A PRESBYTERIAN JOURNAL DEVOTED TO STATING, DEFENDING III AND FURTHERING THE GOSPEL IN THE M-ODERN WORLD III SAMUEL G. CRAIG, Editor H. McALLISTER GRIFFITHS, Managing Editor Published monthly by THE PRESBYTERIAN AND MID-NOVEMBER, 1931 $1.00 A YEAR EVERYWHERE Entered a•• econd .. la •• maUer May 11, 1931. al REFORMED PUBLISHING CO., Vol. 2 No.7 the. Post Office at Philadelphia. Pl.. urid.. the 501 Witherspoon Bldg., Phila., Pa. Ac! 01 March 3.1879. Christianity as a Way of Life: Its Supernaturalism N a previo~s issue we sought to in­ appearance of Christianity as a way of can produce good fruit as suppose that I dicate the kind and measure of that living as well as a way of thinking. those dead in trespass· and sin can by supernaturalism that Christianity rec­ Some considerations that indicate .the their own will and power set themselves ognizes and demands. On that occasion part the supernatural plays in Chris­ in the path that leads to eternal life. (February, 1931) we dealt with the tianity as a way of life follow: Only as a supernatural power energizes place that the supernatural occupies in (1) We cannot get into the Chris­ within us does this become possible for Christianity as a mode of thought rather tian way of life apart from the super­ us. In other words regeneration, a re­ than with the place that it occupies in natural. When we first discover our birth through the operation of the Holy Christianity as a mode of behaviour. whereabouts we find ourselves in the Spirit is necessary before we can get On this occasion we propose to reverse broad way that leads to death, not in into the Christian way of life. the emphasis and to show that the the narrow way that leads to life. l Weare aware that a different repre­ supernatural is as inextricably impli­ Moreover we find that of ourselves we sentation is widely current. Weare told cated in Christianity considered as a are unable to forsake the broad way rather: "The gates along the way of way of life as it is in Christianity con­ and plant ourselves in the narrow way, life stand open; whosoever will may sidered as a creed. In proportion as we not because the way is barred, as it enter in." Moreover such language is succeed in doing this it will become evi­ were, by stone walls and iron gates but employed not merely to express the uni­ dent that in the struggle for and against because of our sheer inability. We versality of the gospel offer; it is em­ supernaturalism it i's not merely the might as well suppose that' an evil tree ployed to express belief in man's plenary Christian creed that is at stake. It ability to work out his own salvation. will be seen that the Christian ethic, Are we not constantly told that the the mode of life that it commands, is IN THIS I·SSUE: parable of the Prodigal Son is all the equally at stake. Doubtless there have gospel men need? We would be the last been, and still are, those who have re­ Editorial Notes and Comments...... 3 to minimize the value of this parable, jected the Christian creed and yet have The Truth About the Presbyterian but we are not blind to the fact that it commended the Christian ethic. But, Church...... 5 says' nothing of atonement, nothing of unless we are altogether mistaken, that J. G. Machen the Holy Spirit, not even anything of is only because they have not realized Questions From the General Council. .. 6 CHRIST Himself. If this parable con­ the extent to which Christianity even as W. V. Watson tains the whole, or even the core of the a way of life is through and through Notes on Biblical Exposition...... 9 gospel, then, we can get up of ourselves supernatural. It is our contention that J. G. Machen and go back to GOD and assume the neither the reasonableness nor the prac­ Books of Religious Significance ...... 12 position of a child in His household ticability of the Christian way of life whenever we choose-no questions asked can be maintained except as the super­ Letters to the Editor...... 14 and a warm reception assured. Such a natural as a factor in human life is Questions and Answers...... 1 5 conception is pleasing to many but it is frankly recognized. We hold, there­ Current Views and Voices...... 17 not the Christian conception.· It is fore, that if the present attempt to up­ CHRIST Himself who says: "Verily, Ministerial Changes ...... 19 root belief in the supernatural should verily, I say unto thee, Except one be succeed, it would mean the ultimate dis- News of the Church ...... 20 born of water and the Spirit, he cannot 2 CHRISTIANITY TODAY November, 1931

enter into the Kingdom of GOD." We the Christian way will have to be from the world but only from that which are dependent on the Holy Spirit at thrown into the discard .. is evil in the world. And yet unquestion­ every stage of the Christian life but our It is not enough, however, that we ably it finds its center of gravity in the immediate concern· is ,merel-y to .point know the Christian way of life and that world of the supernatural. Hence it is out that apart from the supernatural incentives be brought to bear upon us to impossible to vindicate its reasonable­ operation of the Holy Spirit in our lead us to walk in that way. These will Il:ess, 'save as we recognize that super­ hearts we cannot even get started in the prove unprofitable unless we receive naturalism in which alone it finds its Christian way of living. power to walk in newness of life. We proper setting. If there be no such su­ .' (2) We cannot make progress along may have the latest model of an auto­ pernatural fact as the GOD and Father the Christian way of life apart from the mobile; we may have studied our Blue of our LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST supernatural. As travelers along the Book and be certain of our route; we or if the present economy be but a short way of life we need directions. Such may be under strong inducement to span of life between two eternities of directions have been supplied us. These follow the route chosen; but if there is death, how can it be maintained that directions, however, are of supernatural no gasoline in the tank or our ignition the Christian ethic indicates the best origin. Christianity does not represent system is not working, we cannot ad­ type of life or the lines along which our its moral code, its ethical ideals, whether vance a single mile. And so it is because activities may most profitably proceed? as expressed in .words or embodied in the and only because we can do all things A superstructure whose center of gravity life of its founder, as naturalistic in through Him that strengthens us that it lies in the supernatural world cannot be origin. It maintains that if sinful man is possible for us to advance along the built on a naturalistic foundation. had been left to work out his destiny on Christian way of life. Apart from this We do not profess to have enumerated the plane of nature he would be as ig­ element of power JESUS would still all the points at which the supernatural norant of the Christian standard of con­ possess significance as a moral and enters into Christianity considered as a duct as he would be of the Christian spiritual teacher; but in that case He way of life. It seems to us, however, dogmas. would not differ in kind from SOCRATES, that we have said enough to make clear As travelers along the way of life we BUDDHA, CONFUCIUS and others. The that it is impossible to vindicate either also need motives or incentives. .Such power that enables us to walk along the the reasonableness or the practicability motives and incentives are provided but Christian way fairly shouts to us con­ of the Christian way of life apart from the main ones are drawn from the super­ cerning the indispensableness of the su­ a frank and generous recognition of the natural. Christian ethics does not disdain pernatural to Christianity considered as supernatural as a factor in human life. motives drawn from purely earthly con­ a way of life. Even if we could show There was a time when the enemies of sideration, but it places its chief reliance the reasonableness of the Christian Christianity were accustomed to main­ on motives that according to naturalism standard of conduct, we would not be tain that they were opposed not to its have no existence. The central and con­ able to show its practicability apart moral ideals but to the puerilities of its trolling motive in the lif~ of the Chris­ from the supernatural-and that for the supernatural creed. MILL and HUXLEY tian is represented as grateful love to very good reason that it requires the and ARNOLD, for instance, rejected the the redeeming GOD who mercifully set supernatural to make it operative in a supernaturalism of the Christian creed His love upon us and sent His Son to world of sinful men. As well expect an but had only praise for Christianity as die for us. PAUL put it thus: "The love automobile to run without gasoline or a way of life-app'arently unaware that of CHRIST constraineth us; because we an electric spark as expect men to make the supernatural is as essential to Chris­ thus judge, that if one died for all, then progress along the Christian way of life tianity as a way of life as it is to were all dead; and .that He died for all, apart from the supernatural CHRIST and Christianity as a creed. NIETZSCHE saw that they which live should not hence­ the equally supernatural Holy Spirit. more clearly. He perceived that the forth live unto themselves, but unto Him (3) When we speak of Christianity as Christian ethic is organically connected which died for them, and rose again." a way of life we imply not only that it with the Christian creed-as roots and 'No doubt we all act from mixed motives, prescribes the path along which we fruit are alike part of the same tree­ but if this motive has no place in our should walk but that this path leads and having rejected the Christian creed lives it is quite certain that we are not somewhere. If now we consider the end he saw that the logic of the situation living a Christian life. And' yet only as of the Christian way, we will have im­ demanded that he be equally outspoken we frankly recognize the supernatural pressed .upon us anew the futility of in rejecting the Christian ideal of life. CHRIST as a living reality is there any supposing that we can retain the Chris­ Today it is increasingly recognized that such motive with which to reckon. Even tian ethic while rejecting the super­ NIETZSCHE was right and that on the the motive drawn from the thought of natural. The naturalist may feel that outcome of the struggle for and against rewards and punishment in a future life he has no need of an eschatology, but the supernatural depends the future of which Christianity employs is deceptive the Christian necessarily has one-and Christianity asa way of life as well as and misleading apart from the reality of that because his goal lies in the world its future as a believable creed. We a supernatural world. Reject the super­ beyond. It is indeed true that Chris­ simply deceive ourselves if we suppose natural and the main motives which tianity is not an ascetic, world-shunning that Christian ideals of conduct will have hitherto induced men to walk in religion. Its shibboleth is not separation survive even if belief in the super- November, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 3

naturalism of Christianity becomes ex­ would be nothing more to be said. Its the national body. It has always seemed regrettable to us that the ''World's Chris­ tinct. We hold with L. S. THORNTON distinctive character is ite other-worldli­ tian, Fundamentals Association" should in­ that "the whole strength of the Chris­ ness. For Christianity, so far from being sist on belief in the "pre-millennial and tian positioI11ies,not~in repudiating a system.or code, is the manifestation in imminent return of our LORD and SAVIOUR" those features in it which are most un­ the world of a life which draws all its as a condition of~membership, inasmuch as like the temper of the world, but in em­ power from a supernatural experience­ this necessarily excludes a vast number of phasizing them. If the Christian ethic an experience which in its turn is based "Fundamentalists." For instance, this means that such giants of orthodoxy as the upon a supernatur'al creed." were of this world and like unto it, there late Drs. B. B. W .A.RFIE~D, ABBAHAM: KUYPER and HERM:.A.N BAVINCK were not eligible to membership in this organization, not -to mention many of the leading living expo­ Editorial Notes and Comments nents of orthodoxy. The occasion of our comments, however, The Failure of Attempts to Unite the on a basis of belief. The situation, as it is is not the unqualified stand that Dr. RILEY Northern and Southern Presbyterian today within that body, justifies the answer takes against any change in the basis of the that there is no organic union within the World's Christian Fundamentals Associa­ Churches: An Explanation Presbyterian Church itself. Because of tion. It is to be found rather in some of R. WILLIAM CROWE, Minister of the these variant voices there are various the things that he says (or implies) in the D, Westminster Presbyterian Church parties within the Church as divergent as course of his reaffirmation of the pre-millen­ (South), of St. Louis, Mo., has written and theological poles can separate them. These nial position. Dr. RILEY writes throughout the Presbyterian has published one of the diVisions, running through the whole as though all believers in the pE\rsonal and most illuminating articles dealing with this Church, affect the harmony of belief and visible return of CHRIST were either pre­ matter that it has been our good fortune to action. It is true that the Presbyterian millennialists or post-millennialists com­ see for many a day. Dr. CROWE'S contention form of government is seen presiding over pletely ignoring the fact that many is that fifty years of negotiations have led these various schools of thought, but even of them are a-millennialists. It is this to' nothing because when these two churches that effective administrative agency has assumption that all believers in the "blessed talk of unity they are talking of two en­ never yet been able to coerce all the fac­ hope" are either pre or post-millen­ tirely different things. "In the North em­ tions into a semblance of unity." nialiststhat explains, if we mistake not, phasis is laid upon church administration; In our judgment Dr. CROWE does not speak the otherwise inexplicable list of scholars in the South, it is laid upon doctrine. without knowledge when he maintains that that are cited as advocates of pre-millen­ Therefore, when Southern Presbyterians doctrinal indifferentism is rampant in the nialism. Apparently he assumes that all speak of organic union, they are talking Northern Presbyterian Church and warns intelligent Christians who are not post· about a unity in belief; whereas, in the his brethren against union with said Church millennialists are pre-millennialists. Other­ North, in discussing the same subject, the except on the basis of a doctrinal unity. It wise how explain the fact that CALVIN, thought in mind is community in govern­ seems to us that a like doctrinal indifferent­ ZWINGLI, MELANCHTON, LUTHER, KNOX and ment." In support of this contention Dr. ism is on the increase in the Southern the WESLEYS, not to mention others, are CROWE maintains that the basis of union Church but we hope that it will never be­ cited as pre-millennialists? Be that as it both between the Old and New School Pres­ come strong enough to bring about union may, we are confident that the list he cites byterians in 1869 and the Presbyterian with the Northern Church upon a govern­ must be rather radically revised before it Church U.S.A. and the Cumberland Presby­ mental basis that sits loosely to doctrinal can be accepted as authentic. terian Church in 1906 was a basis of com­ purity. Our hope and prayer is that our What is more, we do not believe that Dr. mon administration that ignored doctrinal own Church may be led to put first things RILEY can sustain the allegation that "post­ differences. The gist of Dr. CROWE'S article first and that upon the basis of these first millennialism has been the breeding·ground is expressed in the passage which follows things all Presbyterian Churches will unite. of modernism." ,Such an allegation seems his historical summary, to wit: At the same time we hold with Dr. CROWE to us similar in kind to the representation "It may be asked, why not then let all that the churches are already one, "in so far that pre-millennialism has been the breed­ Presbyterian Churches unite in accord with as they love a common LORD and strive to­ ing·ground of say Millennial Dawnism, Sev· the idea expressed above. The answer is, gether for bringing, the message of His sal­ enth-Day Adventism and other similar here­ that while we might have consolidation in vation to all people." sies. Equally irrelevant in this connection is, such a project as that, consolidation is in the following: "You can't deny the Word at no sense union. Christianity is a doctrine; IIFundamentalism and one point and hold it at another. It is it is an interpretation of the Christian ll either all inspired or none." A-millennial­ story; it is the method by which an unsaved Premillennialism ists and post-millennialists mayor may not man discovers the meaning of CHRIST'S HE September issue of The Chri8tian be mistaken, but at any rate they do not death. Therefore, the essential business of T Fundamentali8t (edited by W. B. RILEY) admit (at least the ones of which we are Christianity is to proclaim a message of contains a vigorous assertion of belief in thinking) that pre-millennialism has Scrip­ salvation. In other words, the atonement of pre-millennialism as a prerequisite to mem­ tural sanction. It is hardly fair to imply JESUS CHRIST is the throbbing heart of the bership in the ''World's Christian Funda­ that the pre-millennialists are the only ones Church and a removal of that doctrine from mentals Association," the occasion of this who have "always and everywhere stood for the center of the life of the Church is de­ assertion being the formation by a group the authority, integrity and verbal inspira­ structive to the mission of Christianity. of Philadelphians of a Fundamentalist or­ tion of the Bible." While in large measure the Presbyterian ganization in which belief in the pre-millen­ While we think it regrettable that the Church, U.S.A. promotes Christianity nial view of our LORD'S return is not a differences between pre-millennialists, post­ through that message.. yet by the careless­ condition of membership, as was reported in millennialists and a-millennialists' should be ness of its actions for fifty years it has per­ our July issue. made a divisive issue, yet we fully approve mitted many voices, hostile to this heart We are free to confess that our views at when our contemporary writes: "Our ad­ message, to be raised within its body. There­ this point coincide with the "Philadelphia vice to the brethren is: stay by the Book fore, the Presbyterian Church is not at one Fundamentalists" rather than with those of first; let loyalty to the LoRD and His Divine CHRISTIANITY TODAY November, 1931

