A PRESBYTERIAN JOURNAL DEVOTED TO STATING, DEFENDING III AND FURTHERING THE GOSPEL IN THE MODERN WORLD III SAMUEL G. CRAIG, Editor H. McALLISTER GRIFFITHS, Managing Editor Published monthly by THE PRESBYTERIAN AND MID-APRIL, 1932 $1.00 A YEAR EVERYWHERE REFORMED PUBLISHING CO., Enlered .. 50cond-cl ... maHer May 11, 1931, .1 Vol. 2 No.12 Iho Pos! Ollico al Philadolphia, Pa., undor th. 501 Witherspoon Bldg., Phila., Pa. Acl of March 3, 1879. Christianity and Immortality

AITH in immortality seems to be minimizing the value of the rational of the Christian era. Let mankind lose F on the wane. Otherwise it is dif­ arguments for immortality, such as the the conviction that CHRIST has been ficult, if not impossible, to account for historical and the teleological and the raised from the dead and that He spoke the increasing number of suicides. One moral. Weare far from supposing that with authority concerning the life that can scarcely pick up a newspaper today Kant's criticisms emptied' them of is to come as well as the life that now without finding a report of persons­ significance. At the best, however, we is, and there is every reason to suppose not infrequently persons of national or believe that they establish a strong that mankind will sink back into that even international reputations-who presumption in favor of belief in im­ spirit of hopelessness as regards a fu­ have taken their own lives. :Ooubtless mortality. If we are to believe not only ture life that characterized the ancient some of these suicides can be explained in the probability but the certainty of pagan world. on the theory of temporary insanity and immortality we must have evidence of The reason why there can be no so on the ground of mental and moral immortality additional to that supplied rational demonstration of immortality irresponsibility; but as a whole it seems by purely rational argumentation. Valid is often overlooked. It lies in the fact. clear that they bear witness to a wide­ evidence of the kind required is found that immortality is an event that occurs, spread disbelief in the continuance of only in that revelation of life and im­ not a necessary truth; and that tbe ap­ life beyond the grave. On the assump­ mortality given us in the gospel. As a propriate evidence for establishing the tion of a waning belief in immortality, matter of fact it was not rational argu­ occurrence of an event is personal experi­ there is nothing particularly strange mentation but historical evidence to the ence or adequate testimony. This means about the growing number of suicides. effect that CHRIST had risen from the that either we must wait until we die When men believe that life is but a cry dead and was the first fruits of them to discover whether we are immortal or between two eternal silences, it is not that are asleep that brought about that some competent· person or persons must surprising that they should judge that transformation in men's attitude toward offer trustworthy testimony as to the suicide offers a reasonable way of escape immortality that marked the beginning reality of life beyond the grave. For when the disadvantages of life appear instance previous to 1492 many on the .to be hopelessly in excess of its ad­ basis of rational considerations believed vantages. in the probability of the existence of a If the true explanation of the gr:owi)1g IN THIS ISSUE transatlantic continent but probability number of s:uicides is an increasing lack. Editorial Comment. . . . • ...... 3 passed into certainty when Columbus and his men actually-visited this trans­ Qf faith in iqlmortality, it would seem Why I Am a Conservative...... 5 to follow that the only way tQ lower the F. N. McMillin atlantic continent and bore trustworthy nunlber of suicides is a renewed faith in testimony to its existence as a matter of Whom Say Ye That I Am?...... 6 fact. So it is as regards the 'question immortality on the part of men in L. Verduin general. "Ye submit that this can be whether we are immortal. Either we brought about in the twentieth century Bithynra's Unknown Evangelists...... 9 must wait until death to find out or we A. Hogue only as it. was brought, about in the first must be supplied with some adequate century, viz., by convincing men of the Notes on Biblical Exposit:on...... •• 12 testimony as to the actuality of life reality and the authenticity of that J. G. Machen beyond the grave. divine revelation in word and deed that Letters to the Editor ...... 14 A pound of testimony is worth more is recorded in the Bible. Books of Religious Significance...... 16 than a ton of rational argumentation We would not be understood as News of the Churcb...... 17 when the problem of immortality is 2 CHRISTIANITY TODAY April,1932 under consideration. From the nature grave. If the communications with the the Bible, more particularly whether of the soul as simple and indivisible', dead they pJ;ofess to pave rece:ived m:e they' contil11i~ to believe-in life and im­ from the nature of its endowments,irom authentic, it' is altogether certain that mortality as ~evealed in JESUS CHRIST. the seeming incompleteness' of its de­ death does not end all. We do not think It should not be overlooked that the velopments on. earth, from ·the appar­ there is any good reason to regard their evidence for immortality offered by ently disciplinary chlj.racter of life as alleged communications with the dead CHRIST and the Bible is for the im­ now lived,' and similar considerations, as authentic ; but they at least direct mortality of the whole man-that is to we may rightly conclude that it is highly our attention to the kind of evidence say of the body as well as the 'soul. The probable that we shall live after death. which, if genuine, would prove the real­ doctrine of the immortality of the soul There must be considerations of a dif­ ity of life after death. is of itself a purely heathen doctrine. ferent sort; however, if we ,are to be We trust it is now abundantly.clear What Christianity teaches is an im­ certain that death does not end all.. The to OQr readers why we hold that it is mortality of the whole man. The evi­ following is much to the point: "One only by again convincing men of the dence for immortality offered by traveler beyond that bourne who re­ reality and truthfulness of that divine CHRIST'S resurrection-the most direct turns: one voice from. the .other, side of revelation in word and deed recorded in we have-is evidence for the immortal­ the grave: this would be evidence which, the Bible that we c.an function effec­ ity not of the soul merely but of the when accredited to the soul, would, once tively in the way of re-establishing a whole man. The resurrection of the for all, by the proper proof, settle the vital faith in immortality. It is in this body is an essential part of the Chris­ matter of the occurrence of life after divine revelation in word and deed that tian doctrine of immortality. It is per­ death. Of course, the question how we have the only valid evidence of the haps needless to add that according to many of those that die will live after sort that really proves the reality of the Christian doctrine of immortality death-whether the whole of mankind life after death. Doubtless apart from the life to come stands in moral and or a part---would require its own ap­ that revelation of life and immortality organic relation to the life that now is. propriate evidence to determine. But made to us in JESUS CHRIST, we may The here determines the hereafter. We that would be an element of detail: the cherish a well-grounded hope of im­ are moving on toward the judgment main point is whether 'death ends all' mortality; but it is only in and through seat of GOD which will be a broad and or whether the soul actually persists in this revelation that we can be fully as­ comprehensive test to decide to what living after the decay of the body." sured of it. Many will demur on the extent we have lived our lives for the It is but to repeat from a more reli­ ground that there is no adequate evi­ glory of GOD and for the good of our gious or theological point of view what dence for believing in the reality and fellows. Only as we live our lives in has just been said to say that a rational trustworthiness of such a divine revela­ the light of eternity can we realize their demonstration of immortality is impos­ tion as .we posit. We cannot argue the value or tJ1e significance of our choices sible because this is a matter that de­ matter in this connection. Suffice it to from day to day. pends on the purpose of GOD. The soul say that we believe there is abundant is not self-existent. It owes its existence warrant for saying not only that the It is not too much to say that Chris­ to the creative activity of GOD. What evidence for the trustworthiness of the tianity stands or falls with its doctrine is more it is dependent on GOD for its Bible as a revelation from GOD (includ­ of immortality. Eliminate this doctrine continuance in existence. He who made ing the evidence for the resurrection of and it collapses both as a system of the soul can also unmake it, should such JESUS as an historic fact) is enormously thought and a way of life. Theshib­ be His pleasure. What GOD'S pleasure is more cogent than the evidence for im­ boleth of Christianity is not separation in this matter we can know only as He mortality to be found in the rational from the world but from that which is reveals it to us. This revelation may be arguments but that it is sufficient to evil in the world. Yet unquestionably it. given in part in the nature of the soul establish beyond a reasonable doubt finds its center of gravity in the world He has created, in the powers with that in the Bible we have a veritable re­ to come, so that it is impossible to vindi­ which He has endowed it, in the long­ velation from GOD concerning human cate the reasonableness of either its ing and desires He has put within it, in immortality. In this connection we may world or its life view apart from that the manner in which He deals with it; add that as a matter of fact few of eternity in which alone they find their but if to such suggestions or intimations those who have lost faith in CHRIST as proper setting. Naturalism may get there is added an explicit word through risen-or in the Bible as containing a along without a doctrine of the future the prophets which culminates in the historical revelation from GOD-have life; Christianity cannot. On the as­ testimony of His own Son there will be maintained a vital faith in immortality. sumption that the present economy is no room for doubt as to His purpose as The facts being what they are, we may but a short span of life between two regards this matter. be sure that the question whether man­ eternities of death, it is altogether cer­ It will be obvious to the reader that kind will retain a faith in immortality tain that Christianity indicates neither we agree with the "Spiritualists" to a that will be a determining influence in the right way of thinking nor the right certain extent-they are in search of their lives hinges on the question way of living. The doctrine of one world evidence of the sort that would really whether they continue to believe in that at a time has no standing ground what­ prove the reality of life beyond the revelation in word and deed recorded in ever in Christian discussion. April,1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 3

hardly go further. Moreover the represen­ tation that the Bible only contains the 'Word Editorial Notes and Comments of GOD and is infallible only in matters of faith and practice is obviously not that of the Westminster Standards as a whole. The The Bible as a Rule of Faith and judged. II! Post-Reformation times, how­ ever, in Protestant circles at least, the "rule Scriptures identified with "all the books Practice of faith" is used to designate the authorita­ of the Old and New Testaments" are re­ ferred to as "the Word of GOD written," as N its issue of March 24th The Presby­ tive source of Ch!"istian knowledge. Accord­ having "GOD (who is truth itself)" for their terian Advance devotes both. its leading ing to this latter usage (which is that of I "author," as "cif infallible truth and divine editorial and its leading contribution (by the Westminster Standards) the "rule of authority," as so trustworthy that' a Dr. MOLDENHAWER, pastor of the First faith" refers to the Bible as the source from "Christian believeth to be true whatsoever Church of New York City) to a discussion which genuinely Christian doctrine is to be is revealed" in them. We mayor we may of the meaning of the question which must drawn. According to the editor of The not believe that "the Holy Spirit did so in­ be answered affirmatively by all ministers, Advance and Dr. MOLDENHAWER, our readers spire, guide and move the writers of Holy elders and deacons of the Presbyterian will note,. the "rule of faith" as used in our Scripture as to keep them from' error" b.ut Church, U.S. A. before their ordination: ordination question refers to the substance beyond reasonable doubt that is the teaching "Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old of Christian doctrine rather than the seat of and New Testaments to be the Word of GOD, Christian doctrine. It will be seen, there· of the Westminster Standards and that is what we affirm when we intelligently the only infallible rule of faith and prac­ fore, that their misunderstanding of this answer this question in the affirmative. tice?" phrase as used in the ordination question is due to the fact that through histOl:ical Th.e editor of The Advance expressly ap­ The editor of The Advance and Dr. ignorance they have tried to interpret it in proves of Dr. MOLDENHAWER'S declaration MOLDENHAWER-both of whom are signers a sense foreign to the Westminster Stand­ (with this question in mind) that "the man of the Auburn Affirmation-agree that there ards. In the sense in which they employ who takes the vow of fidelity to the Bible is widespread misunderstanding as to what the phrase, it refers to the Westminster as supreme authority is not assuming an is involved in giving an affirmative answer Confession of Faith to which all minister.s, intolerable burden nor is he playing tricks to this question. Few if an:y will deny the elders and deacons are required to sub­ with his conscience." In our judgment that existence of widespread misunderstanding scribe as containing the system of doctrine depends on what he actually thinks about in this connection. It is difficult to think, taught in the Bible rather thim to the Bible the Bible. If he looks upon the Bible as however, that many straight-thinking as itself. Men may differ not only as to actually the Word of GOD and as such com­ well as informed persons will share their whether the Bible is the only source of !iis­ pletely trustworthy, yes. But if not, no, view as to the nature of these misunder­ tinctively Christian knowledge but also as We confess it has long been a standing standings. to whether it is a source that supplies us wonder to us to understand how those who According to these men there are two with knowledge that can properly be called believe tha t the Bible contains errors and major misunderstandings relative to this infallible. There is no real warrant for contradictions can take on themselves the question. In the first place there are those denying however, that such was the opinion vows required of ministers, elders and who mistakenly think that to answer this of those who phrased our ordination ques­ deacons. question affirmatively is to declare that the tions. What is more the word "infallible" Bible is free of error, fully trustworthy in is not susceptible to the minimizing inter­ all' statements, when as a matter of fact pretation whereby it is a synonym of "The Price of Union" such an affirmation "has nothing whatever "supreme." An "only infallible" rule is not HAT the proposed union of the United to do with any theory of inspiration." In merely the best of a number of rules; It is T Presbyterian Church and the Presby­ the second there are those who mistakenly both an exclusive rule and a rule that is terian Church in the U. S. A. will have to think that to answer this question in the altogether trustworthy. It is a contradic· run the gauntlet of United Presbyterian affirmative is to declare that "the Bible tion in terms to say that an infallible rule opposition is indicated by an article by Dr. contains 'just one rule' whereas it is a contains errors. A. GORDON MAcLENNAN, pastor of the Shady­ library of writings in which may be found Both the editor of The Advance and Dr. side United Presbyterian Church, in Pitts­ many rules for conduct, some of them con­ MOLDENHAWER deny that in answering this burgh, Pa.,-an outstanding church of the trary to' others." According to these ordination question in the affirmative we denomination-in The Christian Union writers, if we understand them aright, when affirm that the Scriptures of the Old and Herald of April 2nd. we refer to the Bible as "the only infallible New Testaments are free of error. They By way of introduction Dr. MACLENNAN rule of faith and practice" we merely mean would have us believe that all we affirm is points out that a "price of union" that the to affirm (1) that the "supreme standard" that the supreme rule of faith and practice United Presbyterians will have to pay will for faith and practice is to be found in is to be found somewhere in the Scriptures. be the loss of all that is unique in their the Bible and (2) to deny that it is to be Such is plainly not the case. We affirm heritage as a church. "As far as the Pres­ found elsewhere, more particularly that it much more than that. We affirm (1) that byterian Church is concerned," he writes, is to be found in tradition as handed down the Scriptures are the Word of GOD. That "the union will make little or no difference, by the Roman Catholic Church. is in fact the main thing we affirm. Having merely the report at the close of the year Both of these writers seem to labor under affirmed that, we go on and affirm (2) that following the union, if the union is con­ the delusion that when the Westminster the Scriptures (as becomes the Word of summated, that the church has shown an Standards employ the phrase "the rule of GOD) are also, or, therefore "the only in­ increase of ten per cent in both 'membership faith" they employ it in the sense in which fallible rule of faith and practice." The and ministers. The assimilation will have. ~t was employed in the early ages of the interpretation placed on the question by no noticeable effect upon such a large body church. In Pre-Reformation times the these writers would require us to say that as the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. The phrase was used almost exclusively to ex­ the Scriptures are the Word of GOD and so price of union will be paid entirely by the press the fundaniental faith of the Church infallible ( even in the minimizing sense United Presbyterian Church." After speak­ as expressed in a brief creed which brief they attach to the word) only in as far as ing of the things that constitute the dis­ creed (or creeds) was used as a rule or they contain a rule of faith and practice­ tinctive glory of the United Presbyterian standard by which the orthodoxy or un­ as though GOD Himself were only partly Church he adds: "To talk of carrying over orthodoxy of any particular teaching was trustworthy! MiSinterpretation could into the union this heritage is to talk sheer 4 CHRISTIANITY TODAY April,1932

