October 16, 1998

Clarion

THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE VOLUME 47, NO. 21 OCTOBER 16, 1998

The Reformation The 95 Theses Discussed EDITORIAL

By N.H. Gootjes

PG required vances have perfected the movie to become a very attrac- When parents present a child for baptism, they must rise tive and forceful means of communication. Furthermore, and make several promises before the sacrament is admin- the general population has more time for leisure activities istered. One of these promises is: Do you promise, as father than they have ever had before. and mother, to instruct your child in this doctrine, as soon If my count is correct, over a two week period about as he (she) is able to understand, and to have him (her) in- 412 movies could be watched on (cable) TV. That means, structed therein to the utmost of your power? Instruction in every week there are more than 200 to choose from. That the biblical teaching (= doctrine) is so important that at bap- number does not even include the many TV series the sta- tism parents must publicly promise to do this. tions put on to lock the public into their channel. In addition, Over the years, this promise has often been used as the the local movie theatres advertise their selection, which can basis for catechetical instruction. It has also been used in be watched on impressively big screens for the price of a support of reformed education. Teaching at the schools hamburger lunch. Movies are very popular as entertainment. should not contradict the biblical teaching as summarized in But what about Parental Guidance? the confessions. We may be thankful for opportunities God Let me refer to an article by Dr. Alvin Poussaint, a pro- 1 gave to make it possible for parents to establish and maintain fessor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. In his pro- schools in this country where the instruction is based on fession, he sees it as his duty to keep up with the newest God’s word. movies. One afternoon he watched an R-rated movie. The This is not the only thing mentioned in the promise of graphic sex, profanity and violence seemed to him no worse baptism, however. The other promise is that father and than usual. However, when one of the characters was shown mother will themselves instruct their after having taken a gunshot in the face, child in the biblical teaching. Actually, a child in the audience screamed. The that is the first part of the promise. Before mother hissed to the child to make her parents let others instruct their children, shut up, and slapped her in the face. they themselves have the duty to instruct Father and mother Dr. Poussaint, however, wonders their children. Father and mother remain remain the how this child could be in the audience. the primary teachers of their children. As a psychiatrist, he is convinced that There is much biblical support for primary teachers watching sex and violence is damag- this promise. To give only one example, of their children. ing. When children see violence, they God said to his people Israel: begin to think it is normal to be violent. These commandments that I give Others become extremely fearful. And you today are to be upon your when they see scenes of adult sexual- hearts. Impress them on your chil- ity, they are embarrassed. They may dren. Talk about them when you sit are home and when also begin to believe they should behave like that. He ad- you walk along the road, when you lie down and when vocates stricter laws prohibiting young children from view- you get up (Deut 6:6,7). ing inappropriate movies. Today, it is much emphasized that there ought to be a close What strikes me in this event is the attitude of the mother. relationship between parents and their children. This em- She, obviously, was totally insensitive to what the movie phasis is correct and fully biblical. Children are given to par- did to her child. She wanted to have her stimulating enter- ents for care, and parents have to guide them daily, protect tainment, and never stopped to consider its impact, not them from going in wrong directions, and teach them to live only on her child, but also on herself. She must have become in love and obedience to God. God wants parents to talk with desensitized. Carried along by the gripping story line, one their children, and teach them how to live before the Lord. easily loses the sense for what is good and healthy. God prescribed continuous PG, Parental Guidance. Another striking aspect of this article is Dr. Poussaint’s own view of movies. He takes it for granted that the movies PG lacking which influence the American mind contain scenes with Such guidance extends to all of life. Parents have to give graphic sex, profanity and violence. A certain amount of direction to their children in the different areas of our com- these ingredients is only to be expected. plex life. I want to limit myself here to only one small, but in- It is in this world that we live, and in which the children creasingly influential part of life at the end of the 20th cen- of the church grow up. They need a lot of PG, if we do not tury: movies. Two factors have been instrumental in making want them to grow up permanently damaged by the pic- movies a major force in today’s culture. Technological ad- tures stored in their memory.

494 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 PG – how? For an evaluation of movies in general, I can refer to a separate publication.2 Here, we discuss how parents should help their children meet the challenge movies present. It is not hard to find information concerning movies. A first impression can be found in TV guides. Children will have a hard time convincing their parents they can watch movies with titles such as ‘Carnal Knowledge’. A brief de- Published biweekly by Premier Printing Ltd.,Winnipeg, MB scription like: “Jilted lovers spy on their ex-partners and plot EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: revenge” does not recommend the movie, either. Editor: C. Van Dam The new movie of Stephen Spielberg about the landing Managing Editor: G.Ph. van Popta of allied troops in Normandy is advertised as beginning with Language Editor: J.L. van Popta a protracted and gruesome scene of slaughter on the beach. Coeditors: R. Aasman, J. De Jong, J. Geertsema, The soldiers who in 1944 had to go through this experience, N.H. Gootjes, G.Ph. van Popta will have been damaged by it, but they, at any rate, knew it ADDRESS FOR EDITORIAL MATTERS: served the liberation of Europe. Portraying it for people today, CLARION and without that motivation, will mean needlessly exposing 46 Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster, ON L9G 1L8 them to a scarring experience. Fax: (905) 304-4951 E-Mail: [email protected] ADDRESS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS: (subscriptions, advertisements, etc.): Do not allow the intruder CLARION, Premier Printing Ltd. to become the boss in the house. One Beghin Avenue Winnipeg, MB, Canada R2J 3X5 Phone: (204) 663-9000 Fax: (204) 663-9202 Email: [email protected] Another good way of providing guidance is to look up World Wide Web address: http://clarion.home.ml.org/ the ads (or even the reviews) in the papers. To read the warn- ing in the papers most parents would need an extra pair of SUBSCRIPTION RATES Regular Air glasses, but it is worth the trouble. If we do not allow our FOR 1998 Mail Mail children to use coarse language, would we want them to Canada* $34.00* $59.00* U.S.A. U.S. Funds watch a movie labelled as Adult Accompaniment under $39.00 $52.00 International $58.00 $85.00 fourteen: Coarse Language? Not to mention another movie which children under fourteen are not supposed to be * Including 7% GST – No. 890967359RT watching for the following reasons: coarse language, sexual Advertisements: $11.25 per column inch content, substance abuse, not recommended for children. If Unless a written subscription cancellation is received we this is the normal fare, then movie theatres cannot be rec- assume you wish to continue to subscribe. You will be in- ommended. Parents can support their older children not to voiced prior to the subscription renewal date. watch movies that lower our resistance against sin against Publications Mail Registration No. 1025 God’s commandments. That applies not only to sin against ISSN 0383-0438 the first commandment, but also sin against the fifth and the seventh commandments. IN THIS ISSUE Another aspect of Parental Guidance applies to televi- Editorial – PG — N.H. Gootjes ...... 494 sion in particular. Watch movies and shows together with your children. Look at the movie as a guest who spins won- Why Children Kill — F.G. Oosterhoff ...... 496 derful tales. A guest is expected to comply with the rules of Treasures, New and Old – An Ancient Doctrine the house. Do not allow the intruder to become the boss in Uncovered — G.Ph. van Popta ...... 498 the house. Discuss the movie together as parents and children, and send it packing if it does not want to behave. The Reticent Reformer: Model or Misguide? Finally, movies often have a message. That applies even — J. De Jong ...... 499 to ‘innocent’ movies such as Lion King and Pocahontas. Try Guido’s Portrait — J. Faber ...... 503 to look through the fluff to understand what the movie is driving at. And alert your children to the underlying theme, The Theological College of the Canadian Reformed as well. As opposed to parents, young people today grow Churches – Funding the Challenge — J. Visscher ...... 505 up in a world where movies are a normal part of daily life. Is peace, with church divisions, really better? They have become a dominating force in molding people’s — C. Van Dam ...... 507 outlook. Parents should not give up their responsibility. They have more wisdom and experience than their children. Ac- The Ordination of Rev. Yonson Dethan — Mary-Lynn De Boer ...... 508 cording to God’s institution and his command, they should guide their children in the way of the Lord. Urban Mission Project in Greater Hamilton — G.Ph. van Popta ...... 510 1The article appeared in Reader’s Digest, Sept. 1997, 77f. 2See N.H. Gootjes, J. Plug, J. Poppe, Watching Movies: No, Yes, or Our Little Magazine — Aunt Betty ...... 511 How? (London: ILPB, 1996).

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 495 Why Children Kill

By F.G. Oosterhoff

In August of this year the American tion that led to the institution of the aggression,” supervises much of the periodical Christianity Today published training program in question. The mea- program and at the same time serves as a disturbing article, entitled “Trained to sure was eminently successful: during the recruits’ primary role model. Kill,” about the increasing violence the Korean War around fifty-five per- Having described this desensitiza- among youngsters. It is a phenomenon cent of the soldiers had overcome their tion program, the author shows how the seriousness of which became evi- inhibitions, a percentage that had risen strikingly similar it is to the approach dent once again in the rash of shoot- to more than ninety percent in the Viet- followed in the entertainment industry. ings by elementary school children in nam War. There is no need for me to describe the recent months. Attempting to explain manner in which various types of mod- this “virus of violence,” the article con- Brutalization and role modelling ern music, TV shows, and video games cludes that a large part of the blame The methods used in the army train- contribute to the brutalization of chil- must go to the entertainment industry. ing program, Grossman writes, are bru- dren who view or participate in this By constantly exposing young viewers talization and desensitization, role type of entertainment. The facts are to violence-as-entertain- well-known; they have ment, it contributes to a often been described in gradual desensitization of the media. Nor is it nec- these children. Not all of essary to say much them, certainly, will try about the role models to commit in real life the the entertainment in- violence they have seen dustry offers to reinforce on the movies or encoun- the new values. Rock tered in video games. But stars who preach vio- some of them apparently lence as a way of life, will. The article provides trigger-happy criminals, data and draws conclu- and various other “law- sions that deserve our at- less sociopaths” be- tention. I therefore pre- come the children’s he- pared this summary.* roes. Role modelling, Grossman reminds us, The way of the army also plays a part in me- The author, David dia-inspired copycat Grossman, is a military behaviour that leads to psychologist, who has cluster murders. The studied the program the young killers who ap- American army designed pear on television in- to help recruits overcome their strong modelling, classical conditioning, and spire other maladjusted youngsters to reluctance to kill fellow human be- operant conditioning. follow their example. “Somewhere ings. For killing, he says, does not come The brutalization and desensitiza- there is a potentially violent little boy naturally. It has to be taught, and that tion begin as soon as the recruits enter who says to himself, ‘Well, I’ll show all is what the army is attempting to do. the barracks. They are physically and those people who have been mean to Grossman draws parallels between the verbally abused, their heads are shaved, me. I know how to get my picture on methods followed in this military de- they are herded together naked and TV, too’.” And so the cycle continues. sensitization program and those at then dressed alike so as to lose all indi- work in the electronic entertainment viduality. This part of the program is in- How to kill and like doing it industry. tended to replace existing norms with a The article describes classical condi- That killing must indeed be taught new set of values that “embrace de- tioning, the third part of the program, as became clear during World War Two. struction, violence, and death as a way a mechanism whereby people are habit- Grossman relates how a test showed of life.” In the end, the recruits are “de- uated by means of rewards to perform that only fifteen to twenty percent of ri- sensitized to violence and accept it as certain actions. Grossman goes for ex- fleman serving in that war declared a normal and essential survival skill in amples to Japanese practices during that they had been able to fire at an ex- [their] brutal new world.” The drill World War Two. The particular one he posed enemy soldier. It was this revela- sergeant, who “personifies violence and chooses is that of Chinese prisoners who