revelation. rise above all personal friend­ feel that the phrase is possibly intended to Overture "E" makes a change in the com­ ship, and even 'all fraternal cravings." We mean "a seminary under the control of the position of the General Council of the Gen­ would add, however, that we do not think General Assembly," and that an attempt eral Assembly. The only noteworthy change that the following of this advice precludes may soon be made to classify Westminster i$ the insertion of a provision that, in the fellowshi"p-between-precmillennialists, post­ Theological Seminary in Philadelphia as no election of the five members of the Council millennialists and a-millennialists. "recognized" Presbyterian seminary. And chosen annually by the General Assembly, this, in face of the fact that, judged by the "of the five, two shall be Ministers, two history of Presbyterianism and by its Con­ shall be men who are ruling elders, and one Overtures AI C and E fessional statements, Westminster Seminary shall be a woman in full communion of the is more really Presbyterian than any other Church, who may be a ruling elder." This HE last General. Assembly of the Pres­ seminary serving the northern church! sentence legalizes the presence of women on byterian Church in the U.S.A. sent T There are some who believe it to be the only the council, following the adoption in 1930 down five overtures to be voted upon by the seminary in that church that is completely of the amendment to the constitution allow­ Presbyteries. A majority of Presbyteries Presbyterian in more than name. Those ing them to be ordained as ruling elders. must answer each overture affirmatively, who are familiar with the history of the Curiously enough, however, this new over­ before the next Assembly, if it is to become Presbyterian Church from the days of KNOX ture does not require that the women on the a part of the constitution, law, of the and WISHART down, will rub .their eyes at Council be ruling elders. The effect of this church. any definition which "recognizes" an insti-' is, that if the overture be adopted, women Overture"A," which is understood to have tution as Presbyterian solely because of its communicants of the church, not elders, will originated in the General Council of the administrative dependence upon the then be eligible to positions to which male com­ General Assembly, is a revision of the Form dominating ecclesiastical organization. municants, not elders, will not be eligible. of Government, Chapter XIV, "of Licensing It has been argued that the phrase "or, Then we shall probably have a new agita: Qandtdates or Pro~ationers to Preach the shall offer an educational equivalent, judged tion, asking equal rights ,for men! The Gospel." Much of the language is the same satisfactory by the Presbytery" offers an ex­ clause might just as well read: "one shall as that of the present chapter, but certain ception so far as Westminster Seminary is be a woman in full communion of the differences are striking. One is the provi­ concerned. This may be true in theory, but church, who need not be a ruling elder." sion that a candidate may be excused from no one can deny that if the impression were Certainly that is the clear purport of the examination in Greek and Hebrew if he pre­ falsely spread that Westminster Seminary overture. Its wording, we repeat, is curious, ~entsa "certiti:cate of creditable work" from is not a truly Presbyterian seminary many almost calculated to give the impression to his seminary, or upon being excused by a Presbyteries. might hesitate in making such a hasty reader that it means the exact op­ three-fourths vote of Presbytery. It is feared posite of what it says. by many that this provision will weaken the an exception for its graduates. This would be grossly unfair. Because, therefore, there emphasis of the Church upon an educated Overtures "B" and "D," which are ex­ are no particular advantages to be gained tremely important, will receive Editorial ministry. Another proposal of the overture suggests that in cases where the Presbytery by passing this overture, and since much discussion in the next issue of CHRISTIANr.IY confusion, misunderstanding and harm believes a candidate should be licensed al­ TODAY. though he does not meet the educational re­ would almost surely be bound to result, the Editors of CHRISTIANITY TODAY urge those quirements laid down, the Presbytery con­ A Fact and An Appeal sult the synod or a synodical committee who are loyal to Presbyterian doctrine and empowered to issue, giving the reasons why polity to vote to defeat the overture. HRISTIANITY TODAY does not profess to it is believed an exception should be made. Overture "C" can be dismissed with fewer be a self-supporting business enter­ prise,C still less one that yields a profit to If synod or its committee consents to li­ words. It is a rewriting of Chapter XV of censure, it may be conferred. If synod dis­ the Form of Government, "of the Election its owners. It was established as a venture approves, it must send its reasons back to and Ordination of Bishops or Pastors." The of faith to provide an instrument for ex­ Presbytery, which may, then, by a vote of changes here are few. This fact should pounding and defending the Gospel of the three-fourths, solemnly decided to proceed to make for caution, rather than the opposite, grace of GOD in the face df encroaching licensure anyway! Exactly the same result for if the "powers that be" go to the trouble modernism in the knowledge that it would would be obtained if Presbyteries were of writing a whole new chapter in order to . be dependent, for a number of years at ailowed to proceed originally by a three­ introduce a few new words, we may safely least, on the gifts of those who share its fourths vote. The cumbersome machinery of assume those words to be pretty important. aim and purpose not only for its well-being the overture seems merely to provide some­ Aside from the fact that a reference to the but for its very existence. Thus far this thing for synod to discuss. The average Synod is provided in certain cases of or­ faith has been justified by the event. The synod does very little real business, being dination and re.ception of Ministers from paper has no debts and has funds in hand usually .of a quasi·"inspirational" charac­ other denominations, the principal change to meet all obligations that are expected in ter, but even this suggestion does not ma­ is the insertion of those now-familiar words the immediate future. This does not mean, terially .add to its powers, though it does "a recognized Presbyterian theological however, that· our future is assured. Be­ takeaway from the powers of the Presby­ seminary." cause of the depression some of those who teries. Since this overture has little to commend supported us most generously during our In our.opinion, however, the really objec­ it; and much to render its value doubtful, first 'year are not in a position to continue tionable feature of Overture "A" is found the Editors believe that it also should be their aid. This means that we can go for­ in Section V; where it provides that a pro­ r.ejected by the Presbyteries. Indeed, it may ward in the work we have undertaken only spective licentiate "shall also give evidence be remarked that these overtures-and the as others assume the obligations these have of having successfully pursued two years of two which accompany them-have not been been forced to lay down. We appeal to those study in a recognized Presbyterian theo­ promoted because of any interest in the who are in sympathy with our efforts, who logical seminary, or shall offer an educa­ church, but because of the desire of the are able to do so, to come to our help. In tional equivalent, judged satisfactory by the small, official group who control the General so doing, if we mistake not. they will be Presbytery." Just what is "a recognized Council. These overtures were not discussed coming to "the help of the LORD against the Presbyterian theological seminary"? Recog­ nor were their principles approved by the mighty." Those who are not in a position to nized by wl1om? So far as is known, no­ last General Assembly. The Editors. hope do more than pay the yearly subscription body has explained what this phrase means. to write more in the near future regarding can help us greatly by commending the Nobody seems to know. There are those who the wisdom and legality of this procedure. paper to their friends and acquaintances. November, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 5 Th~Jruth About The Presbyterian Church By the Rev. J. Gresham Machen, D. D., litt. D., Professor of New Testament in Westminster Theological Seminary I. MODERNISM IN THE JUDICIAL COMMISSION

N 1923 and 1924 the battle between There are many indications of that well taken. But the real point is far I Christianity and Modernism en­ fact; but one indication is so unmistak­ more definite than that. It is that by tered upon its last and most acute phase able that it might almost suffice if it their signing of the Affirmation these in the Presbyterian Church in the stood alone. It is found in the composi­ gentlemen have already expressed them­ U.S.A. The Christian position was rep­ tion of the "Permanent Judicial Com­ selves upon the most important question resented by the evangelical pronounce­ mission," which was entirely reconsti­ that has come or is likely to come be­ ment of the 1923 General Assembly; the tuted in 1931 with largely increased fore the Judicial Commission upon Modernist position was represented by powers, and is now practically the su­ which they sit, and expressed themselves the "Auburn Affirmation." preme doctrinal as well as di~ciplinary in a way derogatory to the central veri­ The General Assembly's pronounce­ authority in the Church. In the com­ ties of the Christian Faith. ment declared that the full truthfulness position of such a court, we may dis­ In the presence of that fact, it will at of Scripture, the virgin birth, the sub­ cover, if anywhere, what the true temper once be seen that all the optimistic talk stitutionary atonement, the bodily res­ of the Church is. Who, then, are mem­ about the Presbyterian Church in the urrection, and the miracles of our Lord bers of this all-important court? U.S.A. as being "essentially sound" must are essential doctrines of the Word of .The Commission consists of fifteen surely cease. God and our Standards; the Auburn members, chosen by the General Assem­ But how about the other eleven mem­ Affirmation attacked that pronounce­ bly, eight being ministers and seven bers of the Commission? May there ment, and declared that not a single being elders. Whatever may be said not be found among them such repre­ one of these great verities is essential about the elders, it is perfectly easy to sentation of the evangelical position as even for the ministry. tell where the ministers stand' in the shall offset the Modernism of the Affir­ The issue' cannot be evaded by any great issue of the day. mation which the four members have plea that the Affirmation attacked the The plain fact is that 01 the eight signed? General Assembly's pronouncement ministerial members four are actually Unfortunately, that possibility is, to merely on technical grounds. The Af­ signers of the Auburn Affirmation, and say the least, very slight. There have firmation does, indeed, raise the tech­ one of the four is Rev. Robert Hastings been other tests beside the Auburn Af­ nical point that the General Assembly Nichols, Ph.D., D.D., of Auburn, Secre­ firmation to determine whether a man had no right to issue such a pronounce­ tary 'of the committee that issued the does or does not stand for the Bible and ment. But it proceeds at once to some­ document. Elders were not invited to the Christian Faith in the councils of thing far more fundamental. It attacks sign the Affirmation, so that the signers the Presbyterian Church. the content of the pronouncement. It have been given exactly one half of the declares that not a single one of the total number of places available to them In 1928, for example, there was pre­ great verities mentioned by the General in the Commission. That is, one half sented to the General Assembly a peti­ Assembly is essential; and it declares of the ministerial members of a commis­ tion of which the ultimate purpose was that all of the five verities are merely sion which is practically the supreme defence of the doctrine of the virgin "theories" (among other possible theo­ guardian of doctrine in the Presbyterian birth-defence, that is, of one of the five ries) which some may and some may Church are signers of a public and for­ doctrines attacked as non-essential by not hold to be satisfactory explanations mal document which, beside being the Auburn Affirmation. of something else. Thus it excludes all directly polemic against the doctrine of The "Virgin Birth Petition" was of these verities from the essential mes­ the full truthfulness of Scripture, de­ signed by about seventeen hundred min­ sage of the Church, and in so doing it clares that that doctrine and the virgin isters as over against the thirteen hun­ strikes a blow against the very inmost birth and three other great verities of dred who signed the Auburn Affirmation. heart of the Christian religion. the Faith are non-essential even for the Not a single one of these seventeen hun­ In the battle between the General As­ ministry. dred was placed upon the Permanent sembly's pronouncement and the Auburn The point is not merely that these four Judicial Commission, though no less Affirmation, between Christianity and gentlemen have shown by their signing than four of the thirteen hundred signers Modernism, the Modernist contention of the Affirmation that they are incom­ of the Auburn Affirmation were placed has in the main won the victory, and petent persons to sit upon the supreme there. now dominates the machinery of the judicial body of an evangelical Christian The Virgin Birth Petition was also Presbyterian Church. church. That point would certainly be signed by over four thousand elders. 6 CHRISTIANITY TODAY Novemberr 1931

Not a single one of these was given a the defence of God's Word. At most the Court, but also that he shall not "dis­ place on the Commission. Commission seems to include only one turb the peace of the Church" by re­ In the same year, moreover, another man (an elder) "rho by signing one of ceiving even any considerable minority evangeliealmemorial was presented to these two petitions has given public in­ opinion in his favor or in favo):, of the the General Assembly. It was the dication of zeal for the historic witness Bible in which he believes. "Princeton Petition" directed against of the Church. It is evident that any consistent Chris­ the reorganization of Princeton Theo­ The ecclesii1stical machinery seems to tian man will count it a disgrace to be logical Seminary. We shall not stop have done its work well. There may, acquitted, on any doctrinal issue, by here to ask whether the signers of the indeed, be gentlemen on the Commis­ such a court, and an honor to be con­ Princeton Petition were or were not sion, in addition to the one signer of the demned. But the composition of the justified in thinking that the proposed Princeton Petition, who are opposed to Court shows that the corporate life of reorganization of the Seminary was in­ the Auburn Affirmation and in favor of the Presbyterian Church is corrupt at imical to the evangelical cause. As a maintaining the Church's historic mes­ the very core; and that until the sin of matter of fact, we think that they were sage; but if there are such they seem to the Church is honestly faced and re­ fully justified, and that a very early have given as yet no very clear public moved, all the great swelling words official pronouncement of the new Board indication of their stand. (') So far as about the Church's work, and all the of control about its own membership public utterances could lead the General bustle of its organizational activities, demonstrated the fact beyond peradven­ Assembly to judge, the composition of can avail but little in the sight of God. ture. But whether they were justified the Commission, as the Assembly con­ or not in the specific request that they stituted it in May, 1931, is such as to NOTE:-In the next number of CHRIS­ made of the General Assembly, it is per­ TIANITY TODAY, the present writer hopes give assurance not merely that a real fectly evident that they were animated to deal with the centralization of power believer in the Bible and in the Con­ in making that request by an evangelical and the attack upon Christian liberty fession of Faith shall have no sympa­ which is involved in measures now be­ motive and that they represented the thetic hearing from a majority of the fore the presbyteries (particularly the evangelical party in the Presbyterian dangerous Overture D), and with the Church. (1) One of the ministers- on the Commission, secrecy and discouragement of free dis­ not counted here among the four signers of the We do not mean that all the signers Auburn Affirmation, first signed the Affirmation, .cussion by means of which the under­ but then-we cannot now say for whoat reason­ mining of the Church's witness has been withdrew his name before the Affirmation was of the Princeton Petition represented the printed in its final .form. carried on. evangelical party in any very consistent or vigorous way. The Petition was a very mild document, and many of its signers have been anything but thor­ oughgoing in their championing of the Questions From the General evangelical cause. But though some of the signers of the Petition may not have Council been very consistent or vigorous in their evangelicalism, we do deliberately make By the Rev. Walter Vail Watson bold to say, conversely, that a very great Number Nine Church, Stanley, N. Y. block of the evangelical ministers and elders in the Church-perhaps the great UST before last Easter the General as insistent as when stated in the Coun­ majority of them-were among the J Council addressed a letter to the cil's letter. Let us look at them. signers. pastors and churches of the Presbyterian The first question is about money. Yet not a single one of the twenty­ Church in the U.S.A. that deserved more Quoting, "Our people do not lack money. five hundred or three thousand min­ consideration than it received. Though vVe have more money at our command isters, and apparently only one of the it should have had'the careful attention than ever before. Why do we withhold seven thousand or so elders, who signed of each and every Presbyterian, prob­ our money from Christ and the the Princeton Petition has been given ably not one in fifty so much as knew Church?" In this connection we are re­ a place on the Permanent Judicial Com­ that the General Council had spoken­ minded that money selfishly gained and mission. a fact that is eloquent of widespread in­ selfishly spent turns to dust in our Could there possibly be a clearer ex­ difference to existing denominational hands. But there are reasons other ample of a partisan court? Half of the leadership on the part of the rank and than selfishness for our failure to sup­ available ministerial positions have been file of the Church. In that letter the port'the denominational budget. given to signers of a radical Modernist General' Council asked four trenchant Our national poverty is at the most document that attacks the message of questions which will live until answered. but a contributing reason, even within the Church at its very root; and not a As yet they have received practically no' the last two years. The last available single ministerial position has been given attention. Our efficient denominational ngures show that as a nation we have a to the far greater number who signed press' scarcely noticed them! Despite gain in purchasing power of 59.2'70 since the' mildest possible petitions looking to the'lapse of months these questions are 1913. Presbyterians have doubtless November, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 7