nonsense. One may as well make up his churches has been presented. Has not the is as follows: (1) We have no debts. , (2) mind at once to the fact, that all that is Presbyterian Church problems enough tit We have sufficient funds in hand or in sight unique in the heritage of our church, that the present time' to' vex her righteous sOul to aSSi1r1l our pubTication for -another-'Year. which has made her what- she is, is part without plunging her into this agitation? ( 3) We lack funds to use in promoting the of the price that will be paid for union." The United Presbyterian Church has been interests of the paper in the way of sending Dr. MACLENNAN, however, does not rest doing a splendid piece of work at home and out samp'le copIes, soliciting subscriptions his case on sentimental grounds. The abroad with a vision, glorious, united not and such like. Our financial problem is major part of his article has to do with the only in name but in work and purpose; why dealt with more fully in the letter referred proposed plan of union. Among the objec· bring in a divisive movement to hinder her to above-a. copy of which we will be glad tions to it, he regards three as of supreme work, dim her vision and paralyze her great to send to anyone desirous of furthering importance. In the first place he is op· missionary program?" the interests of this paper. posed to it because of the centralization of We again solicit the aid and cooperation of our subscribers. Such success as we control that it would involve. "If for no other reason than this," he writes, "every The Future of this Paper have had is largely due to what the rank and file of our subscribers have done for minister and layman in whose veins flows HIS issue of CHRISTIANITY TODAY com­ us in the way of bringing the ,paper to the the blood of Presbyterians who gave their pletes its second year. Like ali similar T attention of others; and only as this service lives for the principles which have been publications we have been affected by the is continued can we hope for an increased our strength and pride should rise up in existing business depression_ In our case this measure' of success. In fact, the situation vigorous protest against the setting up of has been due not so much to the loss of sub­ being what it is, the future of the a bureaucracy that will rob our churches scribers because of their inability to pay the pape~ depends more on what the rank and file of of their liberty and their historic rights." subscription price as to the falling off of our subscribers do for us than upon the In the second place, he is opposed to it special contributions. By way of explana­ special gifts of a relatively few individuals because of its proposal to abolish open tion it may be said that the $1.00 received -indispensable as such gifts are. courts and adopt "star-chamber" methods in from our regular subscribers does little ecclesiastical procedure. Here he quotes more than cover the cost of printing and with approval from Dr. MACHEN'S recent mailing the paper. This means that the The Keams Case articles in CHRISTIANITY TODAY, entitled funds needed for office rent, stenographers, "The Truth About the Presbyterian promotion and other necessary expenses HE editor of this paper has received a Church." In the third place, he is opposed must be obtained from other sources. Hence T very courteous personal note from Dr. to it on the ground that it opens the flood­ the publication of this paper can be con­ MUDGE in which he disclaims any intention gates to doctrinal impurity_ Dr. MACLENNAN tinued only as those who approve its aims of referring in a slighting or derogatory holds that the substitution of the phrase and purposes place it on their annual way to CHRISTIANITY TODAY at the meeting "the system of doctrine" for the doctrines budgets of expenditures along with of the Presbytery of San Francisco men­ . . . contained in the Confession of Faith, churches, hospitals and other Christian en­ tioned in our March issue. etc_" opens the way for men to enter the terprises. This is not an after-thought on Neither the Board of Foreign Missions, ministry who deny the doctrines of the our part. As we have repeatedly stated in or anyone else, however, has' questioned church-a contention that, in our judgment, these columns CHRISTIANITY 'TODAY was es­ the accuracy of what has been reported in would gain much in cogency if the United tablished in the full knowledge of the fact this paper concerning what took place at Presbyterians would eliminate the Preamble that it would be continuously dependent on the December meeting of WashIngton City to their Confessional Statement. "At pres­ those who love the cause for which it stands Presbytery in connection with the licensure ent," he writes, "United Presbyterian min­ and who desire to see it promoted in the of Mr. LUCIAN HARPER KEARNS. The out­ isters are bound to an acceptance of the world. Every effort is made to keep the standing fact in connection with this action doctrines taught, which includes each doc­ cost of production at the minimum, but like of Presbytery is not so much the fact that trine of the church as though named sep­ practically all church papers it cherishes he was licensed despite his inability to arately, while the new form binds only to no hope of becoming self-supporting, still affirm belief in the Virgin Birth of CHRIST the system of doctrine; this does not mean less a source of profit. as the fact that his tentative appointment by the Board of Foreign Missions as iL miS' each of the doctrines necessarily, but only During the first year of our existence sionary to South America was ~s'ed as an the system. Each man may determine for special contributions were fully up to our himself how many of the doctrines he must argument by those favoring hts licensure. expectations. There was suc:\l a falling off It is not denied as far as we' know that accept in order to be honestly holding the in receipts from such sources during the 'system'.''' the Board of Foreigu Missions tentatively past year, however, that it was only by approved the appointment of Mr. KEARNS' Special interest attaches to what Dr. MAC­ cutting down expenditures to the lowest despite his inability to affirm his beli'ef in) LENNAN (who was formerly pastor of the possible, level that we were able to complete the Virgin Birth and that it was argued on Bethany Presbyterian' Church of Philadel­ our second year. Recently we sent out a the floor of Washington,City Presbytery 'that phia) says about the members of the com­ "begging" letter-if it is permissible to use a presbytery ought not to refuse licensure mittee on church union from the Presby­ such a word to describe a letter written in to a man who had been approved 'bY a terian Church, U. S. A. While he mentions the interest of a Christian enterprise-to a Board "whose membership included four ex­ none of them by name, he refers to certain list made up of those whom we had reason moderators." It is nothing to the point to of them in a way as to leave no doubt as to suppose were specially interested in our say that an illegitimate use was made of to who he has in mind; and adds, "so far welfare, in the knowledge that if they failed the action of the Board of Foreign Missions, as I am able to see there is not one single us CHRISTIANITY TODAY would have to be inasmuch as the power of licensure is ex· representative of the great conservative discontinued_ Our readers will be glad to clusively a power of presbytery. The fact forces of the Presbyterian, Church on the learn that receipts received since the send­ remains that this case makes clear (what­ committee." ing out of that letter are such as to assure ever disposition may be made of the "I and many others are wondering," he the continuance of the paper for at least KEARNS case) that the Board of Foreign writes ere he concludes, "just why this another year but as yet not sufficient to Missions as at present constituted can not union question is before us anyway, and warrant the notion that we will be able to be depended on to send to the missionary what good reason there is for it. No sound, do much in the way of promotion work. field only those who are loyal to the logical reason for uniting these two great Our financial situation, briefly expressed, Church's confession. April, 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 5 .Why I Am a Conservative By the Rev. Frederick N. McMillin, D. D., Minister, First Presbyterian Churc:h on Walnut Hills, Cinc:innati, Ohio

AM a conservative because as an faith of their churches as they are. They ever I can help I want the Kingdom of I ordained Presbyterian minister I resent, as they have a right to resent, Christ in all the earth to prosper. For want to be intellectually honest. The disloyalty in the pulpit. They give their almost thirty-four years I have been an seat of authority in religion for the efforts, their time, their prayers and, ordained minister of the Presbyterian Protestant church is the Bible. The often at a sacrifice, their possessions Church in two city pastorates. For more Bible records certain facts. It declares that the Word of God in its entirety may than twenty-one years I have been the that in the beginning God created the be proclaimed. Longing and asking for pastor of the First Presbyterian Church Heavens and the earth and gave life to that Bread of Life of which if any man on Walnut Hills in the City of Cincin­ human kind. It declares that man, a shall eat he shall never hunger, we have nati. Had I been a so-called modernist free moral agent, disobeyed God and so no right to offer to them the stone of a or liberal minister I would have gone became a sinner. It reveals the blessed so-called liberalism. No minister has a from my present pastorate long ago: fact that in His great goodness God right to be an ecclesiastical Benedict During these twenty-one years I have offered to man a vicarious atonement. Arnold. It would be well if every seen four ministers come and go in a In carrying out this plan the only be­ . minister would read the tremendous in­ church in this city which boasts itself of gotten Son of God was incarnated, born dictment which was published a few its so-called liberalism. This is not a of His Virgin Mother. He was crucified years ago in The National Republic pastorate in such a church, this is a pro­ for the sins of the world upon Calvary's the organ of the Republican party, cession. The pitiful weakness of the sacrificial cross. Because He. was God against the so-called-modernist ministers Universalist an'd the Unitarian Churches as well as man He rose from the dead in in the pulpits of loyal churches. When is due to a very large degree to their so~ His glorious resurrection victory. After we hear or read the utterances of some called liberalism. I have often wondered forty days He ascended to Heaven and of our so-called liberal ministers we are why some of the ministers of our Evan­ as is distinctly and repeatedly made reminded of the story of the old lady, I gelical churches do not grasp the signifi­ known in the Word of God He is to come think she was a Methodist, who, return­ cance of this fact. If you desire to read the second time to this world to establish ing to her home after listening to the the record of the sad influence of a so- . perfect peace, perfect love, perfect sermon of a so-called liberal minister, called liberalism upon an ecclesiastical righteousness and perfect redemption. I said to the members of her family, "Well, institution read the history of Andover believe these facts. I have pledged my­ I think it is better not to know so much Theological Seminary. self to proclaim these facts. That than to know so much that isn't so"! I am a conservative because it be~ minister stultifies himself who professes I am a conservative because, being a comes increasingly evident that a so­ to believe the Bible and then proceeds conservative I am in good company. I called liberalism is a sinister menace to to tear it to pieces, doubting this and am in the company of William E. Glad­ what is best, most precious and most denying that which the Word of God stone, the author of that great volume necessary in the lives of men, in the life plainly reveals. "The Impregnable Rock of the Holy of our beloved country, in the life of our I am a conservative because as a Scriptures;" of Lord Balfour, the author respective communities and in the life minister of the Gospel of Christ I want of "Theism and Thought;" of Dr. of the church of Christ. Conservatism to be morally honest. A man has a right Francis L. Patton, who wrote "Incarna­ gave way to liberalism in financial to be a Mohammedan, a Buddhist, an tion, Expiation, Resurrection, Ascension, circles and the stock market crashed, without these there is no Gospel;" of the Atheist, a Unitarian, or anything else bringing sorrow, loss, despair and hope­ Apostle Paul, who said "I am not that he wants to be. He has no right lessness to many: Conservatism gave to masquerade as a Methodist or a ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is way to liberalism and there came what Presbyterian when in reality he is some­ the power of God unto salvation;" of a is often called the revolt of the youth. thing else. We have declared that we great host of the ablest men of two A great preacher was not only witty, he will be loyal to the Historic statements thousand years, the Prophets, the was also a sound thinker when he said, of faith formulated by our respective Apostles, the martyrs, the missionaries, "The commandment formerly read ecclesiastical bodies. If we are not loyal the teachers, the successful pastors, who to them we are not honest. I have never have believed and given witness to all 'Children obey your parents in the Lord been a thief and I do not propose to that is revealed by, and concerning, the for this is right,' but now it reads 'Par­ obtain money under false pretenses. The Son of God our Saviour. ents obey your children in the prevailing overwhelming majority of the members I am a conservative because I want fashion for this is convenient.'" Many of the Evangelical churches believe the the church of which I am the pastor to young men and young women, as is well Bible as it is and the' statements of the prosper and because whenever and how- known to all, are paying the price of a 6 CHRISTIANITY TODAY Aprit 1932 so-called liberalism as they have re­ servatism has giver" way to the weak­ loyal and faithful so that when our volted against moral authority, parental ness of a so-called liberalism we behold earthly ministry is ended each one of us authority,the authority. of the Word of chaotic religious, intellectual, moral and may be able to ·say with the great God and the authority of the state. social conditions. Many parents, be­ Apostle, "I have fought a good fight, I Rebelling against conservatism in the holding the influence of such institu­ have finished my course, I have kept marriage relationship many, manifest­ tions upon their children, have wished the faith, hence forth there is laid up ing a so-called liberalism, have increased that they had never sent them to for me a crown of righteousness." As the appalling record of divorces. Re­ college. we speak the truth, my brethren, let us belling against a conservative respect I am a conservative because I know ever be mindful of another fine saying for and. obedience to the righteous laws that sometime, somewhere I must give of the Divine Word, and let us ever of the state a so-called liberalism has account of my stewardship of the Chris­ speak the truth in love. Honoring and resulted in .a tragic lawlessness. When tian faith. The Apostle Paul said, "As commending, as we do, a great and men cease to believe the essential and we were allowed of God to be put in blessed host of our loyal and conserva­ basic teachings of the Word of God, trust with the Gospel, even so we speak, tive fellow-ministers of a blood bought when they lose the restraints of faith, not as pleasing men but God." I have redemption offered to all' men in their in many other respects to their own hurt been put in trust with the Gospel. For sins by the Son of God, let us make no and to the hurt of society, they pay the my own sake, knowing that I must give attack upon the men who, blind leaders inevitable price of a dangerous liberal­ account, as well as for the sake of those of the blind, are disloyal to any of the ism. Because in some of our colleges to whom I minister I refuse to betray profound truths contained in the 'Vord and universities the strength of con- my trust. May God help us all to be of God. Let us pray for them. Whom Say Ye That I Am? By the Rev. Leonard Verduin, Minister/ the Christian Reformed Church/ Corsica/ S. D.

ONCERNING .Tesus of Nazareth as Dan Poling's, are superficial; still that I am?' was and is the pivotal ques­ C three very pertinent questions may others, such as Bruce Barton's, are tion. be asked. They cover the whole range frivolous. All of them are mistakes. That the matter of Christ's identity of any man's study of the Christ. They For a Christianity that takes the matter has always enjoyed logical priority is are these: (1) Who was He? (2) What of Christ's identity at all seriously (his­ very evident from the record. Any did He do? (3) What did He say? Or, toric Christianity has always done that) honest study of that record cannot leave to put the matter as briefly as possible, will refrain from writing 'lives of a shadow of doubt on the matter. To the three questions are the questions of Christ.' For it is very evident that one such a study we now proceed. Christ's identity, His works, and His must either accept the record found in The evidence will be marshalled in words. the Gospels, and then a biography, in two divisions. We shall listen to the the usual sense, becomes impossible, or It must be evident to all observers testimony that was friendly to the he must reject that record, and then a that the modern church professes to be Christ, and to the testimony that was biography becomes intolerable. It is for deeply interested in Christ's words and hostile to Him. Or, if you will, let us this reason that historic Christianity has works. It is equally clear that she is listen to the testimony of Christ's ever refrained from writing biographies culpably nonchalant respecting His friends, and to the testimony of His of the Christ. identity. In the mind of the present enemies. writer this perversion (for he hopes to It is the purpose of this article to attempt to indicate that to ignore the show that that word is not ill-chosen) I-The testimony of Christ's friends. strikes at the very heart of historic, matter of Christ's identity is to pervert Christianity·. 'Modern' Christianity, a-that of God Himself· Biblical Christianity. better to call it modern Liberalism, does God reveals to Isaiah already that the This perversion has already found exactly that. We would show further Child that is to be born shall be called broad entrance into the Church. It has that to place these three considerations 'Immanuel.' And there can be no doubt produced a clearly defined mentality on a level is already an error. They are that the matter of His identity speaks which in turn has produced a veritable all of them important, in a sense equally clearly in that name. Hence it is be­ flood of biographies and 'lives of important, but they are not on a level; cause of the fact that He is the Son of Christ.' Some of these attempts, as the first question has logical priority Man that the Father has given Him Papini's, aim to be serious; others, such over the other two. 'Whom do men say authority (John 5: 27) . Aprilr 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 7