496 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 were placed in a ditch on their knees are on the battlefield or a police officer with their hands tied behind their back. is walking a beat and somebody pops A number of Japanese soldiers went up with a gun, they will shoot reflex- into the ditch, each of them bayoneting ively and shoot to kill.” The same type his “own” prisoner to death. Having ac- of reflex action is taught children at in- HURCH NEWS complished that feat, the killers were teractive point-and-shoot video games. C cheered by their comrades on the bank The training these games provide also and treated to a fine meal and other re- explains why children involved in the wards. Classical conditioning, in brief, recent shootings were often amazingly was a mechanism the Japanese used to accurate marksmen. ACCEPTED to Cloverdale, BC teach their soldiers to associate cruelty Rev. J. Huijgen and killing with pleasure. An “immune deficiency syndrome” Grossman used the Japanese exam- Grossman believes that we are of Smithers, BC ple because the American army consid- faced with a phenomenon that func- *** ers this type of program out of bounds. tions much like AIDS and that he calls But he shows that something close to the AVIDS – Acquired Violence Immune CALLED to Winnipeg-Redeemer, MB Japanese approach is at work in the en- Deficiency Syndrome. “AIDS,” he Rev. J. Louwerse tertainment industry. “Our children writes, “has never killed anybody. It of Houston, BC watch vivid pictures of human suffering destroys your immune system, and then and death,” he writes, “and they learn other diseases that shouldn’t kill you be- *** to associate it with their favorite soft come fatal. Television violence by it- CALLED and ACCEPTED to drink and candy bar, or their girl friend’s self does not kill you. It destroys your vi- Flamborough, ON perfume.” The effects are noticeable. olence immune system, and conditions Rev. J. de Gelder When after the Jonesboro shootings a you to derive pleasure from violence.” of Smithville, ON high school teacher told her students And that syndrome is passed on daily what had happened at the middle to the children of the nation, including, school (where two young boys killed in all too many cases, the children of Parents, teachers, and other educators four classmates and a teacher), these stu- the church. will therefore be interested in Gross- dents laughed. And apparently that type The editors of Christianity Today man’s message. Those who wish to or- of response is not at all uncommon. “A find Grossman’s message sufficiently der a reprint of the article are referred to similar reaction happens all the time in unsettling to suggest that “parents, the the information given below. movie theaters when there is bloody vi- church, scholars, and the government olence,” Grossman writes. “The young . . . come together to study this question *The article appeared in the issue of people laugh and cheer and keep right more intensely: Are we training our August 10, 1998. Reprints can be or- on eating popcorn and drinking pop.” children to kill?” dered by writing to CT Reprints, Attn.: If classical conditioning teaches a Perhaps we should do the same. The Paulette DePaul, 465 Gundersen person to like killing, operant condi- situation in Canada, of course, is not as Drive, Carol Stream, IL. 60188, or by tioning, as Grossman describes it, is a bad as the American one, but perhaps e-mailing [email protected] and re- mechanism teaching a person to do the this is largely a result of the fact that questing “Trained to Kill.” The cost (in- killing. It’s a matter of stimulus and re- there are not as many guns around here. cluding postage and handling) is $8 sponse: a certain stimulus is constantly The entertainment programs are the (American) for 10 copies (with lower followed by a certain response until that same. And in any case, quite apart from prices per copy for larger quantities). response becomes reflexive. Both sol- the killings, the brutalization and con- diers and police officers undergo this ditioning that the exposure to violence Dr. Oosterhoff is a retired teacher of his- type of training. “Later, when soldiers entails are bad enough in themselves. tory living in Hamilton, Ontario.

What’s inside? Today we offer you a few articles, both originally speeches, relating to Reformation Day. Dr. J. De Jong writes about Melanchthon. What does the life and thought of this Reformer teach us about the unity of the Church? Read on! Dr. J. Faber writes about Guido de Brès, the author of the Belgic Confession. Let us continue in the path marked out by the Re- formers, holding to the Reformed doctrine and life. The Reformed style of life is under serious attack. Dr. Gootjes addresses this in the editorial as does Dr. F. G. Ooster- hoff in “Why Children Kill.” Entertainment media like movies, videos, and computer games, can pump a lot of garbage into our minds. The Apostle Paul said we are not to conform to the pattern of the world but, rather, to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. A significant expansion project is planned for the Theological College, especially the library. Two issues back, Dr. J. Visscher, chairman of the board of governors, introduced the project. In this issue, Dr. Visscher writes a bit more about the expansion and how it is to be funded. In this issue, you will also find two examples of the fruit borne by our College. We are happy to publish reports of the ordination of Mr. Yonson Dethan in the church in Kapung, West Timor, Indonesia, and of the inauguration of Mr. Richard Bultje as mission worker in the Greater Hamilton Area. Two men committed to the spread of the Reformed faith! May God bless Rev. Dethan and Mr. Bultje. GvP

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 497 REASURES, NEW AND OLD T MATTHEW 13:52

By G.Ph. van Popta An Ancient Doctrine Uncovered Habakkuk 2: 4 – …but the righteous will live by his faith … Romans 1:17 – For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” About 500 years ago the Renais- Lord told the prophet to tell the people stripped off the years of abuse. He sance artist, Leonardo da Vinci, painted that those who were not upright before blasted away the grime of works right- a beautiful mural of the Last Supper God would feel the wrath of God; how- eousness and restored it to its pristine which the Lord Jesus had with his dis- ever, the righteous would live by faith. original state. We are not righteous be- ciples. He painted it on a wall in the That was the gospel for the faithful in fore God because of what we do; rather, dining room of a monastery in Milan, the church of that time. The righteous we are righteous before God in Christ Italy. This painting is at once one of the would live by faith, by their firm trust by faith. We are righteous by faith in the most famous religious paintings of all in the Lord. God would deliver from good news of free grace. That’s what time and, perhaps, the world’s most judgment those who believed in him. Paul proclaimed. abused masterpiece. It has suffered in Well, over the years, this pure, bril- many ways. Several hundred years ago, liant gospel was covered up again by someone cut a door into it. Da Vinci the dirt of works righteousness. For al- originally had many of the disciples as most 1,000 years, the church taught that beardless. Someone added beards to the people had to appease the anger of several of them. It was covered with a God by doing good works. And if you type of wax meant to protect it but did not do enough, you would be in which instead collected dirt and grime. deep trouble! You could not be saved. Pollution, temperature changes and The angry God would throw you into humidity have all taken their toll. The hell. The thick, impossible doctrine of mural has been darkened with oil and justification by works covered up and even repainted many times. hid the liberating message of justifica- Not much was left of the original. tion by faith. Then, twenty years ago, an extensive Then God in his grace and in his restoration project was begun. A small time raised up Martin Luther. As Martin team of people slowly and carefully was studying this very passage (Ro- scraped away 500 years of dirt, glues, waxes, oils, and many layers of paint. mans 1:16, 17), the crystal clear colours What did they find? The dingy, somber and beauty of the gospel came alive to colours gave way to the most brilliant him. He saw the real masterpiece un- colours. Underneath the dull grays and der all the centuries of dirt and grime. browns were deep reds, bright yel- He rediscovered that it was not up to lows, brilliant blues and greens, and him to figure out how to hold off the icy whites. anger of God against his sins. God had What is the point, you ask? The story Martin Luther provided the way to appease his own of Da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Last Sup- anger against sin. He had given Jesus per, could almost stand as a parable to Over the years, the people of God Christ. And those who believe in Jesus what, throughout history, has happened painted over this beautiful message. Christ are saved from God’s anger. to the scriptural doctrine of justification They obscured the brilliant colours of Those who are righteous in Christ live by faith as we find it in our text. this gospel message with their dull, – they have life now, and they will live Romans 1:17 is a quotation from somber, impossible doctrine of works eternally. Habakkuk 2:4. In the prophecy of righteousness. There is even a 2000 Let us, this Reformation Day, re- Habakkuk, we read about judgment year old Hebrew commentary on this member the liberating work God did by coming upon the Old Testament passage which explains it to mean that way of raising up men such as Luther, church. The people of God had broken those who keep the commandments of Calvin, Zwingli, Knox, and others. We covenant with God. They had lost faith the law are the ones who will be saved. were directed back to the simple and in the LORD, and so God was sending The Apostle Paul took this text from blessed gospel of salvation by faith in the Babylonians to punish them. The the prophecies of Habakkuk and Christ. Let us hold on to that gospel.