shared to the full this increase. But sonal Saviour. In the judgment of many to bring to nought things that are: that strange. to say our benevolent giving of us the time has come to separate these no flesh should glory in his presence." while taking a sharp rise since that two opposing views of the primary ob­ There are plenty of reasons why our earl-y -clate-has fallen off very sharply jective of foreign missions. Some of us denomination is not "talent conscious." since 1926. It is the evident lack of de­ are holding back on the Budget because In the first place the Gospel has been nominational support. of the budget it is evidently supporting both groups. so insidiously misrepresented, often from benevolences that is at the bottom of the Weare waiting until a way can be found within, that we are with difficulty able General Council's question. Here are to support only those who represent our truly to determine it. There is no the comparative figures: personal viewpoint on missions, surely a clearly defined and universally accepted (a) Budget legitimate attitude! statement which can now unite us as a (b) Local benevolences It looks as if the time had come for denomination. Much of the Bible in­ expenses (living givers) * the "old fashioned" group, the super­ struction in denominational colleges 1926 ..... $44,731,062 $10,007,762 naturalists if you will, to form their own leads our youth to conclude that the 1931 ..... 45,217,335 8,911,605 Central Receiving Agency and Board Christian Faith is based upon ignorance, change ... 1.15/0 plus 10.95% minus machinery for the proper propagation of prejudice, inaccuracies, over-dogmatic its viewpoint and the handling' of its These benevolent losses can be laid at interpretations by lop-sided apostles. money. This will have to begin in a the door of hard times, of selfish absorp­ Our Bible is claimed to be merely early small way; it may well become a project tion, but not ·alone there. Indifference Jewish and Christian literature, contain­ of the new League of Faith, composed to the causes of the budget, or sus­ ing the Truth, relatively inspired, not of Ministers holding the conservative picion, or both equally, are to blame as thoroughly reliable in a superior scien­ view. People of like minds must work well. Indifference to our denomina­ tific age, out-grown in much of its ethic, together to support benevolent projects tional board leaders, suspicion of their decidedly passe. Men are not going to with which. they are entirely in sym­ sincerity; surely these cut no small fig­ dedicate their talents to an out-moded pathy. There is no question that the ure. Why not all face the facts frankly? Message. A return to the supernatural­ Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. is istic emphasis is indicated as the next Not only is money being witheld by full of conflicting opinion and policy. immediate step. many of us because we lack confidence Therefore anything like full support of .in our secretaries themselves; we don't its denominational budget by all the What is this "new truth coming to us believe in their aims and their program. denomination is in consequence abso­ from physical science, political science, Recently at a foreign missions confer­ lutely impossible. After separation into philosophy and theological scholarship" ence it became at once evident that in mutually exclusive groups the work can that the Message urges us to welcome? our board are those who believe in be enlarged and deepened, and will cer­ Frankly, many of us are suspicious of catering to all elements of conviction tainly be more adequately. supported. much of it. For instance, are we to un­ within the church. And so we are The second question has to do with derstand that among its revelations are treated to the spectacle of our leaders the failure of the Gospel to spread with the new views of Presbyterian leaders trying to ride in two directions at the the rapidity it should. Quoting, "Our peo­ on birth control? Is it modern philo­ same time. The time has come to raise ple do not lack intellectual leadership. sophical truth which lets us understand the question of the feasibility of trying Among our members are multitudes of that our social customs are to have the to send out missionaries who believe that men and women of high attainments. sanction of a leadership which makes foreign missions is primarily a business Why do we not consecrate our talents expediency. the ultimate basis of our of personal salvation from sin on the to thi3 defence of the Gospel and the standards? Are we to let lust. wear the one hand, and sending out on the other spread of the Kingdom?" In this con­ guise of respectability, and give it our men and women whose missionary con­ nection we are reminded that knowledge blessing? Are we going to accept the viction is comprehended in the idea that leaving out God cannot satisfy the deep­ assured results of a science which makes our business in the last analysis is the est needs of life. our blessed Christian Faith an emer­ welding of our culture with the culture Why is it that this is so? Have we gence from the dust? Are we going to of paganism. Or to put it more accu­ gone over to "intellectual leadership?" go over to the supremacy of the "inner rately these last believe that the mis­ Can it be that the Presbyterian Church light" in place of the "thus saith the sionary end is the blending of American has forgotten that "not many wise men Lord" of the Bible? It would seem that, and oriental paganism. They do not after the flesh, not many mighty, not in spite of all assurances to the con­ apparently realize that this is their view. many noble, are chosen: but God hath trary, many Presbyterians are becoming But we see that their message is 'a mes~ chosen the foolish things of the world disciples of these heresies because of the sage of give and take, we see that their to confound the wise; . and God hath example of their leaders. '.'Christianity" is merely our western cul~. chosen the weak things of the world to Let us return to the view that the ture, our civilization, and not our per- confound the things which are mighty; Gospel isa blessing to be personally re­ "Note: The figures of , and the' base things of the world, and ceived, and for the self, but only in order (a) for 1929 were $10,298,215 the things which are despised, hath God that it may lead us into perfect sacri­ (b) for 1,929. were $50,450,686 chosen, yea, arid things whiCh are riot, ficial service,.· intolovlng witness to 8 CHRISTIANITY TODAY November, 1931

others not yet saved. Our leadership is they will transform society _where they the Church is our leadership in all moral not urging with confidence daily taking are. Nothing is more pitiful than the and intellectual issues of the day. Some up of the cross of self-denial and sacri­ sad spectacle of the organized Church of us are afraid of the almost certain fice. in many places, largely composed of result in too great intimacy between The third question concerns the avoid­ members who apparently have never Church and state if the implications of ance of Christian work by Christians. been born again, desperately trying to the Message ar.e followed. Christian Quoting, "Our people do not lack time. revive the social order by human effort people should be vitally interested in all We have- more leisure than any previous alone. good things; it is a real question whether age has had. Why do we hold back All of which inevitably leads us to be­ the church organization should lead from personal Christian service?" In lieve that many church members utterly them. The question is whether this ac­ this connection we are reminded that lack a conception of what personal tive interest in human affairs cannot be leisure that leaves little time for Chris­ Christian service really is. A recent effected better through organizations of tian work or worship misses its true pur­ seminary publication refers to a now Christian people working without the pose and intent. famous statement of one of our leaders immediate pale of the Church. History .would seem to support this contention. Here the Message tells us that there that what the Presbyterian Church -are five things Christians must do. The needs is fewer and larger, more efficient The Message says, fifthly, that we first is the necessity of living a life of churches. We can only hope to impress must be busy in the proclamation of the personal righteousness. But this is not the world by large units with superior Gospel, and to that we heartily agree. Christian work. Men are not won to preaching, music, buildings and equip­ But let us beware lest it is "another discipleship of Christ solely or often by ment. Pray, when did we receive the gospel," and not the Gospel of our Lord example. Ultimately men are won by commission to go into all the world and Jesus Christ. the power of the Word of God pro­ impress it? Pray, when did we get the The Council's fourth question is, "Our claimed by those who themselves are re­ command to go into all the world and people do not lack organization or deemed sinners. do all good things? At present we flounder about in our denominational equipment. We are better equipped and A second thing the Message says we tElstimony, concentrating efficiently upon more efficiently organized than at any Christians must do is faithfully to at­ no clear testimony and presenting our­ period in history. Why does our ac­ tend church and work for the proper selves a laughing stock to an unsym­ tivity result in so much restlessness and maintenance of the organization to pathetic world which makes us out im­ powerlessness?" In this connection we which we belong. Particular stress is becilic if not utterly insincere. are reminded that if activity is not laid upon church worship in this connec­ ceaselessly fed from the fountain of life tion. But worship and church attend­ A third thing the Message says we it is soon exhausted. ance is not the end of our Christian must do as Christians is to train our Already it has been shown why there service. Neither did our Lord say, "Go youth. . But how, and in what kind of is so much restlessness and powerless­ ye into all the world and form men's doctrine? Weare .persuaded that ness. The basis of our faith has been brotherhoods, organize effective every­ nothing will enlist the loyalty of thou­ seriously weakened through the assent member canvasses, conduct efficient sands of youth today, and hold it, based of many of our church leaders to modern guilds and missionary societies." He did upon a less foundation than the Sure rationalistic and humanistic teachings: not say anything categorical about any Word of Prophecy. The "new expres­ We are not being "taught of God." One of the organizations which- occupy so sion of loyalty to Christ" must neces­ wishes that the Message had stressed much of the work time of God's people. sarily gather its inspiration from a these facts as it should. Aside from the care of the poor, instruc­ confidence in the trustworthiness of the tion of the youth, attendance upon the Bible which alone speaks of Him. It is The study o.f God's Word will surely assembles, there is no explicit Scripture well to remember that those movements show us that as a Church we have been instruction for supporting the modern initiated with such success a generation far too busy doing a multitude of good church organizations; but there is plenty and more ago among youth were started things instead of the big thing to which of emphasis upon personal soul winning. by men who had no doubts as to the we have been committed. It will teach All church organizations which can stand value of the old Gospel or the plenary us that a source of present day restless­ the test of definitely aiding in the evan­ inspiration of the Scriptures. The heart ness is in our lack of the knowledge of gelizati.on of the community or the world of the Student Volunteer Movement was our Lord Jesus Christ. We have ob­ at large should be maintained in the a conviction that the world was lost in scured our Saviour in the study of the Qhurch's life; the rest should go. Every­ sin and going to hell. The Christian "historical Jesus." When the Book of thing else is subordinate to the procla­ Endeavor movement was born in a love the Law is again found in the House of mation of persona] salvation from sin. for the study of the Word itself. Where the Lord individual members of the What redeemed men will do in their are these organizations today-not to Church will obtain and regain spiritual social contacts is aside from the main mention others-without the old em­ power. The cause of the Church will point. The gospel of personal salvation phasis? cease to appear a lost cause, because, like comes first. Aftedndividuals are saved A fourth service activity indicated for Paul, we can truly say, "I know him November, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY. 9

whom I have believed." And how many ancy. Let us now rejoice that in these Make us now on to be what we profess to will begin to pour in, even in times of days the Church is again to be revived, be; financial depression! and let us expect from God that which is Let prayer be prayer, and praise be heart­ felt praise. The proolems before the Church today impossible with man. Indeed let each From unreality, Oh! set us wholly free, are principally those which affect its one of us pray: And let our words be echoed in our ways. heart. Weare members of this Church. Awake, 0 Lord, as in the blessed days of Turn us, good Lord, and then shall we be Let each of us pray for the illumination old! truly turned. Come Holy Spirit, in Thy power and of the Holy Spirit, the larger entrance of Let every passion grieving Thee be stilled: God's Word, a truer and more absorbing might; Through grieving Thee our hearts are Then shall our race be won, our promised vision of the true need of ourselves and strangely hard and cold, guerdon earned, the world as a whole. Let us start again Our minds but blindly groping towards Our Master looked-on, and our every joy in a new spirit of humility and expect- the light.... fulfilled. Notes on Biblical Exposition By J. Gresham Machen, D.O., Litt.D., Professor of New Testament in Westminster Theological Seminary XI. HARMONY OF ACTS AND GALATIANS

