REVIVAL PLOWING a by Mark W

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 1 u Winter 2014

“Floods Upon the Dry Ground”

REVIVAL PLOWING A by Mark W. Evans STRAIGHT FURROW Scottish Presbyterian described revival with these words: “It is the life-giving, light-imparting, quickening, regenerating, and sanctifying energy of the Holy Spirit, converting the hardened sinner, and re- IN 2014 claiming the backsliding or dormant Christian. No one who deserves By Jack Hendricks theA name of a Christian will deny that these are the operations peculiarly as- cribed in the Scriptures to the agency of the Holy Spirit, and that it is the duty t the beginning of a new year, the of all to pray for, and the privilege of all to expect tendency for many of us is to think them in answer to earnest believing prayer — nay, back over the past. Both “good” that there cannot be Christianity without them….”1 Athings, as well as those not so good, The gracious work of God’s Spirit that brings tend to linger in our minds. The former true revival is missing in our land today. This sad may make us wish for such events and feel- fact is cause for concern and prayer. There were ings to recur, while the latter can cause us revivals in both the Old and New Testaments. Fol- to be fearful of moving forward in 2014. lowing His death, burial, resurrection, and ascen- Either way, we do ourselves injustice. sion, our sovereign Christ poured out the Holy “The best way to destroy today is Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Timid disciples to regret yesterday and worry about to- that had fled at Christ’s arrest, boldly stood up to morrow.”1 That old familiar tool of the preach the Gospel to their adversaries, and some devil, worry, drags us down and keeps us 3,000 repented and believed in the Lord Jesus from being effective for our Lord. “Sor- Christ. The revival spread throughout Jerusalem, row looks back; worry looks around; but Judea, Samaria, “and unto the uttermost part of faith looks up.”2 By God’s grace, “As thy the earth.” days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuter- Within a few centuries following the Apostles, onomy 33:25). a growing apostasy corrupted Christ’s doctrine, Let us examine three helpful guide- worship, government, and discipline. The Apostle lines from God’s Holy Word. John warned, “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many anti- Scripture warns us against christs; whereby we know that it is the last time” (1 John 2:18). looking back. The Apostle Paul wrote of a “falling away” [Greek, apostasia] and the revealing of “that man of sin … the son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Jesus admonishes His hearers in Luke He warned of the danger of mixing error with truth: “A little leaven leaveneth 9:62: “No man, having put his hand to the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). Continued on page 3 Continued on page 4

— A QUEST FOR HISTORICAL ACCURACY — The Division of 1937 Between the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the Bible Presbyterian Church by Brad K. Gsell (Page 7) became a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Speaking from his great erudition, he wrote, ”There is not a single instance in history in which civil liberty was lost, and religious liberty preserved entire.”3 It is no accident that the first clause of the First Amendment speaks to the issue of religious liberty. But the colonists’ resistance to religious tyranny extended beyond mere externals. Central to their understand- The Founding Fathers ing of man’s natural rights was that of private conscience. We can trace this historically back into the history and the Church of Christian thought to Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, John Cal- by David Woehr vin, and others who all taught that the only true religion is heart-felt, coming ilitant atheists are on by the British, wrote in his History from one’s inmost being. Forced belief the march these days. of the American Revolution, pub- is not belief at all. This concept was They go to court to lished in 1789, that there was “a broadly developed and plainly stated stop public displays dread that the Church of England by Roger Williams, the founder of the of religion. They through the power of the mother Rhode Island colony. He wrote, “The launch billboard campaigns to pro- country, would be made to triumph civil state is bound before God to take M 1 mote their views. Their spokesmen over all other denominations.” Ezra off that bond and yoke of soul-oppres- — writers like Richard Dawkins and Stiles, Congregationalist pastor and sion and to proclaim free and impar- Sam Harris — put out provocative president of Yale College, claimed tial liberty to all the people of the … books that contend religion is not that the biggest reason he and others nations, to choose and maintain what only a delusion, but dangerous. They opposed the Stamp Act was that its worship and ministry their minds and are, ironically, evangelistic about funds would be used to support An- consciences are persuaded of.”4 James their beliefs and disbeliefs. glican bishops. The future president Madison, a student of Witherspoon We need to be reminded that John Adams vociferated, “If Parlia- and author of the first draft of the Bill Christianity was a major element in ment could tax us, they could estab- of Rights, was heavily indebted to the the founding of our country. As our lish the Church of England with all work of Roger Williams. schools have become more and more its creeds, articles, tests, ceremonies, This line of thought was com- secularized, the textbooks have left and tithes; and prohibit all churches mon to all the founding fathers. Even out some significant facts about our as conventicles and schism shops.”2 Thomas Jefferson, a moderate Deist nation’s Founding Fathers. Many Clearly, economic causes were in- who doubted the accuracy of the were Christians, and those that were extricably linked with religious ones. Bible, supported the influence of the not were heavily influenced by Chris- Many colonists held their religious churches in the realm of public mo- tian ideas. beliefs very dearly and were willing rality. George Washington, a very re- Ask most people what caused to defend them. John Witherspoon served man who rarely spoke clearly the American Revolution, and they came over to the colonies from Scot- about his personal religious experi- will bring up some sort of economic land, where he had been an impor- ence, thought the church essential to motive. The slogan “No taxation tant church leader, because he was the nation. In his Second Inaugural without representation” sticks in our invited in 1768 to become president Address he said, “Of all the disposi- minds. Of course, money matters of the College of New Jersey (name tions and habits which lead to politi- had a significant role, as the Stamp later changed to Princeton Uni- cal prosperity, religion and morality Act Protest and the Boston Tea Party versity) after the untimely death of are indispensable supports. In vain demonstrate. But, there was much Jonathan Edwards. There he trained would that man claim the tribute more to it than this. dozens of leaders for the new nation of patriotism, who should labor to David Ramsay, a doctor from and energetically threw himself into subvert these great pillars of hu- South Carolina who was imprisoned public affairs. Indeed, this minister man happiness, these firmest props