And, further, we may listen to an c-that of Christ Himself. least in the kingdom' of heaven is audible voice from heaven. God speaks. The matter of His own proper iden­ greater? True, sadly true, ,John was And surely we may expect only 'matters tity was always very dear to His heart; human; he doubted at times. It appears of primary concern to-betaken up in no other thing was as jealously guarded that the last thing he did was to doubt. such a supernatural message; hence both by Him. When men say, 'Good And when doubts came upon him it was of these messages begin with 'This is.' Master!' He is not always pleased. not the deeds nor the words of Christ I am referring of course to the voice Hence the question, 'Why callest thou that caused him worry; it was empha~ heard at Christ's baptism and to the me good?' (Mark 10: 18) . No question tically His identity. 'Art thou He that words spoken at His transfiguration, was ever put with more gravity than the should come or look we for another?' 'Thou art. my beloved Son' (Mary 1: 11) question 'Whom do men say that I Those are his words. And to the lasting and 'This is my beloved Son' (Mark am?' So interested is He in obtaining credit of this grim man from the wilds 9:7). Surely, one might already con­ the correct answer that He virtually in­ be it said that his last concern was to clude, to relegate the matter of Christ's cludes the answer in the question; overcome this doubt' regarding Christ's identity to the background is misleading, 'Whom do men say that I, the Son of identity. Himself in prison he sent two to say the least. True, the matter of Man, am?' And must we then believe of his disciples to gain the needed infor­ Christ's words is also referred to in at that it is His will that the modern mation. And is not the modern church least one of these messages, 'hear ye church should relegate the whole con­ sadly remiss when she fails, yes refuses, Him' follows. But nothing is said about sideration to the limbo of 'theological to set men right on this issue? And His words until His identity is clearly subtleties'? True, He sometimes en­ that with thousands within as well as established. The modern church may joined silence on this matter; 'Then millions without the prisons actually dy­ take notice of this sequence. She has charged He His disciples that they ing for want of this soul-soothing infor­ much praise for some of Christ's words; should tell no man that He was Jesus mation! The modern church may now perhaps she may conclude that her peans the Christ' (Matthew 16:20). But the give an account of herself ; not to me; of praise are a bit premature. modern church may ask herself the ques­ nor to you, but to the Christ whose name Finally go with me to Caesarea tion whether the silence she keeps on she uses. Philippi. There we shall hear that flesh this matter is the silence He enjoined and blood do not reveal the truth rela­ upon His followers. Or is her silence a e-that of Christ's apostles. tive to Christ's identity, but the Father denial? That surely is not what He Here we see Andrew, Simon Peter's which is in heaven (Matthew 16:17). sought! His Church is· to be a confess­ brother, making a grand discovery, so Presumably the works and the words of ing Church! great a discovery that he hastens to tell Jesus had not meant for Peter what God his brother about it. What was so re­ would have them mean unless the matter d-that of John the Baptist. markable a find? 'We have found the of Christ's identity were clearly estab­ Here we notice that John's testimony Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the lished first of all. And for correct con­ was first and last one concerning Christ's Christ' (John 1:41). Not the woras victions in this matter we today as well identity. It may take some of his dis­ (although Andrew must have noted that as Peter of old do actually need the ciples away from him, (as once it did, He spoke as never man did) nor the special witness of the Holy Spirit; 'No John 1:36,37) so that they follow him works (although Andrew has already man can say that Jesus is Lord but by no more, but that never deters him from seen some, and was to see greater works the Holy Ghost' (I Corinthians 13:3). testifying of Christ's identity. 'Behold than these) but the identity, that was Is such witness perhaps lacking in the the Lamb of God' (John 1:36), 'And I the import of his message to his brother. modern church? 1)oes she perhaps for saw and bear record that this is the Son Philip has a very similar experience. It that reason sidestep this issue? Not I, of God' (John 1:34), these are samples is recorded a few verses down. 'Philip nor you, but that church itself may of his testimony. John dares to identify firideth Nathanael, and saith unto him, answer this question. his message with that of the Christ; we have found him of whom Moses in b-that of the angels. both of them preach 'Repent ye, for the the law, and the prophets did write, In their message to Joseph the matter Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Some Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph' of Christ's work is made to hinge upon of the works of Christ John also does. (J ohn 1 :45). And his first convert, His identity (Matthew 1: 21) . The But when it comes to the matter of Nathanael, has the same experience: same situation obtains when they herald identity John' fairly exhausts himself His confession of faith also ran on the the birth to the shepherds (Luke 2: 11) . disclaiming that he is in any sense at all theme of Christ's identity, 'Rabbi, thou Always it is the phrase 'which is' that to be identified with the Christ; 'And he art the Son of God, thou art the King of arrests our attention. His identity was confessed, and denied not, but confessed, Israel' (John 1 :49). Poor Thomas too always the burden of their song. We I am not the Christ' (John 1:20). And had his doubts, he also was human. But had expected nothing else. But are we shall the modern church then teach men when his faith revives it is a confession, then unkind when we urge the modern to slur over the distinction as though it and in no uncertain terms, concerning church to ask herself the question were of merely secondary importance? Christ's identity that marks his recovery. whether she has caught the import of Is she perhaps fallen behind the lonely 'My Lord, and my God!' (John 20:28). the first Christmas Carol? man from the desert, than whom the Would God the modern church would so 8 CHRISTIANITY ·TODAY April,1932 recover! Should any of her children by (John 20:31). There may be more rea­ chariot on the way from Jerusalem to chance read this prayer may they try to sons than one why the modern church Gaza. You are privileged to witness a believe that it goeth not forth out of is not particularly fond of this fourth conversion. And you who read this feigned lips; IFthisprayer is granted Gospel! deem that a privilege worthwhile I know. then we shall again hear the words of You may hear a coniession, a beautiful w.orshipping men, 'Of a truth thou art f-that of other believers. confession of faith from this servant of the Son of God' (Matthew 14:33). Let us listen to Martha's contribution Candace. And you may witness the ad­ Peter's confession has already been first. Her confession is also one touch­ ministration of the sacrament of baptism brought to your attention. It was in ing Christ's identity. This is the more by an orthodox preacher. And you can­ Caesarea Philippi that he was permitted strange because her Lord asks her not help but notice that the whole mat­ to be the recipient of the sweetest bene­ opinion on certain words of His; 'be­ ter turns about a confession of Christ's diction that ever fell on mortal ear. It lievest thou this?' (John 11: 26) . Yet identity. 'I believe that Jesus Christ is came after a confession of Christ's her faith expresses itself in a confession the Son of God' (Acts 8:37). And I identity. And if the modern church no of Christ's identity, 'I believe that thou beg you, if you honestly can, to bow longer hears that benediction she need art the Christ, the Son of God, which your head reverently and repeat that not be in the dark as to the reason. Nor should come into the world' (John confession of Christ's identity. That need she be in the dark concerning the 11 : 27) . And no wonder! All f ai th be­ confession makes you a candidate for remedy. Further, in Paul's birth cry the gins that way. 'Upon this rock (I.e., Christian baptism. That confession en­ same sequence is again very evident; this confession touching Christ's iden­ titles you to the name of 'Christian.' so evident that he who runs may read­ tity) will I build my Church' (Matthew You, in principle at least, have been en­ provided he does not have his eyes 16:18). The modern church may indeed abled to answer the purpose of your olosed. 'Who art thou, Lord?' is his ask herself whether in common honesty existence, 'that every tongue should. con­ rather paradoxical question. And after a church that ignores and stifles this fess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the that question is taken care of (plainly confession is still entitled to so glorious glory of God the Father' (Philippians it is one dealing with Christ's identity) a name. And she may likewise consider 2:11). You have the faith that over­ then, and not till then, is the matter of whether or no the gates of hell shall pre­ cometh the world,'w'ho is he that over~ further duty taken up. 'Lord, what wilt vail against such a church. Of the cometh the world, but he that believeth thou have me to do?' is Paul's second gentile converts we see a woman whose that Jesus is the Son of God?' (IJohn qUel3tion. And if the modern church is first reaction is plainly one to identity 5: 5) . Will the modern church kindly remiss (let her decide whether she is) claims. 'Sir, I perceive that thou art a investigate whether she is actually over­ in obeying the commands of this same prophet' so she begins (John 4:19). coming the world? She claims that as Christ is it perhaps due to the fact that That is still very imperfect as far as her partIcular mission. If she is not she has not heard them as commands of content is concerned. Had she but very successful need we ask the reason Christ? In view of this fact in Paul's known who it was that said to her 'Give why? That church owes an answer­ experience it does not surprise us that me to drink' she would have asked at not to me, nor to you, but to the Christ Paul's maiden sermon was one on once and He would have given her living whose name she appropriates! Christ's identity, 'And straightway he water (John 4:10). Ten verses down preached Christ in the synagogues, that she has made remarkable progress; a II-The testimony of Christ's enemies. he is the Son of God' (Acts 9:20). Nor soul is about to be born in Zion. 'Is not a-that of the Jews. does it surprise us that he continues on this the Christ?' she asks her townfolk It is very plain that the opposition that theme, 'but Paul increased the more (J ohn 4: 29) . And no wonder she pro­ which Jesus met .from the side of the in strength, and confounded the Jews gresses; Christ had s!lJd to her, 'I am he' Jews was always motivated by a con­ which dwelt at Damascus, proving that (John 4:26). And then the whole town sideration of Christ's identity. Even this is very Christ' (Acts 9:22). That takes up that confession concerning the when some word or some work of Christ preaching was successful. The modern identity of the stranger, 'Now we be­ puts them on their ire it is not because church may observe that fact too. And lieve and know that this is the Christ of the word '01' the work 'per se' but be­ if her preaching remain unsuccessful, if the Savior of the world' (John 4:42). A cause of the claim as to His identity that she confounds not a single Jew, she need group confession of His identity! May lay in it, either expressed or implied, not ascribe her impotence to lack of we now ask the modern church when she that they are displeased. It is always knowledge! Now let us turn, last of all, has last heard such group confessions the question, 'Whom makest thou thy­ to John's testimony. His Gospel is cer­ and where? And that church may fur­ self?' (John 8:53) that inspires their tainly not silent on what Christ did, it ther note that the' testimony that God anger. A few may venture the state­ has much to say about the things He has made Jesus both Lord and Christ ment, 'This is the Christ' (John 7:41) said; but it begins by telling us who (Acts 2:36) has a way of pricking men but altogether they agree that 'if any Qhrist was. And when all has been told in their hearts so that they cry .out, man did confess· that he was Christ, he weare again reminded of the purpose of 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?' should be put out of the synagogu~' the whole Gospel, 'that ye might believe (Acts 2:37). And finally travel with us (John 9:22). And they persist in this that Jesus is the Christ; the Son of God' within hearing distance of the Ethiopian (Continued on page 10) April, 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 9 Bithynia·s Unknown Evangelists By Professor Addison Hogue/ Washington, D. C.

N various countries since the close of gain a knowledge (ouk egno) of God, it blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and I the World War the nations have vied was God's good pleasure through the peace be multiplied. with one another in paying tribute to foolishness of what was preached [the That is the first witness. He tells the Unknown Soldier; to a soldier who proclamation] to save them that believe. very little; but even that little is im­ faced death in the line of duty, and laid 1 Cor. 1:2l. portant. down his life for a cause he thought "The foolishness of what was The other witness testified some righteous. preached" J-and this in the Bible? Yes; thirty or thirty-five years later, and tells "The Unknown Soldier!" What sacred but just look at it. A few Jews, mem­ us far more about the success of the un­ and tender thoughts cluster around bers of an unpopular and often a despised known. missionaries; and his testimony these words. Many an old father and race, themselves no doubt unknown, is particularly important, because it many an aged mother have wondered poor, and without any worldly influence comes from an enemy, the Roman whether he was their boy. Many a girl or backing to encourage them-these governor of Bithynia about the year one whose lover never came back has woven men had the audacity to tell the Bithy­ hundred of our era. her romance around that hallowed grave. nians that the gods they worshipped In Roman history there were two dis­ But still, there is a tomb, and its place were no gods, and that to be saved they tinguished men by the name of Pliny, is known. must accept as God a Jew whom Pon­ uncle and nephew, known as Pliny the Another soldier-or, more likely, other tius Pilate, the Roman governor, caused Elder, and Pliny the Younger. The soldiers-equally unknown, encountered to be crucified as a malefactor between elder Pliny was a perfectly ravenous perils just as great and perhaps far two robbers, after this Jew's own people reader and untiring student. He lost his greater in a warfare nobler than the one had rejected him and handed him over life at the overwhelming of Herculaneum just spoken of. Their weapons were not to the governor; and then to add, that and Pompeii by the great eruption of carnal but spiritual, and mighty through on the third day he rose from the dead. Vesuvius in A.D. 79-nine years after God to the pulling down of strongholds. Could anything more foolish be imagined the destruction of Jerusalem following They went to heal, not to wound; not to than this, aside from the hostility it its capture by Titus. take prisoners, but to release those in would naturally arouse by opposing the Pliny the Younger was a lawyer in bondage to sin and Satan; to give de­ gods of their hearers? Rome and a man of great literary liverance to captives and opening of the Did they have any success? Yes, and ability. The emperor Trajan appointed eyes to those that were blind. I will produce two reputable witnesses. him governor of BithYnia. There are These unknown soldiers won a great The first one is the apostle Peter. left quite a number of letters that passed victory against overwhelming odds. Bithynia is mentioned only twice in the between them. [We also have some 800 They invaded a country from which New Testament: once in Acts 16:7 letters of' Cicero's, and some of Nero's Paul and Silas had been warned away where we see the remarkable statement teacher, the philosopher Seneca, a by the Holy Spirit, who now, however, that though Paul and Silas tried to carry brother or the Gallio of whom we read worked with these unknown mission­ the gospel into Bithynia, "the Spirit of in Acts (18:17) that he "cared for none aries. They had to contend with the JesU)'!"-an expression found nowhere of these things," when the Jews beat forces of heathenism entrenched behind else in the Bible-did not allow them to Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, the power of the· Roman empire. do so; the reason seeming to be that before Gallio's judgment seat.] They had to tell the Bithynians of a God had a far larger sphere of work for But not all of these letters combined King and a kingdom not of this world. 'Paul and Silas by sending them over to are as important as a letter that Pliny They had to announce principles of Europe. But He did not neglect Bithy­ wrote to his emperor, Trajan, in regard conduct utterly repugnant to their nia; for St. Peter, writing probably to the great spread of Christianity in hearers-so repugnant that it was al­ within ten years of that time begins his Bithynia. This is by far the most im­ most like trying to make water run up­ first letter as follows: portant letter that has come down to us hill. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to from antiquity, and I will give it to Then, think of what they preached. the elect who are scattered abroad and you in as careful a translation as I Utter and absolute nonsense it would sojourning in Pontus, Galatia, Cappa­ could make. seem to those heathen-a message of docia, Asia, and Bithynia-{elect) ac­ which St. Paul has this to say: cording to the foreknowledge of God the Pliny's Letter to Trajan For seeing that in the wisdom of God Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, It is my custom, Master, to appeal to the world through its wisdom failed to unto obedience and sprinkling of the you in all matters as to which I am in 10 CHRISTIANiTY TODAY April,1932