"Then after fourteen years again 1 years again I went up to Jerusalem." Chronological Considerations went up to Jentsalem with Barnabas, What does he mean by "after fourteen Chronology does not quite interpose taking along also Titus; and I went up years"? Does he mean fourteen years a decisive objection to the identification. according to revelation; and I laid be­ after the visit to Jerusalem which has The famine visit, it is true, is mentioned fore them the gospel which I am preach­ just been mentioned, which visit in turn in the Book of Acts in close connection ing among the Gentiles, and privately was three years after the conversion with the death of Herod Agrippa I, before those who were of repute, lest (Gal. 1: 18), so that the total period be­ which occurred, as can be established perchance 1 should nm in vain or should tween the conversion and this visit now from Josephus, the Jewish historian, in prove to have run in vain" (Gal. 2:1-2, to be narrated would be seventeen years; A.D. 44; and since Paul says (according in a literal translation). or does he means fourteen years after to what we have just held to be the more the conversion-that is, eleven years Identification of the Second Visit probable interpretation of Gal. 2:1) that (fourteen minus three) after the first the visit narrated in Gal. 2:1-10 took N last month's number we finished visit? It is very difficult to answer this the discussion of Paul's first visit to place seventeen (three plus fourteen) I question; but the former view is perhaps years after the conversion, identification Jerusalem after his conversion. It did slightly more probable. not take place immediately after the of this Gal. 2: 1-10 visit with the famine conversion,but three years after, and in With what visit mentioned in the visit would seem to put Paul's conver­ connection with it he saw no others of Book of Acts is this visit narrated in sion in A.D~ 27 (forty-four minus seven­ the pillars of the Jerusalem Church ex­ Gal. 2:1-10 to be identified? Our first teen), which is clearly too early, since cept the Apostle Peter and James the impulse might be to say that since it is it would be earlier than the crucifixion of Jesus. brother of the Lord, while with the the second visit mentioned in Galatians J udrean churches outside of Jerusalem it is to be identified with the second But, in the first place, it is not clear he had no contact at all. He was with visit mentioned in Acts. that the famine visit took place just in Peter, moreover, only fifteen days. The second visit mentioned in Acts A.D. 44. It is true, the Book of Acts Then he went away into the regions was the "famine visit" of Acts 11 :30; does mention the death of Herod of Syria and of Cilicia. The Book of 12:25. Agabus came from Jerusalem to Agrippa I, which took place in A.D. 44, Acts tells us, more specifically, that he Antioch and prophesied a famine. To between the mention of the journey of went to Tarsus, his birthplace, the chief relieve the distress which this famine Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem (Acts city of Cilicia, and then was brought by brought or would bring to the brethren 11 : 30) and the mention of their return Barnabas to Antioch, the chief city of in JUdreea, Barnabas and Paul were sent from Jerusalem to Antioch (Acts 12:25). Syria, to engage in the important work up to Jerusalem with the gifts of the But that may be merely because at the which was going on in that city after Antioch Church; and after the fulfil­ point where the author (by the mention the gospel had been preached by certain ment of their commission they returned of the journey of Paul and Barnabas Jewish Christians of Cyprus and Cyrene to Antioch (Acts 11:30; 12:25). Was from Antioch to Jerusalem) brings the to the Gentile population. this the visit which is to be identified Antioch thread of his narrative into con­ "Then," says Paul, "after fourteen with the one narrated in Gal. 2:1-10? nection with the Jerusalem thread, he 10 .c H R 1ST I A N IT Y TO DAY November, 1931 feels the need of bringing the Jerusalem 2: 1-10 is to be identified with the that our first impression is that they re­ thread up to date by the mention of famine visit, and that the famine visit fer to the same event. That is at least events like the imprisonment of Peter occurred in A.D. 46), to subtract only the prima facie view of the matter. andtnedeath of Herod Agrippa-I, which fourteen (or, with the inclusive method In the following discussion, this prima may have taken place some time before of reckoning, thirteen) from forty-six facie view will be adopted provisionally the point where the two threads of nar­ to get the date of the conversion, which in order that we may see how it works rative are brought together. Thus it is would thus be A.D. 32, or 33-both quite in detail. We shall endeavor to see how possible that the famine visit of Paul possible dates. Indeed, we might even Gal. 2:1-10 and Acts 15:1-39 fit in to­ and Barnabas to Jerusalem may have put the famine visit as early as A.D. 44, gether on the assumption that they refer taken place not just in A.D. 44, but as the actual year of the death of Herod to the same event. The momentous im-' late as A.D. 46. Agrippa I, and still not obtain a pro­ plications of this whole comparison will Even so, however, it might seem as hibitively early date for the conversion. appear more clearly in the sequel. though that famine visit can hardly be It remains true that chronological identified with the visit of Gal. 2:1-10, considerations do on the whole favor the The Famine Visit Not Mentioned? since this visit of Gal. 2:1-10 to.ok place identification of the visit narrated in seventeen years after the conversion and Just at' the beginning, we encounter Gal. 2:1-10 with some visit later than what is often regarded as a serious diffi­ if 'we subtract seventeen from forty-six the famine visit; but what we have just culty. Paul says, after he has narrated we shall get a date (A.D. 29) which is maintained is that they do not actually his first post-conversion visit to Jeru­ clearly too early for the conversion of preclude identification with the famine salem, "Then after fourteen years again Paul. visit, if other considerations make that I went up to Jerusalem." Could he have identification natural. passed over unmentioned a visit to J eru­ Inclusive Method of Reckoning? salem that took place in that interval, as This argument is not, however, quite Identification with the Apostolic Council we are compelled to hold that he has decisive. In New Testament times an Perhaps the chief argument against done if we identify the visit narrated in inclusive'method of designating periods the identification with the famine visit Gal. 2: 1-10 with the Apostolic Council of time was often used. By this inclu­ is to be found in the marked similarity and hold that the famine visit had taken sive method, which counts both the year between what is recorded in Gal. 2:1-10 place in between? in which a period begins and the year and what is recorded in Acts about a This question is often answered in the in which it ends, 1933 would be "three visit other than the famine visit­ negative, and either one of two conclu­ years" after 1931. Thus "three years" namely, the visit at the time of the sions is drawn from that answer. Some in such designations would sometimes "Apostolic Council" of Acts 15: 1-39. of those who hold that Paul could not mean what we should call two years or One of the similarities holds also, indeed, have passed over the famine visit here even less; it would mean one full year with reference to the famine visit as well without mention draw the conclusion and parts of two other years. as with reference to the Apostolic Coun­ that this visit of Gal. 2:1-10 is itself If Paul is using this method, then the cil-Barnabas is represented in both the famine visit, and that the identifica­ "fourteen years" of Gal. 2:1 may be' places as being present with Paul. But tion of it with the Apostolic Council of what we should call thirteen years, and. other features are found only in Acts Acts 15: 1-39, which we have adopted the "three years" of Gal. 1: 18 may be 15:1-39 and not in Acts 11:30; 12:25. provisionally, must be given up after all. what we should call two years; so that In both Acts 15:1-39 and Gal. 2:1-10, Others, insisting still on the identifica­ if the visit of Gal. 2:1-10 be identified the circumcision of Gentile converts is tion of this visit with the Apostolic with the famine visit, and the famine under discussion, and in both the result Council, draw the conclusion that the visit be put not in A.D. 44 but in A.D. is the same-namely, approval of the famine visit never occurred at all, and 46, we should obtain as the date of the position taken by Paul. that therefore the information in Acts conversion forty-six minus thirteen This argument for the identification 11 :30; 12 :25 is incorrect. minus two, or A.D. 31-which, although of the event of Gal. 2: 1-10 with that of But is the assumption upon which uncomfortably early, is not quite im­ Acts 15: 1~39 and against the identifica­ these two conclusions are based so well possible. tion with the event of Acts 11: 30; 12: 25 grounded as the advocates of it sup­ Moreover, it is by no means certain is not, indeed, quite decisive. Even if pose? Is it true that Paul would have that Paul is reckoning the "fourteen Paul had discussed the matter of Gentile been obliged to mention the famine visit years" of Gal. 2: 1 from the first visit freedom privately with the pillars of the if it had really occurred between the first rather than from the conversion. Quite Jerusalem Church (as Gal. 2:1-10 may visit and the one narrated in Gal. 2:1- possibly what he means to do is to con­ be interpreted to mean that he did dis­ 10? trast the first visit, which occurred only cuss it), there would still be room, some At first sight,' it might seem as though three years after the conversion, with years later, for a public pronouncement that were the case. In this passage, it the Gal. 2:1-10 visit, which occurred against the Judaizers like that which is might be said, the Apostle Paul is trac­ fourteen years after that same event. recorded in Acts 15:1-39. Nevertheless, ing in the most careful way his relations If so, we should be obliged (on the as­ as we read Gal. 2:1-10 in comparison with the Jerusalem Church, by way of sumption that the visit narrated in Gal. with Acts 15:1-39, it cannot be denied answer to bitter opponents who would November, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 11 have been quick to seize upon the slight­ that all the original readers of the the original apostles," says Paul, "took est weakness in his argument. He has Epistle to the Galatians would under­ place three years after the conversion; just narrated his first visit to Jerusalem stand that when Paul says in Gal.·1 :21 and the first real conference with them with careful attention to detail and with that he went to the regions of Syria at which they expressed themselves asseveration of his complete accuracy. and of Cilicia that meant that at that about my gospel took place fourteen He has dealt with all possibilities of con­ time he was launched very definitely years later still." tact with the original apostles, in order upon the preaching of his gospel. that the Judaizers might not be able to But if he preached his gospel before The Apostles and the Famine Visit say that he has left anything out. In he had the kind of contact with the orig­ Rightly regarded, therefore, Paul's Jerusalem, he is careful to tell us, he inal apostles which could have made him argument does not demand that the saw only Peter and James, and he did a disciplE) of theirs, he could not have famine visit should be mentioned, sup­ not visit the Judrean churches at all. derived his gospel from them. There­ posing it took place prior to the visit Could he possibly lapse so soon from fore, when in the Epistle he has traced recorded in Gal. 2:1-10, unless it in­ this completeness and carefulness of his life up to the point where he was volved, the important event of a real statement as actually to omit mention fairly launched upon the preaching of conference between the original apostles of a second visit to Jerusalem? Would his gospel, the first part of his argument and Paul regarding the content of Paul's not the Judaizers have been quick to is over, and it no longer remains neces­ gospel and an expression of opinion by seize upon so significant an omission? sary for him to trace in any such detail the original apostles about that gospel Would they not have said that there, at the subsequent history of his relations and about Paul's right to preach it. that second visit, which Paul (as they with the Jerusalem leaders. But it is very improbable, from the' would have charged) was afraid to men­ account of the famine visit in Acts, that Conference With the Apostles tion, was to be put the meeting with the that visit, if it did really take place, in­ Jerusalem leaders which showed Paul to He proceeds, therefore, in the second­ volved anything of the kind. It is said be no independent apostle but a mere chapter, to an entirely different argu­ in Acts 1'1 :30 that the gifts were sent disciple of those whom Jesus had orig­ ment. The point of this new argument to the "elders" at Jerusalem; no men­ inally chosen? is that when the original apostles, the tion is made of apostles as being there: very men to whom the 3udaizers ap­ and, indeed, it is quite possible that at The Transition in Paul's Argument pealed, finally did have a conference the time of the persecution by Herod This argument, plausible though it with Paul about the content of his Agrippa I and for a time after his death may seem at first sight, is not decisive. gospel, they took completely Paul's the apostles were all out of the city. It ignores the fact that there is a transi­ view of the matter, admitted gladly that James the brother of the Lord was, in-­ tion in Paul's argument between the first Paul needed no endorsement from them deed, no doubt there; but still, if the chapter and the second chapter of Gala­ and his gospel needed no addition, gave apostles were away, there would be no tians. him the right hand of fellowship, and real opportunity at that time for the In the first chapter, Paul is arguing recognized the fact that his gospel had kind of pronouncement upon Paul's that at the beginning of his Christian already been given him, without any gospel which Paul would have been life there was not even such contact with mediation of theirs, by God Himself. obliged to mention at .this point in his the original apostles as could have made It is true, Paul is careful to say when argument in Galatians. him a mere disciple of theirs. To how this important conference took place. It We must remember, moreover, that in late a period in Paul's life would this took place, he says, fourteen years after the first two chapters of Galatians Paul exhibition of lack of contact with the the first visit (or, by another interpreta­ is not constructing an argument which apostles have to be continued? Only, it tion of his words, fourteen years after would hold against all possible objec­ seems natural to say, to the point the conversion). But the point of this tions, but rather is meeting specific ob­ where Paul was already well launched mention of the time of the conference jections of the Judaizers. Apparently it upon the preaching of his gospel. But visit is not to show that it was after an was that first visit to Jerusalem which that point was surely reached some time interval of so many years dwring which they had seized upon for their purposes. before the time of the famine visit, sup­ Paul had made no visits to Jerusalem, Paul was obliged, therefore, to set them posing the famine visit to have taken but rather to show that the first real con­ right in detail about that visit. But if place as the Book of Acts says it took ference with the original apostles, at the famine visit gave them so little color place. which the content of Paul's gospel was of support that they had not even tried What did Paul do when he was in or discussed with them, did not take place to bring it forward, then Paul was not near Tarsus between the time when he at the first visit after the conversion, obliged to mention it in his argument, left Jerusalem three years after his con­ as apparently the Judaizers said that it and his omission of mention of it before version and the time when Barnabas did, but at a visit many years later. Gal. 2: 1 does not prove either that the brought him to Antioch? Surely he The "after fourteen years" of Gal. 2:1 visit narrated in Gal. 2:1-10 is to be preached there; and in all probability stands, therefore, in relation to the identified with it or that the Book of both the Galatians. and the Judaizing op­ "after three years" of Gal. 1: 18. "The Acts is in error in representing it as ponents knew that that was the case, so first contact of any kind that I had with having occurred. 12 CHRISTIANITY TODAY November, 1931 Books of Religious SigniFicance

SCIENCE AND RELIGION, a Symposium reads this lecture with an ounce of discrim­ doctrine constantly. This wisdom seeks to by twelve British scientists and clergy­ ination must see that Professor Huxley has insinuate itself into the church again and men. Scribners, 1931. Price, $1.75. branded as a particular theology which again. It is such· a hard doctrine to believe science is determined to destroy the religion that we can do nothing meritorious in the N the case of a number of the writers of of the sovereign God and of His great and sight of God unless He by His grace oper­ I this work there is an evident propriety "absolutely unique acts for the redemption ates in our hearts. in their placing "science" first in the title. of mankind, particularly the sending of His The method employed by Luther is that As Principal Jacks points out, "some of the only begotten Son, His death on _the cross writers, lay and clerical, give science the of detailed Scripture explanation. For this for the atonement of the world, His resurrec­ reason the book should be very useful for leading part in laying down the terms of tion as the beginning of a new God-given reconciliation between science and religion. those who are troubled with certain Scrip­ life for the redeemed race"-the religion ture passages which they think seems to Science is master of the situation. She has commonly and historically known 'as the allow some power to the "natural man." won all the engagements that have been Christian religion. Huxley has also clearly Moreover the book is very readable. The fought so far, and, though religion has not limned a form of the doctrine of evolution­ been annihilated, she has been taught a fact that it was written long ago should not an all too common form of that doctrine­ keep anyone from reading it. sharp lesson. Therefore it is for science to with which supernatural religion can have dictate the terms of surrender and for reli­ only war from generation to generation. Incidentally one may gather many inter­ gion to accept them. In case religion re­ esting bits of information about the ways fuses a bad time is in store for her. The Other addresses offer more positive con­ and methods of Modernism in this book of passports of religion are not valid until they tributions, although too many of the Luther. Luther was writing against the have been stamped and visa'd by the scien­ speakers have allowed Huxley to sound the famous Modernist of his day, the great tific consulate." keynote. Eddington finds that the most Erasmus. Luther shows how Erasmus fundamental postulate derived from scien­ counseled· men from the investigation of In particular Professor Julian Huxley de­ tific inquiry is that in us there is something deep doctrines. Such investigations could mands that religion become the pliant hand­ to which truth matters. Rev. H. R. L. Shep­ lead to nothing but disharmony and strife maiden of science and content herself with pard forcibly reminds us that in their pro­ according to Erasmus, At the same time the such menial tasks as the mistress of the found crises men turn to religion rather real result of such a policy and the real in­ situation allows her-i.e., the setting up of than to science; and from religion derive tent of Erasmus who advised its adoption a scale of values on the basis of the data their new vitality. Dean Inge points out was that men should turn to an agnostic furnished by science. Huxley insists that defects in the Victorian doctrine of universal position. "You call us off, and forbid our the nature of religion be determined by the and automatic progress; Principal Jacks is endeavouring to know the prescience of God science of comparative religion. Accord­ thought provocative. A Protestant naturally -and counsel us to leave such things, and ingly the root elements of religion are de­ differs from Father O'Hara in his doctrine to avoid and disregard them; and in so clared to be a sense of sacredness, a sense of Baptism; but in spite of this difference doing you at the same time teach us your of dependence, and a desire for explanation the reviewer regards the Jesuit's article as rash sentiments; that we should seek after and comprehension-which last is to be the most distinctively Christian of any in an ignorance of God-" p. 45. We may well gratified by natural science. God and im­ the series. ask, "Shall a leopard change his spots?" mortality are "not essential to the nature of WILLIAM CHILDS ROBINSON, Modernism in the Reformation peripd sought religion." Further it is the duty of religion Columbia Theological Seminary, to insinuate a far-reaching agnosticism into to assimilate the. new facts and the possible Columbia, S. C. the church in the name of peace and har­ generalizations offered by science to account mony. Is Modernism today doing anything for these facts. Religion must modify her­ different? self accQrding to Darwin. For, while God THE BONDAGE OF THE WILL. By Martin and man are treated as relative, evolution is Luther takes pains to call attention to this Luther. Translated by Henry Cole, M.A., policy of Erasmus again and again. Nothing regarded as absolute on this planet. "Nature with slight alteration tram Edward T. works according to universal automatic seems to him to be so dangerous as the Vaughan, M.A. Corrected by Henry systematic cultivation of ignorance in the law," preserving her unity and continuity Atherton. Great Britain: The Sovereign apart from any guidance of matter from name of peace as Modernism engages in it Grace Union, 98 CamberweH Grove, Lon­ without let or hindrance, Accordingly he without. The energy which moves the tides, don, S. E. 5, 10/6. United States: W. B. drives a motor car, and in man consciously wrote his catechisms with which to instruct Eerdman's Pub. Co., 234 Pearl St., N.W., the youth of the church in the essentials of feels, reasons and plans, "is only one world­ Grand Rapids, Mich., $3.50. stuff, only one flow of energy." Again it is the Christian faith. Would not the church the business of religion to mold itself to HE Sovereign Grace Union is doing a do well to follow Luther's example in this conform to the sex-psychology of Freud, and . valuable service to orthodox Christians respect? Orthodox Christians have them­ the behaviorism of Pavlov. Tby reprinting books of the type now under selves to blame most of all for the rapid in­ consideration. Luther's book will remain a roads of Modernism in the Church. Mod­ Without stopping to criticise Huxley in classic on the subject of man's free will. It ernism thrives wherever ignorance of the detail, it is important to recognize the serv­ should be remembered that Luther deals church's teachings prevails. ice he has rendered in clearing the atmos­ with the subject chiefly from an ethical point Another point of interest is the confidence phere, and in revealing the irrepressible of view. Accordingly he brings out very with which Luther meets his opponent. He conflict which must continue to exist be­ forcibly the Scripture doctrine of the "nat­ gives Erasmus credit for great learning and tween historic Christianity and science as he ural man's" total inability to do anything culture but does not in the least fear to has presented it. Christianity can never that is good in the sight of God. And what meet him in the arena of religious debate. accept the terms of reconciliation which the could be more useful for the church today In this respect too, it would seem, we can eminent zoologist offers-for when she does than a reemphasis of this very point? The well afford to follow Luther's example. All she ceases to be Christianity. Anyone who "wisdom of the world" rebels against this too often we crouch like "a belaboured November, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 13