2 Redeeming the Time | Winter 2014 www.rttpublications.org of the duties of men and citizens.… earth. Under the pope came a hierar- fire, and a new epoch of religious And let us with caution indulge the chy of cardinals, archbishops, bish- and civil liberty dawned upon the supposition that morality can be ops, priests, and other potentates world. maintained without religion. What- unwarranted by the Word of God. Revivals continued in the 1600s ever may be conceded to the influ- Salvation by grace alone, through and 1700s, before our country was ence of refined education on minds faith alone, in Christ alone was founded. Many heirs of the Refor- of peculiar structure, reason and changed into salvation by works. mation fled to the American colonies experience both forbid us to expect Good works, according to Rome, to escape persecution. Before the that national morality can prevail must be added to Christ’s merit. War for Independence, the colonies in exclusion of religious principle.” Even then, the faithful must suffer in were blessed with a great revival, The Founding Fathers established a a place not found in Scripture, called called The Great Awakening. Republic whose purpose was “to se- Purgatory, till enough merit has been cure the blessings of liberty to [them- acquired for entrance into heaven. “The gracious work of selves] and [their] posterity,” as the Among Rome’s good works are wor- God’s Spirit that brings preamble to the Constitution says, shipping of relics, worshipping of true revival is missing but they knew that it could not fulfill Mary, praying to Mary, praying to that purpose unless their posterity dead saints, counting rosary beads, in our land today. This remained moral and religious. The and confessing sins to a sinful priest sad fact is cause for decay of American society and gov- — none of which are warranted in concern and prayer.” ernment that we see in our day only the Bible. Adding moral corruption proves that their understanding of the to spiritual corruption, the false By the 1700s, the zeal that first issue was all too true. Let us dedi- church brought in the Dark Ages. accompanied the seekers of religious cate ourselves anew to exercising our After many centuries of religious liberty had waned. The churches freedom both civilly and spiritually.• and civil persecution, the Bible was in New England had established ______translated into known languages, a practice that proved spiritually 1 Quoted in American History Told by and Rome’s false teachings and prac- dangerous to individuals and con- Contemporaries. Ed. Albert Bushnell Hart. tices were revealed. The Lord sent gregations. Many churches allowed (Macmillan, 1989), p. II:631. the Reformation, the greatest revival the unconverted to partake of the 2Quoted in John Corrigan and Win- since Pentecost. Lord’s Supper after publicly affirm- throp S. Hudson, Religion in America, 7th The first rays of the rising sun of ing a covenant in which they agreed ed. (Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 2004). Biblical Christianity appeared in the to Christian beliefs and promised to 3 Quoted in Larry Schweikart and Mi- 1300s through John Wycliffe and his submit to Christ’s government in His chael Allen, A Patriot’s History of the United translation of the Bible into English. Church. Yet, they remained uncon- States (Sentinel, 2004), p. 68. It continued to advance in the 1400s verted. The result was spiritual de- 4Quoted in David Little, “The Reformed Tradition and the First Amendment,” in The and appeared in full brightness in the clension and apathy. First Freedom: Religion and the Bill of Rights. 1500s. It was natural for the unsaved to Ed. James E. Wood Jr. (Baylor, 1990), p. 36. Reformers such as Martin Lu- think of their covenant agreement, ther, Ulrich Zwingli, William Farel, church membership, and participa- David Woehr has a Ph.D. John Calvin, William Tyndale, John tion in the Lord’s Supper as actions in Church History from Knox, and a host of others, stud- pleasing to the Lord and works Bob Jones University. He is a member of Hope ied the Bible, learned the “faith that would lead to conversion. Jo- Presbyterian Church in which was once delivered unto the seph Tracy (1793-1874), in his Greenville, SC. saints,” and proclaimed it to a per- book, The Great Awakening, wrote, ishing world. The sovereign Holy “There were many in the churches, Spirit brought countless sinners to and some even in the ministry, who true repentance and saving faith in were yet lingering among the sup- REVIVAL the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s work posed preliminaries to conversion. Continued from page 1 prospered in spite of Rome’s mighty The difference between the church resistance, calling upon monarchs, and the world was vanishing away. In the place of a Christian church princes, noblemen, civil leaders, and Church discipline was neglected, obedient to the teachings of Scrip- laymen to punish and exterminate and the growing laxness of morals ture, there arose an ecclesiastical the “heretics.” Wars, inquisitions, was invading the churches. And yet counterfeit, headed by one claiming tortures, imprisonments, and ex- to be Christ’s representative upon ecutions failed to quench the revival Continued on page 4 www.rttpublications.org Winter 2014 | Redeeming the Time 3 REVIVAL to set in, and wonderfully to work along with a blaspheming, atheistic, amongst us; and there were, very communistic, government shaking Continued from page 3 suddenly, one after another, five or its fist at God, legalizing the kill- six persons, who were to all appearing of babies in the womb, attack- never, perhaps, had the expectation ance savingly converted, and some ing God’s institution of marriage, of reaching heaven at last been more of them wrought upon in a very re- legitimizing moral perversion, and general, or more confident.”2 markable manner”3 transgressing each one of God’s Ten The renowned preacher and From this small beginning, the Commandments. Surely the Judge is theologian Jonathan Edwards, of Lord was pleased to increase His gra- at the door, and we should be crying Northampton, Massachusetts, de- cious work. One historian said: “Re- out to Him for a work that no man termined to expose and refute the markable conversions followed and can do, a pouring out of God’s Spirit error. In the face of opposition, the Edwards soon had the entire com- in true revival. In the context of the munity under the spell of his preach- Lord’s judgment, Isaiah recorded “Timid disciples that had ing. People became deeply concerned this precious promise for His elect: about eternal things and came in “For I will pour water upon him that fled at Christ’s arrest, great throngs to hear him. They even is thirsty, and floods upon the dry boldly stood up to preach met in private houses day and night to ground: I will pour my Spirit upon the Gospel to their talk religion and to pray for pardon. thy seed, and my blessing upon thine adversaries, and some In six months more than three hun- offspring: And they shall spring up dred, or practically the entire popu- as among the grass, as willows by the 3,000 repented and lation above sixteen years, were con- water courses” (Isaiah 44:3,4). • believed in the Lord Jesus verted in Northampton. The revival ______Christ. The revival spread spread from town to town through 1The Revival of Religion: Addresses throughout Jerusalem, the whole Connecticut valley until by Scottish Evangelical Leaders delivered in Judaea, Samaria, ‘and one hundred and fifty communities in Glasgow in 1840, (Carlisle, PA: The Banner Massachusetts and Connecticut were of Truth Trust, reprinted 1984), p. x. unto the uttermost part visited with scenes similar to those 2Joseph Tracy, The Great Awakening of the earth.’” which took place at Northampton.”4 (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, re- The Lord had also prepared fields printed 1989), p. 8. 3 courageous preacher began a series white unto harvest in other parts of Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. I (Carlisle, PA: The of sermons on “Justification by Faith the colonies. Dutch Reformed minis- Banner of Truth Trust, reprinted 1987), pp. Alone.” He recorded the event and ter Theodorus Frelinghuysen, arriv- 347,348. the results: “Although great fault was ing in New York in 1720, found the 4Wesley M. Gewehr, The Great Awak- found with meddling with the contro- Dutch believers in spiritual decline. ening in Virginia, 1740-1790, (Durham, NC: versy in the pulpit, by such a person, He labored in their settlements of the Duke University Press, 1930), pp. 5,6. and at that time — and though it was Raritan Valley, New Jersey, and had ridiculed by many elsewhere — yet the joy of seeing many conversions. The Rev. Mark Evans is it proved a word spoken in season He became a close friend of Gilbert pastor of Hope Presbyte- rian Church, Greenville, here; and was most evidently attend- Tennent, a Presbyterian minister, SC, and is Moderator of ed with a very remarkable blessing through whom the Great Awaken- Faith Presbytery, Bible of heaven to the souls of the people ing began among the Presbyterians. Presbyterian Church. in this town. They received thence a This gracious revival would contin- general satisfaction, with respect to ue to spread through the middle and the main thing in question, which southern colonies for many years. It they had been in trembling doubts was the spiritual preparation for the PLOWING A STRAIGHT and concern about; and their minds conflict that would bring indepen- were engaged the more earnestly to dence from Britain and establish a FURROW IN 2014 seek that they might come to be ac- refuge for those who love liberty and Continued from page 1 cepted of God, and saved in the way detest tyranny. of the Gospel, which had been made The Great Awakening was one of the plough, and looking back, is fit for evident to them to be the true and the many revivals that the Lord sent the kingdom of God.” Our Lord had only way. And then it was, in the lat- to our land. Today we are facing im- just advised three well-intentioned ter part of December [1734], that the pending judgment because of apos- men regarding the cost of following Spirit of God began extraordinarily tate and compromising churches, Him, two of whom requested that

