Clarion

THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE VOLUME 47, NO. 14 JULY 10, 1998

Golden Age Art – Calvinist Restrictions EDITORIAL

By N.H. Gootjes

Christians and Art As Christians, we cannot ignore art. It exists, and we are stilled in them by the Spirit of God. It is no wonder, confronted with it. Painters, authors, and other artists want to then, that the knowledge of all that is most excellent in show us something about the world in which we live. They human life is said to be communicated to us through use the techniques of their art to confront people with their the Spirit of God.2 world, with themselves, and with (their view of) God. The Holy Spirit, according to Calvin, does more than re- In Scripture, art is present in two different ways: it con- newing people so that they may believe the gospel; He also tains artistic work and it refers to artistic work. Scripture is not works in scientists and artists. As a result of this assistance all written in an artistic way. A good example of very plain of the Spirit, scientists are able to produce studies that con- style can be found in the beginning chapters of Chronicles, tribute to the development of the world. Something similar where many lists of names are given. This does not mean that applies to artists. Since the Spirit works in them counteract- this part of the Bible is unimportant; it told Israel after the ing sin, they are able to produce artwork that is good. Babylonian captivity who belonged to what tribe, something Calvin attributes every valuable work of art to a special ac- they had to know when they had to build up life in Canaan tivity of the Holy Spirit. again. It does, however, not cause literary enjoyment; in fact, What is the basis of this far-reaching statement? When it is rather “dry.” The Psalms, on the other hand, are artful we look carefully at Calvin’s argumentation, we are disap- productions. Literary devices are used, such as metre (ca- pointed. Only one text is given in support: the well-known dence) and alliteration. And the book of Esther, telling the fact that Bezalel and Oholiab worked on the tabernacle un- story of God rescuing Israel from total destruction, is a very der the guidance of the Spirit. This proof does not appear well constructed tale. The story line is used to bring out the very convincing. tense situation from which God rescued his people. A careful look at what Scripture says confirms our first The same applies to the New Testament. For example, impression. To mention a few problems: in the first place, the Paul usually wrote in a rather straightforward style, though Bible says that Bezalel was filled with the Spirit (Exod 31:2; sometimes in long sentences. From time to time, however, 35:31) but it does not say that Oholiab and the other skilled he used literary techniques. In 1 Corinthians 13, he used rep- workers, as well, were filled with the Spirit. Rather, it says etition, and in Philippians 2 he wrote a poetic section. Such that God gave them skill (31:6). Secondly, the text says that artistry is added to highlight the meaning.1 God inspired au- God gave the Spirit for the making of the tabernacle, not for thors to use art in writing the Bible. the making of artwork in general (Exod 31:7f). Thirdly, the In the second place, art is used in the tabernacle and in texts do not emphasize that the resulting work should be the temple. To give an early example, the description of artistic, but that they should faithfully reflect God’s inten- the candlestick (Exod 25:31ff) shows that it is intended as a tion (Exod 31:11; 36:1).3 meaningful and at the same time beautiful piece of furniture There is no biblical basis for attributing the good use of in the tabernacle. The same applies to the curtain in the art to the Holy Spirit. tabernacle, “with cherubim worked into them by skilled craftsmen” (Exod 26:1). In the later temple of Solomon, con- Art in creation and sin siderable artistry is present in the pillars of bronze, with their What, then, is the scriptural background of art? In my opin- hundred pomegranates (1 Kgs 7:15ff) and the molten sea, ion, art has a much broader basis in God’s work than Calvin standing on twelve oxen (1 Kgs 7:23ff). God showed that indicated. Art makes use of possibilities given in creation itself. serving Him does not mean we have to reject all art. The God gave people the ability to speak. They discovered that worship of God can be combined with works of art. alliteration of sounds is pleasant to the ear and helps remem- ber what was said. They noticed that sounds have a different Calvin on art height, different tones. They discovered that these tones follow Calvin discussed the question how art can be produced certain patterns; octaves, for example, match exactly. They in a world corrupted by sin. Since man is evil, how can he could distinguish different colours, and they found that certain make artistic objects that are good and pleasing? His solution colours matched well, and others clashed and looked ugly if is to attribute the existence of art in this sinful world to a used together. In short, God created the world with artistic special work of the Holy Spirit. He wrote: possibilities, and He created man with the intelligence and Meanwhile, we ought not to forget those most excellent ability to make use of these possibilities. benefits of the divine Spirit, which He distributes to Disobedience, sin and their consequences have caused whomever He wills, for the common good of mankind. upheaval in this world. It has also touched the world of The understanding and knowledge of Bezalel and Oho- art. Actually, artists are often people, who in their urge for liab, needed to construct the tabernacle, had to be in- self-expression, live a godless life. They can also express

326 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 their rejection of God and his world We should also evaluate artistic ity and opportunity to do this. In obedi- in their work. That should not make products from the perspective of obedi- ence to God, we may look at and work Christians turn away from art, how- ence. Two sides can be distinguished, with a world that reflects the power and ever, for art is no more than applying here: the message and the medium. It divinity of its Maker (Rom 1:20). aspects of God’s created world. Paul can be asked what the message of a warned against this kind of asceticism book is or of a painting, of instrumental Notes: when he wrote: “For everything God or vocal music? Does it want me to be 1This aspect of the Bible is discussed by created is good, and nothing is to be obedient to God, does it make me thank B. Wielenga, De bijbel als boek van rejected if it is received with thanks- God for his good creation, or does it schoonheid (3. ed; Kampen: Kok, 1931). giving, because it is consecrated by the want me to live for my own desires? 2Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, I, word of God and prayer” (1 Tim 4:4). That applies to the final section of ii, 16. I used the translation of F.L. Battles, How, then, do we look at art? Artis- in the edition of J.T. McNeill. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, as well 3More on this issue in my article ‘De Geest tic products can be evaluated from the as to the lyrics of a popular rock group. perspective of creation. Are the possi- in Bezaleel’ in F.H. Folkerts (ed.) Ambt en Moreover, the means which are used Aktualiteit (Festschrift C. Trimp; Haarlem: bilities God created in the world of should be considered. The biblical scene Vijlbrief, 1992) 25ff. sound, colour, material, etc. used prop- 4 of God expelling Adam and Eve out of J.M. Batteau, ‘Christianity and Art’ in Re- erly in a particular work of art? J.M. paradise can be portrayed in such a way formed Perspective 2, 10 (Aug. 1983), 22. Batteau distinguished several aspects: that the painting entices to sin against the 1. Is a high degree of skill displayed seventh commandment. And the beat of or is a technique well expressed? (The norm of technique.) a drum can call up a rebellious attitude, Correction 2. Is imagination or depth of percep- leading one to unwillingness to follow The following footnote was tion present? (The norm of feeling.) God’s will. Interest in art can become a omitted from Rev. G. Ph. van Popta’s 3. Is there vividness in communication stumblingblock, causing people to sin. editorial (47:12). Then the rule of Mark 9:43ff applies. or in transfer of emotion? (The norm J. Kamphuis, Kerkelijke Besluit- of eloquence.) In all this, however, art should be seen as a gift from God. God has cre- vaardigheid, Groningen, 1970, p. 55: 4. Is innovation or a unique sense pre- ”Indien kerkelijke besluiten bevon- 4 ated a world full of artistic possibilities. sent? (The norm of uniqueness.) den worden te strijden tegen het We should be interested in the variety Depending on this, a product of the Woord Gods, dan is, zegt Voetius, of God’s creation and thank Him for artist has succeeded or not as an art- reformatie, niet, executie van die these possibilities. We should develop work. This is a technical approach to besluiten eis.” works of art. them and enjoy them as God gives abil-

IN THIS ISSUE What’s inside? Editorial – Christians and Art — N.H. Gootjes ………………326 Artists think that a picture Published biweekly by Premier Printing Ltd.,Winnipeg, MB Treasures, New and Old – speaks a thousand words. Writers EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: do not believe a word of it. Well, Editor: C. Van Dam The Counseling Ministry of the we will let the artists and the writ- Managing Editor: G.Ph. van Popta Holy Spirit — D. Moes ………328 Language Editor: J.L. van Popta ers argue out that one. In this issue Coeditors: R. Aasman, J. De Jong, J. Geertsema, Calvinist Restrictions – The Creative we address both art and litera- N.H. Gootjes, G.Ph. van Popta Response of Dutch Artists in the ture, those two wonderful media ADDRESS FOR EDITORIAL MATTERS: Golden Age which give much beauty to life CLARION — David A. De Witt …………330 and make it very pleasant. Mr. 46 Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster, ON L9G 1L8 Fax: (905) 304-4951 C. S. Lewis Centennial David De Witt contributes a fas- E-Mail: [email protected] — F.G. Oosterhoff ……………335 cinating article about the Dutch ADDRESS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS: Artists in the Golden Age. Of (subscriptions, advertisements, etc.): Ray of Sunshine course, he illustrates his writing CLARION, Premier Printing Ltd. — Mrs. R. Ravensbergen ……337 One Beghin Avenue with pictures. Dr. F. G. Oosterhoff Winnipeg, MB, Canada R2J 3X5 A Conditional Offer writes an article commemorating Phone: (204) 663-9000 Fax: (204) 663-9202 General Synod Fergus 1998 the hundredth birthday of a liter- Email: [email protected] offered the OPC an Ecclesiastical World Wide Web address: ary giant, C. S. Lewis. http://clarion.home.ml.org/ Fellowship relation, but on a condition! — J. Mulder ………338 One of our senior ministers, SUBSCRIPTION RATES Regular Air the Rev. J. Mulder, reflects on the FOR 1998 Mail Mail Observation Deck Canada* $34.00* $59.00* “OPC decision” of General Synod U.S.A. U.S. Funds $39.00 $52.00 — J. VanRietschoten …………339 Fergus, 1998. International $58.00 $85.00 Farewell to the family ’t Hart Additionally, you will find * Including 7% GST – No. 890967359RT — Diane Kampen ……………340 some letters, reports, reviews, and Advertisements: $11.25 per column inch a Ray of Sunshine. Unless a written subscription cancellation is received Letters to the Editor ……………341 we assume you wish to continue to subscribe. You GvP will be invoiced prior to the subscription renewal date. Our Little Magazine — Aunt Betty …………………342 Publications Mail Registration No. 1025 ISSN 0383-0438

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 327 REASURES, NEW AND OLD T MATTHEW 13:52

By D. Moes

The Counseling Ministry of the Holy Spirit But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