498 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 The Reticent Reformer: Model or Misguide?1

By J. De Jong

In remembering the Reformation of the 16th century, I would like to focus this evening on one of the lesser known figures of the Reformation, Philip Melanchthon, the close associate of Martin Luther. This year we celebrate the anniversary of his birth. Melanchthon was born on February 16, 1497, thus, five hundred years ago, in Bretton, a little town in the Palati- nate. He studied at the universities of Heidelberg and Tübingen, and ended up as a teacher of Greek in Witten- berg in 1518, not long after Luther had begun his duties as professor of Bible, and only a few months after Luther’s much publicized first dispu- Melanchthon tation with the scholastics about indul- gences (The 95 Theses, 1517). Melanchthon is perhaps one of the most misunderstood of reformers, and also one of the more disputed reformers. In the books written about him different adjectives are used to describe evangelical doctrine – and promoted or Loci. Thus in a short time, his mind him: the quiet reformer, the forgotten unity of understanding and fellowship. had become crystal clear concerning the reformer, reformer without honour, and One can argue that at times he went stand of the true gospel. And the focus so on. It does not help that he spent the too far; at other times, he did not go was practical, as the opening sentence of greater part of his life beside that colos- far enough. We can, however, honour the work makes clear: “The chief aim of sal figure of the Reformation, Martin his essential motive, and on the basis of the work is to know Christ and all his Luther. Yet he was a reformer in his that motive draw lessons from his life benefits.” It is a theme that returns in the own right, and we do well to pay at- for us today. Heidelberg Catechism! tention to his contribution, too. Of One of the deepest underlying con- Yet from this Lutheran perspec- course, we do this with the provision cerns of Melanchthon’s work was his en- tive, Melanchthon is continually seek- that ultimately the work of Reformation deavour for reuniting a divided Christen- ing unity with other believers, and also does not rest on men, but rests in the dom. We must remember that he grew unity with the church of Rome. Luther power of God. And we need to thank was the firebrand of the Reformation; up in a world of one church, and for God for the men that He raised up at Melanchthon the representative of the him the goal of one visible church was this crucial juncture in world history to soft and irenic spirit. The contrast with one that needed to be pursued. He was lead his church from the darkness of su- Luther was almost too noticeable to perstition to the light of his Word. prepared to go to great lengths to reach be real. We will consider first his deal- I want to develop with you one the- it. He was and remained a Lutheran, a ings with Rome, then the Oberlan- sis tonight: Melanchthon was known as compatriot and confidant of the great ders, then the Zwinglians, and finally the reticent reformer, but his reticence reformer his whole life long. By 1521, the Calvinists. had a rationale: he was concerned when Luther had emerged as the tower- about recovering and preserving the ing leader of the German Reformation, Talks with Rome unity of Christendom. In order to Melanchthon stood solidly behind him. From the first, Melanchthon took achieve this end, he favoured only the In this year, he wrote his Loci Com- part in discussions that would pave the barest minimum of conflict – that munes, in which he set forth the basic way for a reunification with Rome. He which was necessary to preserve the truths of the gospel in the form of topics was especially active in the conferences

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 499 held from 1539 to 1541, at Regensburg, Melanchthon also repeatedly recog- standpoint. But to accommodate these Hagenau, Ratisbon, and Worms. It was nized. At best, his phrasing was am- Oberlanders, Melanchthon drafted the only in the later 1540s, when he saw biguous, and he preferred to leave the Wittenberg Concord in 1536 which in- this possibility slipping from view, that details alone. The reticent reformer! corporated a softened position on the he began to give up on ever achieving Not only was he reaching out to Rome Lord’s Supper. Luther was present at reunification with Rome. But all the with his approach, he was at the same the meeting with these Oberlanders, way through he was willing to con- time reaching out to the humanists and although he would have preferred cede much to gain reunification. He who, following Erasmus, found stronger language he was prepared to go said he would recognize the pope if Luther’s position too harsh. Yet there along with Melanchthon’s creed. Here the pope would admit of the evangeli- is no indication that Melanchthon as well, the problem concerned what cal doctrines. He was even prepared abandoned the glorious gospel of sal- was not said, rather than what was said; to permit the pope to have his claimed vation by grace alone, or that he ex- but a step towards unity was made! authority over other bishops, as long plicitly opposed Luther’s stand in De Melanchthon carried his approach as he would accept justification by further in 1541 when he reworked the 2 Servo Arbitro (The Bondage of the faith. When the Emperor brought in Will). He preferred the avenue of si- relevant article in the Augsburg Confes- the Leipzig Interim of 1548 lence, rather than have all these ele- sion, which then was called the Vari- Melanchthon gave it a rather half- ments explicitly spelled out. ata, the changed Augsburg Confession. heartedly support, indicating that he Whereas the first edition spoke of was prepared to allow vestments and Christ’s bodily presence at the holy other rituals as long as the cardinal meal, the second edition simply spoke principle of justification by faith re- For Melanchthon of Christ’s presence. He also substituted mained unassailed. The Interim al- the goal of the word “tendered” for “distributed,” lowed justification by faith, but main- and left out the words, “they disapprove tained the seven sacraments (including one visible church the mass!), the worship of saints and was one that of those who teach otherwise,” leaving images, and even the external rituals this formulation: “Of the Supper of the of the Roman church. Calvin, along needed to be pursued. Lord they teach that with the bread and with many others, considered that wine the body and blood of Christ are Melanchthon and the other German He was prepared truly tendered to those who eat the 6 Protestants were going too far at this to go to great lengths Lord’s Supper.” That was a new formu- point. Bucer refused to accept the In- lation which unequivocally promoted a terim and was forced to flee. Melanch- to reach it. real spiritual presence of Christ at the thon saw it as doing all he could to Supper. The wording was carefully cho- save the school and the Reformation at sen: while not denying the Lutheran Wittenberg. Given his stand, Melanchthon held view, it made room for a spiritual inter- Melanchthon was also prepared to a strong position on the point of the pretation acceptable to Calvin.7 Interest- be less rigid with regard to the role of cause of the division of the church. ingly enough, Luther never spoke out the will in salvation. In his great battle Consistently – and rightly – he put the against the new formulation, even with Erasmus, Luther stressed the blame for the division on the Roman in- though he made well have had his per- bondage of the will. In fact, so bound transigence, and on their refusal to ac- sonal reservations about it. He repeat- was the will that it seemed as if it lost cept the heart of the gospel: justification edly left matters of teaching and formu- its role completely. Melanchthon, on by faith. lation to Melanchthon. the other hand, exhibited a new reti- The Oberlanders The followers of Zwingli cence. He insisted that the will (volun- tas) is not one of the causes of justifi- The next division with which Then the Zwinglians! It was per- cation. Yet in the Apology of 1542 the Melanchthon was confronted in his im- haps one of the saddest days in the his- will is listed as one of the causes of mediate circle was with the Oberlan- tory of the Reformation when at the salvation, along with the Word of God ders, their chief representative being castle on the mountain top at Marburg and the Holy Spirit. Melanchthon Martin Bucer in Strassburg. These men in 1529 representatives of various wings clearly means: secondary cause, or in- stemmed from Wittenberg, but began of the Reformation were present at the direct cause, but he never says so.3 It to move in a more Calvinistic direction. instigation of Philip of Hesse in order to seems that he wanted to soften the rad- When they could not agree with Art. 10 come to unity, and they failed in their at- ical stand of Lutheranism as a conces- of the Augsburg Confession, as drafted tempt. Luther scratched the words “This sion to Rome, and take away some of by Melanchthon, that is, the Lutheran is my body” (hic est corpus meum) in the one sidedness and sharpness of standpoint on the Lord’s Supper, they wooden table. He absolutely refused to Luther’s stand against Erasmus, with united together to draft the so called budge on his position, and he held the whom Melanchthon retained a lasting Tetrapolitan Confession, a consensus of Zwinglians to be of a different spirit. Af- friendship. four cities in which the spiritual pres- ter having come to agreement on all One cannot say Melanchthon was ence of Christ at the Lord’s Supper was other points, fourteen in total, the ways entirely wrong; rather he was too cryp- defended. This document was written parted on this fifteenth point. tic.4 For the will is active in justifica- by Bucer and Capito, and moved close Although he found them hard to tion, just as it is active in appropriating to the Zwinglian position on the Lord’s understand, Melanchthon continued the promises of the gospel. But that will Supper.5 Melanchthon himself always his effort to achieve a union with the is in turn acted upon, a point which remained opposed to the Zwinglian Zwinglians. Prodded on by Bucer and

500 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 Calvin, who urged him to be more vo- cal about his viewpoint, he continued to exchange ideas with H. Bullinger, Zwingli’s successor in Zurich, in a most cordial way. Melanchthon, however, also did not want to alienate the Lutherans from his position, and so di- vide them anymore than they already were divided. So he was reticent on ex- actly how the elements work at the Lord’s Supper, content to stick with his formulations in the Apology and in the Wittenberg Concord. He would only say: Christ is present, and communi- cates himself in the signs of bread and wine. Bullinger retained his misgivings about this approach, and although he respected Calvin’s position on the matter, he never agreed to sign the Augs- burg Confession, since he saw it also as too ambiguous on the Lord’s Supper.