4 Redeeming the Time | Winter 2014 www.rttpublications.org they might deal with personal matters lusting: and the children of Israel also Those who followed Christ were prior to doing so. Matthew Henry wept again, and said, Who shall give to leave all things behind. The Scrip- comments on this passage, “Those us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, tures say: “And he saith unto them, who begin with the work of God [i.e. which we did eat in Egypt freely; the Follow me, and I will make you fish- putting one’s hand to the plow] must cucumbers, and the melons, and the ers of men. And they straightway left resolve to go on with it, or they will leeks, and the onions, and the garlick” their nets, and followed him” (Mat- make nothing of it. Looking back in- (Numbers 11:4-5; cf. Exodus 16:3). thew 4:19,20). clines to drawing back.”3 Later on, Moses gives the second It is instructive that the Apostle Another Puritan has written, “All generation Israelites God’s words Paul in describing the whole armor that would follow Christ must re- regarding any desire to return to of God in Ephesians 6, and listing all nounce their worldly affections and Egypt: “Ye shall henceforth return the protective pieces, makes no men- inclinations, or else they can make no more that way” (Deuteronomy tion of a piece to cover the back for no work of Christianity.… So we must 17:16). The writer of the book of He- the Christian soldier. There is a hel- not look back, or mind anything be- brews expands on this, referring to met for the head, a metal plate for the hind us, which may turn us back, the faithful Old Testament believers: breast, protection for the feet, and a and stop us in our course.… There- “And truly if they had been mindful shield for the front; but no guard for fore the world must be renounced, of that country from whence they the back. This seems incomplete — and we must grow dead to the world, came out [Egypt], they might have armor for the whole body, yet noth- that we may be alive to God.”4 had opportunity to have returned. ing to cover the back! Surely this In 2 Timothy 4:10, we read Paul’s But now they desire a better coun- teaches us that we are never to re- note that “Demas hath forsaken me, try, that is, an heavenly: wherefore treat, to turn back: we must continue having loved this present world.” As God is not ashamed to be called their faithful to the end, until we have se- long as we are entangled with the al- God: for He hath prepared for them cured total victory. lurements of this world, we are unfit a city” (Hebrews 11:15-16). When William the Conqueror to serve in God’s kingdom, for “a In addition, we have this ac- landed his army in Sussex, England, double minded man is unstable in all count in Jeremiah 7:21-24: “Thus in the 11th century AD, he imme- his ways” (James 1:8). saith the LORD of hosts, the God diately commanded his ships to be On one occasion Christ gave of Israel; … I spake … unto your fa- sunk, that there might be no hopes a terse warning, “Remember Lot’s thers [and] this thing commanded I of running back again. The soldiers wife” (Luke 17:32). What a pro- them, saying, Obey my voice, and I must face the enemy without retreat. found warning to believers of all will be your God, and ye shall be my Certain it is that no one ever ages! He was referring to Genesis people: and walk ye in all the ways learns to drive a car by looking in the 19:17, where it is recorded that Lot that I have commanded you, that rear view mirror! Just so, Scripture and his family were forbidden by the it may be well unto you. But they warns us against looking back. Lord to look back toward Sodom hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, as they were leaving that sinful city: but walked in the counsels and in the Scripture exhorts us to “Escape for thy life; look not be- imagination of their evil heart, and go forward. hind thee, neither stay thou in all the went backward, and not forward. plain; escape to the mountain, lest It has been said, “Looking back In his epistle to the Philippian thou be consumed” (emphasis add- will not become those who have set church, the Apostle Paul emphati- ed). Lot’s wife, however, ignored the their faces heavenward.”5 According cally states his committed resolve as warning, and looked back toward to our Lord, “such a person is not a Christian: “Brethren, I count not the city, with the result that she be- ‘fit’, i.e. properly disposed, has not myself to have apprehended: but this came a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). his mind properly directed toward one thing I do, forgetting those things The context of Luke 17:32 is Je- the heavenly inheritance.”6 which are behind, and reaching forth sus’ teaching on the coming of the “Looking back” implies con- unto those things which are before, I Kingdom of God. He warns against tinuous action. A farmer, however, press toward the mark for the prize a false security in the values and at- must always be looking forward in of the high calling of God in Christ tachments of this world in order to order to plow a straight furrow. In Jesus” (Philippians 3:13,14). be ready for Christ’s return. the first century Pliny noted that a In verse 13 of this text, Paul In the Old Testament accounts plowman who does not pay atten- makes his purpose clear in two short of the wilderness trials of God’s cho- tion to his work produces a crooked phrases: (1) “Forgetting those things sen people, we read, “And the mixed row. Such a person has a divided multitude that was among them fell a mind concerning the things of God.7 Continued on page 6 www.rttpublications.org Winter 2014 | Redeeming the Time 5 PLOWING A STRAIGHT The psalmist echoes Paul’s words as God’s chosen ones, we should not when he says, “One thing have I de- be alarmed at either of these, for we FURROW IN 2014 sired of the LORD, that will I seek serve the God of comfort who prom- Continued from page 5 after…” (Psalm 27:4). For Paul, that ises that He will always be with us. meant a consecrated commitment to He will never forsake us. Such con- which are behind”; and (2) “Reach- forgetting what had gone before and a cerns as our health, jobs, finances, ing forth unto those things which are determined effort in striving for what and the world’s troubles should not before.”8 lay ahead. Likewise, our primary goal cause us to fear. Instead, we should (1) “Forgetting those things which should be making progress in holi- of all people be confident in 2014, are behind” (verse 13a): ness while in this life. The Christian’s for we serve a great God. Is this not good advice for us as goal should be more than finishing When the missionary David Liv- well? So, what are we to forget? Our the race; we want to be winners. “We ingstone returned from Africa to his list should surely include the fol- must not only persevere to the end, English homeland, he was asked, lowing: our worries, our fears, our but we should grow better, and walk “Where are you ready to go next?” failures, even our successes. Sports more evenly and closely with God.”10 Dr. Livingstone replied, “I am ready coaches like to remind their current Truly this is the Lord’s plan for to go anywhere provided it be for- teams that “Last year means noth- our lives. As He would say to us: ward.” Should this not be the attitude ing.” Whether it resulted in overall “I always lead you forward. When of every child of God all our days? victory or in predominant defeat, the you are going through hard times, you The future holds for believers past season must be let go, in light of tend to look back longingly at seasons great blessings: God, Heaven, and a new year. Likewise we are to let go when your life seemed easier, less everlasting glory! (See Titus 2:11-14.) of 2013 and go forward in 2014. As complicated. You daydream about “In the Christian life, we never stand long as we are always looking back, those simpler times…. Even your still; we go either forward or back- we cannot move forward. prayers reflect this yearning to go ward. The challenge to the believer is When the children of Israel found back to earlier, easier circumstances. Hebrews 6:1: Let us go on!”13 themselves “trapped” at the edge of “But this is not My way for you! “Wherefore seeing we also are the Red Sea, with the rapidly ap- Because of the nature of time, there compassed about with so great a proaching Egyptian army behind is only one direction to travel, and cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside them, “the LORD said unto Mo- that is forward. Your life on earth is every weight, and the sin which doth ses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? a journey—beginning at birth and so easily beset us, and let us run with speak unto the children of Israel, that ending at the gates of Heaven. I am patience the race that is set before us, they go forward” (Exodus 14:15). your Guide, and your responsibility Looking unto Jesus the author and Just so, a runner in a race jeopardiz- is to follow Me wherever I lead.… I finisher of our faith; who for the joy es his position once he looks back at am … your Shepherd. I always lead that was set before Him endured the his opponents following him. you along the best possible path.... cross, despising the shame, and is set (2) “Reaching forth unto those [And,] I am tenderly present with down at the right hand of the throne things which are before” (verse 13b): you each step of your journey.”11 of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Paul states that he is “reaching Clearly, Scripture exhorts us to go I’m pressing on the upward way, forth,” implying a straining forward forward. New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day — or stretching out in order to win the Still praying as I’m onward bound, race. We have witnessed runners do- Scripture says to press on “Lord, plant my feet on higher ing just this as they approach the fin- (Philippians 3:14). ground.” ish line, leaning their bodies forward in order to be the first to break the “Those things which are before” My heart has no desire to stay tape. Paul identifies as the goal — “the Where doubts arise and fears dismay; In addition, note that Paul em- prize” to be won in a race. In this case Tho some may dwell where these phasizes that this is the one thing he it is “the high calling of God in Christ abound, does — his sole goal in life. It has been Jesus.” The early church father Ignati- My pray’r, my aim, is higher said that “a single-minded focus in us wrote in his letter to Polycarp: “Be ground.14 • any endeavor generally wins a great temperate as God’s athlete. The prize ______12 reward. In the spiritual life, direction is incorruption and eternal life.” 1Warren Wiersbe, With the Word (Nash- makes all the difference. True believ- None of us can be certain what ville, TN: Oliver-Nelson Books, 1991), p. 125. ers aren’t in heaven yet, but they aim the new year holds in store, or if we their steps in that direction.”9 will even be around to see it end. But, Continued on page 16