As a pastor, every now and then, I In the light of all of this it should not Jesus would send another Counselor. As have to make a visit to the hospital. surprise us that there are a lot of cries for the Father had once sent Him to earth to Sometimes when I do this, I just cannot help. People want relief from their counsel a people lost and forlorn in help but let my mind wander a little heartaches and affliction! People want sin, and to help this people in many and bit. As I leave my car parked on the to be freed from their worries and trou- varied ways, so the Father would again parking lot and walk towards the en- bles! People want to live without their send Someone to earth once Jesus had trance of the hospital, the brokenness sorrow and grief! In short, people yearn, returned to heaven. This time, He of life stares me straight in my face. Al- long, crave for lives that are whole and would send the Holy Spirit. ready outside the hospital, I see pa- sound again! For lives that are filled When the Holy Spirit would be sent, tients sitting on a bench, enjoying some with peace and contentment and that He would teach Jesus’ disciples all of the outside air or just sitting there have some sense of meaning, purpose things and would remind them of every- smoking a cigarette. When I enter the and direction! thing He had said. This clearly means hospital, the scene does not really In order to attain some of this peace that once Jesus had ascended into change all that much. Wherever I look, and contentment, this wholesomeness heaven, the Holy Spirit would come and I see nurses and doctors, or patients sit- and soundness, many people make take Jesus’ place on this earth. And once ting in wheelchairs or lying in their their regular trips to counselors. Some He did, He would tutor the disciples, beds. Some have broken bones; others go to marriage and parenting coun- give them private instruction and re- have some external injury; still others selors; others go to grief and sorrow view with them what Jesus had already are suffering from all sorts of internal counselors; still others make their told them. I’m sure you know what a problems. weekly trip to their drug and alcohol tutor does. Sometimes a student does counselors. All sorts of counselors not do so well in a certain subject at The brokenness of life abound and they all offer their services, school. For some reason, he has diffi- As I see all of this brokenness and their expertise, their help in trying to culty in understanding the concepts. The more, I think to myself that this is what get your life whole and sound again and teacher arranges for someone else to life is like, now that we live outside the in enabling you to experience some come in and give extra help. This other Garden of Eden. Wherever you look you measure of peace and enjoyment. person, also known as a tutor, will re- see the brokenness of life. Relationships view the material the teacher has al- become strained and often break down. Another Counselor ready taught the student. She will do Husbands do not get along with their The text of our meditation also deals her best to explain it to him in simple wives and wives do not get along with with counseling. It is a text that forms and easy to understand words. She will their husbands. Parents do not get along part of a conversation Jesus Christ is try to give the student further insight with their children and children do not having with his disciples just before He into the material that has been taught. get along with their parents. Employers is about to die and, once He has arisen And she will do her best to train his do not get along with their employees from the dead, return home to his Fa- memory. In a somewhat similar manner, and employees do not get along with ther. In this conversation, Jesus has al- the Holy Spirit, the other Counselor is their employers. People who once were ready spoken about this Counselor. also the tutor of Jesus’ followers. He is close friends now live their lives sepa- When he did, he referred to Him as an- called in alongside of them to enable rated because of dishonesty and hurt. other Counselor (John 14:16). By desig- them to remember what Jesus said and There just is no end to all the aches and nating the Holy Spirit as another Coun- give them further insight into these pains that are felt in this world. Some are selor, Jesus is in essence saying that He things. In doing so Jesus’ disciples will aching because of grief; others are bur- himself had been a Counselor when be able to fulfill the task to which Jesus dened because of sorrow. Some are op- He was with them here on this earth. He Christ had called them. pressed because of troubles; others are would continue to be their Counselor For what was this task again? Was it unsettled because of worries. Some are once He had ascended into heaven not to witness to the ends of the earth distressed because of affliction; others and returned to his Father, but now to what Jesus had said and done? In or- are hurting because of heartaches. alongside his own counseling ministry der to do this, they would have to

328 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 preach about what Jesus had told them. ing to deal with this brokenness? How They would also have to write letters to are we going to deal with the strains and churches instructing these churches in challenges in our homes and outside this teaching of their Saviour. How in our homes? The answer to this question the world would they ever be able to is really quite simple. The only way to HURCH NEWS do this? Their memories were broken deal with our strains and challenges, the C so that they could not always remember only way to deal with our pains and what Jesus had told them. Their insight aches, is to go to the Word of our heav- was limited so that they could not al- enly Counselor. We must allow Him to ways understand the truth of the gospel. do his tutoring work in our lives, re- Their courage was sometimes waning viewing with us what it is that our God CHANGE OF MAILING ADDRESS: so that they did not always dare to wants us to do and giving us further in- speak up when they had to speak up. sight into this will of our God. Canadian Reformed Church “Well,” says Jesus, “do not worry about of Aldergrove all of this and more. As I have coun- Reading and studying your Bible Box 809 seled and helped you while I was with In order for us to undergo the influ- Aldergrove, BC you during my ministry on earth, so I ence of this Counselor, we have to V4W 2V1 will continue to counsel you and help take time to read our Bibles. Further- *** you when I continue my ministry from more, we have to study these Bibles CALLED to Denver, Co. USA heaven. I will send you another Helper, and meditate on what we have read another Counselor, the Holy Spirit him- and studied. When we do this in faith, Rev. C.J. VanderVelde self. He will teach you all things and the Holy Spirit will truly counsel us of Yarrow, BC He will remind you of everything I have with this Word. He will give us guid- * ** said to you.” What an encouragement ance and direction in the midst of our this must have been for those disciples darkness and confusion. He will show NEW EMAIL ADDRESS for: gathered together with Jesus! Living out- us what is pleasing to God and what is Rev. A.J. Pol side the Garden of Eden as they did! not pleasing to Him. He will show us [email protected] Living in a broken world! Not being what will truly lead to peace and con- those perfect people their first parents tentment and what will not. Simply as- has once been! And yet, not having to serting yourself and standing up for and not your own. Doing things God’s worry! There was help! There was your rights will, for instance, not do way always leads to true peace and counsel! There was assistance! this. Denying yourself and looking out contentment. for the interests of others will. Simply Faithfully attending church Counsel for you and me focusing on your own dignity and value A similar counsel is also there for will also not give you this peace and Besides reading and studying your you and me. For also you and I live in a contentment, at least, not in a lasting Bible on your own, you should also broken world. Whether we like it or not, and enduring way. Focusing on the dig- faithfully attend church. For it is here there is not one of us who escapes this nity and value you have because you that you will also undergo the counsel- brokenness of life. A visit to a hospital have been created by God, will. Then ing ministry of the Holy Spirit as you will remind you of this. A visit to a you will learn to see your life in the place yourself under the faithful procla- prison will do the same. So does our light of God’s authority over you and mation of the Word of God. At the same own daily experience. How are we go- you will learn to do things his way, time, you will undergo the counseling ministry of the Holy Spirit as you fel- lowship with your fellow believers. Christians who are filled with the Spirit want to be a hand and a foot to each other, helping each other in any way they can. If you are in need of counsel – and we are ALL in need of counsel – then I urge you to make it your custom to spend some time with your God as you daily read the Scriptures on your own and with your family. At the same time, I urge you to faithfully attend the wor- ship services and listen to the procla- mation of God’s Word with an open mind and a receptive heart. There may be a lot of brokenness in this life. There is no need to neglect and refuse the help and counsel that is offered.

Rev. D. Moes is pastor of the Canadian Reformed Church of Vernon, British Columbia.

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 329 Calvinist Restrictions The Creative Response of Dutch Artists in the Golden Age

By David A. De Witt

The destruction of paintings and statues In the eyes of the world, the Re- formed faith seems to have little room “on its walls” for pictures. Its founda- tion is the Word. Great emphasis is laid on divinely-inspired Scripture, doctrine and preaching. The Protestant Reformers quickly gained their reputation, for dis- trusting the image, already in the decades following the publication of Luther’s Ninety-five Theses, in 1517. Zealots in the Reformed camp provoked the established Church of Rome greatly through iconoclasm. They went about destroying paintings and statues in churches, usually with some chaos and clamour. The great monetary loss grieved Rome, of course. At the same time the people felt deprived of the re- finement and beauty of the art which Illustration 1 had been violently eliminated. The most Esaias van de Velde, Dune Landscape, 1629, important issue was the threat to the Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum traditional, devotional, use of pictures. The Reformers however did not re- ject all visual art, but only the kinds of struction, because they depicted certain for example a saint, was being wor- painting and sculpture commonly persons. Most prominent were Mary shipped (this act was termed “latria”). found in churches. These objects were and Christ, and then came Mary Mag- The image itself was only being adored being worshipped in contradiction of dalene, the apostles and evangelists, (“dulia”). This distinction was rejected the second commandment. Altarpiece and lastly the more interesting and pop- by Calvin. In his Institutes he accused paintings became, for all practical pur- ular early Christian and medieval saints those who “adored” images, of wor- poses, disallowed in the Seven in the Canon. The heroic and miracu- shipping them, idolatrously. Provinces (today the Netherlands) after lous deeds of the saints, mostly as they It is remarkable that Calvin then this time; they continued to be made were recorded by Jacopo D’Avoragine qualified his statements about images. only for secret domestic use. The coun- in The Golden Legend, provided the He immediately went on to explain that try came to be dominated by the fol- subject material for countless altar- other kinds of images, that were not typ- lowers of Jean Calvin. Especially here, pieces in churches and homes before ically worshipped, were acceptable and Calvin’s powerful influence put an end the Reformation. even desirable. It is but a short passage, in the enormous text of the Institutes: to what had formerly been a busy pro- Calvin on images duction of religious images. Lutherans, I am not gripped by the superstition by contrast, were less severe. Luther For centuries, it had become com- of thinking absolutely no images himself reined in the rioting iconoclasts, mon practice to pray before, and to permissible. But because sculpture in the early years of the Reformation. worship, such images. Rome developed and painting are gifts of God, I seek His followers would permit a limited a doctrine to justify this behaviour, a pure and legitimate use of each, use of paintings inside churches. claiming that it was not the image that lest those things which the Lord has The iconoclastic controversy cen- was being venerated, but rather the conferred upon us for his glory and tred on the content of works of art. original person whom the image de- our good be not only polluted by Those altarpieces were attracting idola- picted. This “reality behind the image” perverse misuse but also turned to trous worship, and later iconoclastic de- was called the prototype. A prototype, our destruction. . . . Let not God’s