hound beneath his master's lash" when history of the Church according to the best God is so one-sided as practically to deny Modernism hurls the dread name of science schoiarly methods is dishonest. To retain a that man is made in the image of God. If rather than produce argument. We need to theology of yesterday, which does not do modernism errs by a too exclusive emphasis be humbly bold in our fight with Modernism justice to modern astronomy, geology, biol­ on the immanence of God, Barthianism errs because we nave tIie ftiUest confidence· that ogy and psychology is impossible" (p. 22). by a too one-sided emphasis on the tran­ truth is on our side. We cannot stay to question Professor scendence of God. In the second place its Pauck's assumptions that scientific research doctrine of the Bible seems to us far re­ Many other matters might be mentioned has disproved the Bible story of creation or moved from the true doctrine. We agree which would prove that the book of Luther that the use of the best scholarly methods that the Bible cannot rightly claim exemp­ 'makes very prOfitable reading for anyone leads to belief in the purely human origin tion from historico-critical treatment but we interested in the progress of the old gospel. of the Bible; but we pause to remark that cannot agree that its value as revelation is We have mentioned only two or three items the fact that a man like Professor Pauck independent of the results of such criticism. in order to give an illustration of the great According to Barth the Word of God is in value of the book. finds so much in Barth to praise is fitted to raise the question whether there is as much the words of the Bible, but the Word of God CORNELIUS V AN TIL. of good in him as Mr. McConnachie dis­ is in no real sense to be identified with the covers. words of the Bible. While Barth has re­ peatedly said that the doctrine of the literal THE SIGNIFIOANCE OF KARL BARTH by In trying to appraise Barth it is impera­ inspiration of the Bible is not easily pushed the Rev. John McConnachie. Hodder tive that we keep in mind that he attacks aside yet he does not hold that pOSition and ,and Stoughton, London. pp. :288. both modernism and fundamentalism. Our many of his followers at least accept the satisfaction over the vigor and cogency of conclusions of the most radical critics of KARL BARTH: PROPHET OF A NEW his attack on modernism is greatly lessened the Bible. In the third place its view that CHRISTIANITY? by William Pauck. by the fact that he is scarcely less vigorous faith cannot be built on historical facts Harper & Brothers, New York. pp. :2:28. (we do not say scarcely less cogent) in his seems to us fatally defective inasmuch as it attack on fundamentalism-true as it is HESE two books witness to the grow­ seems to sit loosely to the very things that that his sympathies are with fundamental­ ing interest in Barthianism in English make Christianity the gospel of salvation. T ism rather than with modernism as shown speaking circles. The first is from the pen Mr. McConnachie in the name of Barth takes by the fact that he says that if he had to of the Minister of St. John's Church, Dun­ exception to Dr. Machen's statement (What choose between them ,he would choose the dee, Scotland (see our August issue, p. 16) is Faith p. 242) that "Christianity is former. Moreover it is significant in this and is more appreciative than critical. In founded squarely ... upon facts." Barth's connection that Barth began as a modern­ fact we will hardly do its author an injustice desire of course is to secure a baSis for ist. This means that he has travelled in if we speak of him as a disciple of Barth. Christianity that is independent not only of the direction of fundamentalism (using the The second is from the pen of the professor the psychologism of modernism but of the term in its broad sense) and inasmuch as of Church History and Historical Theology historism of fundamentalism. He is at­ he is still travelling it is by no means im­ at the Chicago Theological Seminary (Con­ tempting the impossible. Christianity is possible that he will yet reach a position gregational) and is more critical than ap­ grounded in facts and is neither credible more in accord with that of the funda­ preciative. For while Professor Pauck finds nor possessed of saving Significance apart mentalist. Our regret that Barth's own much of value in Barth he holds that he is from those facts. position is as yet so far removed from ortho­ the "preacher in the wilderness" not the doxy should, however, not be allowed to con­ prophet of the new Christianity. Both these The following passages from Professor ceal from ourselves the fact that the writers have studied under Barth and speak Pauck seem to us significant. After stating theological movement now most in favor in out of a first-hand knowledge of his writings. his own conviction that "our only authority Germany is strongly anti-modernistic. A Their books admirably supplement each is our venturesome faith as we have been few years ago it seemed that the whole other and together constitute a valuable led by a sincere open-minded consideration theological world inasfar as it was not eontribution to the literature of Barthian­ ·of the facts of life. God has revealed Him­ fundamentalist had gone over to the mod­ ism. self to us in the present life we are living. ernist position. Certainly that is not the We believe in Him because the realities of In the first of these books we see Barth case today. Today Barth and his friends life compel us to. In these realities He through the eyes of one whose theological look upon liberalism as represented by men finds us. In this sense faith comes to us; background is that of a present-day Scottish like. Fosdick as belonging to yesterday to a we do not create it" he adds: "our impres­ Presbyterian while in the second we see him much larger extent than fundamentalism. sion is that the ultimate authority on which through the eyes of one whose theological Barth depends is no other than this, and we background is the modernism that derives Mr. McConnachie maintains that Barth is a reformed theologian and that Barthianism cannot avoid the conclusion that he is from Schleiermacker by way of Ritschl, guilty of a strange self-deception, when he Harnack and Troeltsch. The thoroughly is a revival of Calvinism. It seems to us, however, that Professor Pauck is nearer the insists on pOinting to the immediate revela­ naturalistic viewpoint from which Professor tion of God which is concealed in the Bibli­ Pauck approaches Barth is indicated not facts when he maintains that there is only cal testimony on Jesus Christ. He operates {Jnly by his statement that "supernatural­ a small measure of truth in this contention. with a conception of revelation which is istic metaphysics are offensive to our minds· It is true that Barth holds that Calvin un­ antiquated, outlived, unreal. It is the old and consciences" (P. 202) but more in detail derstood Christianity much better than have by such a passage as the following: "No the modernists but Calvinism will have to supernaturalism, the old belief in the intelligent person will deny the validity of be largely re-defined before we can call miraculous intervention of an otherworldly, Barth a Calvinist. the demand that the church recognize the superhuman, anthropomorphic God which modern world-view as it has been shaped by We hope at some future date to give our haunts him" (p. 165). We call this passage the results of scientific research. A defense readers something like an adequate ap­ significant because it indicates to us what of the story of the creation as it is told in praisal of Barthianism but at present we seems to us to be an important truth about the first chapters of the Bible against the content ourselves with indicating some of Barth, viz., that within him two life and theory of evolution is an act of blind stub­ the points at which it seems to us fatally world views are struggling for the mastery. bornness. A denial of the human origin of defective. In the first place it seems to us Broadly speaking these life and world views the Bible and a refusal to investigate the that its doctrine of the transcendence of are the ones known as naturalism and su- 14 CHRISTIANITY TODAY November, 1931 pernaturalism. Professor Pauck holds that naturalistic elements triumph it may be minority up to 1890. But every year their it is the former that fundamentally deter­ different but it will be :1B much the enemy number increased. Look at the following mines his thinking but admits that the lat­ of Christianity as is modernism; but if its list: ter still supplies much of the content of his supernaturalistic elements triumph it may Immigrants from Northern Europe: thought. .. It seeins to us, therefore, that the be instrumental to a revival of Christianity 1870-1880 ...... 91.6% question whether the Barthian movement in all its ancient power. The supernatural­ 1880-1890 ...... 80.2% ultimately furthers the cause of true religion ism of Christianity is not its weakness but 1890-1900 ...... 48.4% depends on which of these elements in its its strength. thought secures the ascendency. If its S. G. C. Immigrants from Southern Europe: 1870-1880 ...... 8.4% 1880-1890 ...... 19.8% 1890·1900 ...... 51.6%. Since 1890 the Southerners (Roman Cath­ Letters to the Editor olics) have outnumbered the Protestant immigrants and the 'ratio in their favor has [The letters printed here express the convictions of the writers, and publication' in these increased. columns does not necessarily imply either approval or disapproval on the part of the Editors. If correspondents do not wish their names printed, they will please so request, Look at these statistics: Number of immi­ but all are asked kindly to sign their names as an evidence of good faith. We do not grants from Northern Europe during 1900- print letters that come to us anonymously.] 1910 was 23.3%. In the same time from Southern Europe it was 76.7%. From 1910- To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: worthy reason for the Presbyterian Church 1920 the Northerners came down to 22.80/0 to retain membership in such an organiza­ SIR: Your excellent and informing report and the Southerners climbed up to 77.2%. tion. Since many of the interests of the of the 143rd General Assembly deserves ap­ What do these figures tell us? A great deal. Federal Council are more or less anti­ preciation, even though belated. If it had They tell us that Protestant America is on Christian-indeed it is interested in about not been for CHRISTIANITY TODAY and the the brink of ceasing to be a Protestant peo­ everything except redemptive Christianity­ daily press, Presbyterians in general would ple. These figures tell us that we are it is passing strange that the President of have had little knowledge of what actually drifting to Rome if not to Leningrad (Mos­ a Presbyterian Theological Seminary should took place. The church papers which are cow) for many of the aliens from Latin and feel called upon to go out of his way to keep under the domination of the ecclesiastical Slavonic countries have communistic and the Church in the Federal Council. It is no machine either do not care to inform their anarchistic if not atheistic tendencies. If wonder the Seminary finds it necessary to readers of what is going on, or they are not the latter pernicious tendencies should get issue protestations in defense of its ortho­ permitted to tell the readers what they the upper hand in our beloved country not doxy! They are needed. This is carrying should know. Some day, perhaps sooner only Wittenberg and Geneva (Luther and the "inclUSive policy" to the bitter extreme. than those now in the saddle are thinking, Calvin: Protestantism) but also Rome itself the rank and file of Presbyterians will Has the General Assembly ceased to seek would be in danger and doomed to destruc­ awake to the folly of supposing that a the glory of God and become merely an tion. church divided against itself· can fulfill the agency for the glorification and flattery of . If our present-day Protestant churches mission God intended. The sooner Presby­ a few selected or self-appointed "leaders"? would only be "Valiant-For-Truth"; if they terians do get possession of the facts, the It is no wonder the question is being asked had only maintained "The Faith of our sooner some of the "distinguished" leaders, in all seriousness. Let us confess that it is Fathers"; if they only had stuck to the who are running things now with a high because the Presbyterian Church is forget­ fundamentals of our Apostolic Catholic hand, will stop some of their Modernistic ting the glory of God and giving a sadly Christian Faith and Creed there would be tomfoolery. divided testimony, that she is so impotent at least some hope for a vigorous Prot­ in .the presence of infidelity, worldliness and The triumph of Modernism, with its "every estantism, able and powerful enough to heathenism. It must be so until the Church man his own saviour," and "Christianity a overcome Roman Catholic errors supersti­ is purged and can give a clear witness to way of life" teachings, seems to have had tion and also unbelief and atheism, etc. the Christ. something of a jolt by the way the General Sincerely, Alas! nowadays Modernism has rejected Assembly voted on Moderator, by the RUSSELL T. BARR. many truths which Rome upholds, such "progress" of Church Union, and by the Germantown, Phila., Pa. ca~dinal doctrines as: Creation and Provi­ outcome of the Federal Council matter. dence, the Holy Trinity, the Godhead of Church Union is coming by leaps and bounds Christ, the Virgin Birth, the substitutionary through various well known undenomina­ character of Christ's death, His resurrection, tional agencies too numerous to mention, "Protect Us by Thy Might, the Godhead of the Holy Spirit, the plenary but the Union which is coming with such inspiration of Holy Scriptures, etc., etc. certainty is in no sense such a machine Great God Our King. It affair as Presbyterian pOliticians are en· To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: There is more. The committee of the deavoring to bring about. All who are true SIR: We Americans have been from the Federation of Churches reported favorably to the faith can rejoice in that fact. The beginning a Protestant people. The immi­ on Neo-Malthusianism, (birth-control, rather average member of the Presbyterian Church grants from England, Germany, Holland birth-denial) . is led to wonder why certain of the "states· and Scandinavia were as a rule, of Prot­ While negroes, orthodox Jews and Roman manlike" leaders should be so zealous in estant persuasion. But since the year 1890, Catholics as a rule believe in large families, behalf of the Federal Council, in view of there has come 'a change. During the decade so called Protestants protest against them! the unsavory notoriety that organization has from 1860-1870 there came to our ports from They cannot afford them. acquired. Certainly the Presbyterian Church Northern (Protestant) Europe 98.4% immi­ has nothing desirable to gain from connec­ grants in comparison with 1.6% only from Indeed there are reasons to be heavy of tion with such an outfit. There may be Southern Europe: Italians, French, Span­ heart as to the future of Protestantism in some "big leaders" of the Church who have iards, Slavonians, etc. These were as a our country. not as yet been elected to the presidency of rule, nominally at least, Roman Catholics. J. KEIZER. the Federal Council, but this is hardly a These Southern immigrants were far in the Kalamazoo, Mich. November, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 15