6 Redeeming the Time | Winter 2014 www.rttpublications.org A QUEST FOR HISTORICAL ACCURACY The Division of 1937 Between the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the Bible Presbyterian Church PART 1

by Brad K. Gsell

Introduction counts are mere snapshots into the often inaccurate use of labels to de- past, with certain facts included, and scribe certain individuals and be- Near the conclusion of the Mod- others absent. American historian liefs, and a perhaps unwitting con- ernist-Fundamentalist Controversy in and biographer Allan Nevins states flation with later events and actions the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. well that: “History is never above have unfortunately been far too prev (PCUSA), a number of Bible-believ- the melee. It is not allowed to be alent. ing pastors and churches left — or neutral, but forced to enlist in every The present writer knew well were put out of — that denomina- army.”2 The history of the subject at several early leaders of the Bible tion. Many of these men joined to- hand is no exception! Presbyterian Church who were pres- gether and formed the Presbyterian Often, perhaps unintentionally, ent when these events took place. Church of America.1 Sadly, differ- the facts selected paint a skewed rep- My own first-hand experience with ences quickly appeared which led in these men has not always matched less than a year to the founding of “It has been our concern what is reported as fact in some of yet another denomination — the Bi- for some time that many these various accounts. Therefore, ble Presbyterian Church. we will seek to present a wide array It has been our concern for some of the prevailing historical of primary documentation — some time that many of the prevailing his- accounts concerning this of it publicly available, some in my torical accounts concerning this divi- division — often quoted, personal files for decades, and others sion — often quoted, and thus per- and thus perpetuated in provided to me by the descendants petuated in even more books, dis- of some of the key figures in these sertations and articles — do not even more books, events. present a balanced or fair view of dissertations and articles The stand taken by Bible Presby- these events and are inaccurate in — do not present a terian leader Carl McIntire in the some very important respects. balanced or fair view of Christian Beacon, on the 20th Cen- The study of history is a worth- these events and are tury Reformation Hour, and through while and crucial pursuit. In it we see other avenues, gained him many a repeated succession of the victories inaccurate in some very friends — but also a host of enemies. and defeats, the strengths and foi- important respects.” His unrelenting exposure of unscrip- bles, endemic to human existence. tural compromise throughout the From this there are many things we resentation of what took place. In evangelical movement, while numer- can learn concerning how we should other cases, faulty conclusions pass ous Christian leaders prevaricated live our own lives. Scripture itself is for fact. This is usually caused by the and shrank from the battle, caused history (although much more than paucity of complete documentation, some to have an aversion to him and that!), given to us by God that we a misunderstanding of the evidence, what he had to say.3 Further, even may learn “what man is to believe and/or the latent bias of the writer. many of his friends felt that he some- concerning God, and what duty God Sometimes, for various reasons, extant times placed trust in people who were requires of man” (Westminster Short- documents (or those most easily ob- not truly with him, and distrusted er Catechism Question 4). tained) are from only one point of view. some who believed thoroughly in his Apart from Scripture — which is At any rate, the omission of cru- perfect — even the best historical ac- cial facts, the less than careful and Continued on page 8 www.rttpublications.org Winter 2014 | Redeeming the Time 7 THE DIVISION OF 1937 in Charlotte — a time we fondly refused with the present publication of member. We also enjoyed stopping that name), The Independent Board Continued from page 7 to see him and Mrs. McIntire in their for Presbyterian Foreign Missions home in Collingswood, NJ, a few ([IBPFM] 1933), The Presbyterian Con stand, yet were not afraid to offer months before his death at nearly 96 situtional Covenant Union ([PCCU] constructive criticism along the way. years of age. 1935); and The Presbyterian Guard- This writer grew to have an Despite any disagreements some ian (1935). abiding love for the ministry of the may have had with Carl McIntire or In 1929, the Presbyterian Church Bible Presbyterian Church and the other Bible Presbyterians, whether in the U.S.A. had “reorganized” Reformed Faith largely through the justified or not, a fair presentation of Princeton Seminary. Although they ministry of Carl McIntire. This was the facts is no less required. I do not claimed it was just an administrative developed and expanded as I studied consider that I am somehow blessed change, it put Modernists in firm at Shelton College and Faith Theo- over others to be “above the melee,” control of this school which had logical Seminary. However, I did not but believe the facts here presented been known for well over 100 years always agree with Dr. McIntire, and are crucial to any fair study of these as a bastion of Biblical orthodoxy. indeed was not closely associated events. That same year, Machen and several with him after a division in the Bible We shall begin with a brief his- professors left Princeton and West- Presbyterian Church in the 1980s. I torical overview. Following this, a minster Theological Seminary was felt he had misjudged the situation number of assertions made in histor- founded in Philadelphia. greatly. ical accounts of these events will be Evidence was also appearing Therefore, the purpose of this es- examined in the light of the available during this time showing that mis- say is not to present McIntire and evidence. Of particular help should sionaries under the Board of Foreign other Bible Presbyterians as if they be the actual words of various indi- Missions of the PCUSA were teach- had no faults and their detractors as viduals expressing their own beliefs, ing unbiblical views on the mission totally in error. Few circumstances rather than the secondary sources field. When these things were point- are ever so clearcut. usually presented which often mis- ed out and nothing was done, a Some have said that McIntire’s represent these beliefs. number of men gathered to form experiences in the 1930s, first with The Independent Board for Presbyte- the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., Historical Overview rian Foreign Missions. This was con- and shortly thereafter with the Pres- sidered a threat by the Church. The byterian Church of America, left an Tumult and Transition very next year, the General Assembly indelible mark which greatly influ- passed the infamous Mandate of enced decisions throughout the rest As Modernism grew to promi- 1934, which demanded that men re- of his long and productive ministry. nence in the Presbyterian Church sign from The Independent Board or This seems to be borne out in a letter in the U.S.A. (PCUSA) throughout face disciplinary action. he sent to the Bible Presbyterian Syn- the 1920s and 1930s, Bible believ- od, via one of its leaders, a couple of ers of diverse backgrounds all held The Presbyterian Church years before his death in 2002. I was the greatest love and respect for Dr. of America5 serving as Stated Clerk of the Synod J. Gresham Machen. He had served at that time, and have always been with distinction as Associate Profes- These events gave rise to the for- most grateful for that letter. sor of New Testament at Princeton mation in 1935 of the Presbyterian McIntire stated: “I now believe Theological Seminary (having taught Constitutional Covenant Union — that because of past experiences, I there from 1906 to 1929). Machen as a final witness against the aposta- misjudged the motives of [your Syn- stood without wavering in the face sy in the PCUSA. Throughout the od] and so refused to accept any evi- of soul-destroying Modernism, and next two years, faithful men of God dence you attempted to present. I am sacrificed his reputation, his liveli- endured grueling ecclesiastical trials. sorry, and apologize, and would hope hood, his very life in continuing the In just a few years, many went from to heal the breach before the end of work of God in the face of massive pastoring large, prestigious churches, my life. Will you with Christian char- opposition. to being put on trial and removed ity present this letter to the upcom- Machen was the principle mov- from the ministry (and even the “com ing Synod for me? Gratefully in the er in the founding of, among other munion of the church”) for their loy- name of the Lord, Carl McIntire.”4 organizations: Westminster Theolog- alty to the Word of God. Some lost In his later years, Dr. McIntire ical Seminary ([WTS] 1929), Christi- their manses, means of support and visited my wife and me at our home anity Today (1930; not to be con- pensions in a very short period of