330 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 well. They were less demanding of the artist’s abilities, and the viewer’s knowl- edge. They were typically less “edify- ing” (teaching), sometimes not at all. With few exceptions, they still adhered to Calvin’s restrictions on art. Art in Calvinist Netherlands The question has already been posed by Volker Manuth, whether there were Calvinist artists who explicitly expressed their beliefs in their art.2 Jan Victors, a student of Rembrandt, seems to be an ex- ample: he refused to paint any pictures of New Testament subjects, because he would then have to depict Christ, in contravention of the second command- ment. He was even mocked for his deci- sion in a poem by the Roman Catholic Jan Vos. Victors’ guidelines were per- Illustration 2 haps too extreme; they would have ex- Jan Porcellis,Marine, London, Leonard Koetser Gallery cluded his own teacher Rembrandt, and many others. In painting the events of the majesty, which is far above the per- same time very expensive, because it Old Testament he was actually taking ception of the eyes, be debased demanded an educated artist who part in a new trend in this country at this through unseemly representations. could also paint all things including time. The first artists to do so had been Within this class some are histories gestures and the expressions on peo- Pieter Lastman (Rembrandt’s teacher) in and events, some are images and ple’s faces. A modest number of history Amsterdam, and the Leeuwarden-based forms of bodies without any depict- paintings appeared in the Netherlands Lambert Jacobsz. Neither of these two ing of past events. The former have during the seventeenth century. The artists was Reformed (Lastman was Ro- no use in teaching or admonition; as City Hall of Amsterdam (now the Royal man Catholic, Lambert Jacobsz. Men- for the latter, I do not see what they Palace on the Dam) was decorated with 1 nonite). Rather than reflecting specific can afford other than pleasure. such paintings, whose themes empha- beliefs, these paintings simply appealed Of course pictures can delight the eye. sized morality in civic government. to Anabaptists, Mennonites and espe- How were they supposed to teach and Alongside history paintings, there cially Calvinists who read the Old Testa- admonish? Calvin cites the long- were also many more representations of ment on a regular basis. The Old Testa- established type known as “history other subjects. These more popular ment had become fashionable (people painting.” For such paintings an event, that contained a significant act, would works were usually cheaper to buy as gave their children names such as Jacob, be chosen. The possible choices were to be found in the texts of the Bible, an- cient history, or even classical mythol- ogy (all of which fell under the cate- gory of “history” at this time). The moment would be shown in the picture, thus emphasizing the important deed. The painting would thus recommend this action, or warn against it. The most famous painting in this category is per- haps Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome which shows scenes from the Old Testament. Roman Catholic artists were also used to paint- ing history paintings of the martyrdoms of saints, but these were precisely what Calvin did not have in mind. Such history paintings were not for everyone. The commissioners were of- ten elite, being educated enough to know the texts well (Greek and Roman history was still mainly available only in Latin). Calvin’s knowledge of this art Illustration 3 also arose out of his own activity as a Gerrit Berckheyde, scholar. History painting was at the The Flower Market of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 331 Seven Provinces, a painting mania be- gan in this country. For about fifty years, paintings were produced and sold in incredible quantities. A great artistic heritage emerged, which survives to the present day. In this very favourable market, artists developed many new possibili- ties for pictures, by taking up many new kinds of subject material. Land- scape and still-life especially flourished. Artists also introduced the seascape, the street scene, domestic interiors, church interiors, merry companies, the military company, the flower piece and the pro- fessions and trades, as themes for paint- ings. This variety replaced the narrow- ness of the spurned artistic tradition of the Church of Rome. The change re- flected new restrictions, and new free- doms as well. Artists were freed to take up things previously considered too in- significant for a painting. It surprises many people to learn that landscape painting as we know it only began in the early 1600s. It had been practised by the ancients, but abandoned in the Middle Ages. It was not considered worthy enough to be the subject of a painting. Artists would only use landscape as background to scenes Illustration 4 of history. Curiously, in the 1500s these Johannes Vermeer, Woman Sleeping, landscapes in Flemish painting were Washington, The National Gallery of Art fanciful, usually consisting of wild and dramatic forests, and mountains. To Abraham, Sarah, etc., for example) and dented prosperity, did Dutch taste in the viewer it suggested that the story these paintings filled the demand. art favour the rich and lively again. was taking place somewhere far away No new, single, definitive Calvinist Rembrandt cannot be avoided, it and unfamiliar. art arose, at either the elite or the popu- seems, in a discussion of the Dutch Haarlem artists such as Esaias van lar level. There was no call from the Re- Golden Age. His religious convictions der Velde became the first to make formers for painting to articulate their have never been well-defined. He ap- paintings of local landscape again, in a doctrine. Indeed, Calvin and his follow- parently did not join the Reformed realistic manner. They typically first ers did not convey a great deal of artis- Church, and associated with Mennon- made drawings from life, of views of the tic flair. They adopted a sober personal ites as well as the Reformed. He was territory around Haarlem, where they style. Their portraits show that they intensely interested in the Bible. He re- lived (ill.1). The final painting was made favoured plain black clothing (the dress mains well-known for making history in the studio. The artist would some- of the American Pilgrim Fathers is a fa- paintings, of stories from the Old Testa- times then deviate from the drawing, or miliar example; it was the current fash- ment, and for steering his students in even concoct a total fiction by assem- ion in Leiden, where they had been stay- this direction. The tradition was carried bling features from several drawings. It ing around 1620, before their departure through for about a hundred years, into was still realism: convincing and taken for the New World). Depictions of the 1700s. It must be kept in mind that, from the real. Previously such “ob- church interiors show that the old deco- even when it was most fashionable, Old served” landscape was only shown in rations were covered in whitewash. Testament subjects only attracted the drawings and prints. It became incredi- Such preferences did not agree very interest of a small and elite group; it was bly popular. Virtually every inventory of much with the luxury and beauty of fine history painting, after all. The real possessions in seventeenth century Am- paintings, but artists were able to adapt. explosion in new kinds of painting oc- sterdam includes at least one landscape They created sober paintings to sell to curred on a more popular level, out- painting. Artists had found one good this public. It is the most obvious ex- side of this category. way to celebrate Creation and the rus- planation for the shift from the colourful tic charm of the countryside, and even and rich paintings of before 1615 to a Landscapes, seascapes and supply aesthetic enjoyment, while re- simple, monochromatic style in Dutch cityscapes maining completely clear before the art in the decades following the Synod At about the same time as the con- second commandment. of Dordrecht of 1617-1618. Only after servative Calvinists gained effective The seascape started out quite differ- around 1650, in a climate of unprece- control of the Reformed Church in the ently than its cousin the landscape.

332 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 Illustration 5

Quiringh van Brekelenkam, The Cobbler, Schwerin, Staatliches Museum Schwerin

Originally, artists were employed to of them, and its population multiplied of moral message, though not always. make “portraits” of ships, at harbour or in several times as a result. Their capital, Of the many painters who specialized in battle. Merchants or naval commanders talent, experience, and hard work con- such interior scenes, he is by far the typically commissioned them. Beginning tributed heavily to the spectacular eco- most famous. Even though he was Ro- in the early 1620s, a much broader mar- nomic rise of this city. The crisp and de- man Catholic, Vermeer painted no al- ket was reached by artists such as Jan tailed views taken in Amsterdam and tarpieces (that we know of), and his mes- Porcellis. He painted marine views in Haarlem by the brothers Berckheyde, sages were almost always compatible which the sea and sky dominated, and Job and Gerrit, reassured Netherlanders with the Calvinism of his surrounding the ships were mere accents (ill. 2). The that God had blessed their steadfastness society, and of many of his buyers. “content” of such a picture was actually in faith, by giving fruit to their labour, The daily activities in the paintings the weather: calm, troubled, or even vi- and even affording them luxury (ill. 3). of Quiringh van Brekelenkam are even olent. Viewers could then also reflect on It was a materialistic idea about God’s less pretentious. This artist made a num- God’s mercy in providing favourable favour that we would perhaps hesitate to ber of pictures showing tradespeople at weather for seafarers, and His sover- take today, but one that was common work. They are usually inside their own eignty over their own lives as well. in the seventeenth century. homes, where many trades were carried The streets and canals of their cities out at this time. The atmosphere created and towns also attracted the attention of Interior views by Brekelenkam in The Cobbler is quiet, a number of Dutch artists. They typically Interior views usually had a very and evocative (ill. 5). His style was did not favour picturesque older houses different emphasis: less on social status, sober, and lent dignity to his subject. in their paintings, but rather chose and more on daily life. They often made Brekelenkam’s specialty was rare newly-constructed canals, houses, and some comment on lifestyle and morals. among painters. It appeared more com- public buildings. These projects re- Such everyday scenes could thus have monly in prints. A little later in the cen- flected the recent prosperity of the a serious symbolic meaning. Johannes tury, Jan Luyken created a large series of Netherlands. Many of the residents of Vermeer’s painting of a Woman Sleep- prints of the vocations for a now-famous this country at the time, especially in ing would have reminded the viewer of book devoted to the topic of work. Amsterdam, were recent immigrants, the vice of sloth, or laziness (ill. 4). It is Luyken was a strict Calvinist, and a refugees who had fled persecution in not a shrill, severe sermon; there are no poet, and the verses that he composed countries such as the Southern Nether- dire warnings that poverty or condem- to these images frequently emphasize lands (Belgium today) and France. Es- nation waits at the door. Instead this the Christian virtue of honest labour. pecially thousands of Reformed believ- woman naps in affluence. There is per- This meaning likely also applied to ers from Antwerp left their homeland haps a gentle reflection on the irony Brekelenkam’s paintings. bitterly, in the wake of a massacre in that material rewards sometimes lull a The paintings of flower-pictures oc- 1585 at the hands of the Spanish. person into comfortable inactivity rather cupied a great many women painters, Antwerp declined in wealth, its splen- than spurring them into action. Ver- as well as men. The pinnacle of dour decaying. At the same time Ams- meer’s extremely beautiful and calm achievement was perhaps the work of terdam became the new home for many arrangements often promoted some kind Rachel Ruysch, who developed very

