when thou risest up" (Dent. 6:6, Strange as it may seem to some, there why they need parents-to tell them 7) . And that means among other are many Christian parents who reason what's good for them and to see that things that Chrisrian parents should this way: "Well, we don't want to they get it. see to it that their children regularly force our children to go to Sunday If the objection still persists, "We attend Sunday school and church­ school and church because that might don't want to force our children be­ whether the children like it or not! make them rebel against religion." cause they wil rebel against 'too much Now I ask, is there any support in *** religion'," our answer is that we trust Mr. Erickson, a licentiate of the Scripture for such reasoning? Empha­ in the promises of God. "Train up a tically not! Presbytery of Southern California, is i child in the way he should go: and assistant pastor of First Orthodox Pres­ As parents we would not let our when he is old, he will not depart byterian Church, Manhattan Beach, children get away with not going to from it" (Proverbs 22 :6). We either California. school, or not going to bed at a cer­ trust God's promise or we don't. "For tain hour, etc. But when it comes to the promise is unto you, and to your their religious training, which is far children, and to all that are afar off, A CONFERENCE FOR even as many as the Lord our God CHRISTIAN LEADERS shall call" (Acts 2: 39) . Here and There (concluded) JaIlles I. Packer Since our Lord is a covenant-keep­ SANCTIFICATION Former pastor Jack Peterson IS now ing God, he demands in return that IN PURITANISM AND TODAY'S THEOLOGIES laboring in Florida. we promise to train our children in (Three addresses by Dr. Packer) Edinburg, Pa. - The Nashua his Law. When we present our chil­ EVANGELISM IN PURITANISM AND TODAY'S PRACTICE Church has voted a call to the Rev. dren to receive the sign and seal of John W. Sanderson. Jr.. Edmund P. Clowney, A. B. Spooner of Hatboro, until re­ God's covenant, the minister asks the Albert Mortin, and Ernest Reisinger cently pastor of Trinity Church there. parents to "promise to instruct [the] JAN. 31. FEB 1. 2. 1967 flEE HOSl'lf "UlY CALVARY PRFSHY'I t.RIAN CH'L'RC II The Rev. Arnold Kress, former pastor, child in the principles of our holy re­ Willow Grove Pu 19090 is now engaged in language study in ligion as revealed in the Scriptures For inlorrno-ion write to Dr Richard W Gray Japan. " Besides this, the question is

144 The Presbyterian Guardian