There is no indication that The Reformers Melanchthon abandoned the glorious Joachim Westphal of Hamburg in 1552, dred times than to see you live without gospel of salvation Melanchthon stood in the background. speaking the truth at this critical junc- The reticent reformer! How we would ture.” But there was only silence. by grace alone. have liked him to say more! How Melanchthon was present at one Calvin pleaded with him to speak his additional meeting for the purpose of mind! Even in his public statements, seeking unity among Protestant leaders. Contact with Calvin Calvin stated that he was writing also This was at Worms in 1557. The French And then the Calvinists! Calvin had in order to remind the learned and seri- churches sent Farel and Beza, and, made remarkable headway with the ous men of Germany concerning their while Bullinger retained his character- Zwinglians when in 1549 they agreed duty – obviously having Melanchthon istic scepticism, the participants agreed upon the so called Zurich Consensus, in view. Yet in his letters to Calvin, to study the Augsburg Confession, and a document on the Lord’s Supper which Melanchthon makes clear that on some try to reach greater understanding on its brought together the Oberlanders, the points he thinks Calvin is saying too statements regarding the Lord’s Sup- Swiss, and the Calvinists. Calvin was much. For example, he was not pre- per. Melanchthon presented a short hesitant about some of the language pared to endorse Calvin’s statements on position statement at the assembly, used, and preferred a stronger reference predestination. Here too he would along with one presented by the French to Christ’s presence, but he could live rather leave the matter to God, and sim- delegates, but this statement was not with the results. Melanchthon also se- ply put forward the truth of Scripture materially different from what the Augs- cretly expressed his favourable inclina- that God chooses us, but that the will burg Confession stated. The brothers tion to the document. Yet he never took is active in the choice. He has greater could agree that both the Reformed and the public stand for fear of alienating room for inconsistencies and loose ends Lutheran churches formed the one true the stricter Lutherans. than Calvin would have considered church of the Son of God.8 At the con- The stricter Lutherans, spurned on appropriate. Brevity and simplicity ference Melanchthon privately ex- by envy because of this consensus, mark his style. No wonder he was pressed his disagreement with West- broke out in more violent attacks called the Praeceptor Germaniae, the phal and the strict Lutherans, but he against the Calvinists. Calvinism was teacher of Germany. declined to make a public statement gaining too much influence for them, Calvin was especially troubled by on this matter. and they were especially wrangled be- Melanchthon’s reticence on the Lord’s The reticent reformer! And in the cause of Calvin’s growing influence in Supper. He knew that Melanchthon last years his silence grew more and Lutheran territory (the Palatinate). They thought about the Supper in terms very more ominous. He wanted to hold the saw Melanchthon as far too agreeable close to his, and he knew that Melanch- gospel message to the simplest terms. to Calvinist influences. Melanchthon, thon’s support for his view would have And he became more and more weary however, stayed in the background. great influence in many sections of of what he called the rabies theologo- Also when Calvin became entan- Lutheranism. He pleaded with Melanch- rum, the battles among the theolo- gled in debate with the strict Lutheran thon: “I would rather die with you a hun- gians. When he was visited in 1558

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 501 by a friend and supporter of Calvin’s vanguard. We should not forget that have picked up from our tradition, but he again verbalized his criticisms of Melanchthon was, perhaps more than which are matters of tradition and not Westphal. But, said the visitor, he met his contemporaries, a very medieval Scripture or confession, those are mat- a Melanchthon who had lost his for- man. He retained his beliefs in astrol- ters about which we may enjoin indi- mer jovial spirit. Melanchthon said ogy up to the end of his life, and he saw vidual freedom, or personal preference. that he himself was not a theologian bad omens everywhere. He was a man There is room for moderation! There is but a grammarian, and so he was. He of the first hour, and so he must be room for a divinely inspired reticence, was never ordained, and aside from at- judged and understood. While he that is, that Christians do not bind each tending church services in Wittenberg added the rest and quietness necessary other over and above Scripture. he only led family services himself at to steer the Reformation in a solid di- It’s a hard and challenging road to his home. rection, he nevertheless lacked the follow. But the reformers, including depth and precision and fortitude to Model or misguide? Melanchthon, were the leaders in this strengthen it further. A path breaker is regard. They at least dared to walk it. We see in Melanchthon a fine line one who opens the way. And being at Anyone who upholds the principles of drawn. He never would have explic- the vanguard, you will understand that the Reformation today will also give this itly compromised on basic evangelical he longed for the return of a united cause his best effort. Let us pray for it doctrines like justification by faith. church. It was only the progress of the and work for it, looking forward to the Works were for him, a fruit of faith, Reformation itself that made him see day when we will also meet the work- not a cause of it, born out of faith, not this would not happen in his lifetime. ers of the first hour in heavenly glory. love. But the work of faith itself was So we can only say, he is neither model something about which he remained nor misguide. If anything, he’s both: in 1Text of a speech given on October 31, 1997 consciously ambiguous. He did not some things his is an example from in the Covenant United Reformed Church mind a margin of ambiguity if people which to learn. We all should cultivate of Wyoming, ON, commemorating the great could live with it. It turned out to be the irenic spirit, and not seek to impose Reformation. impossible, and even in his own life- our vision unilaterally on others. There 2This was at the signing of the Smalcald Arti- time he was faced with so many disap- must be a willingness to seek each cles in 1537, see R. Stupperich, Melanchthon, pointments that he saw many of his ef- other out and find in each other in the (Westminster Press, Philadelphia, 1965) 108. forts shipwrecked on the reef of human faith of Christ. On the other hand, 3In the 1559 edition of the Loci, we read: obstinacy and fear. Too often he had where Melanchthon pursued exces- “When we begin from the Word, three chosen the way of covering the issues sive reticence, we have in him no causes of good actions come together – the rather than dealing openly with them. guide. The truth must be spoken and it Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and the hu- Precisely this choice brought more must sound clearly from the lips of man will, which does not oppose but assents problems than it solved, and he lived to those who are called to maintain it. to the Word of God.” But Melanchthon here means the will “as moved and sup- see Lutheranism breaking up into many Otherwise the Reformation principles ported by the Holy Spirit,” and did not mean warring factions. He could have spo- are doomed to die. to deny the divine predestination. See P. ken out more than he did! Had he spo- Rogness, Philip Melanchthon. Reformer ken out, the course of the history of Without Honor, (Augsburg, Minneapolis, the Reformation would probably have All should 1969) 128. been different. That is all hindsight. 4The lengthy discussion on free will in Ursi- Some aspects of his standpoint should cultivate the irenic nus’ commentary on the Heidelberg Cate- have been spelled out more. He should spirit, and not seek chism shows its indebtedness to his teacher have shown his colours. But he never Melanchthon, see Z. Ursinus, Het schatboek became angry or belligerent, and even to impose our vision der verklaringen van de Heidelbergsche Cat- with the Zwinglians, especially in com- unilaterally on others. echismus (new ed., J.P. Van den Tol, Dor- parison to Luther, his tone remained drecht, 1980) Vol. I, 77-87. 5H.H. Kuyper regarded the Concordat of the moderate and conciliatory. four cites as a weaker document, hiding the The reticent reformer! I raised the How do we pursue church unity differences rather than treating them. question at the beginning: model or mis- today? The figure of Melanchthon, 6The original article read: “De coena do- guide? My guess is that of all the re- along with all the other reformers as mini docent quod corpus et sanguis Christi formers Melanchthon is one of the hard- well, tells us that we at the least must be vere adsint et distribuuntur vescentibus in est to judge. Being Calvinists, we cannot active in promoting it. To let sleeping coena domini et imporbant secus docentes,” but wish that he had moved more con- dogs lie is not an option! Whether full thus including the rejection of Zwingli. The sciously to Calvin’s position, also on understanding can be gained is an- new article read: “De coena domini docent the matter of predestination. Was he at other matter. But the pursuit of the goal quod cum pane et vino vere exhibiantur cor- bottom one who wanted to compromise should involve us all. We should not pus et sanguis Christi vescentibus in coena the truth of the gospel? Was he a rest content in a superficial denomina- domini.” The idea of impanation has disap- Solomon in the house of David? tionalism which sweeps all the differ- peared, as well as the rejection of the spiritual view of the real presence. We cannot and should not make a ences under the carpet, or pretends 7So C.L. Manschreck, Melanchthon, The definitive or black and white choice that they do not exist. Quiet Reformer (Abingdon, New York, here. In fact, we must judge Melanch- On the other hand, there are limita- 1958) 241. thon very carefully. While we would tions to keep in mind. If there are ex- 8Cf J. McNeill, Unitive Protestantism. The Ec- have wanted more from him, he re- tra-confessional distinctives as a part of umenical Spirit and its Persistent Expression, mains with Luther a path breaker, a our ecclesiastical baggage, things we (John Knox Press, Richmond, 1964) 207.

502 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 Guido’s Portrait

By J. Faber

On the occasion of the Graduation Ex- visual impression. You know, Guido de pect drawn up by an artist. I could have ercises of Guido de Brès High School Brès, the “glorious heretic,” worked “un- given a description of Guido to the on Friday October 24, 1997. derground” in a manner similar to what building committee and they could have we did in Europe during the second ordered a fancy portrait. But it would Mr. Chairman, Mr. Principal, Esteemed world war. He was a fiery preacher of still have been the product of fantasy. audience and especially you, graduat- the gospel in a dangerous period in the Therefore, I proposed that the building class of 1997. sixteenth century, when true believers ing committee would not present a vir- The topic of my commencement ad- were being persecuted by the Spanish tual impression but a spiritual one, for dress is the portrait of Guido de Brès or inquisition. He took another name and instance, a quotation. A quotation can in short “Guido’s portrait.” When Dr. called himself not Guido but Jerome. He give you a sudden insight into a per- Helder approached me with the hon- changed his appearance time and again. son. Sometimes certain words make an ourable request to address you tonight, One night in the year 1561 he threw his impression in your mind; they immedi- he did so for historical reasons. He re- printed confession and a handwritten ately click, so that you say: “Indeed, this minded me of the fact that I was in- letter in a package over the walls of the is the way he or she was.” The spoken volved in the establishment of Guido de castle at Doornik. On 15 November of or written word gives you a sharp spiri- Brès High School two decades ago and this same year someone gave a descrip- tual portrait of the person himself. that I functioned as the first chairman tion of Guido to the commissioners in Therefore we chose a quotation from of its Education Committee. Article 12: “. . . that man may serve his At first we rented the dilapidated God.” In those words you hear Guido and nevertheless glorious Central High de Brès, the student of Calvin, and what School downtown and then – o won- All things serve is even more, here you see Guido, the der – we received as a gift of God’s man to the end Reformed confessor. How many times, mercy a brand new building here on graduands, did you not see these words Stone Church Road. Tonight we cele- that man may serve on that wooden plaque at the entrance, brate your graduation with the first fes- his God. now even more splendidly displayed in tive reception in the spacious new ad- the new addition? dition to our facilities. It is again a Let us think for a moment about historic moment for our Guido com- those words in the context of our con- munity and especially for you, graduat- Doornik. Then on December 24 the fession of God’s creation and provi- ing class of 1997. government in Brussels wrote a letter to dence: “We believe that the Father Allow me at this occasion to tell you several towns and commanded that through the Word, that is, through His a story about the entrance of our school Guido be arrested. Again a description Son, has created out of nothing heaven building. of the wanted preacher was attached. and earth and all creatures, when it The late brother Adri van Egmond The broader written portrait begins with seemed good to Him, and that He has was a member of the building committee the words: “Description of a certain given to every creature its being, shape, and at a certain moment he approached heretic preacher, formerly called Guy and form, and to each its specific task me and said: “At the opening of the new and now named Jerome.” Let me give and function to serve its Creator. We facilities we as building committee want you, graduands, the authentic French believe that He also continues to sustain to present a portrait of Guido de Brès and words: “Description de certain here- and govern them according to His eter- we want to have it hung in the hall at tique predicant, par ci-devant appele nal providence and by His infinite the entrance. Could you please provide Guy, et presentement nomme Jerome.”1 power in order to serve man, to the end us with a portrait of Guido?” Then the description follows: Said per- that man may serve his God.” Alas, I had to disappoint our enthu- son is between 36 and 40 years of age. Here you see the pyramid of cre- siastic brother. A portrait of Guido does He is tall. He has a long, meagre and ation: God created all things and sus- not exist. We do not have a picture of pale face. He has a beard, more reddish tains them in order to serve man. Man the author of our Confession. Or rather than black. He wears it sometimes long, is the climax of God’s creation. Think let me qualify this statement. We do not sometimes short. He has high shoulders of Genesis 1 and Psalm 8: man created have an original painting or drawing. and wears a black coat with a worn col- to be God’s image, His vice-regent to We do not have a sixteenth century lar. He often changes his address, his have dominion over all things. But the etching that portrays the author of our name and his clothes. top of the pyramid of creation points to Belgic Confession. We do have what I Today police would distribute a the Creator Himself. All things exist in call two “wanted posters” that give us a wanted poster with the sketch of the sus- order to serve man. But this is not the