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 333 Shakespeare), but the Amsterdam Schouburgh (the poetic name given to the City Theatre) was repeatedly closed by the civil authorities, and even the great playwright Joost van den Vondel faced censure. Relatively few plays were written. In the case of both music and theatre, Calvin’s criticisms resulted in a general atmosphere of disfavour, which could be enforced through the public in- stitutions of the church and the City The- atre. In contrast, painting took place in thousands of Dutch workshops and rooms. Painters who adapted to pre- vailing standards of a Reformed society simply outsold the dissidents. Epilogue After the “disaster year” of 1672, prosperity started to run out for the Dutch, and painting went downhill as well. Surprisingly, many of the new types of subject matter disappeared. This smaller market became dominated by a unified style, and a preference for elite subject matter. The new fashion was for an idealizing “classicism” (imi- tating the “classical” art from ancient Illustration 6 Greece and Rome). It is discouraging to Rachel Ruysch, Still Life with Flowers, note the rise of the “rules of art,” which 1739, London, Art Market (in 1990) dictated this form of art as perfect, and denigrated all others. The great influ- complicated, lavish and spectacular pornographic paintings. Artists were ence this time was not the Roman arrangements of colour and texture (ill. not generally hampered by the Re- Catholic Church, but instead the En- 6). She also kept up the tradition of sci- formed restriction, that there would be lightenment in France, with its fascina- entific accuracy in clearly representing no open public worship of images. In- tion for system, order and method. It many various species. She is a late rep- stead they turned to other kinds of sub- was a situation similar to the previous resentative of this type of painting. The ject matter. In some cases, the result was dominance of religious images, in con- flower piece is yet another product of entirely new for art, in other instances it tempt of other subjects, which were not the Dutch Golden Age; it perhaps had was something taken over from another seen as “worthy” enough to be painted its origin in Flemish paintings of art form, often prints. As shown above, by artists. From our historical viewpoint, “Madonna in the Wreath.” Around serious moral reminders were incorpo- Calvin’s few simple restrictions seem to 1610 Ambrosius Bosschaert began to rated into some works, but not others. have provided Dutch culture with a lib- This world of art was complex, even a paint simple bouquets against plain erating impulse to artistic creativity. backgrounds. Such pictures began as little chaotic. Artists were freed from a fixed tradition and its burden of a nar- (pleasant) reminders that the life of row range of commissions. David A. de Witt is a doctoral student at man is as frail and passing as the While painting prospered, the same Queen’s University, Kingston specializ- blooming of a flower. As the tradition could not be said of poetry, music and ing in seventeenth century art. He is developed, this message became nearly theatre. These other arts fared much bet- presently researching in Amsterdam. lost in the display of beauty. ter in England, France, Germany, and He can be reached via email at: [email protected] Painting flourished but not other Italy, during the same period. For ex- art forms ample, the last internationally-famous Dutch composer for the organ was Jan Notes: These and many other kinds of Pietersz. Sweelinck (who was Roman 1J. Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion paintings arose in the Netherlands dur- Catholic). Organ music was attacked (Battles edition) 1.XI.11. Calvin originally ing its economic boom in the seven- by many Reformed preachers, who for published the Institutes in Latin, the final teenth century. Painting flourished in a time banned its playing during church version appearing in 1559. The text was variety and quality. The country was services, and stirred up a great contro- very quickly translated into many languages, very Calvinist, especially in its govern- versy. After Sweelinck’s death in 1621, and in this way made a great impact on a popular level. ment, which excluded Roman Catholics his important followers were mostly 2Volker Manuth, “Denomination and and Mennonites. With a few well- German (Buxtehude, Bach), and the Iconography: the Choice of Subject Matter in known exceptions, artists did not risk Dutch tradition faltered. With respect the Biblical Painting of the Rembrandt Cir- provoking the authorities by painting to theatre, it thrived in London (think of cle,” Simiolus 22 (1993-1994), 235-252.

334 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 C. S. Lewis Centennial

By F.G. Oosterhoff

In November of this year it will be author. The conversion (to borrow a hundred years since C. S. Lewis was again from his brother’s description) born. A teacher of English literature at “was the occasion of a notable literary Oxford and Cambridge Universities, development, of wide popularity cou- Lewis was also a writer of literary criti- pled with hostility in some quarters, and cism, poetry, novels, science fiction, of certain war-time lecturing engage- children’s books, and works of Christ- ments with the RAF and the BBC. It ian apologetics. In our circles he is was in connection with his religious perhaps best known as the author of the rather than his scholarly writing that his Narnia series of children’s fiction, but name became a household word in the many among us will also be acquainted ‘forties and ‘fifties. . . .” with at least some of the works he Among the works he published wrote in defence of the faith. Although since his conversion are such classics practically all his books became best- as the The Problem of Pain, the Screw- sellers, it was his work as a religious tape Letters, the Narnia series, The writer that gained him a world-wide Abolition of Man, The Four Loves, Mir- readership. (Admittedly, it is not possi- acles, and Mere Christianity, as well as ble to distinguish too sharply between his science-fiction trilogy, and the au- his religious and his fictional writings, tobiography Surprised by Joy. In addi- for most of the latter were also inspired tion he wrote scholarly books, con- by his Christian faith.) Joining the rest of C.S. Lewis tributed articles to various periodicals, presented numerous papers, wrote and the Christian world in celebrating the preached sermons, and gave his series Lewis centennial, this magazine will Tolkien, author of The Lord of the of radio lectures. These lectures were devote a brief series of articles to his life Rings), he regained his faith and re- subsequently published as Broadcast and work. turned to the church in which he had Talks, Christian Behaviour, and Beyond been baptized. As he himself describes Conversion Personality. Mere Christianity (1952), it: “In the Trinity term of 1929 I gave in, one of his most popular works, is a re- Clive Staples Lewis (or Jack, as he and admitted that God was God. . . .” vised and expanded edition of these came to be called), was born in Ulster In the estimation of his older brother, three books. (Northern Ireland) on November 29, W.H. Lewis, this conversion was “no 1898, the younger of two sons in an sudden plunge into a new life, but Shadowlands Anglican family. He served and was rather a slow steady convalescence Some time ago (I think it was in the wounded in the first world war. Upon from a deep-seated spiritual illness of 1980s) a movie was made of Lewis’s the war’s conclusion he returned to his long standing – an illness that had its life, entitled Shadowlands. Distributed studies at Oxford, and in 1925 he be- origins . . . in the dry husks of religion in video format, it introduced Lewis and came a Fellow and Tutor at that univer- offered by the semi-political church- his family to a large viewing public. The sity. He remained at Oxford until 1954, going of Ulster. . . .” movie was made by people who appear when Cambridge created a chair in Me- to have had trouble with Lewis’s repu- dieval and Renaissance literature for tation as a defender of Christianity and him. Lewis filled that chair until shortly It is a pity that the portrays him as a man whose conver- before his death in November of 1963, a sion and faith were more apparent than week before his 65th birthday. Shadowlands real. When his affairs prospered, he Well before he entered university, picture of Lewis came across as a triumphant Christian, Lewis had abandoned his Christian faith but when with the death of his wife dis- and become an agnostic. But as appears has been accepted aster struck, he abandoned his faith, or from his autobiography (Surprised by in Christian circles. so the movie suggests. The conclusion Joy), the conviction that there was more the viewer can hardly help drawing is to the world than mere matter, refused that this man, who allegedly was in- to leave him. After an intense intellec- Religious writing strumental in leading untold numbers to tual struggle, and helped by Christian Lewis’s commitment to Christianity faith in Christ, was in fact little more colleagues at Oxford (including J.R.R. implied a new beginning in his life as an than a fake.

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 335 book and article. One is the Christian rationalist whose arguments are fre- quently valuable, and who has helped many fellow-Christians and many ag- nostics to overcome intellectual doubts, but who has to be read critically. The other is the humble Christian believer who subjected his own insights to the authority of the Scriptures, realizing that unless we become like children we can- not enter the Kingdom. But also in his rationalist guise Lewis confessed Christ as his Saviour, and throughout his life he struggled to fulfil the commandment to love God and the neighbour, and to promote the gospel by whatever means he had at his disposal. Foremost among these means were his religious writ- ings. In a following article I hope to pro- vide some samples of these writings.

Dr. F.G. Oosterhoff is a retired teacher of history living in Hamilton, Ontario.

It is a pity that the Shadowlands picture of Lewis has been accepted in “THERE ARE NO Christian circles, including parts of our I tend to see two own community, for it does Lewis an C.S. Lewises. ORDINARY PEOPLE” injustice. The interpretation was based . . . It may be possible for each in part on the booklet A Grief Observed, One is a to think too much of his own po- which Lewis wrote in the weeks imme- Christian rationalist; tential glory hereafter; it is hardly diately following his wife’s death, and possible for him to think too often which was published shortly after his the other or too deeply about that of his own death three years later. Herein he is the humble neighbour. The load, or weight, or describes his grief and struggles in a burden of my neighbour’s glory manner that, especially if statements are Christian believer. should be laid daily on my back, quoted out of context, indeed supports a load so heavy that only humility the picture of a man who is beset by But the rational approach is not can carry it, and the back of the doubts about God’s benevolence and without dangers, and this is evident in proud will be broken. It is a serious justice. But if one takes the trouble to parts of Lewis’s work. Generally speak- thing to live in a society of possible read the booklet for oneself and in its ing, Lewis was an orthodox Christian. gods and goddesses, to remember entirety (and also if one takes account of “A thorough-going supernaturalist,” to that the dullest and most uninter- esting person you can talk to may other work he wrote after his wife’s quote one of his editors, he believed one day be a creature which, if death), one cannot possibly reach the in “the Creation, the Fall, the Incarna- you saw it now, you would be conclusion that Lewis abandoned faith tion, the Resurrection, the Second strongly tempted to worship, or in his God. Coming, and the Four Last Things else a horror and a corruption such (death, Judgement, Heaven, Hell).” Yet as you now meet, if at all, only in The question of orthodoxy at times he did not hesitate to criticize a nightmare. All day long we are, I wrote a few paragraphs ago that aspects of the Bible (see, for example, in some degree, helping each Lewis regained his faith after an intense the first chapters of his Reflections on other to one or other of these des- intellectual struggle. Lewis was, also as the Psalms). Also, although he obvi- tinations. It is in the light of these a Christian, very much the thinker. He ously disliked evolutionism and went overwhelming possibilities, it is was gifted with great intelligence and a to some lengths to show that scientists with the awe and the circumspec- very logical mind, and delighted in had altogether failed to prove it, he tion proper to them, that we proving the truth of the Christian doc- occasionally adopted a developmen- should conduct all our dealings trine (and the foolishness of atheistic talist approach himself, and he made with one another, all friendships, reasonings) with rational arguments. it clear that he had no religious (only all loves, all plays, all politics. That approach has advantages. Espe- intellectual) objections to the theory There are no ordinary people . . . cially for those who are troubled by in- of evolution. tellectual doubts, this aspect of Lewis’s The more I think about his work, the From C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, a Sermon. work can be very helpful, as many a more I tend to see two C. S. Lewises, Lewis-reader will testify. who often appear together in the same

336 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 RAY OF SUNSHINE

By Mrs. R. Ravensbergen “Happy the people whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 144:15b