8 Redeeming the Time | Winter 2014 www.rttpublications.org “Virtually all of the men in But tensions soon surfaced in the ernists, for their position of “peace the new church were men new church, largely centered around at any price” allowed heretics to gain statements and actions of certain preeminence in the old church, and of firm conviction, professors at Westminster Seminary, led many believers astray. Machen believing that the care and and the resultant responses by others declared: “But He [God] has always preservation of correct in the Church. Professor John Mur- saved it [the Church] not by theo- doctrine was essential to ray had roots in Scottish Presbyteri- logical pacifists, but by sturdy con- 8 the furtherance of a anism and Professors Ned B. Stone- tenders for the truth.” house, R.B. Kuiper and Cornelius Some men had taken the futile faithful Church. Despite Van Til were of the Christian Re- and unscriptural position of remain- any failure of judgment or formed tradition of the Netherlands. ing in the old Church and trying to understanding by those on These men were all strong advocates fight from within. Two weeks after either side, these men are of Amillennialism and did not have the founding of the Presbyterian the same appreciation for some of the Church of America, one such group, to be greatly admired for emphases which had developed since the Presbyterian League of Faith, attempting at all cost the early 1700s in the Presbyterian met in New York and elected the to be faithful to God’s Church in the U.S.A. — even in Old Rev. Clarence McCartney as Presi- Word, and for separating School Presbyterianism, the mantle of dent. McCartney had been on the which they claimed to be theirs. Board of Westminster Theological from the apostasy found Ministers such as Carl McIntire, Seminary, but refused to leave the in the PCUSA.” J. Oliver Buswell, Allan A. MacRae old Church. He remained in the and H. McAllister Griffiths were sol- apostasy until his death. time. Church members found them- idly Reformed, but took the position McCartney’s assistant pastor at selves locked out of the very church of the importance of Christians lead- the First Presbyterian Church of facilities they had sacrificed to build. ing a “separated life,” the Biblical Pittsburgh, the Rev. Harold John Others were forced to leave all be- view which had been promoted by Ockenga9, would go on to become a hind when the PCUSA took aggres- many American Presbyterians (both world-renowned leader in 20th cen- sive legal action. Old School and New School) through tury evangelicalism. In the 1940s, he In the midst of the fires of these out history. They often warned young laid out an ambitious plan of “infil- mighty trials, the character of many people against the use of intoxicat- tration,” as opposed to “separation” well-known Christian leaders was ing beverages, immoral Hollywood from apostasy, which he termed the forged. Their strong influence was entertainment and other “worldly” “New Evangelicalism.” This un- felt throughout the Christian church practices. They also held strongly to scriptural position, placing far more for the remainder of the 20th century. a belief in the Premillennial Second emphasis on human strategy than On June 11, 1936, seeing that Coming of Jesus Christ. Scriptural obedience, has played a there was no further hope of reform- Virtually all of the men in the major roll in the weak, powerless, ing the PCUSA, the Presbyterian new church were men of firm convic- compromising position of much of Constitutional Covenant Union was tion, believing that the care and pres- today’s evangelicalism. dissolved and the First General As- ervation of correct doctrine was es- sembly of the Presbyterian Church sential to the furtherance of a faithful Kuiper’s Article in of America (later renamed the Or- Church. Despite any failure of judg- The Presbyterian Guardian thodox Presbyterian Church [OPC])6, ment or understanding by those on was constituted. Machen was the either side, these men are to be great- The Presbyterian Guardian mag- natural choice of the assembled del- ly admired for attempting at all cost azine commenced publication on egates for the position of Moderator. to be faithful to God’s Word, and for October 7, 1935, as the “official Men had joy in their hearts. They fi- separating from the apostasy found voice” of the Presbyterian Constitu- nally found themselves in a true Pres in the PCUSA. tional Covenant Union. When that byterian church where all would be- This is to be contrasted with the organization held its last meeting on lieve in the inspiration and inerrancy “Indifferentists” — those who claimed June 11, 1936, the men present vot- of the Scriptures, with a firm com- to be be faithful to Scripture, yet re- ed to turn the Guardian over to sev- mitment to the Reformed Faith, as treated and surrendered in the face eral of its members who had estab- so finely expressed in the Westmin of apostasy in the old denomination. lished the Presbyterian and Reformed ster Confession of Faith and Cate- Machen believed these “Indifferent- chisms.7 ists” to be far worse than the Mod- Continued on page 10 www.rttpublications.org Winter 2014 | Redeeming the Time 9 THE DIVISION OF 1937 Stonehouse became the co-editors, The Rev. Carl McIntire respond- with their names first appearing on ed with an editorial in the October 1, Continued from page 9 the masthead of the September 12, 1936, Christian Beacon (p. 2) entitled 1936, issue. “Premillennialism.” The Christian Bea- Publishing Company, an autonomous In that issue, an article by Profes- con was a weekly newspaper started by organization. sor Kuiper appeared entitled “Why McIntire earlier that same year. Al- The Guardian was now indepen- Separation Was Necessary.”10 It was though Kuiper had not mentioned dent, and in no sense the official or- slightly abridged from an article he Premillennialism directly, he had at- gan of the new Presbyterian Church had written for The Banner, the of- tacked “American Fundamentalis[m]” of America [OPC], although it regu- ficial organ of the Christian Reformed as being incongruous with the “Re- larly reported its activities therein. Church. It included a list of things formed Faith,” and referred to some Within a few months, Dr. H. McAl- Kuiper believed that “The Presbyte- of the “extremely prevalent” “errors” lister Griffiths left as the full-time rian Church of America [OPC] must of Fundamentalism as “anti-Reformed editor of the Guardian, reportedly stress strongly if it is to have a worth- heresies.” McIntire undoubtedly agreed due to financial constraints at the while future.” with much of what Kuiper wrote, new company. Drs. Machen and He spoke even to matters which but saw Kuiper as speaking in gener- were still being debated, such as the alities, “without any effort to distin- exact formulation for the Constitu- guish the good from the bad,” and tion of the Church. It is easy to see stated his belief that there were an how this could offend the sense of increasing number of “veiled” and propriety of some — since the paper “indirect” attacks being made on the had no authority to speak for the Premillennialists by Amillennialists. Church, and Kuiper was not even a McIntire was not the only one member, having his credentials in the who saw Kuiper’s article in this light. Christian Reformed Church. This The Presbytery of California of the was further confirmation to some OPC passed a resolution recommend- men who already sensed that The ing to the editors of The Guardian Presbyterian Guardian was unduly that such statements hereafter be attempting to set policy for the new stricken from the manuscripts or that Church and associated agencies. an editorial note be appended immediately following such statements which will make it clear that such a view is the private view of the author of the article and in no wise represents the official position of the Church.”11 The Presbytery of California also overtured the Second General As- sembly: “… we earnestly and prayer- fully appeal to you (and to all other Presbyteries, if God wills it, to join us in our plea) that definite, emphat- ic, and unambiguous eschatological liberty be written into the constitution of our beloved church.”12 The November 14, 1936, Guard ian (p. 42) criticized McIntire, saying concerning his editorial that “the suspicion and injustice due to the original misrepresentation culminat- Top: The Moderators of the First and Second General Assemblies of the ed in the attack which has been made Presbyterian Church of America (OPC), respectively: J. Gresham Machen by the Presbytery of California against (right) and J. Oliver Buswell (left). Bottom: The Second General Assembly certain persons in The Presbyterian of thePresbyterian Church of America (OPC). Dr. J. Oliver Buswell, Church of America and particularly Moderator, can be seen in the front center of the photo. against The Presbyterian Guardian.”

10 Redeeming the Time | Winter 2014 www.rttpublications.org The covers of the inaugural issues of Christianity Today, The Presbyterian Guardian and the Christian Beacon.