doubt; for who is better able to direct truly (re vera) Christians can possibly what a crowd of people can be brought me when hesitating, or to instruct me in be forced to do this. to mend their ways, provided room can my ignorance? Others, named by an informer, ad­ be found for their repentance. I have never been present at the legal mitted that they were Christians, and trials of the Christians. Hence I do not presently took it back; "they had been, Trajan's Reply to Pliny know what the punishment usually is, or indeed, but had ceased to be"-some, You have followed the proper course how far the investigation ordinarily ex­ many years previously; one individual of action in dealing with the cases of tends. And I am greatly in doubt on the even twenty years before. All of these those who had been reported to you as following points:-Shall any distinction worshipped your image and the statues being Christians; for it is impossible to be made on account of age? or shall of the gods and reviled Christ. They lay down any universal law that must those of tender 'years, no matter how assured me, however, that the sum total never be departed from. young, be dealt with exactly as those of their fault or error-call it which you The Christians are not to be sought who are stronger? Does repentance de­ will-was this: they had been accus­ for. If they are reported to you and are serve pardon? or shall the fact of having tomed on a certain day to meet together convicted, they must be punished, with ceased to btl a Christian avail nothing before it was light and among themselves this proviso, however, that if anyone to a person who has undoubtedly been to recite a hymn to Christ as to a god, says he is not a Christian and proves it and to bind themselves by an oath, one? Is the mere name "Christian" to not by the very fact of worshipping our gods, be punished even if no crimes have been to the commission of any crime, but not he must obtain pardon on account of his to commit any thefts, any robberies, any committed? or must there be the name repentance, no matter how suspected he plus the crimes? adulteries; not to violate their pledged may have been· in the past. word, and not to disown, any deposit en­ Meanwhile, in the case of those who Anonymous communications are not trusted to them when called upon to re­ were constantly being reported to me as to find a place in any accusation; for turn it; and after all these matters had being, Christians the following has been this sets a most pernicious precedent, been attended to, it had been their my mode of procedure: I asked whether and is totally unworthy of the spirit of custom to depart, and again to meet they were Christians. If they confessed our age. for the purpose of partaking of a meal that they were, I asked again, and a in common, but an innocent one. Even third time, after threatening them. If this, however, so they said, they had they persevered in their statement I or­ Whom Say Ye That I Am?- ceased to do after my edict, in which, dered them to be led to execution; for I following your instructions, I had for­ Continued did not doubt that, no matter what it bidden such gatherings. That is why I was that they were confessing to, per­ resolution. Did not Christ's first rejec­ thought it all the more necessary to learn tinacity and inflexible obstinacy ought to tion at Nazareth follow the question, 'Is what truth there was in it; so I put to be punished. not this Joseph's son?' (Luke 4:22). the torture two maid servants whom And did not their objection to Christ's There have been others afflicted with they call deaconesses (ministral); but I 'Thy sins are forgiven thee' (Mark 2:7) the same folly, and I had them marked found nothing except a depraved and spring from the same consideration? to be sent' to Rome, because they were immoderate superstition. So I post­ And Christ's last visit to Nazareth Roman citizens. poned their trial, and have had recourse brings on the same reaction, 'Is not this Presently-and this is perfectly nat- to you for advice, for the matter has the carpenter's son?' (Mark 6:3). At 11ral-as it became more widely known seemed to me to be one in which your one occasion they threaten to stone Him that it was accounted a crime to be a advice is needed, particularly because (John 10:31) and that not (they make Christian, more cases had to be dealt of the number of those endangered. For an unequivocal answer to Jesus' ques­ with. There was placed before me an many of every age, of every staticm in tion touching this point) for any good anonymous paper containing names of life; of both sexes too, are exposed to work but for blasphemy, 'because thou many persons. Some denied that they danger, and will be. Nor is it merely being a man maketh thyself God' (John were Christians or ever had been. In cities, but villages also and countrysides 10: 33) . The question of Christ's iden­ these cases I recited the words they were that the contagion of this superstition tity, that is the issue consistently and to repeat after me; and then, if they has pervaded; and it seems that it must continually. And the most unkindest invoked the gods and worshipped your be stopped and corrected. cut of all was the indictment, none the image (which I had ordered to be This much anyhow is a fact: the less heinous because put in question brought for this purpose), and if they almost deserted temples have now begun form, 'Say we not well that thou art a also worshipped the statues of the to be frequented and the usual sacred Samaritan and hast a devil? (J ohn divinities by a libation of wine and by rites, after long intermission, are again 8: 48) . A very close second to this offering incense, and especially if they being repeated, and food for the sacri­ blasphemy is the modern version, 'Say reviled Christ, I judged that their cases ficial victims is once more being offered we not well that thou art merely the should be dismissed. Notice that I say for sale, though up to this time a pur­ fairest flower that ever graced the beau­ '~especiaUy if ,they reviled Christ"; for chaser could rarely be found for 'it. tiful stalk of humanity?' Will the it: is,said that none who' are really anti From all' of which you can easily see modern church please consider whether Aprit 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 11

the Church can become blasphemous! God' (Matthew 4:3; 6). And well might first place upon what answer she has No wonder the Jews' official charge he give that matter due consideration! taught them to give to the question of against the Christ is one pertaining to Especially after that voice from questions, 'Whom say ye that I am l' his identity claim. Tneir attempts to heaven! And small wonder that the We have come to the end of our evi­ convict Him on His words ended in a 'ape of God' as Luther called him will dence. The writer does by no means confessed failure (Mark 14:58 and once more, and then finally, attack this claim to have said anything new; all Matthew 26: 61). Listen to the impious opponent in His identity; shall not the this is part and parcel of the faith once words of the High-priest, 'I adjure thee Antichrist claim once more that he is for all delivered to the saints. It seems by the living God, that thou tell us the Christ? (Matthew 24:5, 23, 24). to him self-evident that in the light of whether thou be the Christ, the Son of And may we not. ask whether the mod­ this array of evidence" both pro and God! (Mark 14:61). Who is this, that ern church will then see any cause for can, no one may, in ordinary honesty, is their question. And it is of huge im- alarm? After she has ignored the whole lay claim to the fairest of all names and . portance to note that Jesus, hitherto issue for so long a time? Must one be at the same time avoid the Biblical con­ strangely but serenely silent, at that re­ termed a fanatic when he suggests that fession in re Christ's identity. He who mark suddenly speaks, speaks with all the Antichrist will find a congenial home has substituted another confession for it the gravity of which His great soul Was within the ranks of that church? has not committed greater sin. And it capable. The matter that lay closest to seems as evident as the nose on a man's His heart had been touched by the foul­ d-that of the demons. face that all our modern talk about est of hands. He cannot now be silent! Here it is very evident that the 'following Jesus' means. exactly nothing Can you? The modern church can! demons feared not at all in the first at all unless we mean by it 'following For shame! See them in their devilish place Christ's words (although they did Jesus.' And even a little child can un~ mockery as it reaches its most infernal fear Christ's words) ; nor did they fear derstand the Barthian truism that the depth. My heart sickens to hear them in the first place Christ's works (al­ importance of a predicate depends upon as they wound Him with their 'Hail, though they did fear Christ's works). its subject! We may heal the sick (take King of the Jews!' (Mark 15:18). And Their primary concern, the notion that over Christ's works) or we may repeat, if that were not enough listen to their inspired their terror, was the identity of in or out -of its cohnection, the Sermon 'If thou be the Son of God, come down the 'strong man.' Therefore came the on the Mount (take over His words) but from the cross' (Matthew 27:40). devils out saying, 'Thou art the Christ, unless we also, and first of all, take over Even the impenitent thief must add his the Son of God' 'for they knew that He the proper conception of His identity barb to the deadly arrow striking deep was the Christ.' Therefore one demon all our labors are vain lOne might as into His very heart, 'If thou be the calls out, 'What have I to do with thee, sensibly preach Socrates and him Christ save thyself, and us!' (Luke Jesus thou Son of the Most High 1 I poisoned as to preach Jesus Christ and 23: 39) . Let the modern church ponder know thee whom thou art, the Holy One Him crucified-unless one tells the once more whether He can possibly re­ of God!' I shall not quote the other half truth about the identity of the Christ gard with favor any nonchalance re~ dozen passages of like import; rather he aspires to proclaim. For if we leave specting His claims as to His identity. would I ask the modern church whether the question put in Caesarea Philippi And let her ponder also whether there things have come to such a. pass that unanswered (which is no worse than to is not such a thing as crucifying the the truth must be sought in the mouth give a positively wrong answer to it), Son of God afresh! of the powers of darkness rather than in if we fail to give Peter's testimony re­ the confession of the bride of Christ? specting the identity of our Christ,we b-that of the centurion and his That can not, may not, shall not be! have made Christianlty _impossible. For soldiers. Shall the Church become guilty of mak­ then we can no longer worship Him and The only positive reaction we witness ing God a liar in not believing the record our Christianity is extinct; or we con­ here was not 'Truly this man has done He gave of His Son (I John 5:10) 1 If tinue to worship him and so make many excellent works!'; nor was it so let the modern church consider that ourselves guilty of hideous idolatry. For 'Truly this man has taught many mar­ at one time the identity of this Christ to worship a mere creature were idolatry velous things!'; nay rather, 'Truly this will be unmistakably clear to all con­ whether we _keep on spelling certain man was the Son of God!' And can a cerned; when He shall have on His ves­ names with capitals or no. Dr. Fosdick Church fall behind these uncultured, ture and on His thigh a name written, is beautifully consistent when he speaks most likely unsaved pagans? Let the 'King of Kings and Lord of Lords' of the 'peril of worshipping Jesus'; wer~ modern church answer this question; (Revelation 19: 16). The modern church his 'theology' such that the word 'sin' Dot to me, nor to you, but to the very may well ask herself whether she is pre­ could still have a place in his vocabulary Christ! paring her sons to take their places at he might have preached on 'The' sin of that day with those who implore 'the worshipping Jesus' For to worship the c-that of the devil. mountains to cover them; or whether she creature instead of the Creator -is the We note that all his teinptation is preparing them for the blessed pro­ very essence of sin. That shall be the speeches turn about the identity theme. nouncement 'Well done, thou good and bosom sin of the Antichrist. And it were They begin with 'If thou be the Son of faithful servant! All depends in the (Ooncluded -on, page 15T 12 CHRISTIANITY TODAY April, 1932 Notes on Biblical Exposition ByJ. Gresham Machen, D. D., Litt. D., Professor of New Testament in Westminster Theological Seminary. XVI. THE RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP

"But from those who were reputed to It is very important here to observe diate impression that they received when be something-of whatever sort they the tense· of the verb "had been en­ Paul told them what his gospel was. were, it makes no difference to me: God trusted." What the leaders of the does not accept the countenance of a Jerusalem Church recognized was not One God Working for Both man; for to me those who were of repute that Paul was then being entrusted with At any rate, we are told in the next added nothing, but, on the contrary, the gospel of the uncircumcision, not when they saw that I had been entrusted that he was worthy to be entrusted with verse that at least one reason why they with the gospel of the uncircumcision it by their instrumentality, but that he were convinced that Paul had been en­ just as Peter with that of the circum­ had already been entrusted with it, in trusted with the gospel was that God cision (for He who had worked for Peter complete independence of them, by God. had worked for him as He had worked for Peter. "For He who had worked unto the apostleship of the circumcision By speaking of "the gospel of the un­ had worked also for me unto the Gen­ for Peter unto the apostleship of the cir­ circumcision" and (by implication) of cumcision had worked also for me unto tiles), and when they recognized the "the gospel of the circumcision," Paul grace that had been given me, James the Gentiles." It is not very important does not mean to say that there were to ask whether the working of God here and Cephas and John, those who were two different gospels, one to be preached reputed to be pillars, gave to me and referred to was the working in the hearts to Gentiles and the other to be preached and lives of the hearers, giving effect to Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, to Jews. Such an interpretation is ex­ that we should go unto the Gentiles, and the gospel that Paul preached, or the cluded by the "right hand of fellow­ working of God in Paul himself, making they unto the circumcisio'Tlr-only, that ship" which, according to verse 9, the we should remember the poor, which him powerful in the preaching of the Jerusalem pillars gave to Paul and gospel. Probably both kinds of working very thing also I was zealous to do" Barnabas; it is also expressly excluded (Gal. 2:.6-10, in a literal translation). are included. At any rate, the Jerusalem by I Cor. 15:11, where Paul says, leaders saw that it was the same gospel "Whether it were I or they, so we that had been preached by Peter and by One Gospel Given to Both preached and so ye believed." What Paul, because the same God had worked Paul means, and what the Jerusalem for both. N the last number of CHRISTIANITY leaders recognized, is that it was the "And when they had recognized the TODAY we showed that when Paul same gospel that was everywhere pro­ I grace that had been given me. " says in G~l. 2:6, "For to me those who claimed, but that to Paul had been en­ The Jerusalem leaders saw that the were of repute added nothing,". he is not trusted the special duty of preaching divine favor rested upon Paul. No excluding such an action as the issuance that gospel to Gentiles, and to them the doubt they saw it partly through the of the so-called "Apostolic Decree" with special duty of preaching it to Jews. its four prohibitions as recorded in Acts marvellous effects of his preaching in 15:20, 29; 21 :25. That discussion in­ How did they "see" that Paul had the Gentile world. But here, at least, volved the whole difficult question of been entrusted with the gospel? It is even if we should not do so in verse 7, the relation between Acts and Galatians, natural to think in this connection of we ought probably to think also, and and of the identification, with one or the glorious results of Paul's preaching perhaps primarily, of the immediate im­ another of the visits recorded in Acts, of the gospel out in the Gentile world; pression which the Jerusalem leaders of the visit to Jerusalem which Paul and the Book of Acts tells us that Paul received from Paul. They were con­ records in Gal. 2:1-10. and Barnabas recounted in Jerusalem vinced, by their immediate contact with "how great things God had done with him there in Jerusalem, that the divine This month we turn to somewhat eas­ them" (Acts 15:4) and "how great signs favor had been bestowed upon him to ier matters and can make more rapid and wonders God had done through make him what they so plainly saw him progress. them among the Gentiles" (Acts i5:12). to be. "But on the contrary," Paul continues No doubt that was one kind of evidence "J ames and Cephas and John, those (after the momentous words discussed that convinced the Jerusalem leaders who were reputed to be pillars, gave to last month), "when they saw that I had that Paul had really been entrusted with me and Barnabas the right hand of fel­ been entrusted with the gospel of the the gospel. But there is no reason why lowship." James the brother of the uncircumcision just as Peter with that We should not also include among the Lord is here put first, although he was of the circumcision .•." evidence that convinced them the imme- not one of the Twelve Apostles, because April,1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 13 he was the head of the Jerusalem Church As a matter of fact, what is abundantly to Paul's understanding (since Antioch and so seems to have presided over its clear about this passage-a passage in is not in Palestine). meetings. These men are here called some respects obscure-is that the Jeru­ But the very raising of such questions "pillars" by a natural figure of speech salem leaders and Paul did not make a shows a complete misunderstanding of which has come, through the influence cold agreement to disagree, but that the right hand of fellowship which the of this passage, into our common par­ they gave each other the right hand of Jerusalem leaders gave to Paul. As a lance, in which we speak of "pillars of fellowship and said thereby that they matter of fact, the so-called "division of the Church." were all engaged in preaching the same labor" between Paul and the original gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and that apostles was not, strictly speaking, a neither group of them could do without The Meaning of "Fellowship" division of labor at all; its purpose was the other. The pillars of the Jerusalem Church not negative; it was not meant at all as gave to Paul and Barnabas the right a limitation of the field of one party or hand of fellowship. The word "fellow­ The So-Called "Division of Labor" of the other; it did not mean that Paul was not to preach to Jews or that Peter ship" is derived from a word meaning The pillars of the Jerusalem Church, was not to preach to Gentiles; it did "common"; a man ha~ "fellowship" with Paul says, "gave to me and Barnabas not mean that Paul was not to preach in another, in accordance with the usage of the right hand of fellowship, that we Palestine or that Peter was not to preach this word, when he has something in should go to the Gentiles and they to outside of Palestine. But it meant that "common" with him. But it is perfectly the circumcision." In the Greek, there so far, according to the plain meaning clear from the context what it was that is no verb at all in this purpose clause; of God, Paul had been sent predomi­ the Jerusalem leaders had in common it reads merely, "that we to the Gentiles, nantly to the Gentiles and the original with Paul, and what they recognized they to the circumcision." Some verb apostles to the Jews; and that, therefore, that they had in common with him when no doubt has to be inserted in English; unless both Paul and the original they extended to him and Barnabas the but the Greek is more general, and yet apostles continued their work, the cause right hand of fellowship. They had the more forcible. "IV e to the Jews, you to would suffer. "Neither of us," said the gospel in common with him. Byextend­ the Gentiles"-such was the way in Jerusalem leaders, "can do without the ing to him the right hand of fellowship, which the Jerusalem leaders summed up other, you and we are both preaching they indicated that they and he were the guidance of God in sending out the same gospel; but we are needed to both engaged in preaching the same laborers into His harvest in those days. gospel of the same Lord. preach it to the Jews and you and Grievous errors have often arisen in Barnabas are needed to preach it to the. The word "fellowship" is a fine, rich the modern understanding of this "divi­ Gentiles. It is all Christ's work; and in word; it is the same word as that which sion of labor." It has been represented the future prosecution of the work, appears in the "Apostolic Benediction" as though its purpose were largely nega­ among both Jews and Gentiles, both by at the end of the Second Epistle to the tive-to prevent Paul from trespassing your instrumentality and by ours, we all Corinthians, where Paul writes of the upon the field of the original apostles, have fellowship." "communion" of the Holy Ghost. There and to prevent the original apostles is no reason whatever for weakening its from trespassing upon the field of Paul. meaning in our passage in Galatians. So the question has been asked by some "Remember the Poor" Much mischief has been wrought in modern scholars whether the meaning of There was one express exception to the interpretation of the Bible by mak­ the division was geographical or ethno­ the division of labor (if we may call it ing the interpretation of what is clear logical-that is, whether Paul was to such) between the Jerusalem leaders and fit a doubtful interpretation of what is preach in Gentile countries and the orig­ Paul. "We to the Gentiles," says Paul, obscure. So in the Epistle to the Gala­ inal apostles in the Jewish country, "they to the circumcision-only, that tians some men have read a great deal Palestine; or whether Paul was to preach we should remember the poor." By "the between the lines. They have inter­ to Gentiles, wherever they might be poor" is meant, of course, the poor of preted the puzzling phrases, "those who found, even in Palestine, and the orig­ the Jerusalem Church. "God has sent were reputed to be something," "those inal apostles were to preach to Jews you to the Gentiles," said the Jerusalem who were reputed to be pillars," to mean wherever they might be found, even in leaders; "but do not be so exclusively that Paul was in permanently strained Gentile countries. The suggestion has an apostle to the Gentiles as to forget relations with the original apostles; and even been made that Paul understood the our poor people here in Jerusalem." then, on the basis of that very doubtful division in one way and the· original view, they have proceeded to explain apostles in the other, Paul understand­ It is very important to observe that "the right hand of fellowship" to mean ing it geographically and the original this exception, introduced by the word merely that the Jerusalem leaders on the apostles ethnologically, sci that when "only," is not an exception to. the asser­ one hand and Paul on the other made a Peter came to Antioch he was doing tion in verse 6, "To me those who were cold agreement to disagree, a cold agree­ right according to his understanding of of repute added nothing." If it were an ment to keep apart from each other in the arrangement (since there were some exception to that assertion, then the order that quarreling might be avoided. Jews at Antioch) but wrong according omission of all mention of the Apostolic 14 CHRISTIANITY TODAY April,1932