Dear Brothers and Sisters, It also helps us to say “No!” to the “pleasures” of When I woke up to our radio alarm a few weeks ago, the world. To turn off the radio and the TV when they I heard a song. It was a bit of a funny song. I do not re- broadcast and show things that are not pleasing to the member much of it except for the refrain, which kept com- Lord. Now we understand why there is this terrible ing back over and over again: “Don’t worry, be happy.” noisy and loud stuff that they call music, and why some All kinds of silly things happen to this guy, and his solu- people always want to listen to it: they have to, in order tion to all his problems is, “Don’t worry! be happy!” to drown out the worries and uncertainties that live inside Of course, the whole song was a bit ridiculous. For of them. For when you do not obey the Lord, there is who can live like that? Terrible things happen to you, no happiness in your heart and there is no peace with and you just turn around and say, “Don’t worry! Be the Lord. happy!” How can you be happy when you know that you Can we then say, “Don’t worry, be happy?” Yes, all are in trouble? Maybe people of the world try to live like those whose God is the Lord can say that, and live like that. To them this life is the only thing. The future? that. But this saying is backed up with more. We do not They do not really want to think about that. They try to have to worry, and we can be happy because we know believe that nothing really matters, except to be happy. that the Lord takes care of us. We have to do what is re- And that is why they try to believe that if you forget quired of us, and then we may know that the Lord is in everything else and do not worry about anything, you charge. And when the Lord is in charge of our lives, can be happy. there is no reason left to worry! Fortunately we know better. We know that happiness is not a matter of an outside smile and a lot of laughing and Unto the hills I lift my eyes. joking. Real happiness is a matter of the heart. If you don’t From where comes all my aid have happiness in your heart, then you can laugh and joke When troubled or afraid? all you like, but it is not real, and it does not last. Maybe The Lord shall to my help arise, with a lot of funny talk and much noise you can try not to He who made earth and heaven: listen to what you feel inside, but when the fun is over, His aid is freely given. the reality strikes, and the worries take over. Psalm 121:1 Real happiness is only there when we trust in the Lord. Birthdays in August: When we know that the Lord is our God, we can laugh and sing and be happy. For then we know that this life is 5: Philip Schuurman not all that matters. 11 Wallis Avenue, Apt.B This life is only a short little while; what comes after Smithville, ON, L0R 2A0 this life is what counts. Therefore we do not just live our 9: Rose Malda life, but we live towards the future. When this life comes to Oakland Centre, 53 Bond Street an end, then we will enter a new life, which will never Oakville ON, L6J 5B4 end. That life will be beautiful and perfect. There will not be anything that we could worry about. All the difficulties 18: Fenny Kuik and anxieties and challenges and sadness and loneliness 140 Foch Avenue are then taken away from us. Nothing in that future can Winnipeg, MB, R2C 5H7 make us unhappy. 23: Jack Dieleman Yes indeed, we are very fortunate. This knowledge 5785 Young Street , Apt 704 gives us strength to deal with the challenges that we re- Willowdale, ON, M2M 4J2 ceive in this life. Knowing that the Lord is our God gives us comfort in times of grief and sadness; it gives us It will be Phil’s 39th, Rose’s 41st, Fenny’s 46th, and strength to endure when we are very sick and suffer Jack’s 26th birthday. much pain; it helps us to face our challenges whatever they Congratulations with your birthday to all of you, and may be; it helps us when we are very old, and when we until next month, cannot do the things we would like to do. For when we live Mrs. R. Ravensbergen, with the Lord and serve Him with all our hearts, we know 7462 Reg.Rd. 20, RR# 1, that our sins are forgiven through the blood of our Re- Smithville, ON, L0R 2A0. deemer Jesus Christ. e-mail: [email protected]

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 337 A Conditional Offer General Synod Fergus 1998 offered the OPC an Ecclesiastical Fellowship relation, but on a condition! By J. Mulder

Synod Fergus 1998 has taken an im- to be a matter of the Westminster stan- ments made by a General Synod. They portant decision about our relation with dards. Therefore, there is reason to con- must be honoured as such, or they must the Orthodox Presbyterian Church tinue to discuss this practice, but it “can- be proven to be in conflict with the Word (OPC). According to the Acts of Synod, not in the end be made a condition for of God or with the Church Order. published on the Internet, the Canadian Ecclesiastical Fellowship” (Acts, Synod A case at hand is another decision Reformed Churches offer the OPC the Abbotsford, 1995, p 71, Article 106.B.3 of Synod Abbotsford ‘95. In a consider- Ecclesiastical Fellowship relation on – emphasis mine). ation this synod stated that the sugges- the condition that the General Assembly But this is exactly what the next tion that Art. 61 (dealing with the ques- of the OPC will declare that in admitting synod, Synod Fergus, 1998, did! tion who may be admitted to the Lord’s guests to the Lord’s table “a general Now every synod has, of course, the Table) is the only possible way to exe- verbal warning by the officiating minis- right to disagree and change judgments cute what we confess in Lord’s Day 30 ter alone is not sufficient and that a pro- made by a previous synod, if there are (QA 81, 82) is not proven from Scripture fession of the Reformed faith and con- sound reasons to do so. But Synod ‘98 (Acts, p.73, 2). That was a sound state- firmation of a godly life is required.” does not prove or declare that the previ- ment. Article 61 C.O. does not arrange I was present when this decision ous Synod was wrong in judging that how exactly every local church should was made and the final vote was taken. the way guests are admitted to the Lord’s or should not admit guests from other It was unanimous, and delegates and table in Orthodox Presbyterian Churches Churches (non sister-churches) to the most visitors clapped their hands, ap- cannot in the end be made a condition Lord’s Table. But, in making this state- plauding this decision! I know of one vis- for Ecclesiastical Fellowship. This was ment, Synod ‘95 actually overruled a itor, however, who was more inclined no oversight. According to the Acts (Art. judgment made by Synod Burlington to boo this decision than to applaud it. 129.IV.E.4.d) the Church of Watford 1986 without refuting it. For Synod ‘86 More than one question can be specifically asked Synod ‘98 to make declared quite emphatically that “Arti- raised, but, according to me, one is ba- such a declaration. However, Synod ‘98 cle 61, Church Order, is the rule which sic: How can Synod Fergus 1998 do did not grant Watford’s request; neither governs the admission of all those who what Synod Abbotsford 1995 said can- did it refute this judgment of Abbotsford seek to partake in the Lord’s Supper” not be done without refuting the judg- ‘95. Synod Fergus ‘98 decided to invite (Acts, Synod Burlington 1986, p 60 – ment made by Synod 1995? the OPC to enter into ecclesiastical fel- emphasis mine). Our relation with the OPC has been lowship with the Canadian Reformed These are judgments made by a in discussion since Synod Edmonton Churches on the condition that the Gen- General Synod, and, therefore, to be 1965. The Canadian Reformed Churches eral Assembly of the OPC declares that taken seriously. initiated the contact. The OPC has will- a general verbal warning by the officiat- My concern is that Synods are in dan- ingly and patiently submitted to the ing minister alone is not sufficient in ad- ger of losing their credibility when they – scrutiny of our churches. Since 1965 mitting guests to the Lord’s Table. of course unintentionally – make conflict- every Synod dealt with it, also Abbotsford Synod ‘95 declared that this cannot ing judgments in serious matters. The 1995. This synod had to respond to a be done, but Synod ‘98 did it anyway! one Synod says: This cannot be a condi- complaint that a remaining difference be- Someone will perhaps argue that tion for Ecclesiastical Fellowship, and the other says: It should be such a condition tween the OPC and us, with regard to what Synod ‘95 said was just a statement – without proving the other wrong. the question how to admit guests to the made in a consideration. In a way that That is not the style of the Church of Lord’s table, is actually a confessional is true. But that does not take away the the Lord. and not just a practical matter. seriousness of this judgment made by a Also our OPC brothers (especially Synod Abbotsford dealing with this General Synod, namely, that a certain some of whom have for years dealt with complaint considered that this is in fact method to admit guests to the Lord’s our OPC committee) read the Acts and a matter which pertains to certain prac- Table cannot be made a condition for the considerations of our synods. What tices in the OPC. It does not deal with having a sister church relationship. impression do they receive? the OPC’s confessional documents. The A Synod, when adducing arguments They will have a very hard time un- OPC’s practice with respect to the ad- to arrive at a proper decision in a certain derstanding why our Churches are will- mission of guests to the Lord’s table has matter, runs the danger of making in its ing and able to discuss remaining con- not been proven to undermine the considerations general judgments which fessional divergencies within the OPC’s confessional integrity as a true may have far reaching consequences, or framework of having Ecclesiastical Fel- church. On the other hand, Synod was which conflict with statements made by lowship but that the OPC’s practice of of the opinion that this practice gives previous synods. But if they are made reason for concern, but it is not proven and adopted, they stand as pronounce- continued on page 339

338 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 Observation Deck By J. VanRietschoten

A Bible Translator on the NIV and those who do not understand Another feature which reputedly In the January 12 issue of Chris- the form merely need instruction, makes the NIV the Bible for the masses tianity Today several letters to the edi- not a new form. The unbeliever or is that it is a “model for dynamic equiv- tor reflected the debate around the nominal Christian is left at the mercy alence.” The word dynamic means proposed inclusive version of the NIV. of the priest, the preacher, or the power. In translating the Bible the words One of these short letters contained scholar, not the Word of God. must be equal in power to the original many points of importance. Since most [Dr. Bruce] Metzger describes words. “Power” of the word translation of our churches are now using the NIV translation as “the art of making the is contrasted by “meaning” of the word in the worship services, the points right sacrifice.” Are we willing to translation. Is it the power of the con- raised will be of interest to the reader of sacrifice the sacredness of the literal temporary word which brings to con- Clarion. I contacted the author of the form in order to bring God’s Word to version? Or is it the meaning of the word letter via Christianity Today and was a generation? Or will we choose to as originally inspired by the Holy Spirit? given permission to quote. Rather than elevate the form and possibly sacri- It is the meaning. If in translating the quote the author out of context I pass fice the generation? Let us look to Bible we cannot find a contemporary on the entire letter. these inclusive versions not as a new word which truly renders the meaning I became a Christian by reading standard the church must embrace then we have to settle for a word which a NIV Bible. I had tried reading the or reject, but as a legitimate method is less easily understood. We may not Bible many times but had been mys- of reaching the lost. sacrifice meaning. The Holy Spirit uses tified by church language and Donna Williams, Langley, B.C. meaning to bring to conversion. In strange idioms. Through the NIV, Canada in Christianity Today, “power” translation, if an easy word the Lord became personal and his Jan. 12,1998, p.10. cannot be found, meaning is sacrificed. message understandable. Within a That is why the author writes that Dr. year, I was in Bible college and Reading this, I am reminded of a state- Metzger describes translation as “the art headed toward a career as a trans- ment printed in the Acts of Synod 1980, of making the right sacrifice.” The NIV lator overseas. p 76. The Committee states that the represents both. The NIV aims for mean- Now in graduate studies, I rarely KJV has become obsolete, that the ing. But the NIV has in places also sac- use the NIV. Nor do most scholars, NASB is too literal to be lucid and clear, rificed meaning. Where the NIV has sac- for it is not literal enough for the ex- that the NIV is too free for use in the rificed meaning correction is needed. acting world of academia. Though pulpit. When Donna Williams states But is the NIV indeed the Bible for an excellent translation and model that the NIV is not the Bible for the ex- the masses? Does the NIV make preach- for dynamic equivalence, the NIV is egetes she actually is saying that the ing unnecessary? Certainly not. Romans not the Bible of exegetes, but of the NIV is not the Bible for preaching, or for 10 is still valid today. Men are sent to masses. Yet by necessity, it is the interpretation. The NIV is the Bible for preach Christ. exegetes who control its contents. the masses. It is the Bible that is able to According to the author an inclu- This aspect of the current argument bring the masses to conversion without sive language version of the Bible would I have not heard discussed. preaching. But it is not literal enough. not become a new standard the church When the scholars tell us we This brings us to a crucial question. must embrace or reject. However, must hold to a specific form of the Can a Bible translation take the place where else does the church find her NIV, or preachers proclaim the KJV of preaching? If the NIV is not literal standards but in the Bible? If we present is in errant, our leaders are no better enough, the AV too archaic, and the the lost with a Bible which says some- than the pre-Reformation church, NASB too literal, does this not under- thing different from the biblical stan- which said, “We will tell you which score the need for preaching? If the NIV, dards of the church, trust in the church version to read, and we will tell you by not being literal enough, has become is lost because of tampering with the what it means.” Through the years, the Bible for the masses, should we then Bible. The lost are brought to conversion translation arguments have assumed not be honest and present the NIV as by the Word of God, purely translated as that the form is somehow sacred, an “Adapted Bible for the masses?” well as purely preached. continued from page 338 admitting guests to the Lord’s Table brothers of the OPC within the relation Rev. J. Mulder is minister-emeritus must be changed before such a relation of Ecclesiastical Fellowship? Must this of the Canadian Reformed Church of may be established. really be a condition to be met before Burlington-Waterdown. He served as Does Holy Scripture not allow us to such a relation can be established? I convener of the Committee for Contact discuss also this difference with the have a hard time accepting this. with the OPC from 1977-1992.