This statement was retracted in McIntire about his failure to print a the very next issue of The Guardian reply from Kuiper in the Christian of Moderator, and Buswell was (November 28, 1936, p. 71), with Beacon. Very shortly thereafter, Bus elected. However, with the contro- the editors stating that they “were in well wrote to Machen: “I really think versy that had ensued, the Premillen- error.” The Presbytery of California you have misjudged Carl McIntire,” nialists desired that something be had immediately responded: “It is and stated that he also felt Dr. Kui- passed simply to assure them that only fair to Rev. Carl McIntire and per had “used general words in an their presence in the OPC would the Christian Beacon to say that our incorrect way.”14 continue to be welcomed. Although misinterpretation was entirely inde- In his later years, Dr. Allan A. the editors of The Guardian had pendent of his editorial, ‘Premillen- MacRae commented concerning this: stated THEIR view that Premillenni- nialism,’ appearing in that paper. “Kuiper wrote a long statement which alists would be welcome in the That editorial was cited merely be- he demanded be printed in the Bea- Church, since they could truthfully cause its words accurately set forth con. McIntire refused to turn over hold to “the system of doctrine” our own independently-arrived-at- half an issue of the Beacon to him. found in the Confession, they also understanding of Professor Kuiper’s There was a long interchange of let- had printed, on the front page of the words. It seems to us that there are a ters between them. I never saw these October 24, 1936, issue, that “the sufficient number of persons through letters, but Laird Harris once said Westminster Confession of Faith and out the nation who arrived at an that he had read them and that the Catechisms teach not the Premillen- identical interpretation with Rev. spirit of McIntire was so much more nial view but a view that is opposed McIntire’s (and that prior to the time Christian than the spirit of Kuiper in to the Premillennial view.…” of his editorial) that it would appear these letters.… That had a good deal If the Premillennialists were in that either Professor Kuiper was cer- to do with swinging Harris in our di- any way unjustified in their fears, tainly less explicit and clear in his rection though he continued for The Guardian certainly did not help phraseology than he might have been, many years to feel a strong emotion- matters. It became increasingly stri- or else, that a host of persons must al attachment to Kuiper.”15 dent in publishing needlessly offen- be charged with mental vacuity.”13 sive remarks in its editorials. For in- Machen, naturally desiring to The Second General Assembly stance, when the Second General see peace in the new denomination, of the OPC Assembly turned down the pleas of thought the fears of the Premillenni- the Premillennialists, the editors of alists were unfounded, and thus that On November 12-14, 1936, the The Guardian were not content just the resultant turmoil was unneces- Second General Assembly of the to report the fact. They did restate sary and causing damage in the new OPC met in Philadelphia. Machen church. He wrote a strong letter to nominated Dr. Buswell for the office Continued on page 12 www.rttpublications.org Winter 2014 | Redeeming the Time 11 THE DIVISION OF 1937 the Premillennialists with the infer- these problems. I have written this ence that various ones of them were letter with great hesitation. I would Continued from page 11 considered “drastic” and “[il]logi- not offend you for the world but I do cal” in their requests. They were not hope and pray that these remarks their view that the Premillennialists requesting that Premillennialism be may be helpful.”19 should be welcome, but added such mandated, but simply for assurances In God’s providence, Machen statements as: “As for the refusal of that it would be allowed! was never able to respond.20 On New the General Assembly to ‘write es- Year’s Day 1937, Dr. Machen suc- chatological liberty’ into the consti- Harold S. Laird Elected President cumbed to pneumonia while visiting tution of the church, that was also of The Independent Board churches on the plains of North Da- a great victory for the Reformed kota. All the men who had stood for Faith.”16 No reasons were given for The Independent Board held its the Truth alongside Dr. Machen were this grand claim, but the Premillen- regular fall meeting on November of course stunned at this sudden loss nialists were left with the inference 16, 1936, two days after the ad- of their leader. Friends and enemies that if they had prevailed, it would journment of the OPC General As- alike paid tribute. The Christian have been a great defeat for the “Re- sembly. The Rev. Harold S. Laird, Beacon, The Presbyterian Guardian formed Faith.” who had until recently been pastor and The Independent Board Bulletin Later in the same article, the of the First and Central Presbyterian all carried glowing words of praise editors opined: “But to put into the Church of Wilmington, Delaware, concerning Dr. Machen. doctrinal standards such vague terms was elected President, succeeding Dr. Modernist missionary Pearl S. as ‘eschatological liberty’ or ‘the Machen. Laird had been put out of Buck, whose heretical teachings played premillennial view’ or the like would the old Church due to his member- a large role in motivating godly men be to insert something utterly incon- ship on The Independent Board. He to form The Independent Board, wrote: gruous with the whole underlying had been a charter member of the “I admired Dr. Machen very much character of the rest of the standards Board of Trustees of Westminster while I disagreed with him on every and indeed would be to advertise to Seminary and of The Independent point. He was worth a hundred of all the world that The Presbyterian Board. He presently was serving as his fellows who, as princes of the Church of America has very little the secretary of the Board of West- church, occupy easy places and play notion of what doctrinal standards minster, a position he had held since their church politics and trim their are.”17 Such insults created further the Seminary’s founding. Tensions sails to every wind…. I wish Dr. Ma- alienation, and the assurances of were obviously present and a size- chen had lived to go on fighting an independent magazine certainly able minority were disturbed that them.”21 were NOT the same as official assur- Dr. Machen was not reelected. Dr. Caspar Wister Hodge, Jr., ances from the General Assembly of who was the grandson of the great the Church. Untimely Death of Dr. Machen theologian Charles Hodge (and the Some Premillennialists, such as great great great grandson of Benja- Moderator Buswell, agreed that it On December 4, 1936, Dr. Bus min Franklin), wrote: “I not only would be best not to alter the Confes- well wrote a most gracious letter to loved him as a personal friend, but I sion, but a suggestion by one mem- Dr. Machen, discussing some of his regarded him as the greatest theolo- ber of the Assembly that a Declara- concerns with Westminster Seminary, gian in the English-speaking world. tory Statement be added, and even an The Independent Board, and the Pres The whole cause of evangelical Chris overture from the Presbytery of New byterian Church of America. Buswell tianity has lost its greatest leader.”22 Jersey requesting a simple non-bind- wrote with great hesitation, prefac- This was one of Hodge’s last pro- ing resolution, were rejected. The ing a number of his comments with nouncements, for he himself was to Guardian editors wrote: “Another such phrases as: “You are a far more die the very next month. overture from the Presbytery of New experienced and more capable Chris- Jersey demanded no such drastic ac- tian leader than I”; and “let me say Dr. Buswell Meets With the tion as that proposed by the Califor- again by way of preface that my deep Faculty of Westminster Seminary nia body, but asked merely for a res- admiration for your Christian lead- olution which of course would have ership has not changed in the least.” Buswell’s desire for a meeting no constitutional standing whatev- Buswell concluded this letter by with the Westminster Seminary fac- er.… Dr. Machen delivered a logical stating: “How I wish I could sit down ulty, expressed in his last letter to indictment of this entire proposal.”18 with you and Dr. Kuiper and Dr. Van Machen, was realized on Monday These unnecessary comments left Til and the others and talk over all of evening, January 25, 1937. Sadly,