wrote in words that all the New Testament would have approved: "Herein was the love Questions Relative to Christian of God manifested in us, that God sent His only-begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. Herein in love, Fait-h and Pract'ice not that we loved God, but that God loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for, our sins" (I John 4:9, 10.); "God so Baptism and Salvation God of Both Testaments loved the world that He gave His only· begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Editor of CHRISTIANl'rY TODAY: Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: Him might not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3: 16 ) . It may be added that if I am enclosing a marked clipping from Is it correct to say that the God of the the God of the Old Testament were "quite The Westminster Intermediate-Senior Quar­ Old Testament is quite different from the different" from the God of the New Testa­ terly. As a Bible teacher, I would like to God of the New Testament? Is there factual ment, it is passing strange that writers like have you tell me where I can find any au­ evidence to prove that the Bible portrays Paul and Peter and John-all of whom were thority in the Bible for such ~ statement. man's evolution from a, concept of God as a steeped in Old Testament teaching-exhibit Ch1'ist said, "He that believeth and is bap­ sovereign God of justice to be feared to a no consciousness of the fact. Their un­ tized shall be saved." When the Ethiopian democratic Gael of love? awareness of the difference evidences that eunuch asked Philip "What doth hinder me C. K. to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou no such difference exists. bez.ievest with all thine hem·t, thou mayest." N our judgment there is no warrant for Peter did not baptize Cornelius and his Our answer to, the second question given saying that the God of the Old Testament household until they believed on Jesus. I above has been indicated in what has 'been is different from the God of the New Testa­ Christ, and had received the witness of the said. If the same God meets us in both ment. It is true of course that the New Holy Spirit. Testaments, it is obvious that the Bible does Testament contains a fuller revelation of not portray such an evolution in men's con­ To a Presbyterian Minister, the answer to God than does the Old Testament, but it is cept of God. It is true, as indicated above, Q. 95 in our Shorter Catechism should have the same God of whom we learn in, each. that God's revelation of Himself has been some weight. "Baptism is not to be admin­ The representation to the contrary that con­ progressive, "by divers portions and in divers istered to any that are out of the visible stantly emanates from "liberal" circles rests manners," but it is ever the same God who Church, till they profess their faith in on no solid baSis as Dr. A. C. McGiffert in does the revealing and that is revealed. No Christ, and obedience to Hint,. but the in­ his radical book, The Gael of the Early doubt it is possible to so reconstruct the fants of such as are members of the visible Christians, has rather recently shown afresh. Old Testament as to make it appear that it Church, are to be baptizeel." According to Dr. McGiffert, who certainly supports a different thesis, but, in our judg­ J. T. cannot be accused of sympathy with "con­ ment, such reconstruction is itself unwar­ servative" views, Jesus did not teach a new ranted. Everywhere in the Bible we meet The citation referred to above is to be view of God. More especially he maintains a God who is sovereign both in the sphere found in the lesson of October 4th in con­ that it is a mistake to suppose that Jesus of justice and love. In the nature of the nection with the comment on Acts 16:13-15 stressed in any revolutionary manner the case there can be no such thing as a "demo­ where Luke relates the conversion of Lydia love or the Fatherhood of God. He says cratic" God. A god Who is less than and reads as follows: "Then God's :whisper in fact that the love and the Fatherhood of sovereign is no god at all. Whoever con· came to her. God opened her heart so that God were more prominent in the teachings ceives of God as less than sovereign miscon­ she believed the Christian message. She of Jesus' contemporaries than in His own, ceives and profanes His holy name. The asked for baptism, and Paul baptized her and that if any element in His teaching was fear of God is a characteristic of New Testa­ and all her household, which includeel all more distinctive than any other it was what ment saints as well as of Old Testament those employed in her business, perhaps He had to say about the awful severity of saints. God. Jesus as he points out had much to many slaves and freedwomen" (italics say about punishment as well as bliss in ours). In our opinion that part of the com­ the future world and presented a picture of ment expressed by the italicized words is God that accords not at all with the com· Divine Healing fitted to convey a thought out of harmony man "liberal" representation. While we with the teachings of the Bible. Believing regard Dr. McGiffert's picture itself as one­ Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: as we do that the Bible authorizes infant sided yet it provides a wholesome check on Why do not the elisciples at Christ today baptism we think it altogether likely that a picture that is even more one-Sided, viz., have the same power to heal as did the the statement "she was baptized and her the pict.ure of God presented by modern reli­ apostles to whom Christ gave this power household" means that her children were gious liheralism in which no place is found just before He commission eel them to go baptized as well as herself. It is also quite for the element of sovereign justice. In fOTth? both the Old and the New Testaments God possible that those of "her household" in­ Very sinceTely, is revealed as a God of love, but in both it cluded others beside her immediate family. C. C. is a love that can be apprehended in any Inasfar as these others were adults, how­ adequate way only as it is understood N our judgment the answer to this ques­ ever, we may be sure that they were bap­ against the background of those other con­ tion is to be found in the fact-for fact tized only in case they had a faith like unto ceptions of His character expressed in the Iwe esteem it to be--that miraculous gifts that of their mistress. It is regrettable, it phrases, "God is Righteousness," "God is were bestowed upon the Apostles as the seems to us, that an officiaJ Presbyterian Holiness," "God is a consuming fire." The authoritative agents of God in founding the publication should convey the impression Scriptures never teach that God is love and church and hence ceased with the passing that there is Biblical authority for the no­ therefore there is no need of an atonement of the Apostles together with those upon tion that Paul baptized adults who were for sin. 'They ever teach that God is love whom the Apostles had conferred this power. lacking in personal faith in the Christian and therefore He, at unspeakable cost to This question of miraculous gifts in the message. Himself, provided an atone:nent. As John church (including the gift of hE'aling) has 16 CHRISTIANITY TODAY November, 1931

been dealt with adequately and satisfactorily correspondents. But it seems to .me you are truth" because he is persuaded that in pro­ in our opinion by the late Dr. B. B. War­ doing, to a limited degree, only what portion as this is done his view of lifS! and field in his book "Counterfeit Miracles" reverent higher critics in general are doing the world will be recognized as the only (Charles Scribner's Sons). "The Apostolic and what I think they should not be cen­ valid one. Since in his judgment the ChriS­ Chutch,"Iiewrote, "was· characteristically sured for doing, even though their re­ tian life and world view rests not on human a miracle-working church. How long did searches jorce them to throw out other wisdom but on divine revelation; he is not this state of things continue? It was the portions. There is no real difference, in fearful lest human wisdom will show it to characterizing peculiarity of specifically the principle, between throwing out twelve be false. Apostolic Church and it belonged therefore verses or ten tim,es that number. In either exclusively to the Apostolic age--although case the admission that portions are prob­ The questions of our correspondents have no doubt this designation may be taken with ably spurious, is an admission that the to do with two matters. They have to do some latitude. These gifts were not the Bible, as we have it, is not "infallible." The (1) with the legitimacy of textual criticism possession of the primitive Christian as statement that the original manuscripts and (2). the propriety and value of appeal­ such; nor for that matter of the Apostolic were infallible does not seem to alter the ing to· original manuscripts which are no Church or the Apostolic age for themselves; case, since those originals are not now in longer extant. The first of these can be dis­ they were distinctively the authentication existence. I should greatly appreciate your posed of in a few words by saying that we of the Apostles. They were part of the discussing this point, tor it is Of very deep fully recognize the legitimacy of both tex­ credentials of the Apostles as the authorita­ interest to me. tual and historical criticism. We agree that tive agents of God in founding the church. B. G_W. there is no difference in principle between Their function thus confined them to dis­ deleting one verse or twelve verses or many tinctively the Apostolic Church and they times that number. Whether any partic­ necessarily passed away with it. Of this Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: ular deletion is warranted is simply a matter we may be sure on the ground of both prin­ .of weighing the evidence for and against Your paper is filling a great need in the ciple and fact; that is to say both under its genuineness. The choice here is not readers of religious magazines, and I thank the guidance of the New Testament as to between criticism and no criticism but be­ God tor the large helpfulness which you are their origin and nature, and on the credit tween a sound and an unsound criticism. In extending to many. I would be both glad of the testimony of the later ages as to their as far as we censure others for eliminating and gratefUl if you would let me know your cessation.... This does not mean, of portions of the Bible which we accept we views· on the inspiration of the Scriptures. course, that only the Apostles appear in the do so on the ground that they have done so I have always believed in verbal inspiration New Testament as working miracles, or that in the face of the weight of the evidence. and that therefore there is no error ot they alone are represented as recipients of either thought or words in the original docu­ the charismata. But it does mean that the The second . of these matters calls for ments, but I have been asked what would charismata belonged, in a true sense, ·to the much fuller consideration, much fuller in be the value of such inspiration if the copies Apostles and constituted one of the signs fact than we are able to give it in this con­ now extant and our various transla-tions are of an Apostle. Only in the two great ini­ nection. We are not without hope that at not themselves exact in word. I have not tial instances of the descent of the Spirit some future date we will be able to give t01lnd an answer entirely satisfactory to at Pentecost and the reception of Cornelius our readers a somewhat extended discussion myself, but still feel that verbal inspiration are charismata recorded as conferred with­ of the whole problem of inspiration. . At and equal inspiration of every part of the out the laying on of the hands of the present, however, we confine our attention WOl'd are essential to the authority of the Apostles. There is no instance on record to certain considerations which seem to us Word as the message of GOd. If you can of their conference by the laying on of the to justify the appeal to the original manu­ answer my question through the columns ot hands of anyone else than an Apostle." scripts as our final authority despite the fact your paper I shall greatly appreciate it. In our judgment Christian disciples in that all existing copies (including of course general never did have the power to heal Yours in the service at Ohl'ist, all translations) are admittedly not infal­ miraculously, that being a gift that was A.M.M. lible. In the first place we should remember possessed only by those upon whom Christ that while all admit that we do not have the or His apostles conferred it. That power autograph copies of the Biblical books yet passed away with the Apostles and the last We greatly appreciate the kind words of what we have approximates to that. Dr. of those upon whom the Apostles conferred our correspondents and would at least like Hort has estimated that in .999 per cent such power. Hence there is nothing sur­ to believe that we are in some degree de­ of the New Testament we have the exact prising in the fact that disciples today do serving of them. We do not cherish the words of the original authors. There is no not possess such power. That is only what notion, however, that we are superior to our reasonable doubt but that many exaggerated is to be expected. What would be surpris­ fellow-conservatives in the matter of frank­ statements are current as to the extent to ing would be their possession of such a ness. The true evangelical has nothing to wbich the Bible we have departs from the power. conceal and so is under no temptation to original. In the second place, we should use double-faced language when speaking of not overlook the testimony of the Scriptures the Scriptures. To a fuller degree than to their own trustworthiness. While writ­ some he can say with Paul: "For we are ten by men they claim to be the Word of Bible Inspiration not as many, which corrupt the word of God and as such completely trustworthy in God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, in all their representations. If we reject this Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: the sight of God speak we in Christ." This basic claim it goes without saying that the I liked the tone of your reply to a ques­ finds its ultimate explanation, if we mistake Bible errs at a central point. In fact if we tion in the April issue relative to the au­ not, in the fact that the Bible is through cannot trust the Bible in what it tells us thenticity ot the last twelve verses in the and through an evangelical book, as is about itself, hoW can we trust it in what it Gospel according to Mark, though I had freely acknowledged by radical scholars of tells us about other things? On the other never before known that this passage was various schools. What is more, frankness hand if we admit this basic claim, it is evi­ ot doubtful authenticity and probably an is a characteristic of the evangelical because dent that there were no errors in the orig' interpolation. You say you consider it he is fully convinced of the truthfulness of inal manuscripts. We can understand how "spurious" and why Y01l do. I like your the religion of the Bible. He welcomes "the men can differ as to the validity of this frankness in this and in all your answers to truth, the whole truth and nothing but the claim, but we cannot understand how they November, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 17 can differ over the question of its impor­ No doubt this consideration may be abused. of the Virgin Birth, the physical resurrec­ tance. In the third place the question We have no right to say that an alleged tion of our Lord, His second coming to judge whether the original manuscripts were in­ error was not in the original manuscript in the quick and the dead, and the doctrine fallible is of great importance because on defiance of all sound textual criticism. But of the resurrection which will take place that question hangs the-binding authority while this conSideration does not provide when the Lord comes again. Moreover, the of the Bible. A Bible that always contained an ever-ready refuge to which to fiee when Bishop of Gloucester says that the "whole errors could not rightly be spoken of as the confronted with alleged Biblical errors, it series of Articles IX.-XVII." are such that "W ord of God, the only infallible rule of should be 'firmly maintained' that it is a "an educated person at the present-day is faith and practice." Only on the assumption perfectly legitimate one and that no one has quite out of sympathy" with them. Pre­ that the original manuscripts were free of any' right to say that there are proved sumably then these Articles must be re­ error can we be certain that the Bible even errors in the Bible unless he can show that vised or removed. Yet they set forth some when its text is rightly ascertained and there is good reason to think that they were of the great foundation truths of the Gospel. rightly interpreted is authoritative. Surely in the original manuscripts. This considera­ They treat of the doctrines of sin, good it is a matter of no small importance tion is no subterfuge, as is often said, but works, free-will, justification, Christ's sacri­ whether from the beginning the Bible has rather an eminently reasonable demand. fice for sin, and Election. The doctrine of been a mixture of truth and error_ If the The whole science of textual criticism is justification by faith only through the blood Bible has always contained errors we can­ worthless, or at most has, only an academic and righteousness of Christ is the great not be certain that even those passages con­ value, unless the original manuscripts are doctrine for which Luther stood out, and it cerning whose authenticity there is no doubt the final court of appeal. In the 'nature of is the doctrine which differentiates the will yield us the sure word of God. the case the Biblical writers can be held Church of England from the Church of We believe, therefore, that the appeal to responsible only for what they themselves Rome. Abandon this doctrine and it mat­ the original manuscripts is a justifiable one. wrote. ters little what else we abandon. After all, the great question is, How can a sinner be justified before God? Rome in effect says by our own merits. The Church of England says "only for the merit of our Lord and Current Views and Voices Saviour Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own works or deservings." The Growing Revolt Against shall they heap to themselves teachers, hav­ How is this revolt against sound doctrine ing itching ears; and they shall turn away to be met? Briefly, we answer in the lan­ Sound Doctrine their ears from the truth, and shall be guage of the inspired Apostle. "Continue turned unto fables." Editorial in "The English Ohurchman and thou in the things which thou hast learned St. James' Ohronicle" We are living at a time when this and hast been assured of." Continue to prophecy is being fulfilled. There is a grow­ believe that all Scripture is given by in­ OUND doctrine and Bible truth have ing revolt against sound doctrine. It is spiration of God, and that it is wholly suffi­ S never been palatable to the carnal mind. manifest on all sides, and in all the coun­ cient for the man of God. Continue to Our Lord Jesus Christ was the very em­ tries of Christendom, and it is also manifest preach the Word in season and out of sea­ bodiment of truth. He was "full of grace in heathen countries where missionaries to son, fully assured that God's infallible Word and truth." "I am the way," He said, "the the heathen are promulgating Modernist will not return unto Him void. truth, and the life." He came into the teaching. Recent utterances show that world to "bear witness unto the truth." Yet Presbyterians are revolting against the He and His testimony were rejected. The Westminster Confession of Faith, and the The Need for Better Church Music very truthfulness of His testimony caused attack on our own XXXIX. Articles as OwEN W. MORAN in "Western Recorder" Him to be rejected. "Now ye seek to kill well as on the ancient creeds of Christen­ Me, a Man that hath told you the truth, dom is growing in volume. This attack EVER before in the history of evan­ which I have heard of God_" '''Because I comes from two quarters. The Anglo­ N gelical church worship has there been tell you the truth, ye believe Me not." His Catholics "account the XXXIX. Articles of greater need for improved church music testimony was infallible, His character was Religion as a document of secondary im­ than there is to-day. And when I say this, blameless, and His life was absolutely sin­ portance concerned with local controversies I do not refer to the country church-I less. His hearers could not convict Him of of the sixteenth century, and to be inter­ refer' to the city church. At our last anything blameworthy, either in the matter preted in accordance with the faith of the Southern Baptist Convention a move was of His testimony, or in the manner in which Universal Church of which the English made to hav.e workers go out into the coun­ it was given, yet He was rejected. They Church is but a part." Naturally those who try and educate the churches in better said "Away with Him, let Him be crucified." have imbibed Romish doctrine, and who de­ music. sire reunion with the Roman and Orthodox The Apostles met with similar treatment. Churches, reject the Articles, because they Why should we go to the country first The word of truth which they preached was so clearly condemn the errors of these two when the city church is so sadly in need? for the most part rejected. It is the same Churches. On the other hand, Modernists If you want to know what I am talking to-day, and the predictions of Scripture lead attack the Articles because they set forth about, just visit almost any city church us to conclude that the truth of God will be the great foundation truths of the Gospel. and listen to the music. Those who know more and more rejected as the end of the The acceptance of the unscriptural doctrine anything about it, will admit that most of dispensation draws to a close. The Apostle of Evolution has led to the rejection of, the our Baptist churches have struck rock-bot­ Paul speaks of those who are "ever learning, Biblical teaching on the Fall of Man, and tom when it comes to music. And there is and never able to come to the knowledge of his need of atonement by blood; and no better time to correct this condition than of the truth." He speaks of those who "re­ the present.••• sist the truth: men of corrupt minds, repro­ along with this the full inspiration of bate concerning the faith." He says, "The Scripture is regarded as an exploded doc­ time will come when they will not endure trine. Recent letters in The Times have I sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shown that leading men reject the doctrines Music of the Church. You say, "Aren't 18 CHRISTIANITY TODAY November, 1931