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 503 this, we strive for knowledge that makes 1997. We let you go tonight with heart- us serve God, our God, the God and Fa- felt congratulations. Well done, ladies In the process of ther our Lord Jesus Christ. and gentlemen. God has blessed your transmitting and Graduands of 1997, an entrance is endeavours. But we do not let you go also an exit. If you leave tonight your without a prayer for your entire life. It receiving knowledge festive commencement reception, it is this prayer: “. . . that you may serve we may never forget means you leave Guido de Brès High your God.” Thank you. School. Look once again at the wooden that it should be plaque at the exit: “. . . that man may 1See for the two descriptions E.M. Braek- serve his God.” Man – that was the first man, Guy de Brès, I. Sa vie (Bruxelles: La serviceable Adam. But thanks be to God, man – that librairie des eclateurs unionistes, 1860), is also the last Adam. Jesus Christ came 135f. The first description is quoted from knowledge. L.A. van Langeraad, Guido de Bray, Zijn not to be served but to serve. He be- leven en werken (Zierikzee: S. Ochtman en came the Servant of the Lord who suf- zoon, 1884), 38; the second from W. ultimate goal, that all things serve man fered for our sake. Man – that was Brulez, ‘Nadere bijzonderheden over Guy but this order is created to the end that Guido who followed his Master. Man – de Bray’ in Tijdschrift voor geschiedenis man may serve his God. that is I and that is you, graduand of 66/2 (1953), 295. You know, the word “man” here is generic; it means male and female, boy and girl, man and woman. “God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Gen 1:28). Male and female, boys and girls, are called to serve God. “To serve” indi- cates that God is our Lord and Master. He has the say over us. We shall obey Him even into death, as Guido did when he died the death of a martyr in 1567. And “to serve” means to serve Him with all our heart. This service im- plies love. We may love the Lord our God with all our heart and mind. “. . . that man may serve his God.” Let us underline also the word “his.” God is not a tyrant; He is no stranger, He is our God, the God of the covenant that is now the covenant of grace in our Lord Jesus Christ. “. . . that man may serve his God.” It is the first word of the covenant: that man may know the only true God, trust in Him alone, submit to Him with all humility and patience, expect all good from Him only, and love, fear, and honour Him with all his heart. In short, that he forsake all creatures rather than to do the least thing against His will. “. . . that man may serve his God.” It is Guido’s spiritual portrait. They were his words, but it is also our confession. Graduands, we put those words at the entrance of our building as a mission statement. Teachers and students should know the purpose of Reformed education. When you entered the building, you and your teachers were daily reminded of the goal of teaching and learning. In the process of transmitting and receiving knowledge we may never forget that it should be serviceable knowledge. We seek knowledge that serves ourselves and helps us to serve our neighbour but in and above

504 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 The Theological College of the Canadian Reformed Churches Funding the Challenge By J. Visscher During the Convocation on Septem- ber 11th, the Board of Governors an- nounced a funding program intended to raise $500,000 needed to expand the College building. The program will de- pend on the generous support of members of the churches in Canada, the United States of America, and in Australia because the required amount may not be raised by increasing the assessments per communicant member. Furthermore, construction may not commence until 80% the necessary funds is in hand, either in cash or in pledges. The Board hopes to reach this goal well before the May 31, 1999 construction target date. The proposed expansion plan The largest part of the proposed expansion involves the construction of an people easily can move from one floor will be several individual study desks actual library. A total of 6702 square to the other. A wheelchair accessible and a table and this will also be the feet of additional space is planned. Of washroom also will be constructed. quietest floor. Another advantage of this space, 6250 square feet are devoted new construction is that, should the li- to the library and the remaining 452 Library layout brary need to expand yet again after square feet are comprised of wash- The library will be constructed on twenty years, the possibility of com- rooms and an elevator. This should be the side of the property that features a pact shelving could be considered. The compared to the current library size of substantial grade, so that people enter- floor would be strong enough to support 2368 square feet. ing from the front will automatically this type of shelving and it would fore- The College will gain considerable find themselves on the upper floor. This stall the need to undertake a large con- other benefits. The present library room floor will accommodate the majority of struction project. Stairs will connect will be left largely intact, with some mi- the various information gathering func- the two floors, but each floor will also nor changes. Its acoustics will be put to tions of a library. The library’s computer have access to the elevator. good use every week in the sermon and catalogue, the indexes, and reference chapel sessions. As well, the room will works will all be located here, as will be Professional consultation be able to serve as a large lecture room the commentary collection and part of The plans presented by the Board for workshops and public lectures. A the periodical collection. In addition, are the result of many meetings. After part of the space will be used up for a there will be an office and a workroom initial discussions at the Board and staff small meeting room and lounge for the for the librarian and the volunteers so level, an architect was consulted. The professors. An extra office will also be that the processing of books no longer plans were also shown to several librar- built to prepare for the eventuality of a needs to be done in the library itself. ians at other colleges who had recently fifth professor. With the construction A separate room on the first floor been involved in expansion projects and crews on deck, it is most economical to will contain the College’s archives and input was sought and received. The construct this all at the same time. special items of the library. Some ex- Board is confident that the new library For the first time the College will amples would be the personal papers would serve the College well and alle- also be accessible by wheelchair. The donated by some of the retired ministers viate many of the current inadequacies. back entrance will be improved by con- (valuable from an historic point of view) structing a ramp and lowering the pre- and some of the rare books which have Funding sent lobby so that the building can be been donated over the years. The estimated total cost of the ex- entered from the parking lot by wheel- The lower floor will house the re- pansion is $680,000 roughly broken chair. An elevator will be added so that maining periodicals and books. There down as follows:

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 505 Additional floor space $512,000 Alterations of existing building 25,000 Handicap elevator and ramp 45,000 Permits, fees, testing 45,000 Parking allowance 20,000 Landscaping allowance 10,000 G.S. Tax (3.5%-College is rebated) 23,000

Over the years, the Board has been able to set aside close to 30 percent of the required funding. This was made possible by the generous donations of the Women’s Savings Ac- tion and by private donors. To assist in raising the remaining $500,000 the Board has appointed a Promotion & Fund Raising Committee. It has regional representation from across North America and from Australia. All the work is being done by volunteers. The most important of these are the designated members in each congregation who will ask all members to participate according to their means. This being a cause that touches the Conclusion hearts and minds of the individual church members first Over the past twenty-nine years the College has been and foremost, our program will focus on them through the richly blessed. Sixty-six students have graduated and the ma- churches. Besides, we do not have sufficient resources to ap- jority of these are serving the Canadian and American Re- proach all business enterprises in our communities. It formed Churches and the Free Reformed Churches of Aus- stands to reason that, should a business person – for tax or tralia. Under the Lord’s blessing, and with your generous other reasons – prefer to participate through a company, response when the request comes for your participation, the such gifts are most welcome. A brochure has been devel- College will be able to position itself well for the foresee- oped with a response form and self-addressed envelope for convenience and to ensure confidentiality. able future, and the faculty will be enabled to continue to As most people know, Revenue Canada continues to serve the churches by educating the shepherds and teachers encourage charitable giving. The limit to which one may of tomorrow. make donations and claim a tax credit has been increased to seventy five percent of net income. In this way tax payers Dr. J. Visscher is chairman of the Board of Governors of the get reimbursed by the government at a rate of more than 40 Theological College. He pastors the Canadian Reformed cents per dollar donated. Church in Langley, B.C.

506 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 Is peace, with church divisions, really better?