Decree would, despite what we said last month, become very strange. If the in­ culcation of care for the Jerusalem Letters to the Editor Church was an exception to the general [The letters printed here express the convictions of the writers, and publication in these columns does not necessarily imply either approval or disapproval on the part of the assertion, "They added nothing to me," Editors. If correspondents do not wish their names printed, they will please so request, then surely the inculcation of the four but all are asked kindly to sign their names as an evidence of good faith. We do not prohibitionE\ of the Apostolic Decree print letters that come to us anonymously.) would also seem to be an exception, and Paul would probably have been obliged . Why Mar Beautiful Hymns? The Kearns Case to mention that exception as much as To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY; To the Editor oj CHRISTIANITY TODAY; SIR; Have you room somewhere in your the other. In other words, if Paul SIR; Newspapers recently reported that in fine Christian paper for a humble, loyal a Church Conference, proposals have been meant to say, "They added nothing to servant of the Church to be heard? made to excise from Christian hymns cer­ me except that I should remember the In your mid-January, 1932, number, I read tain references to the atoning blood ot our Jerusalem poor," then the words, "they of, seems to me, a terrible thing,-the acts Lord, on the ground that these references of Presbytery of Washington, D. C. and of added nothing," would probably not be were not pleasing to young people. interpreted (as we interpreted them last our Board of Foreign Missions. Now it is reported that Bishop Reber's Is it possible that our Board of Foreign month) merely as denying an addition grand old missionary hymn "From Green­ Missions will, knowingly, appoint a man to to Paul's gospel, but would have to be land's Icy Mountains," is to be altered to go to any foreign field to preach and teach taken in a much broader sense, as deny­ please certain missionaries who consider it the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa­ ing any communications addressed by "snobbish." ments, who can not affirm his belief· in the the Jerusalem leaders to Paul; and in But is this charge of "snobbishness" true? integrity of the same, on any point, much Is the desire for change well-founded? that case it would seem strange that l688 when it relates to the very center and Does not this hymn say substantially what heart of the whole Bible message? Paul does not mention the Apostolic Christ and His Apostles declared, that men Then because four ex-moderators are said Decree as an exception along with the who worship false gods and are without to be on the Board the Presbytery thinks it inculcation of relief for the Jerusalem Christ are "in darkness," in "error's chain," "unthinkable" not to license him! poor. "blind"; and that the crucified and risen Have the four ex-moderators more weight Son of God alone can save them; that the with that Presbytery than the Bible and As a matter of fact, however, it is Gospel is the "wisdom of God," and can the Westminster Standards to which mil­ quite impossible to take the words, make men "wise unto salvation"? lions of Calvinists have pledged their alle­ "only, that I should remember the poor"· If there is a fault, it is not in the hymn; giance and along with them the ?nember8 (verse 10), with the words, "they added it is in the Gospel and the Scriptures. of the Board of Missions and the Board as a unit and the Presbytery of Washington, But who are the "missionaries" who ob­ nothing." Those words lie four verses D. C. also? back (in verse 6); and it is of course ject, and desire a change? If the truth were known, they are comparatively few in num­ Does the Church believe as this Presby­ as plain as day that what verse 10 is ber, and do not come into close contact tery and our Foreign Board have acted? No! actually to be taken as presenting an with the people in mission fields. They hold Has the world a right to think and to say exception to is the division of labor that heathen religions, having some truth, we do? Yes! most emphatically. When which has been mentioned in the imme­ are a sufficient rule of life. That mission atheists gleefully commend such steps, have work should be a "sharing," a syncretism­ they a just reason? They have! diately preceding verse. "You to the Our Scriptures say "Re that believeth not Gentiles, we to the Jews;' said the J eru­ taking some ideas from heathenism, and giving some things of Christianity. That -disbelieveth-refuses to believe, shall be salem leaders to Paul. "That is the the heathen are not "lost," as Paul thought damned-condemned-rejected." general division of labor which so far they were, "dead in trespasses and sin," &c., The entire gospel message says the un­ seems to have been established by the &c. Here is the real ground of objection to believer is rejected from God's service. Yet our Foreign Board thinks it can use them guidance of God. But there is one mat­ these noble hymns; it is the objection of Modernist's unbelief to the Gospel of Christ. that "refuse to believe." No wonder the ter at least where we hope you will not Church is losing and failing and no wonder take the division too strictly even now­ We rejoice to believe that the great ma­ that the respect due to sacred things of God jority of missionaries in foreign lands are is almost unknown among the large de­ to say nothing of any guidance of God true to the Gospel, and would strongly which may be given to both of us in the nominations. No wonder the spiritual power oppose the changes proposed in the Church's of these churches is so nearly gone. God future. There is one matter concerning hymnology. And true converts would take and His Word are left out of their plans. the Jews in which we need the help of the same position, and oppose softening No wonder so many of our candidates you, the Apostle to the Gentiles, even down the humbling statements of the Gospel elected to represent us in high places of to please human pride and self-sufficiency. now. We hope you will not forget our our nation are defaulters. No wonder our poor of the Jerusalem Church." In the name of the, many faithful mis­ international pacts and pledges are only sionaries and native converts who stand for scraps of paper. The organized forces-at Paul took very seriously indeed that the Truth, we protest against the unfounded the head-of the Presbyterian Church of call for help. He says here in Galatians, charge of "snobbishness," which does great Jesus Christ, U. S. A., seem to have no more "which very thing also I was zealous to injustice to an honored servant of God, and respect or regard for the Word of God and this attempt to alter the hymns of the its Confession ·of Faith than a pagan ·nation do"; and in I and II Corinthians and Church to suit a minority who are out of or a degenerate Christian nation has for Romans it becomes evident that the col­ sympathy with the Gospel. its international agreements. lection for the Jerusalem poor was very HENRY M. WOODS_ . In fact, it is taking the lead and these much on his heart. Ventnor, N .. J. .evil forces are ·saying, surely we can follow April,1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 15 where the Presbyterian and Methodist tracted Thomas and ha kept meeting with that some forty years ago one of the most churches and others are leading. them after the crucifixioL. of Christ. Al­ famous Presbyterian pastors of New York Choosing men who "believe not" the Word though Thomas did not at first see the City declared that he had never read it. of- God to teach and preach it is not the way necessity of the 'ltonement and the resur­ Perhaps it does not require a theological to lead an ungodly people to God. The rection, God continued His work in his training to perceive that in any Presby­ unbeliever can not carry a message of faith heart. At the second appearance of Christ terian denomination it is a perilous situa­ and salvation to disbelievers-when he him· . to the eleven he was there and acknowl­ tion when there is an extensive and pro­ self doubts it. edged Christ as Lord and God. found ignorance of the Westminster Stand­ With this fine young man and thirteen Within recent years we have the career ards and their merits, doctrinal and his­ hundred "Auburn Affirmationists" leading of Rev. B. Fay Mills as an illustration of torical. or steering the Presbyterian Church, the truth of this verse. In the early part In the opening pages of his "Calvinism U. S. A., we are headed for the whale's belly. of his public career he was a successful Pure and Mixed," Dr. Shedd urged that re­ If these modern Jonahs were as sincere and evangelist. Then doubts· began to arise in affirmation of the Westminster Standards, as honest as "Old Fogy" Jonah they would his mind and he went into the far country not their revision was the real need, to­ confess their sins and ask to be thrown of Unitarianism. A short time before his gether with catechetical instruction.. He overboard, that all may not perish. The death he returned to his former evangelistic said: ''What is there in the Presbyterian "Old Ship of Zion" can't carryall this reo faith in Christ and expressed belief in the Church of today that necessitates any dif­ bellious cargo and make the harbor. It doctrines he had for a while discarded. ferent statement of the doctrine of decrees, will sink or go to pieces. At this point the question arises, of what of atonement, of regeneration, or of punish­ How many are willing to continue to sup­ use is this teaching any way? It might ment, from that accepted by the Presby­ port such a leadership? interest the skillful theological dialectician. terian Church of 1837, or 1789? Are the W.V.M. It may arouse the interest of some as an statements upon these points any more example of mental and spiritual gymnastics, liable to misconception or misrepresenta­ but it seems to have no real value for every­ tion by non-Calvinists now than they were God's Continuing Work of Grace day Christians. But Paul, the writer of this fifty or a hundred years ago? What is verse was an intensely practical man. He there in the condition of the Presbyterian To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: started several churches and helped other Church of today t'hat makes the old Con· Sm: Paul, writing to the Philippians and struggling churches that were just begin­ fession of the past two hundred years in­ to other Christians through them, says: ning. He combined deep theology and adequate as a doctrinal Standard? All the "Being confident of this very thing, that he practical efficiency. They were not incom­ past successes and victories of Presbyterian­ which hath begun a good work in you will patible; in fact one helped the other. ism have been accomplished under it. Suc­ perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." This teaching enables a man to get a firm cess in the past is guaranty for success in Phil. 1: 6. The Revised Version has the footing on the Rock of Ages in the midst the future. The Westminster Confession, same idea and almost the identical words. of the swirling currents of modern life and exactly as it now reads, has been the creed Paul does not tell them that he is con· reach out a helping hand to others. For a of as free and enlarged intellects as ever fident that they will persevere and continue man to think that his own perseverance in lived on earth. The substance of it was the in the faith; rather that God's work in them belief and in righteousness does not depend strong and fertile root of the two freest will continue to perfection, till the day of on himself, on his own frail strength, but movements in modern history: that of the" Jesus Christ. on some one mightier than he, gives him Protestant Reformation and that of Repub­ The old Calvinistic doctrine of the per· confidence, courage and steadiness. lican Government." severance of the saints has a Scriptural The process of sanctification in the be­ In the splendid series of volumes contain­ Basis, but back of their perseverance is liever is the expression of God's continuing ing the works of Dr. B. B. Warfield, "The God's continuing, persevering work in them. grace. Westminster Assembly and its Work" is ex­ We ought always to feel our dependence on WILLIAM F. BISSELL. cellent. He speaks (p. 56) of the Confes­ Him rather than on ourselves. Saxton's River, Vermont. sion's peculiar comprehensiveness, and that The work in them is begun in them in reo its statements of the generic doctrine of the generation by the Holy Spirit, the invisible Reformed Churches have a directness, a third person of the Trinity. It is carried A Good Confession definiteness, a crisp precision, and an un­ on in them till the coming again of Jesus ambiguous clarity which are attained by Christ, when soul and body are united to To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: few Confessional documents of any age or make a perfect, complete man. Sm: Perhaps no more sweeping proposal creed. And, (p. 58) it is "the ripest fruit There is a breaking point for every saint. to change the doctrinal foundations of the of Reformed creed-making." Also, (P. 61) Jesus said to His disciples concerning the Church has ever been presented to the Pres­ "it is professed by perhaps a more numer­ tribulation of the last days: "And except byterian Church, U. S. A. than the one to ous body than any other Protestant creed." those days should be shortened, there should add the United Presbyterian Confessional CHAS. E. EDWARDS. no flesh be saved; but for the elect's sake Statement to the Westminster Standards. those days shall be shortened." Matt. 24: 22. Even the Brief Statement of Reformed Doc­ Many of the saints fall from righteous. trine, so widely published, IS not a part of Whom Say Ye That I Am?­ ness, even if they do not fall from grace. the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church Peter denied his Lord with profanity at the U. S. A. It is a question whether the Gen· Concluded time of the crucifixion. Perhaps he reo eral Assembly of this denomination is turned to youthful habits. Yet God's work sufficiently prepared to discuss so moment­ a serious charge that the modern church in him continued and he kept meeting with ous a change. Weeks ago, among other is preparing the way for this typical sin the other apostles. He continued his leader­ documents, the U. P. Confessional Statement of the Antichrist; she may answer ship of the apostles, and did the first work was sent to ministers, but not to elders, whether she has deserved such a charge. among the Gentiles. Through Mark he may who make half the membership of the Gen­ And she may answer, not to you, nor to have begun the New Testament. Beyond eral Assembly. Moreover, a number, per­ doubt he wrote the two epistles which bear haps a conSiderable number of elders have me, but before the Christ of the Gospels. his name. never read the Westminster Confession. She may answer now; otherwise she The companionship of the apostles at- This may seem less incredible if we recall must answer at the day of His coming! 16 CHRISTIANITY TODAY April/ 1932