we singing the music of the church?" My vide competent leadership for the training hood. We honor father and mother by doing answer is, "A few churches are, but not of this choir, or they hire a quartette to do as they did in this respect. many." What would our great spiritual the singing for the church. leaders, who have gone on to their reward, 2. They say: "The Old Church needs me." Perhaps it does; but it does not get you. have to say about this so-called modern III music our churches are using? These fast, In spite of your spasdomic efforts to go snappy, jazzy songs that people sing to-day My last point is-MUSIC FOR THE back to the old church for special services have no vital religion in them, and no re­ CHURCH. Music for the church is music and a few other times during the church sults are secured after they are sung. The that will create a worshipful atmosphere so year, you are not giving the old church an words convey no spiritual thought, and the that the worshipper will feel that he is in 'honest support. PUlling a church is like melody does not carry the reverential feel­ the very presence of God. Too much of our pulling a wagon: the farther you get away ing so necessary to true worship. This music is of the entertainment type. I do from the load, the less you pull. Some are music is for the feet and not for the heart. not always blame the singer for this, for the so far away from the pole that their traces people in the pews demand it. ha ve been on the ground for years. . • . When I say, "Music of the church," I do 3. They say: ''We have a burial lot not mean the music of other religious Many things could be said about the right there." It is good for you to think of the bodies; I mean music in local Baptist kind of church music, but I have not space resting place of your dead. Earth holds no churches. . Our denomination is old enough to mention all of them. I will say that more sacred spots for any of us than the to have its traditions; surely our Baptist church music should be born of the Holy places where our beloved ones lie, but these forefathers handed down a musical tradition Spirit, and should be sung by regenerated that is worthy of our guardianship. Out of singers in such a way that the message may departed saints will be even more sacred to those of us who enter whole-heartedly .into their persecutions and tribulations and tri­ be understood. I don't care how well a per­ umphs, songs sprang up into their hearts. son sings, if he is not trying to live a the work of the church of Jesus Christ in the city where you live. Our democratic organizations make for a Christian life, he has no business in the choir. Too many singers are chosen for freer and less stilted form of worship, and 4. They say: "It costs too much in the their voices and not for the kind of life what would suit a high ecclesiastical or­ city." It will never cost you a penny ·more they live. Organists are usually chosen the ganization would not suit us. than you are willing to give. Your pledge same way. I cannot be convinced that a to your church here or elsewhere is a mat­ drunkard can sing, "The Lord is my II Shepherd"; nor a Jewess sing "Jesus, ter between your own conscience and your Lord. Nobody sets any amount for you to The next thing I want to say is that we Saviour, Pilot Me." This is mere mockery give. If some churches of equal means give and cannot be sanctioned by God. must have MUSIC BY THE CHURCH. Will more per capita than others, it is because you please notice the word "by"? Go into Paid church organists have been known they love God and God's work more. Enter a large number of Baptist churches in the to play while they are under the influence the church of your choice, and give what South and what do you find? A quartette of liquor. Some of our churches right here you can. This church is seeking your good, choir composed of four people who belong in our Sbuthland employ such singers and not your goods. to churches of other denominations or none organists. The pastor has as much right to at all. These are professional musicians, 5. They say: "I am not ready yet." call on a person of questionable character and when I say professional, I mean they When you moved to High Point, how long to lead in prayer, or an unbeliever, who sing only for money. How many of them did it take you to connect with a new chances to have a free flow of language, to would come to two services or even one, on grocery store, a new meat market, a new preach, as we have to ask people who are Sunday if they were not being paid for it? school, a new bank, a new doctor, and a new not leading consistent Christian lives, to filling station? I suspect you found all of sing in our choirs. As long as such con­ I have yet to go into a Baptist church these at once, and began to make use of ditions exist, .we shall never have the spirit where every member, of. the paid quartette them immediately. Your spiritual interests of revival that some faithful people of God was a member of the church and working are vastly more important than your inter­ are praying for. i'o. the church. One church I knew had a ests phYSical, material and intellectual. Do Jew for a choir director, another had a I have here merely touched upon condi­ not neglect the weightier matters of life. Catholic soprano, and stiil another had a tions as they exist in many of our churches. Jewess contralto who was a Unitarian. Is 6. They say: "I am not sure that I shall it possible for such combinations to be thor­ make this city my home. I may not be here oughly in sympathy with the music of a A Message to Christians Whose very long." True! But a certain Minister Baptist church? I sa-y no. in North Carolina tells his members they Church Membership is Elsewhere ought to take their, church membership with When I say music by the Cfhurch" I mean "The Presbyterian Of the South" them if they are to be in a place just one a choir composed of singers who are mem­ month. Some people come to a city for a bers of that church. But you say,. "We HERE are many people in High Point lifetime and remain only.six months; others don't have any Singers in our' church." I T -including some Presbyterians-who come for a few months, and stay thirty doubt seriously if such a church ever ex­ hold their church membership elsewhere. years. The only sane thing is to change isted. The trouble is, while the talent has When they are visited by leaders of local your church affiliation immediately, just as been there all the while, the church has churches, they give various reasons why you .change your grocer, your school, and never given it a chance to. be developed. they will not unite with a church in the your auto repair shop. It will never be city where they live. Here are some of home in reality, until you have your church Surely . the organist, pianist, or some these reasons: home in High.Point. singer in the church knows enough about music to train a chorus choir. Many times 1. They cling to the "Old Church" be­ Meet with the session in the study after we have the director, but do not uile him. cause father .and mother belonged there. the benediction, and be welcomed into the Exactly. so! Father and mother belonged membership of this church. The pastor' will Most of our churches go to one of two there because thEW lived there. Why not attend' to the transfer of your membership; extremes. They either gather a large num­ be as sensible as father and mother were, without any effort on your part. High Point ber of people into the choir and fail to pro- and belong to the church in your neighbor- (N.C.) Church Bulletin: November, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 19

Walter Theodore Riemann; Evangel Church, A False longue Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 2; Percy L. Smith. li'Iadison, S. D., Sept. 10; From the Baptist StanclaTcl Ministerial Changes Paul P. Thrower, Vicco, Ky.; . Harold Turpin, Rochester, Ind., Oct. 2; T is wicked and foolish to tell a deliberate Henry G. Welbon, Head of Christiana, Del., and--thol'ough-goinglie, but in the end Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. Oct. 11; I .Thomas A. Williams, Salisbury, Md., Oct. 13; it is quite often harmless_ It can be ex­ John M. Wilson, Spicer, Minn., Oct. 9; Calls W. L. Wishart, First Church, Sharon, Pa.. posed at once, and it is never believed. It Oct. 1. Frederick S. Crane, Atglen, Pa. to Gettysburg, hits the man against whom it was told and Pa.; remains on the head of the man who told it. H. B. Gebbard, to Smith Center, Kans.; Changed Addresses Thomas L. Kiernan, Salem, O. to Solon, 0.; F. c. Hullhorst, 5418 Walker Ave., Lincoln, Nothing is so coarse and vulgar as a brazen Ira H. McClymonds, Oregon Church, Belleville, Neb. ; lie, and no respectable person would con­ Wis. to Urich Church, Creighton, Mo.; Geo. R. Jackman, Caney, Kans.; Joseph H. Miller, Knoxville, Tenn. to Rogers, James H. MacArthur, New Orleans, La.; descend to such an act. Half truths are ten Ark.; William J. Spire, Van Buren, Ark.; . .R. R. Williams, Colwyn Bay, Wales, to Moriah A. S. Stearns, Canastoto, N. Y. times more dangerous than untruths, but Church, Utica, N. Y. they are tolerated by a certain kind of con­ Deaths science. Given a little skill, a little malice, Calls Accepted w. 'Iff; ;Paden, D.D., Salt Lake City, Utah, Sept. and no scruples, and anything can be done Theron Alexander, Rogers, A.,.k. to Park City with facts. If you would allow me to select Church, Knoxville, Tenn.; A. V. Bryan, Monroeton, Pa., Sept. 27 ; H. R. Austin, Genoa, N. Y. to Fairhaven, N. Y.; Willis Edwards Parsons, D.D., Tryon, N. C. from among the words and actions of the Jesse H. Baird, D.D., First Church, Salt Lake Oct. 27; City, Utah, to Oakland, Cal.; W. O. Garrett, D.D.• 'Miami, Fla.; best of men just what I c)lOose, and let me Richard E. Baker, to Brooklyn, Mich.; Louis D. Grafton, Waxahachie, Tex., Nov. 1; use what I have selected in any way I Thomas J. Buckton, Red Wing, Minn. to Osakis, Jesse G. House, Newburg, Ind., Aug. 19; Minn.; A. B. Marshall, D.D., Creston, Ia., Oct. 29; please, I could make the man's character Geo. A. Chatfield, Anadarko, Okla. to Cleveland, John E. Pritchard, Liberty, N. Y., Oct. 20; Okla;; John W. Rosenau, Hastings, Neb., Sept. 1; look like that of Judas Iscariot. I could B. H. Conley, Adena, O. to W. Rushville. 0.: James· E. Weir, San Leandro, Cal., July 17; poison the minds of his friends against him, Louis H. Evans, D.D., Pomona, Cal. to Third Thomas W. Young, p.D., Pittsburgh, Pa., Church, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Oct. 20; and I could convict him before a jury of Noble C. Griffin, Bement, Ill. to Winstarrley W. S. Young, Santa Ana, Cal., May 25. Park, E. St. Louis, Mo.; honest men. Just a sentence without the John N. McGurley, D.D., Baxter Springs, Kans. whole letter, just a saying without the cir­ to Neoga, Ill.; Frank F. Ogle, Stated Supply, Monroe City, cumstances, just an action without the rea­ Ind.; . Presbyterian Church U. S. son, just a text without the context, just P. E. Radford, Erin, Tenn. to Matatuck, N. Y.; t Edward R. Rein. Pitts Creek Church, Focomoke some judicious selection and some judicious City. Md. to Wallingford, Pa.; . Calls Garth B. Solmon, West Union, O. to Columbus omission-and out of the man's innocence I Grove, 0.; R. Roy Brown, Sardinia and Alcoln, S. C., to could create the plausible evidence of his Charles M. Smith, to Forest City and Union­ Midway. S. C.; dale, Pa.; T. M. Stephenson, Kershaw, S. C. to Craigs­ wickedness. There is nothing on earth Robert Steel, Herron Avenue Church, Pitts­ ville, Va. burgh, Pa. as Assistant Shadyside Church, quite so mean or so clever as the evil Pittsburgh. Pa.; Calls Accepted tongue working deceitfully, decently, po­ Lyle D. Stone, to Kampsville and Summit Grove, Ill.; c. C. Anderson, to Mulberry Street Church, litely. What course a single slander may Charles D. Todd, Fredonia, Kans. to Sapulpa, Montgomery, Ala.; Okla.; 1. M. Bagnal, Honea Path and Broadway, S. C.; wreck! And 'who is safe from the arrows O. Hoyt Tribble, Ellicott City, Md. to Congre­ El. G. Beckman, WeWOka, Okla. to First Church, . gational Church, Higganum, Conn. Paris, Texas; of a tongue set on fire by hell? Neither posi­ '1. D. Borders, First Church, Lexington, Mo. to tion nor service nor even .character' can Boonville, Mo.; M. C. Dendy, Aveleigll Church, Newberry, S.' C. afford to bid it defiance. Its infiuence runs Resignations to First Church, Gainesville, Ga.; Warner DuBose, D.D., Johnson City, Tenn. to through church and state. Life and' death A. H. Ackley, Memorial Church, Wilkes-Barre, Goot Street Church, Mobile, Ala.; are in its power. Joseph is fiung into prison Pa.; J. C. Frist, to Moorefield, W. Va.; Robert C. Dunn, Chaumont, N. Y.; J. E. Hobson, to Eufaula. Ala.; on the false charge of an abandoned woman. George T. Eddy, Cape Vincent, N. Y.; M. H. Knox, Hugo, Okla. to Wharton, Tex.; Paul is followed through all his life by the James Ferguson, Bosworth Road Church, Cleve- J. C. Lechemby, Panama City, Fla. to Pitts­ land,O.; field, Maine; envenomed accusations of Jewish bigots. Emil Holzbauser, Steamboat Rock, Ia.; Frank H. McElroy, to Lafayette, Lebanon and John Orr, Ph.D., Stated Supply, Hopewell. Pa.; Roanoke, Ala.; We are all in one another's hands. A con­ William K. Sherwin, Grandin and Elm River, R. G. Newsome, Oakdale, La. to Opelousas, La.; gregation's character hangs on the testi­ S. D.; W. R. Pritchett, Olanta, Kingstree and New Thomas W. Swan, West Pittston, Fa.; Zion, S. C. to Mouzon; S. C.; mony of its Minister, and he in turn must Herbert Ure, Athens, Fa.; T. J. Ray. Jr., Garyville, La. to DeQuincy, La.; Wilbur A. Wagar, Adams, .N. Y.; J. McD. Richards, Clarksville, Ga. to Thomas­ trust to the congregation's charity. One Caradoc P. Williams, Bethel Church, Rome, ville, Ga.; )Ilerchant may ruin another by a skillful N. Y. Geo. F. Robertson, D.D., Mt. Holly, N. C. to Clover, S. C.; word of depreciation. One man may damage Ordinations John W. Rowe, D.D., Eastminster Church, Kansas City, Mo. to Norton, Va.; his friend for years by a single sentence. W. T. Swaim, Jr., Union Presbytery, Tennessee, A. H. Sargent, to Lee's Summit, Md.; One woman's tongue may break up the Aug. 31; '. W. S. Scott, Branchville, S. C. to Williston, William C. Thompson, Pittsburgh, Pa., Sept. 18. S. C.; peace of a family. A habitual talebearer B. O. Shannon, Spring Hill Church, Staunton, and willful slanderer should receive no more Va. to Broadway, Va.; Installations M. O. Sommers, Gravis MemOrial-Holly Grove. mercy at the hands of society than an to·· Clinton, N. C.; H. Warren Allen, First Church, Minneapolis, T. M. Stevenson, Kershaw, S. C. to Craigsville. assassin. Indeed, he is worse than a com­ Minn., Oct. 16; Va.; mon murderer who only wrongs the body, Robert H. Blackshear, Peekskill, N. Y .. Oct. 14; John D. Thomas, Pensacola, Fla. to Milton and Merchant S. Bush, Second Church, Lincoln, Bagdad, Fla.; for this person is. apt to break the heart. Neb.; Parks W. Wilson, Assistant Second Church, Howard Vernon Comin, D.D., Third Church, Memphis, Tenn. to Harrisonburg, Va. Blessed and honorable is that person Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 25; E. A. Dowey, Dunmore, Pa., Oct. 7; whose tongue is obedient to the law of Resignations Christ, and whose words are as a spring of R. J. Fredericks, Calvary Church, New Castle, Pa., Oct. 16; J. B. Bittinger, D.D., Gerrardstown, Bunker Hill wholesome water, who never uses scorn ex­ Paul Gilbert, 'Bourbon, Ind.• Oct. 22; and Clearbrook, W. Va.; L. K. Grimes, D.D., North Church, N. Tona­ W. R. Buhler, Mulberry Street Church, Mont- cept to scourge sin, or satire except to prune wanda, N. Y., Oct. 29; gomery, Ala.; foily, who never puts the simple to confusion A. C. Hill, Poynette, Wis., Oct. 25; J. S. Crowley, Westminster and Richland, S. C.; Samuel A. Jackson, Thompson' Memorial J. D. Gillespie, Quitman. Ga.; nor fiatters the great, who says no ill of any Church, New Hope, Pa., Oct. 8; Floyd.E.. K1ine, Plymouth, Ind., Oct. 13; B. F. Wilson, D.D., Harrisonburg, Va. man except under the last compulsion of OFville. 1;(. Lamper, Wabash and Pisgah Churches, Allendale. Ill.; Ordinations truth and justice, who delights to speak Harry M. Markley, D.D., Nebraska City, Neb., well of every man, and who bids the cast Nov. 4'; William L. McColgan, First Church, St. Charles, Alfred ..E. N:elson,, St. Paul's Church, Emery, Mo., Sept. 16; dOw'n to be of good cheer.-W. P. White, S. D., June 2&·; Thomas H. Graftan, Decatur, Ga.; President, Bible Institute, Los Angeles. Morris C. Robinson, Grace Church, Minneapolis, F. E. Lothery, Florida Street Church, Baton . .. Minn.,' Oct. 9; Roug~e, La. 20 CHRISTIANITY TODAY November, 1931