By C. Van Dam When speaking about the need rience that is normative. But in the roof and we in our dwelling, such peo- for church unity, one can sometimes church the revealed insights and desires ple can no longer rely on the comfort hear the remark, “Well, as far as I am and activities of the King of the Church, of the Psalm which says: “You alone, concerned, it is not really that neces- Jesus Christ, are determinative. O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps sary. It is better to keep the peace in It is pure Reformed to say that 4:8). The question of the dwelling has our own church federation than pur- Christ is the King of the church who by then in fact become a question of sue these unity goals which are poten- his activity makes effective the bless- whether we want to be a denomina- tially divisive.” ings of his priesthood. Christ has to say tion or church. Prof. W. van’t Spijker, emeritus pro- what He thinks is necessary. This real- There is a descending order: church, fessor of church history at the Theolog- ity excludes giving any priority to what denomination or association, group or ical University of the Christelijk Gere- I may think is so necessary and impor- club, and sect. We must be careful not formeerde Kerken in Apeldoorn reacted tant. Christ sets the agenda and we to slide down from the one to the next in to this type of sentiment in a recent ar- need only obey. descending order. If we say that we ticle in Nederlands Dagblad (August love the confession but have no diffi- 15, 1998). His comments are worth culty going our own way by maintaining noting also on this side of the Atlantic. “Do we want to be a a status quo of ecclesiastical separation What follows is a more or less loose then we should realize that we are not paraphrase of his article. denomination or doing what is pleasing to the King of Who sets the churches’ agenda? church?” the church. In response to the comment that “as far as I am concerned the unity of In this connection we should re- different churches is not really that member what Hendrick de Cock said “There is too little necessary,” Van’t Spijker notes that in when asked why he led a secession eschatology or such a comment one can easily hear from the Dutch Reformed Church. the attitude of those who don’t want to What was in it for him? In response, looking to the future oppose those who do think it impor- De Cock took his confession and read in the life of the tant to seek ecclesiastical unity with the articles about the church. He acted other like-minded churches, but they according to his confession. He obeyed churches.” doubt the sense of it. One of the argu- the call of his confession without fear- ing the unknown future. Calvin would ments is that it is better to live in peace People say: we must stay realistic. beside and separate from each other as have said: We do not have to know if Better to be separate and live in peace churches than to fight in one ecclesias- we will succeed, as long as we are than together under one ecclesiastical tical house. faithful and begin to do what needs to roof with difficulties and worries. The This type of reasoning goes diamet- be done. rically against the teaching of Prof. K. question is, however, What kind of Schilder that we have to be ready to Church or denomination? peace are we speaking of? Also, what struggle earnestly for years for such a There has been much struggle in the are we actually fighting for and against? unity, also within one church federa- church. But there is a struggle which is There is no better or higher ideal than tion, so that ultimately the unity of the worth the battle; the struggle for the to take up the struggle together, not congregation of Christ can be realized. unity of the church. After all, it con- against each other, but for the truth, The saying “As far as I am con- cerns the true unity and at the same also the truth concerning the unity of cerned it is not that necessary” actually time the one truth of Him who said that those who love the same hope of the betrays a type of subjectivism. Subjec- He is the Truth? appearing of the imperishable glory to tivism is the trend of our times. People The disciples argued amongst them- be revealed. There is too little escha- like to tell about their experiences and selves and were severely reprimanded tology or looking to the future in the life listen to those of others. “What I think” for that by our Saviour. One could say, of the churches. Without that looking or “what I experience.” But with this at least they interacted with each other. ahead, churches run the danger of de- sort of talk one cannot make progress in However, those who today give up on valuating themselves to denomina- the church! After all, in the church it is brothers in another faithful church and tions or even lower, with all the sad not a matter of what we think or expe- say, it is better that they live under that consequences of that.

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 507 The Ordination of Rev. Yonson Dethan

By Mary-Lynn De Boer A few months ago I had the privilege of witnessing the ordination of my fiancé, Yonson Dethan, in Kupang, In- donesia. This joyful event took place on the morning of Sunday, June 28, 1998. Yonson, a graduate of the Theo- logical College in Hamilton Ontario, thereby acknowledged the call of the Lord to serve there. Yonson began studying theology at the Reformed Theological College in Sumba. (Sumba is one of the many tropical islands of Indonesia.) There he was a student of Rev. A.J. Pol, who is now the minister of the Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph, Ontario. After Yon- son completed his studies in Sumba, the Australian Free Reformed Churches de- cided to sponsor him to study in Canada. However, before he went to Canada, the deputies of the Australian churches invited him to go to Perth, Western Aus- tralia, for three months orientation. Dur- On May 9, 1998, after a long but GGMM at this point only has contact ing this time of orientation Yonson was safe trip overseas, I myself arrived in with these churches. studying Greek under Rev. W. Huizinga, Indonesia. There I was greeted not only The Rev. E. FangidaE led the ordina- and English under Miss. Elsina Ten Haaf. by Yonson but also by a fairly large tion service. The sermon was based on From Western Australia, Yonson went group of family, friends, and other John 10:1-20. Rev. FangidaE spoke back to Kupang to continue his practical church people. I spent an amazing two about Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, work in the Reformed Churches in In- who loved the sheep, cared for them, months there, getting to know Yonson donesia. There he served as an evangelist and was even ready to lay down His life for approximately two years. Then, on better and experiencing the Indonesian for them. He also referred to the Phar- January 26, 1994, Yonson finally arrived culture. Yonson and I were both ex- isees and the Scribes as the bad shep- in Canada. Having lived all his life in hot, tremely happy that during that time I herds, who did not care about their tropical weather, Yonson was now also had the opportunity to witness sheep very much and even added daily greeted by one of the coldest winters of Yonson’s ordination as minister of the to their burdens by enforcing many un- southern Ontario. Word. I would like to share with you in necessary rules. The minister of the Before going to the Theological Col- greater detail this joyful event. Word is supposed to follow Jesus’ teach- lege, Yonson studied English for six Yonson was ordained at the Galilea ing and example as the Good Shepherd. months at the Columbia International Church in Kupang, West Timor, Indone- Rev. FangidaE continued the service College in Hamilton. After this, he spent sia. This Church is a part of a federa- by reading the form for the ordination. three years studying at the Theological tion of churches called the GGMM This part was very interesting to see. It is College (also in Hamilton). During this (Gereja-Gereja Masehi Musyafir = The not only that this event was connected time he stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Krikke with my fiancé, but also that this was Pilgrim Christian Churches). The in Burlington, Ontario. Then, thanks be my first experience witnessing a minis- to God, on September 6, 1997, he re- GGMM is a sister church of the GGRI ter being ordained. Rev. E. FangidaE ceived his Master of Divinity. Only a (Gereja-Gereja Reformasi Indonesia = came down from the pulpit and, along few days later Yonson said good-bye to The Reformed Churches of Indonesia), with him, Rev. Remi FanggidaE and a the many friends he had made while in which is a sister church of the Liber- number of elders all laid their hands on Canada, boarded the plane, and began ated Churches of Holland and the Free Yonson. While they did this, one by one the trip back to Indonesia. Reformed Churches of Australia. The they quoted a verse from the Scriptures.

508 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 This event brings to mind 1 Timothy We see there the amazing work and even though He is busy protecting His 4:14, where the apostle Paul talks about love of Jesus Christ extended to Barti- Church and governing the whole world. the laying on of hands by the elders to maeus. The Pharisees, who read the We congratulate Rev. Dethan on Timothy. I guess at this point, we should Scriptures every day, were spiritually this joyful occasion. Above all, we thank no longer say “Yonson” but “Rev. De- blind for they rejected Jesus as the Mes- our Father in heaven, who was with than.” No, sorry, that would be “Pak siah. But by the work of God, Barti- him while he traveled to a different Pendeta Dethan!” maeus (who was physically blind) ac- country, adjusted to a new culture, and After the laying on of hands Rev. tually saw because he believed that studied at the College. We also thank FangidaE passed to Rev. Dethan each of Jesus was the Messiah. We can already God that he could now finally be or- the instruments for the sacraments (i.e. dained as minister of the Word. We pray see Bartimaeus’ strong faith when he the baptismal bowl, the wine cup, and that God will continue to be with him addressed Jesus not as the one “of the bread plate). He instructed him to and give him all the strength, wisdom, use the sacraments as they were in- Nazareth” but as “the Son of David.” love, and patience that he needs to be a tended, namely, for the edification of Thus, Bartimaeus saw Jesus not only as good shepherd to God’s people. It is the flock of God. Finally, he also passed a man but also as the promised Mes- wonderful to see God gathering, de- to him the Holy Bible, and reminded siah. It is also amazing that Jesus took fending, and preserving His church from him to base all his preaching and teach- the time to heal Bartimaeus, even the four corners of the earth. As Rev. De- ing only on the Word of God. though He was very busy going to than always says, “amazing!” At that point, Rev. Dethan ascended Jerusalem to fulfil His Father’s com- the pulpit for his inaugural sermon, mand, to suffer and die on the cross. Mary-Lynn De Boer lives in Smithville, which was based on Mark 10:46-52. God also wants to hear our prayers, Ontario.

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 509 Urban Mission Project in Greater Hamilton By G.Ph. van Popta