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 339 Farewell to the family ’t Hart

“LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS” The Toronto congregation again had the privilege of having the gospel preached by our Missionary Rev. Stephen ‘t Hart, before he and his fam- ily left for their mission work in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. It was a day of celebration and of fond farewell to the ‘t Harts who departed for the mission field on Tuesday, May 5th. Isaiah 9: 1-2 was the text for the morning service with the theme that we are called out of darkness into God’s glorious light. Israel would have per- ished in outer darkness if God had left them on their own. God had chosen Is- rael as His covenant people, yet they re- jected Him. They were warned by the prophets but did not heed the call to repentance even after numerous admo- nitions. Israel did not choose for God and so they were placed in the dark- ness of captivity and oppression. In the text Isaiah calls Israel to trust on the Rev. and Mrs. ’t Hart and daughter Miriam receiving farewell gifts. Lord rather than on the strength of other and obedience, trusting that God will and how there is a need for sharing the nations. Salvation and deliverance are provide for our every need, and sharing gospel. There are dangers and influ- to be found in “Galilee of the nations,” this trust and confidence with our ences in society which affect us as fam- the land of the Prince of Peace who friends and neighbours. On this firm ilies and make it difficult to live as a came as a humble child although He and assured foundation the ‘t Harts can Christian. Therefore we need the was the Christ, the Son of the living God. He, our Lord and Saviour, was go into the unknown to share the good prayers and support of one another in sent by the Father so that we need not news of salvation in Christ’s blood, to order to live righteously before God. perish, so that we could walk in light and call a people out of darkness into the To emphasize this, the video showed be saved from darkness. God remembers land of the living and into God’s mar- the children in christian schools where his people and his promises, and there- velous light. they learn to apply and defend their fore “God is with us, Emmanuel.” After the second service the con- growing faith, and it showed adults This assurance of God’s continuing gregation remained together for a busy with Bible study and sharing that presence was further extended in the af- farewell evening. First, however, we en- Word with others whom God is bring- ternoon service, when Rev. ‘t Hart joyed a meal prepared by the Action ing to the truth. The video highlighted chose Genesis 12:1-3 as his text: Abra- Committee of the Church. This was fol- the life of the Church and its various ham called out of his familiar surround- lowed by an organized sequence of members as they together seek to grow ings to go into the unknown. God sep- events. After a congratulatory note to in the Lord and to serve Him. arated Abraham from family, friends, Mrs. ‘t Hart for the celebration of her During the evening songs were sung and familiarity and directed him to a recent birthday, Rev. den Hollander in praise to God, accompanied with new land and a new life where he was opened the evening with prayer and various musical instruments. The Mis- to serve the one and only true God. the reading of Psalm 96 – Sing to the sion Board added to the festive occa- Abraham was to rely completely on Lord a new song! sion by presenting to the ‘Harts several God’s promises and on the Father’s as- Rev. ‘t Hart then presented his first very useful gifts for the family. The sured care for him and his family. It self-directed video entitled “Serving evening was closed in prayer by Rev. H. was a calling to trust upon the grace of God Together,” based on church life in Versteeg who committed the ‘t Hart God. In like manner we are to respond Toronto. From the city of Toronto we family to the Lord’s care as they were to the demands of the gospel in faith saw people of different backgrounds now departing to fulfill the mandate of

340 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 the great commission: “There- fore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey every- thing I have commanded you. And surely I am with you al- ways, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19 and 20. Diane Kampen

A special “farewell and bon voyage” card for Rev. and Mrs. ’t Hart

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Please mail, e-mail or fax letters for publication to the editorial address. They should be 300 words or less. Those published may be edited for style or length. Please include address and phone number.

Re: Martin Van Bostelen’s letter “URCNA In his Editorial, “Clarion” May 29, 1998, The real cause for sadness is that be- and CanRC” (Vol. 47, No. 11, p. 266). Rev. Geertsema writes “It is, therefore, a cause of these actions it becomes difficult for cause for great sadness when one of the discipline to function within the Body of Mr. Van Bostelen may or may not be ministers says that he can no longer main- Christ. If we can no longer be “speaking the aware that a large number of URCNA mem- tain his signature under the Subscription truth in love” to each other, we will no bers, many of whom come not from the Form. We appreciate his honesty. . . .” Rev. longer “in all things grow up into Him who CRC or any other church background, read Geertsema is of course writing about Rev. J. is the Head, that is, Christ” (Eph. 4:15). Clarion regularly, and would not be im- Boersma. John Calvin writes “But since some have pressed (as would not many of his fellow The real cause for sadness is, that by a hatred and aversion to discipline, from the CanRC’s) by the smugness he shows in his withdrawing himself from the Church, Br. very name of the thing, let such consider that statements. “By pride comes nothing but Boersma is being unfaithful to the vow he if no society, no, nor even a small family, strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom” took upon his ordination to the office of min- can be preserved in a proper condition with- (Prov 13:10, NKJV). ister of the Word: “Do you also promise to out discipline, then it is much more neces- I wish that he would speak in love even submit to the discipline of the church in case sary in the church – which ought to be kept towards those whom he cannot call his you should become delinquent in doctrine in the most orderly state. For, as the whole- brothers and sisters in Christ. God’s grace or life?” (Form for the Ordination of Minis- some doctrine of Christ is the life of the through Jesus’ blood embraces far more than ters of the Word. Book of Praise p 622). church, so discipline in it is the sinews, by admitting wrongs from past generations. And The real cause for sadness is that Br. which all members of the body adhere to- he should be warned, for when our Lord Boersma’s actions are characteristic of an at- gether, each in its proper place. Therefore, comes again to claim His own, He will not titude that is becoming all too prevalent whoever wishes to take away discipline, or be reading the names on our church build- within our communities. This attitude is in- would hinder its restoration (whether this ings, or studying the colour of our song dependantism, which is typical of the world. arises from their ignorance, or from their More and more we are confronted by broth- endeavors) they certainly are promoting the books, but “on this one I will look: On him ers and sisters who fail to fully grasp what it utter destruction of the church. For what will who is poor and of contrite spirit, and who means that “in Christ we who are many form be the consequence if every person may act trembles at My Word” (Isa 66:2). Let’s read one body, and each member belongs to all as he pleases?” (Inst. IV Chap. 12 sec. 1). our Bibles before we rest too comfortably in the others” (Rom. 12:5). At the slightest You be the judge! our interpretation of the confessions. provocation or presumed injustice, they M. Bareman J. Holtvluwer withdraw themselves from the Church or Grassy Lake, AB Smithers, BC from functioning within our communities. (403) 655-2475

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 341 OUR LITTLE MAGAZINE By Aunt Betty

Dear Busy Beavers WORD SEARCH How are your holidays? I hope you are having lots of by Busy Beaver Jennifer Post fun, together with your family and friends. I also wish you a really enjoyable but safe holiday from school. What are BABCHDE- you doing during the holidays – going to visit family or other friends, or just on a touring holiday with Dad and FGHIJK Mom, brothers and sisters? You’re always welcome to write RUSTOU- to me when you have some time and tell me what you’re VWXYZAC doing, where you’re going or any other information. Bye HIMJROOST- for this time. With love, Aunt Betty ERKH DSDPSFGHYT- BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY DGI 1 Deborah Van Beek 18 Jared Helder SASDETFFGH- 1 Rebecca Kelly 24 Kimberley VanderVelde 3 Amanda Hoeksema 24 Jacquie Selles FGC 9 Shaun Smeding 25 Crystal Slaa DG- 11 Andrea Meliefste 27 Luanna Feenstra GDFRFDNNCCK 12 Tim Hordyk 29 Melville Buist JGHFGACSI- 13 Rebekah Barendregt 30 Becca Brasz LAGE 13 Lorelle Barendregt 31 Jacqueline Jager FDFDNCBRDM- TON CODE BREAKER Words to find by Busy Beaver Sophia Brouwer Horse Cow Dog Cat Mouse Tractor Disker Plower Silage Bumpercrop Goats Chickens Pigs Rooster FGFDFTF- COWFAS

JHJG- FOFUGPFTL PLOWER- SAUL SNFGHSD GGUOEE- Saul was the first king of Israel. Match the following facts about his life as found in 1 Samuel. JJKKLHG IXUKGGHDG- 1. Anointed by a. Ahinoam, 14:50 FOQP 2. Played for Saul b. David, 16:23 3. Frightened by c. Gibeah, 10:26 BM- 4. Father d. Gilboa, 31:1,6 SKJLOKPIGSC 5. Son e. Goliath, 17:4,11 JIHN- 6. Daughter f. Gilgal, 11:15 JHVVOBXFH 7. Home g. Jonathan, 13:16 DZIMH- 8. Proclaimed king in h. Kish, 9:3 PQLMECST 9. Wife i. Michal, 14:49 10. Place of death j. Samuel, 10:1

342 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 FROM THE MAILBOX Brouwer. Also thanks for your puzzles. Once again, I received three letters from three sisters. Sophia, I’m glad you had Thanks for your letters, Sophia, Nelene and Melissa a fun time at the choral fest. 1. Clarion 4 flower 6. finger 10 birthday It would have been 2. Matthew 9 school 7. dress 2 Bible quite tiring. Did you 3. elephant 8 bath 8. towel 6 body do a lot of singing, or 4. lilac 5 dictionary 9. textbooks 7 clothes did your school just 5. word 3 animal 10. candles 1 magazine do a few songs? Say