McConnachie, a Scotch minister, and "Karl Barth: Prophet of a New Christianity?" by Books of Religious Significance William Pauck, professor of the Congrega­ tional theological seminary of Chicago. REFORMED DOGMATICS by Louis Berk­ which is recorded in Holy Scripture. His Dr. Brunner is a man of commanding hot, Professor of Dogmatic Theology at central aim is first to reflect in his own ability whose writings cannot be ignored Calvin Seminary. Wm. B. Eerdmans consciousness and then to present in sys­ by any desirous of understanding the genius Publishing Co. Two Volumes. pp. 797 tematic form the whole of that knowledge of the movement he essays to interpret and commend_ including Bibliography and Index. of God and divine things made known to us $10.00. through special revelation as embodied in Dr. Brunner professes a two-fold object in these lectures: (1) to render the old truth T is hardly too much to say that this is the Bible. Professor Berkhof presents his material of the Bible once more intelligible to think­ I the most important work in systematic ing men of today and (2) to remove mis­ theology, from an American source, that under six main heads: (1) The doctrine of God and the World; (2) The doctrine of understandings which confront the Dia­ has appeared in recent years. It seemed a lectical Theology, not on the Continent pity to the writer that Dr. B. B. Warfield man in relation to God; (3) The doctrine of the person and work of Christ; (4) The merely, but in Great Britain and America. passed away without having left us a sys· This book by Dr. Brunner had not ap­ tematic theology, much as we value the doctrine of the application of the work of redemption; (5) The doctrine of the Church peared when in our issue of November last collection of his selected writings that are we expressed the opinion that Barthianism now being issued by the Oxford University and the means of grace; and (6) The doc­ trine of last things. is fatally defective at at least three points­ Press. Our regret over Dr. Warfield's fail· in its one-sided emphasis on the transcend­ ure to give us a systematic statement of It would mean much for Christianity if works like this were more "generally read. ence of God, in its supposition that Chris­ his theological conclusions has been greatly tian faith is not built on historic facts, and lessened, however, by the appearance of Dogmatic theology is discredited in many quarters in the interest of a practical piety in its contention that while the Word of these able and comprehensive volumes from God is in the Bible yet the Word ot God is the pen of Professor Berkhof. While Pro­ without doctrinal content; and the result is Christians who waver in their testimony in no real sense to be identified with the fessor Berkhof is not a stranger to the words of the Bible. It happens that in this writings of Dr. Warfield (to mention only and who are distressingly inefficient. Let it not be forgotten that the only consistent book Dr. Brunner deals with all these modern theologians) it is the influence of points. the writings of the great Dutch theologians, despisers of dogmatic theology are those who deny the reality of supernatural reve­ He vigorously defends Barthianism Kuyper, Bavinck and Vos, that is most against the charge of placing an exclusive noticeable throughout these volumes. This lation in word and deed as recorded in the Bible. If the Bible is true, dogmatic theol­ emphasis on the transcendence of God, is not to imply that Professor Berkhof has affirming that "much nonsense has been given us but a compilation of the conclu­ ogy stands in no need of defense. Its neces­ sity is a matter of course. This is what talked about the 'Barthian Theology' hav­ sions of these great masters of reformed ing perception only for the transcendence theology. Despite his modesty in laying Francis Landey Patten had in mind when, with his intellectual powers at their height, of God, not for His immanence." He also claim to no special originality as a theo­ defends Barthianism against the charge of logian, it is obvious that all had passed he said: "Sooner or later I am sure the eyes of men will be opened and they will minimizing the significance of the historical through the alembic of his own ke~n and see-would to God they might see it now­ element, of that which occurred in time in constructive mind before he placed pen to the person and work of Jesus Qhrist. At paper. While these volumes are the out­ that the great battle of the twentieth cen­ tury is in its final issue a struggle between the beginning of his lecture on "The Word growth of the author's class-room and the of Christ and History" he says: "It is not schematic arrangement is intended pri­ a Dogmatic Christianity on the one hand and an out-and-out naturalistic philosophy superfluous to utter today in theology the marily to meet the needs of theological commonplace that Christian faith is faith students, yet they are admirably fitted to on the other." S. G. C. in Jesus Christ-that belief which the meet the needs of men in the active min­ Fourth Gospel formulates in its own istry. Greek and Hebrew type has been fashion: the Word of God has become flesh avoided. The result is a work that also THE WORD AND THE WORLD by Emil in Jesus Christ. This assertion is exclu­ meets the" needs of those who have had Brunner, Professor of Theology at the sively Christian.... The entire New no special theological training. The price University ot Zurich. Charles Scrib­ Testament in all its parts, where it speaks is not large when it is considered that it ner's Sons. pp. 127. $1.75. of Jesus the Christ, means by this name would require a small library of ordinary HIS is the second book in English dress an event which is not only gradually but books to cover the subjects treated in these T by Dr. Brunner. "The Theology of fundamentally above all other events, and volumes. Crisis" consisted of a series of lectures de­ one which essentially can happen but once." These volumes are correctly named. This livered in this country in exposition of The third charge, however (that having is not a work in apologetics. Its conclu· Barthianism and was reviewed at some to do with the Bible), he not" only admits sions are assumed. It also assumes rather" length in our issue of May, 1930. The book but iterates and reiterates. He distin­ than presents the conclusions of exegetical before us consists of five brief lectures de· guishes sharply between the Word of God and historical theology. What it seeks to livered on invitation of the University of contained in the Bible and the Bible itself; do is to set forth in "a systematic way the London in March, 1931. Dr. Brunner while and thus separates himself from those he doctrines of Christianity, as these are un­ differing from Karl Barth on some points is calls the orthodox or fundamentalists. The derstood in Calvinistic circles. The views everywhere recognized as one of the ablest following passage is typical and also indi­ of divergent views are not overlooked, but exponents of the theological movement that cates that he has much more sympathy for their conSideration is always incidental to has achieved such headway, especially in the fundamentalists than for the modern­ the exposition of theology as understood in Europe, under the name of the Dialectical ists: "The Son of God who came in the Reformed circles. Like all truly Reformed Theology or Barthianism. That it is not likeness of man in the form of a servant, theologians Professor Berkhof is distinctly without influence in Great Britain and also gave His Word in the form of a serv­ a Biblical not a speculative theologian. He America was indicated in our issue of No­ ant. That is why in the Bible we find so draws his material from revelation, partie­ vember, 1931, in connection with our review many errors and inaccuracies, so much that ularily from that supernatural revelation of "The Significance of Karl Barth" by John is no better than what man has said and April,1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 17

done in other places and in other times; that its value as divine revelation is inde­ ianism emphasizes hang in the air, as it the Bible is full of that frailty and falli­ pendent of the resuJ-cs of such criticisms. were, to be accepted by us; if accepted at bility which is characteristic of all that is Here Dr. Vas is the better teacher: all, as an act of sheer faith, not as by those human. But this earthen vessel was de­ "Whether we like it or not, criticism can who can give a reason for the faith that is signed by God to become the receptacle of touch the essence of our religion, because in them. peculiar contents, the bearer of a history religion has becom-e incarnate, and for our There is much that is commendable about and a message which no other books con­ sakes had to become incarnate and make Barthianism, especially its attitude toward tains. He who confuses the message with itself vulnerable in historic forms. As the Modernism. The Barthians at least have the material in which the message is writ­ Son of God while on earth had to expose their eyes open to the .fact that Modernism ten, is foolish. But he who, because of Himself to the unbelief and scorn of men, is not Christianity but something diamet­ this earthen material, despises the message so the Word of the Gospel could not be rically opposed to Christianity. "Modern is much more foolish. The former, the what it is for us unless it were subject to thinking," writes Brunner, "expresses a orthodox, after all is concerned about the the same humiliation." But while we new interpretation of human existence and message, and for its sake he thinks the ma­ think Dr. Brunner's view of the Bible one which is as irreconcilably opposed to terial to be holy, which is (so to speak) a fatally defective, we are grateful for his that found in the Bible and in Christian piece of childish folly; but the other throws exaltation of revelation above reason as the teaching as were the Baals against which away the pearls beca)lse they are covered one way whereby we can learn of God and the prophet Elijah fought to the God of. with dust" (p. 96). While we agree that His saving grace. Israel. For Christianity, the conflict with the Bible cannot rightly claim exemption Dr. Brunner shares Karl Barth's estimate modern thinking is a fight for very ex­ from historico-critical treatment we are far of apologetics. As a result it seems to us istence." from supposing, as Brunner seems to do, that even those important truths that Barth- S. G. C. News of the Church The Overtures some churches to lose sight of "the ties that Presbytery a Moderator for the SeSSion bind" in the Presbyterian system and to of the church. The bUSiness of the Mod­ AT the present time it appears that none become unconsciously congregational in erator elected by the Presbytery shall be ft of the overtures sent down by the last practice, the Presbytery has devised a plan to keep in close touch with the activities General Assembly of the Presbyterian that, it is hoped, will correct this tendency. of the church and to preside over "such Church in the U. S. A. to the Presbyteries Believing also that a double standard has meetings of the Session as expediency has much more than a remote possibility of grown up as between the requirements of may dictate.. The relationship which he adoption. The vote by presbyteries is as the Presbytery in the matter of a candi· shall sustain to the church will be that follows: date's qualifications for ordination, and the of representative of the Presbytery as Yes No No Action congregation's conception of ministerial Counsellor. A ...... 44 26 qualifications, a "supplement" has been 4. Immediately after -a church has become B ...... 16 55 1 added to the act establishing the Bureau vacant, the Bureau shall arrange with C ...... 45 23 1 which emphasizes the ·fundamental qualifi­ the officers of the church to send a min­ D ...... 36 29 4 cations of the minister as defined in the E ...... 46 21 1 ister to preach a sermon and" to declare Confession of Faith and the Book of Church the pulpit vacant; to speak to the con­ Order. The plan, which is entirely volun· gregation of the relationships which tary is as follows: Presbytery of Philadelphia Concurs maintain between ministers and BUREAU OF VACANCY AND SUPPLY OF churches, and between church and Pres­ in Overtures THE PRESBYTERY OF BIRMINGHAM bytery; to advise with the officers of the church relative to a pastor, and to offer HE Presbytery of Philadelphia, in its 1. Structure: To the end that our the full resources of the Bureau in se­ regular meeting held on April 4, voted churches may enjoy a more intimate and T curing a pastor. The supplement en­ overwhelmingly to concur in the overture helpful relation to the Presbytery and to titled, "PRESBYTERY'S COUNSEL TO of the Presbytery of Philadelphia-North, the church at large, and that they may de­ CHURCHES" shall be read. to the con' asking the General Assembly to take steps velop a keener sense of corporate conscious-· gregation; or used as a guide by the one to abolish the General Council of the As­ ness, we recommend that the Presbytery of charged with the service outlined above. sembly. The Presbytery also concurred in Birmingham establish a Bureau of Vacancy the Overture of the Presbytery of Cayuga and Supply after the following manner: 5. The minister who preaches the sermon relating to the proposed Union with the and declares the pulpit vacant shall make 1. The Bureau shall consist of three mem­ United Presbyterian Church requesting de· a written report to the Bureau relative bers. The first group shall be elected for liberation and caution, and with the over­ to his contacts with the vacant churCh, one, two, and three years. The regular ture of the Presbytery of Clarion asking giVing in detail such findings as are de­ election shall be by Presbytery at its the Assembly to protest against certain signed to be most helpful to the Bureau stated Spring meeting. forms of cigarette advertising. in its efforts to render intelligent and 2. The relationship of the" Bureau to the constructive service. The Moderator of several churches and ministers shall be the Session shall keep in close touch with New Plan for Vacancy and Supply merely advisory. Its function shall be in the Bureau, making such suggestions as HE Presbytery of Birmingham, in the close cooperation with the Bureau of may be mutually helpful in the discharge T Presbyterian Church in the U. S., has Vacancy and Supply of the General of duties common to the church and the adopted a new plan for handling the difficult Assembly. Bureau. question of vacancy and supply. Believing 3. Immediately after a church· has become 6. The Bureau shall be open to requests that much trouble is bred by a· tendency of vacant the Bureau shall nominate to the from churches, from officers of churches, 18 C H R 1ST I A NIT Y T O. DAY April,1932

and from ministers: for a change of bytery of the Church whose meetings are August 12th. There will be two Semesters pastor, or change of pastorate. It shall at all times closed to reporters from the of fifteen days each; the dates for the First be open to requests for the establishment daily press, whose information is supposed Semester being July 6th to 23rd, and for of the pastoral relation between min­ to come only from the Clerk, after the ses­ the Second Semester July 25th to August isters without pastorates and vacant sion. At its last meeting, April 3, a reso­ 12th. Work may be pursued in one or both churches, etc. lution was offered by Dr. Wm. P. Fulton, Semesters. 7. Recognizing the wisdom of the principle retiring moderator of Presbytery, repealing Courses taken are applicable for the regu­ of reciprocity between Presbytery and the standing rule that contains this regu­ lar theological degrees. Expenses are very Synods, the Bureau of this Presbytery lation. He considered the rule un-PresbY­ reasonable. shall be in correspondence with other terian and unwise. The reporters always A twelve-page Prospectus may be had for such Bureaus relative to pastors and received information from other sources the asking from the Dean, Dr. J. A. Huff­ pastorates. than the Stated Clerk, and he felt that if man, at his permanent address, 302 Horton they were to report the Presbytery at all, Boulevard, Marion, Indiana. II. Counsel of Presbytery to Churches: they ought to be there to see and hear for The Presbytery of Birm~ngham, considering themselves. Against the motion, it was how important it is that the steps which argued that the reporters did not under­ New York Summer School of you will take in selecting a minister for this stand the spirit of a Presbytery, and would congregation should be guided by every emphasize only the sensational. To this it Theology thoughtful reflection, deem it fitting to ad­ was replied that the only way in which MEETING of significance was recently dress to you some words of counsel. the press could learn to understand the You are now called as a Congregation to A held in New York and out of it has Presbytery was by watching it operate, not grown a plan for _ a three weeks' summer exercise the privileges which belong to you by hanging around outside the doors. Fur­ theological course for ministers and stu­ under the Presbyterian system. You are to ther, if certain members felt that the words call a minister not only to the Congregation dents. spoken in Presbytery, and actions taken, It was felt by the group of seventy-five but ta the Presbytery. It is impossible to were of such a nature that it would be laymen who met, that there should be estab­ over-estimate the seriousness of this duty. scandalous to print them, then the remedy Your Presbytery would remind you that lished a strong intensive course of study lay, not in keeping out· the rep-orters, but in under the leadership of men who are the Book of Church Order provides certain amending the conduct of the members of qualifications for one to be ordained to the scholarly and sound in the faith. Presbytery. After the debate was con­ This new movement will be called The ministry; these qualifications are exacting; cluded, the motion was put, and lost, the they should not be displaced by qualifica­ New York Summer School of Theology. It vote being 32 in favor and 36 against. It will open its first season Monday, June 27. tions less worthy of the minister's high is freely predicted, however, that the rule The school will be held in the great build­ calling. is not likely to remain much longer. ing of Calvary Baptist Church, 123 W. 57th In making choice of your minister you Street, Manhattan. should bear in mind that the issues of such On the faculty will be such stalwarts as call are vital to yourselves and to this Pres­ Dr. A. T. Robertson, of Louisville, Dr. Allan bytery. The welfare of the congregation, Winona Lake School of Theology A. MacRae, of Philadelphia, Dr. R. B. the promotion of the cause and kingdom of HE School of Theology conducted at Kuiper, of Grand Rapids, Canon Dyson Christ in this place, and the attainment of Winona Lake, each summer, is attract­ Hague, of Canada, Dr. J. Oliver Bb.swell, the many and great benefits which arise T ing a~ increasingly large number of min· Jr. President of Wheaten College, and other from a successful ministry, depend on your isters and younger men and women of the scholars of strength and ability. exercising your choice wisely and well. teaching profession. Many from these A unique feature of the plan will be the Considering, therefore, how solemn the groups have found in Winona Lake School presentation of evangelism along with the duty is to which you are now called, and of Theology the type of work they sought. study of theology. An evangelist each week how serious its consequences will be, let it Last summer's session of the School resulted will teach evangelistic methods and in pub­ be your earnest desire and effort to dis­ in an attendance increased 26% over that of lic evening services conduct meetings of an charge it with thoughtful care. Let it be the 1930 Session. Students came from evangelistic nature. Dr. Harry Ironside, your aim, and your only aim, in the deci­ twenty states in the Union, and Japan, and Pastor of the Moody Church, Chicago; will sions which you form, to do what you about an equal number of denominations be present one week as the Pastor Evan­ sincerely consider will be most for the good were represented. gelist. This man preaches to 4000 people in of the Church of Christ. A program has been announced for 1932 -his Sunday evening service and is having As becomes a congregation, knit together which is believed to be superior to any pro­ steady accessions to membership. by the common bond of allegiance to Christ, gram yet offered. The management of the The dates will be June 27 to July 15 with let all your relations be established in love, School continues as heretofore, with Mr. sessions Monday to Friday each week. The maintaining towards each other, however C. E. Sawtelle, President; Dr. W. E. Bieder­ teaching hours are so arranged that a stu­ different your opinions may be, a spirit of wolf, Director; Dr. J. A. Huffman, Dean. dent can take every course if he wishes. forbearance and peace. Pray also, to the The Faculty for 1932 are all outstanding in­ The cost is to be kept very low. The en­ Heavenly Father, earnestly beseeching Him structors from the great theological schools tire cost of tuition is three dollars-the to guide you by His Spirit; so that the of America. They are, as follows: Dr. J. A. registration fee. Low rate rooms can be several steps which are taken for the elec­ Huffman, Dean, Dr. John E. Kuizenga, Dr. arranged in hotels and residence clubs tion of a minister to your congregation and Gaius J. Slosser, Dr. Leander S. Keyser, Dr. near by. to this Presbytery, may issue in a choice Oswald T. Allis, and Dr. R. H. Martin. All New York is an ideal place to have a which shall be for His glory and for the of these instructors are widely known, are summer school as it offers splendid advan­ good of the church. authorities in their respective departments, tages-beaches within five cent fare, long both as teachers and authors. Courses will ten cent bus rides, Goldman's Band within Ban on Reporters to Continue be given in English New Testament, Greek fifteen minute walk and hosts of other sum­ New Testament, Religious Education, Chris­ mer attractions. OR many years the Presbytery of Phila­ tian Doctrine, Old Testament Problems, and The emphases of the school are to be three­ F delphia has enjoyed the distinction of Methods of Christian Citizenship. fold-First, scholarship, Second, orthodoxy, being (so far as is known) the only Pres- The dates for the School are Jul)" 6th to Third, practical spirituality. April,1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY

Will H. Houghton, Pastor of Calvary Bap­ refused to join with the seminary up to a portance of teaching in the modern Church. tist Church, 123 W. 57th Street, New York, recent date. Underlying teaching, he said, is scholarship; N. Y., is chairman and will be glad to mail All these having been satisfied and quit for, contrary to a certain perverse type of a folder to all who are interested. claim deeds to all rights and claims to the modern pedagogic practice, the chief thing property of Lane Seminary having been ob­ which a teacher needs to know is not the tained by the institution, the Courts granted mere methodology of .te

from other books known to the early burgh, in the month of April, 1925! Schools and perpetuate "all the details of doctrinal Church; and how is it that just these books from Tennessee, Texas. Massachusetts, and statement." At ordination we are asked if and no others came to be included in the Minnesota-that far removed from Pitts­ we sincerely receive and adopt our Stand· Canon of Holy Scripture~ Was it simply burgh-sent delegates. It was a truly na­ ards as "containing the system of doctrine that these books were felt to be more valu­ tional Convention. taught in the Holy Scriptures." We are able to the Church than other books, or was With delight delegates heard of gains in also asked questions in regard to the funda­ it because they were possessed of a divine the movement during the past year, but with mentals of the system, but the details are authority with which our Saviour invested burdened hearts they heard the immenSity not pressed or often mentioned. Of course, the apostles whom He chose? of tasks still awaiting them. Apart from if a man who applies has a well established This question becomes particularly press­ the enthusiastic devotional spirit manifest reputation as a sort of heretic, as you had, ing in connection with the Book of Revela­ throughout the Conference, and the distinct it is natural and proper that he should be tion. There are those who say, with Har· missionary and evangelistic stress, the final questioned more closely. nack, that this book was at first accepted burden of the Conference was to make the You give your view of the church, "As a not because it was apostolic but because it testimony of the League so thorough-going living organism, changing from generation was prophetic, and that it was only toward as. to enable them to readily and joyfully to generation, and capable, by reason of its the end of the second century (when the give a reason for the hope that was in them faith and inner vitality of discarding out­ appeal to prophecy came to be abused by the as Christian students. That joy crowned the grown views and of assimilating new truth, Montanists) that the apostolic origin of the success attending the great witness of this while at the same time preserving spiritual book was appealed to as the root of its movement could be gathered from the Chap­ continuity with its historic past." That authority. ter r-eports given on the Friday evening of raises a number of questions: 1. Our creed Dr. Stonehouse examines this hypothesis the Conference. So soul-stirring were these is a summary of our faith.. If therefore our by means of an exceedingly learned and reports that the spontaneous Singing of the creed is to be discarded as "outgrown comprehensive examination of the relevant "Doxology" was the only fitting climax to views," how can we preserve our faith? patristic literature, and comes to the con· their reception. 2. How can we discard our creed, the sys­ clusion that the real basis of the acceptance Friends of the League may read more of tematic statement of our faith, as outgrown of the Apocalypse by the Church was, in this Conference by sending to the Evan­ views, without at the same time severing the early period as well as in the later gelical Student, Box 455, Wheaton, Illinois spiritual continuity with our historic past? period, the conviction that the book was for a sample copy of the Convention Num­ When we discard our creed, do we not, ipso written by one of the apostles, who had de­ ber. facto, discard our historic past? 3. Our rived a unique authority from their Lord. creed is a human document. It lays no In the course of the investigation, the claim to infallibility. Its language is often author discusses many intricate and difficult Open Letter to Southern Modernist archaic; in places errors of statement may have crept in; some doctrines may be questions concerning the life of the Church AS many readers of CHRISTIANITY TODAY in the first three centuries;· but even diffi­ pressed too far ; other doctrines may not .t\.. are aware, the Presbyterian Church in cult questions seem to become clear when have received the attention they deserved; the U. S., has, in recent years, been agitated but by .and large, we believe our creed to they are treated in such an iluminating by the modernist teachings of a Dr. Hay way. No careful reader of the book can be securely built upon and buttressed in the Watson Smith, of Little Rock, Arkansas. possibly doubt but that a man of genuine Holy Scriptures, that it is far and away the Much attention has been aroused by the scholarship has here entered into the New best creed of which we have knowledge, and recent appearance of an ".open letter" to Dr. Testament field. better by miles than the Church could for­ Smith, written by The Rev. R. W. Jopling, mulate today. Believing this, if we .are to of Lancaster, South CarOlina, well known discard our creed as outgrown views, what for his loyalty to the historic faith. Space League of Evangelical Students are we to do with the Scriptures, on which will not permit publication of the entire the creed is based? Are we to discard them "WE were happy to have the Conference letter, but, in abridged form it appears as too, "as outgrown views?" with us, and I might say that the follows: Right here,My Brother, is the funda­ witnessing that two of the delegates had in DEAR BROTHER: mental difference between us. It is basically orie home has resulted in the head of that Several months ago I received from you a difference of view, not of. our creed, but household accepting Christ as his Saviour. a page from the Arkansas Gazette of Octo­ the Holy Scriptures themselves. More good was done than we know anything ber 25, 1931, which contained a statement Just how far afield you have gone from about." So wrote the Pastor of the enter· of your position with regard to our church.· the orthodox view of the Scriptures into the taining church of the Seventh Annual Con­ I have not had time to give attention to it by-ways of Modernism, I do not know. I vention of the League of Evangelical Stu­ until recently ... wish you had told us frankly. You fellow­ d~nts recently held in Pittsburgh. And stu­ From the time I first met you in Union ship with Modernists, and a man is known dent reactions both during and after the Seminary, in Virginia, years ago, you by the company he keeps, and I do know Conference express a like delight in the seemed to me strangely prejudiced against that once a man has departed from the interest stirred and the blessings received orthodox views. You read with avidity the orthodox view of the Scriptures as the Word at the gathering. writings of the critics, the forerunners of of God, the only infallible rule of faith and The program of the Conference was car­ the Modernists, but seemed' to have no taste practice, there is no theological terminus, ried out almost exactly as announced. The for orthodox writers. I well remember you in which he can stabilize himself this Side charming preparations had been perfectly telling me one day that you did not believe of Unitarianism, and according to the ac­ executed by the entertaining Chapter of the the Lord Jesus Christ could secure licensure knowledgment of some of its leaqers, Uni­ Reformed Presbyterian Theological Semi­ or ordination in Orange, your home Presby­ tarianism would long ago have perished nary, and the co-operat'ing churches and in­ tery, and that you knew the Apostle Paul from the earth, had it not been for a small dividuals. One hundred and three student could not. but constant stream of high blown heretics delegates representing twenty-seven different In your paper, above mentioned, when trickling in from the orthodox churches. institutions of learning were present. This you state what you call the traditional, There are Modernists and Modernists. attendance contrasted with the twelve dele­ which I prefer to call the historical attitude Some have gone the length of their logic gates representing six schools, in attendance toward our . creed, you greatly exaggerate into unrelieved naturalism. They deny that at the Constitutional Conference in Pitts- the facts. We are not required to believe the Scriptures are in any sense a super· April,1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 21

natural revelation from God to man, and de· not belong to us. and OUEht quietly and a religion-and such a religion is not worth clare that they are simply what man, in the voluntarily to go out from us; if you be· having after one gets it. unaided exercise of his natural faculties, has lieve the Bible as we do, as the Word of When you come specifically to state the discovered, or thought he had discovered God .the only infallible rule , of faith and grounds of the difference between you and about God. They strip from the Scriptures practice, and if you receive and adopt our the rank and file of our ministry, you say: every vestige of authority. According to Standards as containing that system of doc­ 1. That it is due to IGNORANCE on our them, evolution accounts for every thing, in· trine taught in the Holy Scriptures, then part. In that you are running tr)le to Mod· cluding the earth, all life, ourselves, the you belong to us, and ought to be permitted ernistic form. It is a habit 'with them to Bible and the Lord Jesus Christ to boot. To to remain with us without further molesta­ claim for themselves superior intelligence, all intents and purposes, they take away tion, no matter if you do entertain a few all scholarship, up-tO-dateness, wisdom arid our Bible and offer us themselves as our curious diverse crotchets. But, you ought to knowledge, and to look down upon those infallible teachers. quit making a fetish out of your crotchets, who oppose them with ill concealed con· Modernists in general, of course have not quit flaUnting a red flag (your precious dif· tempt as being of lower intelligence, behirid yet gone that far. Something of their early ferences of opinion) in the face of good the times, devoid of scholarship, obscurant­ orthodox training and faith still clings to men whose patience has already been sorely ists and ignorami. It seems to not a few them. But they are in unstable equilibrium, tried; and you ought to find some way to of us that Modernists are drunk from the and either they, or their children, natural divest yourself of that superiority complex, idea of their own superior intelligence, or spiritual, running true to form, will go that air of conscious superiority which has suffering from delusions of grandeur.... the limit. They have in large measure de· clothed you as a garment in the past. Be· Concerning those within our own Church, parted from the orthodox view of the Scrip' lieve it or not, this is brotherly and Chris­ of whom you formerly wrote, who sympa· tures and, become disciples of modern tian advice. thize with your views and write yoU thought. With us, when modern thought In the old orthodox faith we have experi· privately encouraging you to stand firm in runs counter to' the Holy Scriptures, so enced a change of heart that makes us a your position, I confes's I have no knowledge. much the worse for modern thought; with new creation; we have found a new Whoever they are, they have not the cour· them, when the Scriptures run counter to humility that gives us a juster estimate or' age to come out in the open and avow their modern thought, so much the worse for the ourselves; a new reverence for things holy views, and I have and desire no avenue of Scriptures. They think more of evolution and divine; a new love for God and for underground communication with them. I than of Revelation, more of modern thinkers man; a peace the world can neither give should think you could draw small comfort than of Christ and His Apostles. They deny nor take away; a courage to meet the trials from the support of such men. or doubt or question all worthwhile views and vicissitudes of life without faltering; 2. That it is futile to try to enforce uni­ of inspiration, some or all miracles, a witness borne with our spirits that we are formity of thought. This is another form the Virgin birth of our Saviour, His vicari· the children of God, and a fellowship with of the chronic claim of Modernists, that ous atonement, the resurrection of His body, the Christ that is as heaven in our hearts. they are big, broadminded, up·to·date men our own bodily resurrection, etc., etc. So whose, heels are constantly dogged by a pack You can hardly expect us to forsake the that Modernists in general so weaken the of narrow·minded, two·by-four men who Scriptures which bring us these blessings, truth and authority of the Scriptures, as to would rob them of their sacred right of as outgrown views, and adopt instead the render them of little or no practical value, freedom of thought and of speech. There is doubts and denials, the unsupported and so eviscerate our religion, as to leave it a no truth in this claim. We are not tryIng unstable affirmations of the Modernists. cold and lifeless skeleton. to enforce unifor'mity of thought; we trench The Christian Century is a Modernist jour· On the other hand, we believe the Bible upon no man's right of freedom of thought nal. Its' editor is a Modernist of the Mod· to be the Word of God, the oilly infallible or speech. We are jealous of our own ernists. You doubtless know that som3 rule of faith and practice, God's full and rights, and we accord the same rights to months ago, in a leading editorial; he final revelation for all men of all lands and others that we claim for ourselves. We are frankly acknowledged that Modernism was all ages; that it is, "The word of God that trying to preserve the faith once for all "bankrupt." liveth and abideth forever, ... the faith delivered unto the saints, and we wOlild be which' has been once for all delivered unto In a word: We believe in the Bible, we ashamed of ourselves if we were not. In the saints," that it is like God himself worship God; Modernists believe in Modern doing so we rob no man of any right..•. eternal and immutable. In its teachings we Thought, Modernists worship themselves­ The Presbyterian Church requires no man are to believe, by its precepts we are to live though they seem not to know it. to join her or to remain a member or to and by its rule we are to be judged in the When we have a real God who loves us, hold office in her fold; she accords to every last Great Day. a real Saviour Who died to redeem us, a man the right to leave her at will; the right Until man can invent or discover a greater real Holy Spirit Who regenerates us and to seek by all lawful means the' repeal· or God than Father, Son and Spirit, revealed abides with us; a real heaven to win and a amendment of any or all her laws; but she to ils in the Scriptures, a more lovable and real hell to shun, real sin to be forgiven arid does require of all her members obedience mightier Saviour than Jesus Christ, a more real righteousness to be attained; a world to all her laws, and she requires all her biessed Spirit than He Who renews our of mankind lying in sin and a gospel the officials to take a solemn vow to receive and hearts and as our Comforter abides with us power of God placed' in our hands to save adopt her constitution. That is her inalien· forever, a higher dynamic than sacrificial them; even then it is a man's job with the able right, and in exercising that right she love, a more worthwhile enterprise to en­ power of God thrown in to help us, to win is infringing no right of any man. gage the attention of man than co·worker them against the pull of the world, the flesh Right here I wish to mention a few with Jesus Christ in saving a lost world, and the devil, from sin unto God. , But when things concerning the ways of Modernists and a grander destiny for man than "the we are uncertain of our God, when we have that forever discredit them and damn Mod· measure of the stature of the fullness of no Saviour, but only a human leader, no ernism in my eyes. Modernists, with rare Chtist" and heaven forever, we will believe certainty of a heaven to gain, practical cer· exceptions, knowing that they have departed in the Scriptures; and the Christian religion tainty of no hell to shun; when we have no from the orthodox faith, have all along'con­ and the Scriptures that reveal the Christian sin to be forgiven for which' man is re­ tinued to live in manses and to preach in religion to us, still will stand, though earth sponSible, but only some of the dregs of a churches which have been paid for by the and hell come against them! . . . former state of existence which evolution money of orthodox Christians, and to r6" If you believe about the Scriptures as the has not yet but will in time eliminate, it is ceive and live on salaries paid by orthodox Modernists do, as outlined above, you do a practical impossibility to win men to such Christians; meanwhile they bore from 22 CHRISTIANITY TODAY Aprit 1932