By the grace of God, an urban mission Popta congratulated Brother Bultje on his project was inaugurated on Sunday, Sep- appointment and wished him the Lord’s tember 13, during the afternoon worship indispensable blessing for his work. Mr. service in Ancaster, Ontario. Herman Faber spoke on behalf of Fellow- The desire for such a project is not new. ship consistory and congregation. He made Three years ago, Fellowship Church in the point that not only does Burlington Bay Burlington had some correspondence with lie between our two congregations, so Cornerstone Church of Hamilton about the does a vast mission field. He expressed the possibility to place a home missionary in the wish that the Lord would use Brother Bultje Greater Hamilton area. Much study was and our congregations to bring the gospel done as to where and how to undertake of Jesus Christ into that field. Mr. Ben Har- such work. Rev. J. van Vliet and Mr. Richard sevoort, chairman of the Mission Board, Bultje, then both students at the Theologi- also addressed us. He urged the congrega- cal College, and both actively involved in Mr. Richard Bultje tions to be faithful in this work we have outreach work in Hamilton, did a lot of the Peter, and on this rock I will build my undertaken and faithful in supporting research and provided much advice. church, and the gates of Hades will not Richard Bultje. In speaking directly to the In 1997, the church at Ancaster be- overcome it. The Lord Jesus Christ is the new mission worker, he reminded him of came involved in the discussions. Consen- Builder of the church; however, He uses his three-fold office of prophet, priest and sus built that we ought to strive for an urban us in his great work. As we work with king, and encouraged him to do the work to mission project that would be coordinated Him and as He works through us, we must which he has been appointed in the by a non-ordained man who would give always and only point to Him. As we point strength of that office. Finally, Brother Bultje himself full-time to the work. Ancaster to Him, we build upon the bedrock of Si- himself ascended the pulpit. He thanked all would be the supervising church working mon Peter’s confession that the Lord Jesus for the support he had received in the past in close conjunction with Fellowship is the Christ, the Son of the living God. and pleaded for continued support. He ex- Church of Burlington. Cornerstone, while Christ will then take our pointing and pressed the hope that the Lord Jesus Christ would be pleased to use us to continue very interested in the work and supportive make it into mortar to build his church. of it, has more than enough work, with its gathering for Himself a church in the Christ will make us powerful. So powerful foreign mission in Brazil, to be involved in Greater Hamilton area – a church gathered will the church be that the gates of Hades a formal way. out of people from all walks of life and the will not overcome it. When the powers of Not only did the Lord pave the way for different ethnic communities. darkness pour out of the gates of Hades the churches to cooperate in planning the After we sang Psalm 134, the song of project; he also provided a man to direct and seek to destroy the church, they will blessing, we enjoyed a time of fellowship the project. In August 1998, Mr. Richard not succeed. When the church wages an and conversation over a cup of coffee. Bultje was appointed. To the joy of both offensive battle against the gates of Hades, It was a beautiful Sunday – a time for congregations, he accepted the challenge. the gates will not be able to withstand the celebrating the mighty works of God in re- Mr. Bultje graduated from the Theological attack. The gospel in the hands of the ex- deeming for Himself a people chosen out of College this September with the degree of clusively Christocentric church will be like all peoples, nations and tongues. The Lord Diploma of Theological Studies. He is a a battering ram demolishing the gates of builds his church by granting children to native of Chatham, Ontario, and a mem- Hades. The gospel will set the prisoner the families of the congregation – children ber of Ancaster Church. free. Dead rocks will be made into living who are raised to know and love their Fa- Mr. Bultje already has numerous con- stones built into the spiritual house ther in heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ. tacts in the Greater Hamilton area having founded upon the bedrock of the apos- The Lord also builds by bringing in converts been heavily involved in the work of evan- tles’ confession and which has Christ Jesus from paganism, atheism and false reli- gelism during his years as a student at the himself as the Cornerstone. gions. This was marvelously clear that Sun- College. He hopes to build, under the After the sermon, the congregation day afternoon. Not only was an urban mis- Lord’s blessing, upon this work. prayed that the Lord would be pleased to sion project begun and Richard Bultje set Although many members of the local bless the work undertaken by the two aside as mission worker, but Caleb James congregations, including students of the churches and Brother Richard Bultje. In Wieske, infant son of Brother and Sister Theological College, have been involved prayer, we commended Brother Bultje to Gary Wieske, received the sign and seal of in many forms of outreach in the commu- the Lord begging God to give our brother God’s everlasting covenant promises. nity, September 13 marked the beginning the strength, wisdom, faithfulness, dili- Pray with us that the Lord will bless of a more formal effort. gence, love and courage for this great work this work to the end that God’s elect in this The Rev. George van Popta, minister to which he has been appointed. city may be gathered into the church. of Ancaster Church, preached on Matthew After the worship service, a few people May the Lord bless us all – recent con- 16:18 where the Lord Jesus said to Simon spoke. On behalf of the Ancaster consis- verts and long time members – to a thou- son of Jonah: And I tell you that you are tory and congregation, Rev. George van sand generations.

510 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 OUR LITTLE MAGAZINE By Aunt Betty

Dear Busy Beavers BY ARRANGEMENT Holiday are over and you are now back at school. You Each of the persons named in List A has a brother in have been back there for the past few weeks. Do you have List B. Can you pair them correctly? interesting things to do there? Are you enjoying it again? Have you got some new friends this year? Or are they all LIST A LIST B the same ones as last year? Joseph Aaron It is also starting to get a little colder. That means that Moses Abel summer is over and winter is on its way. Right now, the trees Cain Andrew are starting to change colour and soon all the leaves will be Jacob Benjamin falling off. This is a beautiful time of the year, when you Hophni Chilion can really see how mighty God really is, that He can cause Peter Eliab leaves to turn from their beautiful green to a just as beauti- David Esau ful yellow or red or even orange. Yes, fall is such a wonder- James Japheth ful experience, and every year, it is just as wonderful as the Mahlon John last. Enjoy it, while it is here. Shem Philip Have a wonderful year at school!! Alexander Phinehas Herod Rufus Love from Aunt Betty

HIDING PLACES In each of the following sentences, the name of a place mentioned in the Bible is hiding. The letters are in EVERY OTHER ONE! the proper order. Which are the places? 1. Elizabeth said a long poem perfectly. Every other letter, sometimes starting with the first, some- 2. King Azariah reigned fifty-two years, but he was a times with the second, has been removed from proper leper. names of the kind indicated. The number of letters in the 3. This place is not wholly strange to me. complete word is shown in brackets after each group of let- 4. In adversity, remember ‘God is a present help in ters left. What are the names? trouble’. 5. Try not to be rash; do dare to be true. A MOUNTAINS 6. His thinking ended in a dilemma usually! 7. We will take the Metro, as it will be quicker. 1 CRE (6) ______8. They caught the tram ahead of us. 2 IED (6) ______9. Olga thought the scenery was beautiful. 10. I would rather have a lot to do than remain idle. 3 PRI (7) ______4 MRA (6) ______5 EII (7) ______B RIVERS UNIQUE ITEMS Sometimes a possession makes a person stand out. Match the unique 6 JRA (6) ______item with the person who owned it. 7 HRA (7) ______1. A hole in the ear, Exodus 21:6 a. Paul 8 KSO (6) ______2. A crippled limb, Genesis 32:24-25 b. Jesus 3. A thorn in the flesh, 2 Corinthians 12:7 c. A lifetime slave 9 EPRTS (9) ______4. Empty lamps, Matthew 25:3 d. Solomon 10 ANN (5) ______5. A colourful coat, Genesis 37:3 e. Jeroboam 6. A seamless robe, John 19:23-24 f. Hebrews C TOWNS OR CITIES 7. Long-lasting shoes, Deuteronomy 29:5 g. Joseph 11 UCT (7) ______8. Sightless eyes, Judges 16:21-22 h. Jacob 9. Seven hundred wives, 1 Kings 11:3 i. Hosea 12 AYO (7) ______10. Five husbands, but not one, John 4:18 j. Samson 13 EHSS (7) ______11. A harlot wife, Hosea 1:2 k. Foolish virgins 14 OORH (8) ______12. A withered hand, 1 Kings 13:4 l. Samaritan woman

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 511 CLARION ADVERTISEMENTS

With great joy and thankfulness to the Lord who has richly blessed our Births family with another covenant child, we announce the birth of Thanks be to God, the Giver of life, Who blessed us with another son GREGORY JORDAN RUSSELL GERARD Born September 16, 1998 Born on August 14, 1998 A brother for Allison, Jessica, Kaitlyn and Matthew Gilbert and Wilma Buikema (nee Jans) Andy and Sandra VanderVeen A brother for David Jonathon RR5, Thamesville, ON N0P 2K0 5418 Reg. Rd. 81, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B3 We are pleased to announce that God has granted us a daughter, Praise God from whom all blessings flow! NATALIE MAUREEN For Thou didst form my inward parts, Thou didst knit me together in my Born on August 3, 1998 mother’s womb. I praise Thee, for Thou art fearful and wonderful. Won- She is the first grandchild for Barry and Maureen Hofford, the eighth derful are Thy works! Psalm 139:13,14 grandchild for Casey and Jane Kieft, and the first great-grandchild for With thankfulness to our gracious God for making all things well and Katherine Hofford and for John and Dorothy Griffin. granting to us this precious gift of new life we, Steve and Christine Hofford Raymond and Julie Kruisselbrink, 130 Lilly Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 along with our daughters Rebecca, Richelle, Renee, Raelyn and Reanne “. . . ; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” Psalm 98:4b joyfully announce the birth of our new daughter and sister With thankfulness to our God and Father, for He truly is gracious, we RADINE DORTHEA JAMIE Born September 16, 1998 joyfully announce the birth of our daughter and sister, RR 3, Tara, ON N0H 2N0 Mikayla Faye Born Aug. 23, 1998 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are Derek and Louise Willis wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 Nathan†, Gavin, Janita, Christian, Kieran With thankfulness to our Father in heaven for entrusting to us one of 8752 Dover Circle, Westminster, CO 80005 His covenant children, we joyfully announce the birth of our first child, a daughter “The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.” EMILY JOHANNA Psalm 126:3 Born August 22, 1998 With thankfulness unto our Heavenly Father who has so richly Jerome and Andria Lengkeek (nee Vanderpol) blessed us, we announce the birth of our first child, a precious 45470 Spruce Drive, Chilliwack, BC V2R 3B3 daughter KENDRA NANCY Lo, sons are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Born September 7, 1998 Psalm 127:3 Alex and Shanna Ravensbergen (nee Bartels) We, Keith and Miriam Verburg 3rd grandchild for Henry and Nancy Bartels praise God for the gift of life in the form of 9th grandchild for Gerrit and Tina Ravensbergen JOHANNES BENJAMIN 7477 Reg Rd. 20, RR 1, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 Born March 17, 1998 Lovingly welcomed by Jared and Hannah With thanks to our heavenly Father we are pleased to announce the 3rd grandchild for Bill and Ineke Vanderwerf, London, ON birth of our daughter 5th grandchild for Tony and Roely Verburg, Blyth, ON ALEXA GRACE Born September 10, 1998 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s A sister for Kevin and Sydney womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13 & 14a James and Sonja Heeringa (Vanderwoude) With thankfulness to our heavenly Father for his rich blessings, we 42 Fellowes Crescent, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H3 announce the birth of our daughter ASHLEY HERMINA With thankfulness to the Lord, we announce the birth of our son Born on August 22, 1998 RYLEY JOEL A sister for Melissa, Brittany and Mitchell Born August 5, 1998 Mike and Roleane Ligtenberg (nee Mans) A big brother for Sean, Kimberly, Dylan, and Taylor 134 Limeridge Road East, Hamilton, ON L9A 2S3 Richard and Lorraine Bredenhof