CLARION ADVERTISEMENTS

With thankfulness to our heavenly Father who made all things well and Births blessed us with another covenant child, we announce the birth of With thankfulness to our heavenly Father who has richly blessed us DEAN HILBRAND with another covenant child, we announce the birth of our daughter Born on May 28, 1998 MEGHAN NADINE Proud parents Gerry and Karen Tamminga (nee Menard) Born June 7, 1998 A brother for Jasper and Jobina A sister for Justine, Allison and Leah 20th grandchild for Talo and Jitske Tamminga Gerald and Carmen Harke 5th grandchild for Karen Menard 408 Sykes Street North, Meaford, ON N4L 1J4 RR 2, Orton, ON L0N 1N0 The Lord has graciously blessed us with the birth of our healthy 9 lb. 6 oz. daughter Weddings JANNEL KLASIENA So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these of LOVE. Born May 22, 1998 1 Corinthians 13:12 Ross and Bea DenBroeder With thanksgiving and praise to our heavenly Father, we Proud grandparents KRISTA LEIGH WERKMAN and Mr. and Mrs. J.M. den Broeder RICHARD HERBERT THEODOOR KOBES Rev. M. van Beveren 332 Boisdale Avenue, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1R3 together with our parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Werkman and Mr. and Mrs. Herman Kobes, joyfully announce our marriage. “For by Me your days will be multiplied and years of life will be added to The ceremony will take place, the Lord willing, on Friday, July 31, 1998 you.” Prov 9 : 11 at 1:00 p.m. in the Canadian Reformed Church of Neerlandia, Alberta. By God’s grace we have received a son Rev. E.J. Tiggelaar officiating. NEILSON ZACHARY Future address: 4416-56 Avenue, Barrhead, AB T7N 1K2 Brother for Korinda, Joel, Derek, Jared and Travis Keith and Brenda Bruning In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths. PO Box 198, Gosnells 6110, Western Australia Proverbs 3:6 With thankfulness to our heavenly Father, who brought us together, we We give thanks to the Lord who has richly blessed us with the birth KATRINA SUZANNE DEHAAS and COLIN WAYNE BOSCH of a daughter and sister together with our parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred DeHaas and Mr. and LAURA CHRISTINE Mrs. Ralph Bosch, joyfully announce our upcoming marriage on July May 11, 1998 10, 1998 at 1:00 p.m. in the Immanuel Canadian Reformed Church, Albert and Janet Van Raalte (Hutten) Edmonton, Alberta. Philip and Victoria 9703-155 Street, Edmonton, AB T5P 2K8 P.O. Box 161, 82 Leeson Street South, Grand Valley, ON L0N 1G0 Psalm 33:22 With thanks to God for His constant care and abiding love, we proudly With thankfulness to our heavenly Father, and together with our announce the birth of our son and brother parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Ludwig and Mr. and Mrs. J. Malda, we CHAD WILLIAM TESSA FREDERIKA and JONATHAN HENRY Born April 13, 1998, on his late opa’s birthday. announce our marriage which will take place, the Lord willing, on 25th grandchild for Mrs. R. Bartels August 1st, 1998 at 1:30 p.m. at the Westfield Heritage Center, 18th grandchild for Mr. and Mrs. G. Van Andel Rockton, Ontario. Bill and Annette Bartels Rev. G.H. Visscher officiating. Stephanie, Keleigh, Graham and Denise RR 1, Dunnville, ON N1A 2W1 Future address: 13 Union Street, Jerseyville, ON L0R 1R0

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 343 With thankfulness to our heavenly Father who guided our paths and 1973 – June 27 – 1998 brought us together, we Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. . . . JULIA GRACE JONKER and HENRY EDWARD MEERVELD Ephesians 4: 1-3 with our parents, Peter and Henrietta Jonker and Harold and Sharon With thankfulness to the Lord we announce the 25th Wedding Meerveld joyfully announce our marriage. Anniversary of our parents The ceremony will take place, the Lord willing, on Saturday, July 18, PETER and RINIE VANDERMEULEN 1998 at 11:00 a.m. in the Canadian Reformed Church at Orangeville, with love from us Ontario. Carman, MB: Alvin Rev. R.E. Pot officiating. The Pas, MB: Greg Future address: 1220 Upper Wentworth, Apt. #108 Portage la Prairie, MB: Denis Hamilton, ON L9A 5G1 45 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1T8

Two hearts, one love 1973 – 1998 Two promises, one covenant O give thanks to the LORD for He is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1 Two lives, one in Christ With thankfulness to the Lord, we would like to announce the 25th RACHEL JOAN VANDERPOL and TIMOTHY WADE LUDWIG Wedding Anniversary of our children, and brother and sister, D.V., together with our parents Mr. and Mrs. Pieter Vanderpol and Mr. and July 20, 1998 Mrs. Harold J. Ludwig make known to you that we were united in JOHN and DIANE JONKER - JASPERS holy wedlock in a ceremony that took place on Saturday, June 13th, Congratulations from us all 1998 at 11:00 o’clock in the Emmanuel Free Reformed Church in Mrs. M. Jonker Abbotsford. Harold and Grace Jonker Lucas and Ena Jonker Rev. R. Schouten officiated. Albert and Ali Jonker Hilda and Tom Overbeek 3707 Mt. Lehman Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 6A9 Peter and Henrietta Jonker George and Henrietta Jonker Diane and Bert Niezen Mary and John Van Eerde “So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he Jenny and Jon Groen Grace Jonker who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:16. Mrs. G. Jaspers With thankfulness to our heavenly Father who has brought us to- Janny and Clarence Petters Ali and Albert Jonker gether, we Evert and Renee Jaspers JOHANNA MARIA VAN ORIZANDE and nieces and nephews MARKUS WILLIAM BYKER RR 3, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5 together with our parents Mrs. Flory van Orizande and Mr. and Mrs. Dick Byker joyfully announce our marriage. The ceremony took 1953 – July 14 – 1998 place, on July 4th, 1998 at 12:00 p.m. in the Providence Canadian With thankfulness unto the Lord, we announce the 45th Wedding Reformed Church, Edmonton, Alberta. Anniversary of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents Rev. R. Aasman officiated. MAAS and KLAASINA (Ina) VANGROOTHEEST (nee Wildeboer) Future Address: Suite 112, 7425 Shaw Avenue Vega, AB: Anna and Pieter Dejong Chilliwack, BC, Canada V2R 3C1 Jason Dejong and Judith VanAssen Katrina and Henry Barendregt Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 Jamie With thankfulness to our heavenly Father who brought us together, we Vanessa, Stephen, Tamara, Kyle CATHERINE JEANNETTE SIPKEMA and Belwood, ON: Therese and Gerry Swaving JEFFREY CLINTON SCHEPER Rosalyn and Ralph Nyenhuis together with our parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. Sipkema and Mrs. R. Shaelyn, Cole Scheper joyfully announce our marriage. The ceremony took place Kristopher Swaving and Brandy Saunders on Saturday, June 27, 1998 at 2:00 p.m. in the Burlington-Water- Lisa, Marianne down Canadian Reformed Church of Ontario. Chilliwack, BC: Stan and Jackie VanGrootheest Rev. G.H. Visscher officiated. Adam Address: 5 Cook Street, Meaford, ON N4L 1V3 Vega, AB: Yvonne and Wilf VanLaar Karina, Toby, Max, Wesley, Jesse Anniversaries Markdale, ON: Pete and Caroline VanGrootheest Danielle, Katie, Vicki, Kara 1958 – July 18 – 1998 Mark and Brenda VanGrootheest Psalm 121 . . . the Lord is your keeper; . . . Stephanie, Dana, Jolene, Jamie, Jared, Travis It is with great joy and thankfulness that we, the children and grand- Elma, ON: Eric and Annette VanGrootheest children of Brandon, Nathan, Douglas, Kristen, Paul, JOHN D. and TRUDY GANSEKOELE (nee Bouwers) Joseph, Mary, Evan share in the 40th Wedding Anniversary of our dear parents and Abbotsford, BC: Irene VanGrootheest grandparents. May the Lord continue to bless them and keep them Chilliwack, BC: Marion and Martin VanderWel in His care. Abbotsford, BC: Richard VanGrootheest RR 3, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4 387 St. Andrew Street East, Fergus, ON N1M 1R3

344 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 Berkel and Rodenrijs 1938 – August 12 – Brampton 1998 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, He knows those who take refuge in Him. Nahum 1:7 With great thankfulness to our heavenly Father we announce the 60th Anniversary of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents ANTHONY ROODZANT and NELLIE ROODZANT (nee Spiering) May the Lord continue to bless and guide them. Their thankful family: Anthony and Kim Vis Brampton, ON: John and Alice Tenhage Kim Vis and Tim Bos Keith and Nelly Hoeksema Henrietta Vis and Frank Reinink Jason, Daniel, Jessica Karen Grant and Margaret Kottelenberg Hamilton, ON: Bob and Connie Petrie Erin, Ashley, Lindsay, Shaelyn Kevin and Jackie Stieva Tony and Rena Tenhage Rebecca, Katelyn Jonathan, Kristopher, Katrina, Nicholas, Ron and Ginny Giles Timothy Piper Clarence and Anita Jansen Prince George, BC: Gerry and Margaret Roodzant (nee VanderWilp) Marten, Alyssa, Rachael, Rebecca, Joshua Rita Frankruiter Barrhead, AB: George and Tina Roodzant (nee Orsel) Jason, Tyler Tony Donna Erwin and Helen Peters Jason and Elaine Rempel Matthew, Jeffrey, Danielle, Joseph Edward and Melissa Roodzant Chuck Jeremy, Jamie Peter and Jenny Verhelst Anthony Juanita, Izaak Heather Orangeville, ON: Klare and Kane Knol Brampton, ON: Ed and Paddy Roodzant (nee Keep) Ray and Jenette Schoon Jack and Michelle VanderVelde Jocelyn, Amy, Laura, Melissa, Kaitlyn Chelsea Chuck and Nellie Endeman Allen and Kerry Komdeur Pete and Debbie Vandersluis Cameron, Austin Talia Chris and Vicki Kampen Paul and Audrey Baldwin Nicole George and Sharon Hofsink Scott Geoffrey, Kaylee, Kelvin, Benjamin Sarah Linda Joshua Gerald Knol and Michelle Wetli Jennifer Garth and Alida Spanninga Brampton, ON: John and Toni Kottelenberg Brampton, ON: John and Nel Vis Melissa Kottelenberg and Ivan Bos Rob and Chris Kampen Kristen Robbie, Cameron Grant Henry and Simone Vis Mark Thomas, Steven, David, Helena Michael Gerald and Wendy VanDasselaar We hope the Lord willing, to celebrate this occasion with an Open Julia, Bryan House to be held on Saturday, August 15, 1998 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Hol- Ed and Jackie Bultje land Christian Homes. Racquelle, Kyle, Paige 7900 McLaughlin Road South, Hope Tower Apt. 407 Diane Brampton, ON L6Y 5A7