12 Redeeming the Time | Winter 2014 www.rttpublications.org the presence of Dr. Machen was now think as to the merits of either man’s ed: “With the publication of this permanently precluded. Buswell left arguments, this was no mere theo- statement, and of Mr. Murray’s own the meeting quite discouraged and logical discussion. Murray savaged reply, we are closing this discus- revealed his heart in a personal letter Buswell, accusing him of “pitiable dis sion.”28 to Dr. Laird. tortion and misrepresentation,” of be He touched on the matters of Pre ing “seriously incompetent,” and say- Turmoil at Westminster millennialism, abstinence from alco ing that Buswell’s book Unfulfilled Theological Seminary hol and other worldly practices, and Prophecies26 was “characterized by his concern with the view of apolo- gross unfairness and misrepresenta- Things were deteriorating rapid- getics23 being advanced by Dr. Van tion, and his exegetical argumenta- ly. On April 26, 1937, Dr. Allan A. Til at the Seminary. He also related tion is frequently very inconsequen- MacRae, one of the original profes- his displeasure at “the intolerant and tial. Looseness and carelessness are, sors of Westminster Seminary, cho- undemocratic attitude of the West- we fear, the rule rather than the ex- sen by Dr. Machen, sent his letter of minster group toward Mr. McIntire’ s ception.” resignation to Dr. Harold S. Laird, independent paper [the Christian On the front page of this same secretary of the Seminary’s Board of Beacon].”24 Buswell and others felt issue, the editor, Professor Stone- Trustees. He stated his view that: the editors of The Guardian wanted house, attacked those who believed “Control of the Faculty and direc- a monopoly on being able to state in “the separated life.” Again, Dr. tion of its policies has passed into the what course the Church and its as- Buswell is criticized by name, along hands of a small alien group without sociated agencies should take. with another of his books, The American Presbyterian background.… He concluded his letter to Dr. Christian Life.27 With the ruinous use The alien group to which I have re- Laird: “What I fear is that the Pres- of alcohol and tobacco, and the glo- ferred considers no one to be truly byterian Church of America, neces- rification of sin in much of Holly- Presbyterian unless he agrees with sarily going the way of the separated wood’s entertainment, a large num- them in everything which they life, the strongly evangelical and his- ber of men in the Church had called choose to call essential to being ‘Re- torical type of apologetics and evan- on young people to reject these vices, formed’ — much of which is derived gelism, and quite largely colored by deducing their evils from clear prin- from their own non-Presbyterian premillennial teaching, may have to ciples of the Word of God. Indeed, background.” He also mentions his part company with Westminster Dr. Buswell had pressed these mat- view that the Premillennial view was Seminary. I wish that parting of the ters with the large body of students increasingly being attacked at the ways might be prevented. I do not under his care at Wheaton College, Seminary, and that the right to the believe God will bless a drinking, and many of the pastors of thriving use of alcohol was being champi- worldly ministry.”25 churches had done likewise. On the oned among most of the faculty.29 other hand, most of the professors at Professor Kuiper, Chairman of Were the Fears of the Westminster Seminary thought such the Faculty, issued a statement to the Premillennialists Justified? warnings went beyond the teaching press, part of which reads: “The pol- of Scripture, and thus were unbibli- icy of Westminster Theological Semi- The Premillennialists soon had cal. Some have wondered if the ad- nary has always been to carry on the additional reasons to believe their mitted enjoyment of some of these traditions of loyalty to the Bible and fears to be justified. With the loss of vices by certain Seminary professors the Reformed Faith which character- any restraining and reconciling influ- bore any correlation to the vocifer- ized the old Princeton Theological ence Dr. Machen may have had, The ousness of their opposition. Seminary prior to its reorganization Guardian became even harsher in its Dr. Buswell’s replies to these ar- in 1929. There has been no change assaults (and insults) on those who ticles were published in the April 10, in this policy, and I regret that Pro- did not see eye to eye with the West- 1937, issue (p. 12). In response to fessor MacRae no longer finds him- minster Seminary professors pre the issue of Premillennialism, the self able to continue in accord with viously mentioned. The February 27, editors stated that they were refusing it.… The Seminary stands in the 1937, issue of The Guardian was a to print the concluding four para- great tradition of Charles Hodge, double-barreled attack on Dr. Bus graphs of Buswell’s statement, leav- B.B. Warfield, Robert Dick Wilson well and company. ing the reader to conclude that they and J. Gresham Machen. Nothing An article appeared on pages contained something objectionable. will be allowed to move it from its 206-209 entitled “Dr. Buswell’s Pre- Then, Professor Murray was given loyalty to the Word of God.”30 millennialism,” by Professor John the last word in further rebutting Murray. No matter what one may Buswell’s beliefs. The magazine stat- Continued on page 14 www.rttpublications.org Winter 2014 | Redeeming the Time 13 THE DIVISION OF 1937 neither was a charter member of the denomination, only joining after Continued from page 13 Machen’s death. Kuiper was received by the Presbytery of Philadelphia on If MacRae’s reasons for resign- February 9, 1937, and Murray was ing were strongly stated, Kuiper examined, licensed, and ordained on went much further in accusing Mac- May 28, 1937, by an adjourned meet- Rae, in effect, of no longer being ing of his Presbytery — just four days able to “continue in accord with” before the opening of the Third Gen- the “traditions and loyalty to the Bi- eral Assembly of the OPC.33 ble and the Reformed Faith,” and by The Presbyterian Guardian con- inference that should MacRae’s views tinued its editorials, stating as matter have held sway, they would have of fact what should be the position of “move[d] [the Seminary] from its the OPC on various matters, even dis- loyalty to the Word of God.” cussing overtures and resolutions be- Shortly after MacRae’s exit, ad- fore they had been formally intro- ditional resignations followed from duced and discussed by the General Dr. Laird; Mr. Roland K. Armes, Assembly.”34 Professor Kuiper had treasurer of the Board; Rev. Roy Tal- also recently stated in The Guardian: madge Brumbaugh; and Mr. Frederic “… it may not be denied that some M. Paist. All but Dr. Laird had been office-bearers and members of a present and placed on the temporary church are more talented than others. Executive Committee at the found- In consequence, not all can be, or for ing of the Seminary on July 18, 1929. that matter should be, equally promi- Several prominent elders, with experience in law and business Paist had been one of three who met nent in the work of the church.”35 (in addition to their spiritual gifts) over lunch when the idea of the Sem- These words may have contained were a great help to the new inary was first discussed. He had some truth, but with men already be- church and its agencies. Frederic been made the Chairman of the lieving that a small group was control- M. Paist, Esq., whose family was founding temporary executive com- ling the church, such statements only known for its fine confections, mittee and was elected as founding added to their belief that true Presby- was named president of the vice president of the Board of Trust- terian polity was in jeopardy, and they temporary executive committee ees, and later became president. were not willing to see their church of Westminster at its founding. Laird was elected as founding secre- bend in the direction of becoming a de tary of the Board and read the Semi- facto prelacy. In the months ahead, der to save men from having to make nary pledge to the Board members Carl McIntire was to write: “We saw two expensive trips within weeks of and faculty at the first commence- the little group as they relished the ex- each other. If there were any opposi- ment on May 6, 1930.31 ercise of power and assumed the po tion within the Board, it most cer- MacRae reflected later, “It was sition of an ecclesiastical machine.”36 tainly should have been handled in- very hard for [Carl] McIntire to give ternally and was hardly the business up his loyalty to the faculty at West- The Independent Board Likewise of The Guardian to publish the mat- minster and he hesitated. Once he Experiences Problems ter to a general readership. asked to come and speak to them The Independent Board met on with the faculty and tried to get an Up to this time, The Guardian May 31, 1937. Four men from West- agreement but they were absolutely had been carrying positive articles minster Seminary mounted an attack determined in their opposition to about The Independent Board for on the President and Vice President him. About this time we decided the Presbyterian Foreign Missions and of the Board, as well as Dr. Brum- only thing we could do was to start a its missionaries. However, an article baugh, claiming that they were “in- new seminary.”32 appeared in the May 15, 1937, issue dependents,” and thus unsuitable for (p. 52) criticizing a decision of the membership on a Board committed “A Machine”? Executive Committee to postpone to Presbyterian church government. the Board’s spring meeting. Some The Board reaffirmed adherence For the tremendous influence that had requested that it be held in close to its Charter, but refused to con- Kuiper and Murray were seeking to proximity to the dates of the Third demn its leaders — believing the exert on the OPC, it is of note that General Assembly of the OPC, in or- charges were without merit. With