512 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee. Psalm 134:3 With thankfulness to our heavenly Father who has entrusted to our Anniversaries care, a very precious gift, a daughter 1943 – November 2 – 1998 MADISON DIANA Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For each man Born September 24, 1998 will have to bear his own load. Galatians 5:2 and 5 A sister for Robyn With great joy and thankfulness to the Lord who continues to surround Fred and Anita Kampen (nee Hoff) them with His care, we wish to announce the 55th Wedding Anniver- 53 Lake Avenue, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 3G4 sary of our dear parents and grandparents REV. W.W.J. VANOENE and MRS. I. VANOENE (nee Raap) You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am D.V. on November 2, 1998. fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13b,14a We hope and pray that the Lord will continue to bless them in the With great thankfulness to the LORD who has entrusted into our years ahead. care another one of His covenant children, we joyfully announce November 7th will also be a day of celebration as we remember on the birth of that day that Dad will have been a minister of the Word for 55 years. GARRETT JOEL Their thankful children and grandchildren on September 12, 1998 Cloverdale, BC: Rick and Nora VanOene A brother for Maria Will, Brad, Tony, Dennis, Steven and Ben Gerry and Heather VanWoudenberg (nee Berends) 8 McCartney Road, Guelph, ON N1K 1M8 Abbotsford, BC: Renee and John VandeBurgt Fergus, ON: Joanne and Harold Bultena Kevin, Jennifer Engagements Irene and Cor Bultena With thankfulness to our covenant God, Rev. and Mrs. H. J. Moes of Nadia, Barbara, Steven, Shelley and Marsha Athens, ON are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter We plan to celebrate this joyous occasion with an open house to be DIANA to ALEXANDER VANDE HOEF held, the Lord willing, on Saturday, November 7th from 2:00 – 5:00 son of Mr. and Mrs. John Vande Hoef of Springfield, ON. p.m. in the Abbotsford church annex. Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; Best wishes only please. by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. #96 - 31406 Upper MacLure Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T 5L8 Proverbs 24:3-4 Murrayville – Vernon Weddings 1958 – October 27 – 1998 With thankfulness to our heavenly Father, we, With thankfulness to the Lord, we announce the 40th Wedding KAREN MATTHEWS and MICHAEL VANDERLAAN Anniversary of our parents and grandparents together with our parents Garnet and Sienie Matthews and Ralph RAY and INA LOUWERSE and Teresa VanderLaan, joyfully announce our marriage. The ceremony May our heavenly Father continue to bless and keep them. will be held, the Lord willing on Saturday, November 7, 1998 at 2:00 Smithers, BC: Bernice Meints p.m. in the Ebenezer Canadian Reformed Church of Chatham, ON. Aaron, Caitlin, Benjamin, Korey, Riley Rev. R.E. Pot officiating. Abbotsford, BC: Bill and Lorraine Louwerse Future address: 703-11 Kendale Court, Hamilton, ON L9C 2T7 Colter, Raina Aldergrove, BC: Stephanie and Hermen Geertsema Obituaries Jamie, Levi, Josina When I awake, I am still with Thee. Psalm 139:18b Chilliwack, BC: Kurt and Kathy Louwerse On Monday, September 21, 1998 it pleased the Lord to take to Kayla, Vanessa, Miranda, Joanna Himself at the age of 71 Houston, BC: John Louwerse SOPHIA VANDERWEL (nee Kelderman) Langley, BC: Diane and Harold Vanderplas Beloved wife of Rev. M. VanderWel Smithers,BC: David Louwerse Dear Mother and Grandmother of Houston, BC: Harriet Louwerse Wim and Anja VanderWel 6703 Foothills Drive, Vernon, BC V1B 2Y2 Louise, Martine, Ulrike Harpert and Margaret VanderWel Case VanderWel and Sheri Smith Advertise Dick and Melody VanderWel Dwayne, Danae, Dolita in the John and Jacqueline VanderWel Martin, Nicholas, Holly Martin and Marion VanderWel 3837 Karen Drive, Cultus Lake, BC V2R 5A5

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 513 Teaching Positions J. RICHARD WERKMAN, D.Ch. The Canadian Reformed Society of Burlington, Inc., Certified Chiropodist operating John Calvin Christian School invites applications for the position of Foot Care and Orthotics Specialist PRINCIPAL for the 1999-2000 school year. 1450 Headon Road For information about this position, contact the Board Chairman, Burlington, ON L7M 3Z5 (905) 332-8919 Mr. Koos Torenvliet at school, (905) 634-8015, Fax: (905) 634-9772, or at home (905) 528-0453 - Prescription Orthotics/Biomechanical Assessments Applications may be addressed to: - Diabetics, Arthritic & All Ages Foot Care Education Committee, c/o John Calvin Christian School - Corns, Calluses and Wart treatments 607 Dynes Road, Burlington, ON L7N 2V4

The Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Elementary School (A.C.R.E.S.) REFORMATION DAY RALLY invites applications for TEACHING positions at the primary grade level. organized by the Southern Alberta Reformed Study Centre Grade 1 – Commencing March, 1999 Grade 2 – Commencing January, 1999 Featured Speaker: For more information, contact the principal: Mr. A. Kingma Dr. Riemer Faber 905-774-1336 – home; 905-774-9009 – school; 905-774-3318 – fax October 30 and 31, 1998 Applications should be submitted to: Friday, October 30 Mrs. E. Jager, Secretary of the Education Committee 7:30 p.m. RR 1, Dunnville, ON N1A 2W1 The Reformation Remembered – An Illustrated Presentation The Canadian Reformed School Society Saturday, October 31 Vernon, BC, Canada 10:00 a.m. Invites applications for the position of The Reformation of Church, Home and School TEACHER 2:00 p.m. Teaching multiple grades The Relevance of the Reformation Starting January 1999 Location: Coaldale Canadian Reformed Church Vernon, B.C. is an attractive city located in the beautiful Okanagan Val- For further information contact ley and home of Okanagan University College. Our school presently Rev. John van Popta has 26 students with 2 teachers. 1-403-345-6996 Applicants must be certifiable by the Independent Schools Branch of or John Van Dyk the Ministry of Education in British Columbia. 1-403-317-4500 For more information contact: Henry van der Molen – Principal 5151 Alain Rd, Box 20043, Vernon, BC Canada V1T 9L4 Tel: (250) 549-3789 e-mail [email protected] Please send applications to the Secretary of the school board: Nancy van Delft, 5720 Heritage Drive, Vernon, BC Canada V1H 1A5 Tel: (250) 545-9270 Fax: (250) 542-4746

Guido de Brès Christian High School BURNHILL REALTY Hamilton, Ontario LIMITED Invites applications for a TECHNICAL TEACHER Call me at no effective February 1, 1999 JOHN MEERVELD obligation Associate Broker The potential candidate should be experienced in drafting and wood- working, and have obtained teacher training and relevant technical ࡗ TO LIST 1(905) 639-3355 qualifications. Ability and qualifications to teach some other subject 1(905) 528-2177 areas is an asset. ࡗ TO SELL 1(905) 563-4185 For further information, contact the principal, FAX 1(905) 639-7852 ࡗ CAR 1(905) 572-0677 Mr. VanDooren, at school: telephone: 1-905-574-4011 TO BUY Fax: 1-905-574-8662 PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Letters of application should include copies of all post secondary FOR YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS qualifications, three letters of reference, and a statement of your phi- Serving the COMMUNITY SINCE 1980 losophy of Christian education. Mail to: Guido de Brès Christian High School, Education Committee Burlington, Waterdown, Flamborough Box 20098, Upper James Postal Outlet, Hamilton, ON L9C 7M5 Grimsby and Beamsville Area

514 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998 515 LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES? INTERESTED IN A CHANGE? FEELING A NEED FOR CHANGE? Come and explore the options and opportunities in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and the surrounding area. Saskatoon has much to offer as a major city centre. It boasts the University of Saskatchewan, a thriving SJOELBAKKEN: Dutch Shuffleboards, Hardwood, livestock industry, construction industry, and service Heavy Duty. (Can. $135.00, USA $125.00) Shipping incl. sector all located in a beautiful setting near the D & J Koomans, RR 3, Chatham, ON N7M 5J3 Saskatchewan River. (519) 351-7667 www.jra.on.ca./sjoelbak The Lord willing, within a year, we hope to have a house congregation in place. If you would like to join us or if you have any questions or need a place JOE A. BOERSEMA, R.R.S. to stay, contact: Sales Representative Arthur and Elaine Pruim A professional who honours the Lord’s Day! 1-306-668-6163 Anthony and Corien Nienhuis It is my privilege to assist you with 1-306-242-3121 competence and confidentiality in all [email protected] your buying and selling needs. Garden City Realty Inc., Realtor NEEDED IMMEDIATELY 720 guelph line Carpenters and carpenter helpers! burlington, ontario L7R 4E2 For more information, call: bus: (905) 333-3500 1-306-242-3121 res: 333-1753 fax: 333-3616

WALINGA INC. Carman, EBENEZER VILLA Stone Church Road East invites applicants for the following positions: Hamilton, Ontario MACHINIST For your enjoyment we offer: 35 apartments for senior citizens with rent subsidy possible, if available. It is preferred that the applicant is proficient in the Rewarding atmosphere, close to all amenities following activities; Audio/Video linkup with the Cornerstone Canadian • To set-up and operate conventional machines. Reformed Church. • To program, set-up, and operate CNC For further information, please contact machines. Ike Vanderwoude (905) 639-8110 • Must be flexible, and able to operate various Tony Vanderhout (905) 692-3986 machines in a cell. TRUCK & TRAILER EQUIPMENT MECHANIC Knowledge and experience in the following areas will be an asset. Christian Festival Concert (This would include: Installation, Service and Trou- Roy Thomson Hall bleshooting). • Driveline components such as PTO’s, Pumps, * Friday, November 6 * & Blowers. by the • Hydraulics & Pneumatics. Ontario Christian Music Assembly • Automotive electrical systems. and guests Lisette Emmink, soprano Or if you are looking for a new trade, we have Sander van Marion and Andre Knevel, training programs available. organ & piano We are looking for ambitious, self motivated, and under the direction of quality minded team players. LEENDERT KOOIJ Please contact: Tickets $24.00 / $20.00 / $14.00 Cor Lodder @ WALINGA INC. Order from: Ontario Christian Music Assembly Box 1790, 70 3rd Ave. NE. 90 Topcliff Avenue, Downsview, ON M3N 1L8 Carman, MB. R0G 0J0 Call (416) 636-9779 for tickets or info. Ph# 204-745-2951 Fax # 204-745-6309 e-mail: [email protected]

CLARION, OCTOBER 16, 1998