1973 – July 13 – 1998 1968 – June 27th – 1998 Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his With gratitude to our heavenly Father for the grace and mercy which God. Psalm 146:5 He has bestowed, we joyfully announce the 30th Wedding Anniversary With thankfulness to our heavenly Father, we announce the 25th of our dear parents and grandparents Wedding Anniversary of our parents HARRY and FRANCISCA STEL (nee Schaap) HANK and LIZ WINKELAAR (nee De Boer) May our heavenly Father continue to keep them in his care. Their children: Smithville, ON: Ken and Lyan Stel Abbotsford, BC: Gregory, Bernard Sean and Justin Barrhead, AB: Harriet Winkelaar and Marcel Stel Langley, BC: Mike Stel Abbotsford, BC: Harold, Arlene, Marvin, Rob Stel and Pam Scholtens Douglas, Leroy, Keith, Floyd Verne Stel and Christina Bergsma 39464 Wellsline Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2A3 20434-46A Avenue, Langley, BC V3A 3J8

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 345 Obituaries November 6, 1956 – June 4, 1998 I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. November 6, 1956 – June 4, 1998 Psalm 121: 1,2 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6 Suddenly, as the result of an accident, the Lord in his unsearch- able wisdom has taken unto himself our beloved son-in-law, At the age of 41, the Lord in His wisdom, suddenly called home our brother-in-law and uncle beloved husband and father THEODORE (TED) CALVIN KNEGT THEODORE CALVIN KNEGT May our heavenly Father surround his loving wife Connie and her Lovingly remembered by: children, Ted, Trisha, Jodi, Amanda, Chad and Brad with His ever- Connie Knegt (nee Bouwman) lasting love and compassion. Ted Burlington, ON: Jake and Trudy Bouwman Trisha Millgrove, ON: Ben and Diana Bouwman Jodi Sarah, Jesse, Candace, Carissa, Amber, Amanda Cody, Mitchell Chad Burlington, ON: Andrew and Carolyn Bouwman Brad Eden, Vanessa, Caleb 32 Meander Close, Carlisle, ON L0R 1H1 Millgrove, ON: Tom and Kim Bouwman Justin, Christiaan, Calvin, Morgan, Stefan If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die we die to the Lord; so Ancaster, ON: Bryan and Catherine Stieva whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8 Madeline, Zachary, Eleanor, Jacob In His infinite wisdom and at His appointed time, the Lord suddenly Burlington, ON: Jason and Debra Bouwman took to Himself for eternal peace and glory, His covenant child, 32 Meander Close, Carlisle, ON L0R 1H1 our dear son, brother, uncle, and grandson THEODORE “TED” CALVIN KNEGT On June 4th the Lord in His infinite wisdom called home to Himself in a car accident while on business in Aquaba, Jordan, on Thursday, June 4, 1998 at the age of 41 years. TED KNEGT Burlington, ON: Oma Hart at Mount Nemo Lodge May Connie and her children be comforted with the words spo- ken at his funeral on Psalm 23. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall Guelph, ON: Grace Knegt not be in want.” (Ted was predeceased by his father, Flamborough Bible Study John Knegt, May 1997) Bill and Rolean Aasman Beamsville, ON: Elsa and Bert Hopman Ben and Diana Bouwman Theodore, Gus, Erika, Tesha Fred and Marg Dantuma Guelph, ON: John Knegt Ed and Johanna Dokter Amy and Sarah Dave and Lynda Hartman Flamborough, ON: Corinne and Gary Aikema Len and Jackie Hordyk Angelina and Leo, John, Tracy, Julia, Gary and Trish Hutten Lisa, Kyle Mark and Sue Komdeur Cookstown, ON: Ralph and Kathleen Knegt Wayne and Debbie Nicholson Matthew, Tyler Guelph, ON: Ninette and Tony Lodder Adam, Cody†, Mark, Tyler, Leanna April 19, 1925 – May 25, 1998 London, ON: Jacqueline and Gordon Wiesegger By His great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through May the Lord guide and keep our sister-in-law Connie and her chil- the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3b dren Ted Jr., Trisha, Jodi, Amanda, Chad, and Brad, in His Fatherly The Lord in his infinite wisdom took into his heavenly glory my dearly care, comforted by the words of Lord’s Day 1. beloved husband, our beloved father and Opa in his 74th year. 32 Meander Close, Carlisle, ON L0R 1H1 GERRIT JAN BLOEMENDAL Mt. Brydges, ON: Wilhelmina Bloemendal (nee Van Esch) Aldergrove, BC: Janet and Bert Van Goolen David, Angela, Michelle, Robert Advertise in the Hannon, ON: Wilma and John Groenwold Jessica, Sara, Nadia, Krista Strathroy, ON: John and Carla Bloemendal Rachael, Lydia, Katelynn 8720 Parkhouse Drive, RR 4, Mt. Brydges, ON N0L 1W0

346 CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 Teaching Positions EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Come to the Beautiful Valley IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO Ebenezer Canadian Reformed School of A & H Custom Machine is a manufacturing company Smithers and Houston, BC, is in need of a temporary of various types of equipment. We are presently looking (August-November) for motivated individuals in the following positions: GRADE 4/5 TEACHER APPRENTICE MACHINIST or and a permanent MACHINIST APPRENTICE WELDER or KINDERGARTEN TEACHER (half time). WELDER/FITTER and a PROJECT MANAGER We have two possible openings for HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS in the Arts subject area. preferably with CAD experience. There will also be openings for TEACHER ASSISTANTS in the spe- We offer a pleasant working environment, opportu- cial ed. department. This position could be combined with the nity for overtime, and a competitive wage and benefit kindergarten position. package. We offer an attractive remuneration and benefit package. For information contact H. Van Beelen at (250) 847-3492 (school) Please fax or mail your resume to: or (250) 847-5924 (home) or (250) 847-3912 (fax). A & H Custom Machine Applications should be directed to the Secretary of the Board, 919 Zelco Drive, Burlington, ON L7L 4Y2 Mr. Walter VanGrootheest, Box 3700, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0 Fax: (905) 681-3172 PLEASE NOTE: Our e-mail address has been changed to: [email protected] FOR RENT The Timothy Canadian Reformed School Society 1 Bedroom Bachelor Basement Apartment available of Hamilton, Ontario invites applications for for rent in Beamsville, ON. GRADE ONE TEACHER Close to Q.E.W. July lst. Duties to commence January 1, 1999. (905) 563-7192 For further information concerning this upcoming vacancy please con- tact the principal: Mrs. K. Dieleman Tel.: School (905) 385-3953; Home (905) 304-4016, or contact the Education Committee: c/o Ellen Hekert: Tel. (905) 679-4897 FORTRESS Send applications to: Timothy Canadian Reformed School, EQUITY MANAGEMENT INC. c/o Education Committee, Box 20007, Upper James Postal Outlet, Hamilton, ON L9C 7M5 “Independent Financial Planners”

URGENT The Board of the Canadian Reformed School Society of Fergus, Guelph & District, Inc. operating the MARANATHA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Grades 1-6) and the EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 7-10) invites applications for one full time Bill Van Huisstede Roland Van Andel TEACHING POSITION OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: for the 1998/99 school year, in the following: • Junior Grade 4 • INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP R.R.S.P.’S; • R.R.I.F.’S AND ANNUITIES; We continue to look for applicants who are strongly committed to Covenant education. Training at a Reformed teachers college will be • G.I.C.’S AND TERM DEPOSITS; an asset. • COMPANY PENSION PLANS; • MUTUAL FUNDS; All interested applicants are requested to send applications to: • RETIREMENT PLANNING AND COUNSELLING; Maranatha/ Emmanuel Christian School • RISK MANAGEMENT. RR 3, FERGUS, ON N1M 2W4 Attention: Henry Plantinga, Chairman Education Committee 3425 Harvester Road, Suite 104 Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N1 Fax: 519-843-2225 (school) e-mail: [email protected] 59 Kirby Avenue, Unit #1 Heather VanWoudenberg, Secretary Education Committee Dundas, Ontario L9H 6P3 Tel (905) 628-9666 For more information, please contact the Principal, Miss L. VanVeen at: 519- 843-3029 (school) Tel (905) 333-0902 Fax (905) 681-7844

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998 347 THINKING OF A MOVE – HAVE YOU CONSIDERED CARMAN?

Homelife-Riverbend Realty Ltd.

A series of essays about sects and ideas which confuse the mind of the Virtually no unemployment Great retirement town believer. Ben Dairy, hog and grain farms Vandermeulen Business opportunities CARMAN • Jehovah’s Witnesses Give me a call at 745-2984 • Neo-Pentecostalism & AREA • Horizontalism or e-mail [email protected] • Mormonism • Roman Catholicism • Dispensationalism

Contributors: J. Faber, W. Huizinga, Cl. Stam, C. VanDam, and G. VanDooren – ministers of the Word in the Canadian Reformed Churches. Soft cover, 136 pages ……………………………$9.25 BURNHILL REALTY ISBN 0-88756-011-3 LIMITED Call me at no J. RICHARD WERKMAN, D.Ch. JOHN MEERVELD Certified Chiropodist obligation Associate Broker ࡗ TO LIST 1(905) 639-3355 Foot Care and Orthotics Specialist 1(905) 528-2177 ࡗ TO SELL 1(905) 563-4185 1450 Headon Road FAX 1(905) 639-7852 Burlington, ON L7M 3Z5 ࡗ TO BUY CAR 1(905) 572-0677 (905) 332-8919 PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICE - Prescription Orthotics/Biomechanical Assessments FOR YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS - Diabetics, Arthritic & All Ages Foot Care Serving the COMMUNITY SINCE 1980 - Corns, Calluses and Wart treatments Burlington, Waterdown, Flamborough Grimsby and Beamsville Area

• CONTENT CHURCH ORGANS Maranatha Homes • DOMUS HOME ORGANS ($6,995.00) • DUTCH CD’S and TAPES Burlington, Ontario • LESSONS This award-winning Senior Citizen Home is located • NOW ALSO PRE-OWNED PIANOS close to Ebenezer Canadian Reformed Church. It has audio hookup for the church services in every apart- Open: ment and a weekly evening video church service pre- Monday-Saturday – 10 a.m.-6 p.m. sentation provided for by Ebenezer. Monthly rent is geared to income. 5205 Harvester Road #2 Information from: Burlington, ON L7L 6B5 Mrs. Rosanne van der Woerd 109-3260 New Street Tel./Fax (905) 631-1929 Burlington, ON L7N 3L4 1-800-376-7199 (905-681-0311) or: Arie J. Hordyk THE MUSIC GROUP 3386 Regal Road Willem Van Suydam, General Manager Burlington, ON L7N 1L8 (905-632-2125)

CLARION, JULY 10, 1998