14 Redeeming the Time | Winter 2014 www.rttpublications.org that, the four Westminster men (Ed- First General Synod in Colling- Right, Dr. McIntire!”, Christianity Today, win H. Rian, Ned B. Stonehouse, swood, NJ, from September 6-8, May 21, 2002. Murray Forst Thompson and Paul 1938, with 39 ministers and 11 el- 4Minutes of the Sixty-Fourth General Woolley), and several others, an- ders in attendance. The two denom- Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church, Cin- nounced their resignations. These inations traveled on separate paths cinnati, Ohio, August 3-8, 2000, p. II-1. The letter was addressed to Dr. Robert Anderson, men were founding Board members after that time. then pastor of the Tacoma, WA, Bible Presby- and had been involved in the incor- Such writers as Edwin H. Rian, terian Church. Dr. Anderson was asked to poration of the Board. Ned B. Stonehouse, Paul Woolley, preach the message at Carl McIntire’s funeral The next issue of The Presbyte- Henry Coray, George Marsden, Charles service on March 26, 2002, which he did. rian Guardian (June 12, 1937) was a Dennisen, D.G. Hart, John Muether, 5Not to be confused with the Presbyteri- full-blown attack on The Indepen- George Hutchinson, and a host of an Church in America (PCA), which was dent Board, beginning with the main others37 have done a service to us all founded in 1973. front page headline. The Christian with their widely-distributed histori- 6We will usually refer to the Presbyterian Beacon, which had increasingly been cal accounts. I have enjoyed reading Church of America as the Orthodox Presby- carrying news stories about these their works, and have learned much terian Church (or OPC) in future mentions, various troubles, now came to the from them. However, most of these in order to help prevent confusion. The name, defense of the Board and its mission- men are decidedly reporting things however, was not changed to Orthodox Pres- byterian Church until 1939. aries against these attacks. With the from a background closely aligned 7See J. Gresham Machen, “A True Pres- tensions which had arisen in the five with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church byterian Church at Last,” The Presbyterian months since Machen’s death, and and its leaders, or at least with a lev- Guardian, June 22, 1936, p. 110. the contnued inflammatory pronounce el of antipathy to some of the early 8J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and ments in The Guardian, prospects Bible Presbyterian leaders. Two ex- Liberalism (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerd- were dim for an enduring harmony amples are “The Orthodox Presbyte- mans Publishing Company, 1946), p. 174. within the OPC. rian Church” (Chapter 12) in the 9Ockenga was in the first graduating class book The Presbyterian Conflict, by of Westminster Seminary in 1930. It is inter- A Sad Parting of the Ways Edwin H. Rian38; and “The Division esting that he and Carl McIntire were good of 1937” (Chapter 3) in Fighting the friends in Seminary, and McIntire served as When the Third General Assem- Good Fight, by D.G. Hart and John best man in Ockenga’s wedding. The two men bly of the OPC met from June 1-4, Muether.39 were to take widely divergent paths throughout their ministries. 1937, the majority voted to abandon On a positive note, Presbyterian 10R.B. Kuiper, “Why Separation Was The Independent Board and to estab groups of widely differing viewpoints Necessary,” The Presbyterian Guardian, Sep- lish a General Assembly controlled are to be commended for their care- tember 12, 1936, pp. 225-227. mission board. Attempts by Premil ful preservation of many historical 11The Presbyterian Guardian, Novem- lennialists to have the General As- documents. These include the Pres- ber 14, 1936, p. 55. sembly go on record that their view byterian Historical Society in Phila- 12Ibid. would officially be allowed in the delphia, the Princeton Theological 13The Presbyterian Guardian, Novem- Church were defeated, as were state- Seminary Library, the Presbyterian ber 28, 1936, p. 71. ments urging Christians to abstain Church in America Historical Center 14Personal letter from Dr. J. Oliver Bus from the use of alcohol. At the con- and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church well to Dr. J. Gresham Machen, December 4, clusion of this Assembly, 14 minis- (particularly in making the entire 44- 1936 (Archives of the PCA Historical Cen- ters and three elders gathered and year run of The Presbyterian Guard- ter). 15Typewritten document by Allan A. Mac signed the Act of Association of the ian available online). • Rae, “Experiences With Carl McIntire,” June “Bible Presbyterian Synod.” Shortly 24, 1985. To be continued in the spring 2014 thereafter, Faith Theological Semi- 16“The Second General Assembly of the nary was started. issue of Redeeming the Time. Presbyterian Church of America,” The Pres- The June 26, 1937, issue of The ______byterian Guardian, November 28, 1936, p. 70. Guardian (p. 99) reported the fact, 1The name was changed to Orthodox 17Ibid. but, in characteristic style, used in- Presbyterian Church in 1939, following legal 18Ibid., pp. 82,83. complete and selective facts to paint action against the new denomination by the 19Personal letter from Dr. J. Oliver Bus an unfair and inaccurate account of Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. well to Dr. J. Gresham Machen, December 4, 2 what had transpired — drawing Allan Nevins, The Gateway to History 1936. (New York, London: D. Appleton-Century 20 into question the Reformed creden- Machen apparently had written down Company, Incorporated, 1938), p. 244. tials of the Bible Presbyterians. The some notes in preparation for replying to 3e.g., see Richard Mouw [then President Bible Presbyterian Church held its of Fuller Theological Seminary], “You’re Continued on page 16 www.rttpublications.org Winter 2014 | Redeeming the Time 15 Mr. Brad Gsell is an elder “All that would follow THE DIVISION OF 1937 and minister of music of Continued from page 15 the Bible Presbyterian Christ must renounce their Church of Charlotte, NC, worldly affections and and President of The Buswell’s letter, but didn’t get it written be- Independent Board for inclinations, or else they fore his untimely death. Presbyterian Foreign can make no work of 21The Presbyterian Guardian, February Missions. 13, 1937, p. 187. Christianity.…” 22Ibid., p. 189. son, History for a Pilgrim People: The His- Thomas Manton 23 The branch of theology that is con- torical Writings of Charles G. Dennison (Wil- cerned with defending or proving the truth of low Grove, PA: The Committee for the Christian doctrines. Historian of the Orthodox Presbyterian 24Personal letter from Dr. J. Oliver Bus Church, 2002); D.G. Hart and John Muether: PLOWING A STRAIGHT well to Dr. Harold S. Laird, January 31, 1937 Fighting the Good Fight: A Brief History of FURROW IN 2014 (Archives of the PCA Historical Center). the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (The Com- Continued from page 6 25Ibid. mittee on Christian Education and the Com- 26J. Oliver Buswell, Unfulfilled Prophe- mittee for the Historian of the Orthodox Pres- cies (Lamb of God series, Vol. 5), Grand Rap- byterian Church, 1995); D.G. Hart, Between 2Adrian Rogers, Adrianisms — The Wit ids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1937. the Times: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church and Wisdom of Adrian Rogers (Memphis, TN: 27J. Oliver Buswell, The Christian Life in Transition, 1945-1990 (Willow Grove, PA: Love Worth Finding Ministries, 2006), p. 70. (Lamb of God series, Vol. 4), Grand Rapids: Committee for the Historian of the Orthodox 3Matthew Henry on Luke 9:62 (Mat- Zondervan Publishing House, 1937. Presbyterian Church, 2011); ed. John Muether thew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole 28The Presbyterian Guardian, April 10, and Danny Olinger, Confident of Better Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Data- 1937, pp. 12-16. Things (Willow Grove, PA: The Committee base. ©1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.) 29Ibid., May 15, 1937, p. 50. for the Historian of the Orthodox Presbyteri- 4Thomas Manton, The Works of Thom- 30Ibid., pp. 39,40. an Church, 2011); George P. Hutchinson, The as Manton, Volume 2 (Carlisle, PA: The Ban- 31see Christianity Today, May 1930; and History Behind the Reformed Presbyterian ner of Truth Trust, 1993), p. 133. Edwin H. Rian, The Presbyterian Conflict Church, Evangelical Synod (Cherry Hill, NJ: 5Ibid., p. 132. 6 (Willow Grove, PA: The Committee for the His- Mack Publishing Company, 1974). George M. Adam Clarke on Luke 9:62, (Adam torian of the Orthodox Presby terian Church, Marsden, Reforming Fundamentalism: Fuller Clarke’s Commentary, Electronic Database, ©1940 [1992 Edition], pp. 57,58. Seminary and the New Evangelicalism (Grand ©1996 by Biblesoft). 32Typewritten document by Allan A. Mac- Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing 7A.T. Robertson on Luke 9:62, (Robert- Rae, “Experiences With Carl McIntire,” June Company, 1987). son’s Word Pictures in the New Testament, 24, 1985. 38Rian, pp. 151-171. Electronic Database, ©1997 by Biblesoft; and 33Minutes of the Presbytery of New York 39D.G. Hart and John Muether: Fighting Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testa- and New England of the Presbyterian Church the Good Fight: A Brief History of the Or- ment, ©1985 by Broadman Press) of America, New Haven, Connecticut, May thodox Presbyterian Church, pp. 41-54. 8Much of the following material is from 28, 1937. Pastor Ray Pritchard at http://www.keepbe- 34e.g. The Presbyterian Guardian, May lieving.com/sermon/2012-01-05-Press-On. 29, 1937. 9Ibid. 35Ibid., April 24, 1937, p. 22. 10Matthew Henry on 1 Thessalonians 36Christian Beacon, June 10, 1937, p. 4. Editor: Brad K. Gsell 4:1, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Carl McIntire was to have similar accusations Associate Editor: Mark W. Evans Whole Bible. directed at him on a number of occasions 11Sarah Young, Jesus Today (Nashville, Redeeming the Time is a quarterly throughout his ministry. TN: Thomas Nelson, 2012), p. 74. publication with the purpose of encour- 37A few of these writings include: Edwin 12Ralph Earle, Word Meanings in the aging God’s people and applying God’s H. Rian, The Presbyterian Conflict New Testament (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson (Willow Word to the issues of our day. Grove, PA: The Committee for the Historian of Publishers, 1974), p. 343. Individual copies are distributed 13 the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, ©1940 [1992 free of charge, but the generous dona- Wiersbe, p. 135. 14 Edition]; Ned B. Stonehouse, J. Gresham Ma- tions of God’s people are necessary for Words by Johnson Oatman, Jr. chen: A Biographical Memoir (Chestnut Hill, this ministry to continue. Checks may PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, 1977); Mr. Jack Hendricks is be made payable to “Redeeming the a gifted Bible teacher Paul Woolley, The Significance of J. Gresham Time,” and mailed to: P.O. Box 26281, and historian. He served Machen Today (Nutley, NJ: Presbyterian and Charlotte, NC 28221-6281. All dona- for many years with the Reformed Publishing Company, 1977); Henry tions are tax deductible. Charlotte Museum of W. Coray, J. Gresham Machen: A Silhouette e-mail: [email protected] History, and is a member (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1981); of the Bible Presbyterian Sponsored by Publication Fund • Bible Presbyterian Church • Charlotte, NC ed. Danny E. Olinger and David K. Thomp- Church of Charlotte, NC.

16 Redeeming the Time | Winter 2014 www.rttpublications.org

Published January 2014