within, using orthodox phraseology with a discarded, the honorable thing to do is to veiled heterodox meaning, and strive grad­ discard the name, too. However, he got no ually by half-concealed hints here and there, "THE HERETICAL AUBURN AFFIR­ encouragement that I ever saw. The name MATION," the sermon that is awakening tound_ermine and destroy the orthodox faith the Presbyterian Church, has been reprinted "Christian" is too valuable an asset, and and lead the people blindfolded into Mod­ by public demand in a form convenient to Modernists are shrewd politicians. Full well ernism. With deliberate purpose, it seems, carry and mail. It is $0 light that it may be they know that Modernism will die still they keep their real views hid until they enclosed in an ordinary envelope with a one­ born, unless the people can be fooled into page letter and yet cost only two cents to feel safe with their congregations, so that mail. Pastors and office-bearers are urged believing that it is Christian. they can hold on to the manse and the to send for copies for distribution among Just' how much of what I have written church and the salary! That, to my mind their associates and friends. Get a supply above about Modernism and Modernists ap­ is un-Christian, deceitful and cowardly. and enclose them in your letters. It is not printed for profit, and the low prices are only plies to you, I do not know. I shouid be When Modernists are such cowards, how can made possible by the help of those who glad to find that none of it does. I have they expect brave men to follow them. want to get the truth in the hands' of the written frankly, without apology and in a When Modernists themselves are so lacking people. Circulation of this sermon on a large scale will be of incalculable benefit to kindly spirit. in faith in Modernism, how can they expect the Church. All prices are postpaid. They Fraternally· Yours, others to believe in it? What a spectacle are R. W. JOPLING. for men and angels! Modernists claiming , 5c each Lancaster, S. C., March 25, 1932. to be God's spokesmen, the recipients and SOc per dozen $3.50 per hundred purveyors of !l new and better revelation, $30.00 per thousand the last word in the gospel of Jesus Christ, The "Federal Council" on guilty of such palpable deceit, such arrant Address: Tract Dept., 501 Witherspoon Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa. cowardice! Mixed Marriages (We will be glad to receive contributions When Modernists have the courage of from those who wish to have a share in this HE problem of "mixed marriages," es­ their convictions; when they have the work of faith.) pecially of the marriages of Protestants honesty and the manhood to renounce the T and Roman Catholics, is treated as a queS­ orthodox faith, to cut loose from orthodox tion of serious importance by the Federal manses, churches and salaries, and avow Council of the Churches of Christ in Amer­ their faith in Modernism and live or die by the old bottles. First of all, What new wjne ica 'in a study just made public. The report it, they will be respected by all men, even have you got? For several years you have was made' by its Committee on Marriage by those who disagree with them, and they been sending out letters and pamphlets to and the Home, as a result of several months' may win followers.... In England, in our ministers. I have read them all, but I study, and was approved at the March meet­ 1662, rather than submit to the Act of Uni­ have not been able to find even a trace of ing of the Administrative Committee of the formity in which they did not believe, in one wine. Have you got a better God than our Council. day 2000 gedly ministers suffered themselves Father of the Scriptures? Have you a The report was originally drafted prior .to to be ejected from their living. When Mod­ better Saviour than our Lord Jesus Christ? the decree from the Vatican on the same ernists have this sort of faith and courage, Have you a better Comforter than the Holy subject on February 5. The Vatican decree they may get somewhere. Until they do, Spirit? Have you a better way of salvation requires that the children of marriages be­ when they make a convert, it is but a than through the vicarious atonement ef tween Roman Catholics and "'non-Catholics" repetition of the case of the Pharisees, Jesus Christ? Have you a better Gospel must be reared in the Catholic faith under whose convert, when made, is two-fold more than that based on and motivated by sacri­ pain ot annulment of the marriage, refusal the child of hell than before...... ficial love? Have you a nobler enterprise of partiCipation in church activities, denial 4. That last and chiefly you ask, "Would to engage the powers of man than the sal· of a church funeral and, in extreme cases, this heresy hunting business receive the vation of a lost world? Have you a grander public excommunication. sanction" of the Lord Jesus Christ? You destiny for man than transformation into also mention "new wine and old bottles." the image of God's own Son, Jesus Christ? The Federal Council of Churches refra~ns I take these up in order: Well, if yOU have, you have dismally failed from making any attack upon the Roman a. Would Jesus approve heresy hunting? to produce them. Catholic Church, but takes issue ,with its ... Jesus stood with adamantine firmness The only thing that I can discover that position on mixed marriages, on the ground for the truth of the Old Testament Scrip­ you have that is different from what we that it is intolerable. The Council's con­ tures. He also promised His Apostles the have, is the theory of evolution and what clusions, which are put forth; not as regu­ gift of the Holy Spirit Who should lead grows out of it, and that does not taste like lations, but as suggestions to church mem­ them into all truth. But the Modernists wine to me. The Modernists, it would seem, bers for their consideration, deal both with deny or doubt or question the Scriptures of with your approval, are busy trying to jack inter-marriage of members of different Prot­ the Old and New Testaments, and wrest and up the Christian religion from its sure foun­ estant groups and also of Protestants and twist and torture them, until they are robbed dation on Divine Revelation and roll it away' Roman Catholics. These conclusions are of their natural meaning and authority, so and set it up on a foundation of the shifting embodied in a series of four recommenda­ th:lt Jesus and His Apostles could not recog­ sands of the theory of evolution. Meanwhile tions, as follows: nize them. Further Jesus sent a message they are working like beavers, cutting and "1. Where· the persons :contemplating from heaven to the churches in Asia, warn­ slashing here, tearing out and adding to marriage are members of different com­ ing them against false teachers. His there, and so remodeling the. whole as. to munions nearly related in doctrine or polity, Apostles PaUl, Peter, James, John and Jude, make it fit its new foundation. When it is they may well be advised by their respec­ spent their tive3 fighting false doctrine and all done, it is just about as much like the tive pastors to settle the question before anathematizing false teachers, and left us Gospel of Jesus Christ as a jack rabbit is marriage by agreeing to attend together one overwhelming proof of their undying oppo­ like a lion! or other of their churches, or even a third sition to all heresies and all heretics. So, As yOU doubtless know, the editor of the church, and to bring up their children in it. if you ask me if the Lord Jesus Christ would Christian Century, an outstanding Modernist "2. Where only one of the persons is a sanction this heresy hunting business, I (as mentioned above), a few years ago, member of a church of the Protestant group answer unhesitatingly and emphatically that boldly advocated that Modernists discard and the religiOUS differences are profound, I believe with all my hQart HE WOULD! the name "Christian" altogether. . I honor such persons should be advised to consider b. Now a word about the new wine and him for it. When the substance has been the situation with great seriousness, in all April, 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 23

its aspects, 'and to reach an agreement be­ least to the abandonmBnt Df any attempt on than 3,000,000,000 years, an estimate that fore marriage. their part to provide for the religiOUS edu­ represents an enormous reduction in the "3. Where intolerable conditions are im­ cation of their children. con caption of the age of the universe held posed by either chuI'ch- in which membership ''It is possible for mixed marriages to be by many scientists. is held, persons contemplating a mixed .successful. Where. the differences of reli­ Many scientists have inclined in recent marriage should be advised not to enter it. gious faith are not fundamental,. and where years to the opinion that the age ·of the uni­ The Committee on Marriage and the Home each of the married persons respects the verse should .be measured in hundreds of protests earnestly against the requirement viewpoint' of the other, such differences may billions of years. by any church that the children of mixed conceivably augment mutual love and for­ Dr. Harlow Shapley, director of the Har· marriages' should be pledged to that church. bearance. Even ·when the differences are vard College Observatory, who presided at "4. When conferences in the churches fundamental, they are not. necessarily in­ the conference, said at the close of Prof. interested in the questions arising from superable, always provided that there is still Opik's address, that· he, too, had been en· mixed marriages can be arranged, such con­ mutual love and forbearance, that no at­ tertaining "some disturbing thoughts about ferences should be welcomed with a view tempt is made on the part of either 'to sub­ stellar evolution." Dr. Shapley conceded to safe-guarding the sanctity of marriage vert the faith of the other, and that they there was strong support for the theory of and the spiritual welfare of the home." determine to bring up their children in such instantaneous creation and an age of only These conclusions are based upon a re­ articles of the Christian faith as they hold a few million yea~s. view of "the historical background," which in common. This, however, requires inde­ Prof. Opik, who spoke on "Meteorites and narrates the practice with regard to mar­ pendence, strength of character and rare the Age of the Universe," pointed out that riage between members of different Chris­ wisdom and patience, and unless these pre­ a survey of meteorites and a measurement tian communions at different periods, and requisites are present, the strains of adjust­ of their ages by the most newly developed also an analysis of "the present situation." ments will be found to be too severe for any methods, had led Prof. Paneth, of Konigs­ In examining ·the' present situation, the good and happy solution of their common berg, to estimate their ages at not more than Committee on Marriage and the Home takes problem. So great is the importance of reli­ a billion years. The method of measuring the ground that religion is such a "basic gious unity in the home that some pastors their age hinges upon the clock-like action interest in human life" that "differences in advise at the time of the wedding that the of radio-active minerals which "tick" away religion, if these are fundamental, may two agree upon one church or the other, or helium atoms through the centuries and strain a marriage to the point of breaking_" upon a third church." finally change into lead. Some of these Strong emphasis is also laid upon the meteors are believed to have come from The Chairman of the Federal Council's a voidance of any "ecclesiastical interfer­ outside the solar system. Committee on Marriage and the Home, by ence" which would force upon either part­ After calling attention to Prof. Paneth's. which the report was prepared, is Dr. ner to a marriage any rigid ecclesiastical theory that large bodies in the universe Howard Chandler Robbins, formerly Dean requirement which is contrary to his own were perhaps a thousand times older than of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the religious convictions. On this subject the small bodies, Prof. Opik said there. was no Divine, New York, now l'rofessor of Pastoral report says: proof of this conclusion. Theology in the General Theological Semi­ "It is evident that the problem of mixed nary, New York. Included in the member­ He said the present theory of star evolu­ marriages is not simple, and that it is not ship of the Committee are prominent tion would indicate that large twin stars susceptible of easy solution_ Religion is a clergymen of various Protestant com­ should be closer together than small twin basic interest in human life, and differences munions and, in addition, several well stars. This is based on the idea that as they in religion, if these are fundamental, may known laymen and women. The lay mem­ grow cooler and shrink in size, their gravi· strain a marriage to the pOirit of breaking, bers include: Honorable George W. Wicker­ tational pull would decrease with their de­ especially where they are aggravated by sham, formerly Attorney General of the crease in mass. ecclesiastical interference. No religious United States; Mrs. Robert E. Speer, Presi­ As a matter of fact, Prof. Opik .pointed body which confesses itself Christian can dent of the National Board of the out, just the reverse is true. The large tolerate the imposition upon one of its own Y. W. C. A.; Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.; twin stars are farther apart than the small members of the requirements of another ones. religious body by which the religious Professor Ernest R. Groves, of the Univer­ sity of North Carolina; and Professor Alva Then he turned to the sensational dis­ scruples of that member are aroused, or ac­ W. Taylor, of the School of Religion of covery that has recently set the astronom­ tion repugnant to reason and conscience is Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. ical world agog, the fact that the spiral forced upon him by an authority which b,e nebulae are apparently receding from our does not acknowledge. For example, if one galactic system at incredible speed-as of the partners to a mixed marriage submits though the universe were exploding. Their to the dictation of such an authority and Reduced Estimates of distance at present would indicate that they promises that his children will be brought Age of the Earth could not have been traveling more than a up in a faith which he does not share, rea­ few billion years, he said. HAT Science sometimes moves in son and conscience are offended, the seeds From these facts he inferred that not circles was emphasized late in March, of future discord are sowed at the very out-· T much more than 3,000,000,000 years have set of married life, and the prospect of true when a return to the idea that the universe elap'sed since the spiral nebulae, the stars was created all at once, as set forth in the marriage, with conjunction of mind and and stardust were born out of the original soul, becomes remote. Or, if either partner Bible, was suggested by Prof. Ernst J. Opik, parent system. enters upon the union as a propagandist, of the Tartu University Observatory, Esto­ Perhaps future generations of scientists determined through the intimacies of mar­ nia. will scale the age of the universe down still riage to subvert the religious faith of the Prof. Opik, striking. at the theory of more! other, disaster is imminent. stellar evolution in his speech at the dedi· "Statistics bearing upon the matter are cation of the astrophotographic building of not adequate, but there is reason to suppose the Harvard College observatory, startled The Scottish Church in Amsterdam that marriages of this sort are highly un­ his hearers by suggesting that the age of stable; furthermore, that in very many cases the universe had been grossly overestimated. HE old Scottish Church in the Bagijne­ they lead either to the departure of both He said observed facts indicated the present T hoi, the old court off the Spui in Am­ pClrtners from the practices of religion or at universe could hardly have existed longer sterdam, situated in the centre of the town, 24 CHRISTIANITY TODAY Aprit 1932 it Is p.roposed to open daily from 12 to 2 the interesting statement that the Cove­ o'clock. A short servIce on behalf of peace nanting question had been satisfactorily will be held from 1 till 1.15 o'clock. The IF YOUR ADDRESS LABEL settled and that the National Covenant servIces will be held _ by- Amsterdam would no longer appear as a barrier pre­ Says II April 1932", or any month preachers of various denomInations. ThIs venting union with other Presbyterian old church was the religIous centre of the previous, your renewal is due. Will Churches. "Although a good understanding famous Scottish brigade, the regiment of you not please help those who are has been reached," continued Professor Scottish volunteers who served in Holland carrying on this work of Faith, and send Morton, "There Is still a good deal of agaInst Spain during the Dutch war of In­ your dollar iF it is due? If it is not ground to be covered as the problem of the 'vote' has not yet been decIded." VIewed dependence. At a later period, members of due, please ignore the enclosed re- the Pilgrim Fathers durIng their resIdence from the angle of the Church of Scotland in Holland, worshipped wIthin its walls. newal notice. the proposed union is very Important. If three committees with such decIded diver­ gencIes of opinion in matters of both Church and State have come to a common Form of Protest Against Affirmation understanding there Is reason to believe Word of God and our Standards that Christ that" at some future date the gulf between OLLOWING the publication of "The offered up Himself a sacrifice to satisfy the two unIted Churches may be bridged and ; Heretical Auburn Affirmation" in the F Divine justice and to reconcile us to God. the Church of Scotland be the name of all February number of CHRISTIANITY TODAY, "Four. It is an essential doctrine of the Scottish Presbyterian Churches. the desIre was expressed In a number of Word of God and our Standards concernIng dIfferent quarters for some form by which our Lord Jesus Christ, that on the thIrd day congregations, sessions, or meetings of He rose again from the dead with the same Christian' people mIght make a protest Westminster Seminary Rallies body wIth whIch He suffered, with whIch against the "Affirmation." As a result the also He ascended into heaven, and there AN informal supper for the presentation followIng form has been prepared, and Is sitteth on the right hand of His Father, .t\.. and discussion of the cause of West­ 'published for the Information of all who making intercessIon. minster Theological SemInary was given by may be interested: "Five. It is an essentIal doctrine of the the session of the Collingswood Presbyterian Word of God and as the supreme Standard Church, Collingswood, New Jersey, on the A Resolution of our faith that our Lord Jesus showed evening of March 28th. About thIrty-five WE, the members of the Congregation of His power and love by working mighty ministers and elders of West Jersey Presby­ ...... _...... " (or miracles. This working was not contrary tery of the Presbyterian Church in the Session of ...... , ...... , etc.) to nature, but superior to it." U. S. A. were present. The Rev. Harold S. LaIrd, pastor of the Collingswood Church assembled In a meeting properly and regu­ And further we pray to the great King larly called, desire to affirm anew our ad­ and secretary of the Board of Trustees of and Head of the Church that He will send the Seminary, presIded. Informal addresses herence to and love for the great truths of down upon us a mighty revival of the Grace were made by Dr. J. Gresham Machen, the Word of God as they have been his­ of God, to the salvatIon of many souls. It Professor of New Testament in the Semi­ torically received in the Presbyterian is our firm belief that God will not send this Church. We deplore the Inroads of Mod­ nary, and by the Rev. Edwin H. Rian. revival unless and until the Church puts After these addresses, there was an Informal ernism In our beloved Church, and express away her sins of unbelief, coldness and our wish' that those who hold views whIch discussIon, In whIch an exceedIngly cordial hick of love for the souls of men for whom attitude was manifested. Particular In­ in their nature are destructive of the Chris­ Christ died. tian faith of men and women, boys and terest was evinced in that method of support girls, will of their own free will leave the Date: for the Seminary which is found in the Presbyterian Church. It is our conviction Attest: placing of the Institution upon the annual that we will never have a true peace in the budget of congregations. ThIs Is done in a Church until those who deny great essen­ Clerk of Meeting. very generous way by the Collingswood tials of the Christian Gospel go their way Church, as it is being done in many other into some' other Church whose vows they congregations throughout the country. The may take and keep honestly, and where they Further Scottish Unions trend of the Collingswood meeting was will not be a disturbing factor. clearly favorable to an extension of the plan Contemplated in churches of West Jersey Presbytery. FURTHER, we associate ourselves with the deliverances of the General Assemblies AN interesting epoch in Scottish hIstory Other rallies are to' be held in the near of 1910, 1916 and 1923, in declaring the fol­ .t\.. is recalled by the recent negotiation future. On April 29, in the Memorial Pres~ lowing doctrines to be essential, and we for union between the Reformed Presby­ byterian Church of St. Louis, the West­ protest against the attempt of the "Auburn terian Church, Secession Church and the minster cause will be presented by Dr. Affirmation" to term them mere "theories" Free Church. Looking at the National Machen and Mr. Rian. The Rev. Dr. Russell which are not necessary to our system of Covenant, now a musty document framed Paynter, formerly of Philadelphia, Is the doctrine: in the National Library in Edinburgh and pastor of this great church. On May 2, a fraught with memories of the bitter con­ rally wHl be held in the Church of the "One. It is an essential doctrine of the flict for Presbyterianism for Scotland, one Covenant in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Rev. Dr. Word of God and our Standards that the would hardly expect to find it havIng a di­ Frank R. Elder is the pastor of this out­ Holy Spirit did so inspire, guide and move rect bearing on church life today. Up to standing congregation. On May 6, a the writers of Holy Scripture as to keep the present day members of the "Secession gathering will be held in the Broadway them fJ;om error. Kirk" have taken no part In the _election Presbyterian Church, New York, of which "Two. It is an essential doctrine of the of members to Parliament or with the The Rev. Dr. W. D. Buchanan, known every­ Word of God and our Standards that our doings of the Church of Scotland. In where for his firm stand for the faith, is Lord Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin a private interview Professor Morton, a minister. Mary. member of this Church, which broll;e away Other rallies are planned for different "Three. It is an essential doctrine of the from the Church of Scotland in 1735, made parts of the country in the near future.

BENJ. Y. EMERY CO •• PHILJ.