Installations Deaths Reformed Church in America George Belk, Evergreen Church, Memphis, D. O. MacArthur, Toron;:C', Ont., July 17; Tenn.; Ephraim Scott, D.D., Montreal, Que., Aug. 7. Calls Accepted J. A. Christian, D.D., First Church, Baton Rouge, La.; H. Beltman, Grand Haven, Mich. to Hope .W. N. Halley,. Hammorul,..La., Nov. 3; Church, Los Angeles, Cal.; R. C. Long, Greenwood, S. C.; Geo. Haukamp, Pella, Ia. to Lynden, Wash. William Lewis McColgan, First Church, St: Louis, Mo., Nov. 15; Reformed Church, U. S. Resignations John McEachern, Whitmire, S. C. Calls Accepted John Engelsman, Randolph, Wis. A. V. S. Wallace, D.D., Flatbush-Saugerties. Changed Address Ellis Hay, D.D., Saegerstown, Pa. to Roanoke, N. Y., effective Dec. 1. Va.; Stephen B. Williams, Monroe, La. B. M. Herbster, Corinth Blvd. Church, Dayton, Installations O. to Zion Church, Norwood, 0.; R. W. Hucke, Nanticoke, Pa. to First Church, Milton B. Eastwick, Philmont, N. Y., Oct. 15; Deaths Marion, 0.; LeRoy Nattress, Saratoga, N. Y., Sept. 9; Bothwell Graham, Charlotte, N. C.; O. B. Moor, Milwaukee, Wis. 'to Salem Church, Nelson Van RaaIte, Wynantskill, N. Y., Sept. 24. Alexander Martin, Rock Hill, S. C. CinCinnati, 0.; Max C. Rost, St. Luke Church, Phila., Pa. to Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Newark, N. J. Christian Reformed Church United Presbyterian Church Resignations Calls C. Edward Holyoke, Lone Tree, Ia.; William Van Peursem, Zutphen, Mich. to La­ Calls Edward L. Mohr, Zwingle, Ia. grave" Avenue Church, Grand Rapids, Mich. John T. Meloy, Bloomington, Kans. to Sterling, Kans. Installations C~lIs Accepted Calls Accepted E. K. Augstadt, Kutztown, Pa., Sept. 20.; Nicolas Beute, to Sullivan, Mich.; R. S. Beaver, Loyal Oak-Manchester Charge, Raymond H. Haan, to Aetna, Mich.; R. G. Clark, Stated Supply, Topham, Vt.; Manchester, 0.; J. J. Holwerda, Highland, Mich. to Randolph. A. C. Douglas, Sterling, Kans. to Fresno, Cal.; C. A. Lang, Austintown Church, Youngstown, Wis.; A. T. Moore, Saxman, Kans. to Hutchinson, 0.; John Kenbeek, to Cincinnati, 0.; Kans.; James E. Wagner, St. Peter's Church, Lan- J. G. Van Dyke, Bigelow, Minn. to First Church. W. A. Stevensen, Hutchinson, Kans. to Kansas caster, Pa. . Grand Haven, Mich.; City, Mo.; M. J. Van Dyke, Sherman Street Church, Grand W. Charles Wallace, D.D., New Wilmington, Rapids, Mich. to Highland, Ind. Pa., Stated Supt>ly, E. Craftsbury, Vt.; Changed Addresses W. L. Wishart, Washington, Pa. to Presby­ Ordinations terian Church, Sharon, Pa. Paul Grooshuescll, D.D., R.F.D. No.5, Plymouth, Wis.; Cornelius Van Schouwen, Archer Avenue Arthur Lemming, 3911 N. 17th St.. Phila., Pa.; Church, Chicago, Ill. Resignations Edward H. Wessler, D.D., 612 Erie Ave., She­ boygan, Wis. J. FanWC~.r~~~Yll:unlted Churches of ;aarmony Installations Deaths J. Bouwsma, Second Church, S. Holland, Ill.; Albert Jabaay, Third Church, Zeeland, Mich.; Installations Thomas H. Krick, Sinking Spring, Pa. D. Mellema, Hamshire, Texas, Sept. 11. . Harry L. Hood, Ph.D., Cabin Hill, N. Y., Oct. 23 ; Geo. W. Hutton, Stronghurst, Ill., Oct. 13.

Changed Address w. T. Warwick, 915 E. 8th St., Wellington, News of the Church Kans. League of Students Holds gospel witness in the scholastic life of New England will follow this gathering. New England Conference Presbyterian Church in Canada The enrolment of two new Chapters and HE League of Evangelical Students held the increased territory to serve have made Calls its First Regional Conference of New it imperative that new Secretaries serve the Melford G. Court, Wyoming, Onto to Knollwood T Park Church, London, Ont.; England, in Boston, Massachusetts, Novem­ League. God's abundant blessing has been Robert Coyle, Vancouver, B. C. to Port Dover, Ont.; . ber 13th·15th. The Gordon College Chapter shown in the securing of three actively en­ A. D. Hamilton, Edinburgh, to Dundalk and was the Conventio.n host. gaged Regional Secretaries in the East: Ventry, Ont.; Miss Margaret W. Haines, Miss Margaret R. J. Hay, MinneapOlis, Minn. to St. Andrew's Dr. Robert H. Glover was heard in ames· Church, Perolia, Ont.; Hunt, and the Rev. W. Harllee Bordeaux. T. G. Marshall, Madoc, to Hespeler, Ont.; sage on "Student Responsibility to Mis­ John McTurk, Nanaimo, B. C. to Cook's Church, Schools or churches deSiring to arrange Chilliwack, B. C. sions." Dr. J. Oliver Buswell, of Wheaton College, and Dr. J. Gresham Machen of meetings for these representatives, may Calls Accepted Westminster Theological Seminary each communicate with the League Headquarters. Prayer is requested for the general work of S. B. Carey, St. Andrew's Church, Guelph, Onto brought forceful messages. Beside these to Baddeck, Nova Scotia; great guest speakers, President Nathan E. the League, and the particular objects men· Thomas . McAfee, Qu' Apelle, Sask., to St. tioned. Information or literature concern· Andrew's Church, Arnprior, Onto Wood, Dr. E. P. Drew, and Professor Mer· rill C. Tenney, all of the Gordon ,College ing any part of its work may be secured Resignations faculty were on the 'program. Two of the from the General Secretary of the League, Girarij Graham, Holstein and Fairbairn, Ont.; Box 455, Wheaton, Illinois. D. C. Hill, Port Elgin, Ont.; League Regional Secretaries were present W. B. Macodrun, Cobden, Ont.; to represent the League and bring short W. A. Mitchel, St. Andrew's, Lachine, Que.; F .. G. Purnell, Allenford and Elsmore, Ont.; messages. Miss Margaret Hunt represented T. Miller Revie, Knox Church, Red Deer, Alta. women's colleges, and the Rev. W. Harllee Presbytery of Milwaukee Investigates Bordeaux is New England Secretary. The Foreign Mission Board Policy Inductions Conference sessions closed Sunday evening William Allan, Dovercourt Rd., Toronto, Ont., AN unexpected question was raised at the with a public service at t~e Park Street Sept. 3; ftrecent fall meeting of the Presbytery of D. J. Lance, Knox Church, Goderick, Ont.; Congregational Church, when Dr. A_ Z. Con­ R. B. Ledingham, Old Church, Weston, Ont.; Milwaukee by the Rev. John Clover Monsma, rad, staunch conservative leader in the Arthur Leggett, Molesworth and Gorrie, Ont., a member of that presbytery, relative to Oct. 29; . East, brought the clOSing message. W. A. MacWilliam, Burgoyne and Dunblane, certain: alleged actions by the Board of For· Ont., July 14; H. R. Pickup, Renfrew, Ont.; The League believes that an unparalleled eign Missions with reference to candidates Hugh R. Williams, Centreville and Millbrook, Ont., Sept 11. opportunity for a winning and a powerful for the foreign field. November, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 21

The matter was broached in the form of logical seminary" might be aimed at West­ science on the question of partiCipation in a question to the Foreign Missions Com­ minster Seminary, After full discussion the armed conflict, forces us, the undersigned mittee of presbytery, whether tbe committee Presbytery, with hardly any dissenting citizens, to notify the constituted authori­ could furnish definite information about votes, answered the overture in the negative, ties of our nation that we share the convic­ news that had come from ·the -East to the Overture "D" received favorable considera­ tions of those who have been denied citizen­ effect that two young men, the one a grad­ tion from the committee. At first it seemed ship. uate of Princeton and the other of West­ that Presbytery would agree to it, but when Some of the undersigned find it impoEl­ minster Seminary, had been refused admis­ the true nature of the overture was pointed sible, because of religious and moral scru­ sion to the foreign field because of their out, it was buried under a chorus of "nos." ples, to render any kind of combatant service strict adherence to orthodox principles and Those who opposed it contended that it in­ in time of war. Others share the conviction their refusal to follow modernistic methods volved the creation of an "inside, super­ of one of the persons denied citizenship in of mission work. government" in every Presbytery and Synod, the recent Supreme Court decision and can­ and in the General Assembly, placing the After some discussion back and forth not promise support to the Government until whole control of vacancy and supply, with presbytery decided unanimously to direct its we have had the opportunity of weighing the vast power thus accruing, in the hands Foreign Missions Committee to investigate the moral issues involved in an international of a small, potent committee in each judi­ the matter and to report on the same at the struggle. mid-winter meeting. Mr. Monsma was ap­ catory. This, it was held, would mean that pointed a special member of the committee those not in sympathy with the ecclesiastical We concur in the minority opinion of the for this particular purpose. Rev. Irwin E. leaders would soon be flattened out by a Supreme Court that "in the forum of con­ Bradfield, pastor of the First Church of new, legalized form of the old steam roller science, duty to a moral power higher than Racine, Wis., is chairman of the committee. known as "control of vacant pulpits." the State has always been maintained. .T!J.e Overture E, reported favorably by the reservation of that supreme obligation, as committee, was answered in the affirmative, a matter of principle, would undoubtedly Philadelphia Presbytery Against with no one apparently willing to speak be made by many of our conscientious citi. either for or against its merits. zens. The essence of religion is belief in Four Overtures a relation to God involving duties superior to those arising from any human relatIon'," HE Presbytery of Philadelphia, at its Rights of Conscience Re-aFfirmed Tregnlar meeting on November 2, ex­ W. S. Abernethy, minister, Calvary Baptist pressed itself overwhelmingly in opposition in Protest Church, Washington, D. C. to Overtures A, B, C and D. Overture E HE cases of Prof. D. C. Macintosh of Peter Ainsile, minister, Christian Temple" was answered in the affirmative. TYale Divinity School, and Miss Marie Baltimore. At a previous meeting of Presbytery a Averill Bland, who were recently denied the William F. Anderson, Bishop of the Metho­ committee had been appointed to consider right to citizenship by the- Supreme Court, dist Episcopal Church, Boston. the overtures. Its report was given through are still exciting interest, and may result in Robert A. Ashworth, editqr, "The Baptist," its chairman, the Rev. M. .T. Hyndman, remedial legislation. Five judges of the Chicago. D.D. The recommendation in the case of United States Supreme Court denied them William H. Boddy, minister, First Presby­ overture "A" was that the answer be nega-, the right to citizenship on the basis of their terian Church, Chicago. tive. After some discussion this was made refusal to carry arms in a war which they W. Russell Bowie, rector, Christ Church; the answer of Presbytery. Overture "B," deemed unrighteous. In other words, if New York City. which would establish a minor order of the their conscience forbade their fighting they Benjamin Brewster, Bishop of Maine, Prot, ministry in the church, was next considered. wished to reserve the right of not going to estant Episcopal Church. While it had its defenders, it was opposed war. Five judges took the position that Dan B. Brummitt, editor, "Northwestern. principally by the Rev. Geo .. B. Bell. Those this was disloyalty to the Constitution. Christian Advocate," Chicago. opposing the overture contended that its Four of the nine judges, however, favored Hugh L. Burleson, Bishop of South Dakota, adoption would be a direct contradiction of giving them citizenship. Among these four Protestant Episcopal Church. the Presbyterian doctrine that there is but was Chief Justice Hughes. Since the ren­ S. Parkes Cadman, radio minister, Federal one order of the ministry. It would also be dering of this deciSion, which seems destined Council of Churches of Christ in America., in conflict with the provisions of the Con­ to become famous, the press of the country, Samuel McCrea Cavert, general secretary; fession of Faith requiring that the Sacra­ especially the religious section, has kept the The Federal Council of the Churches ;of ments be dispensed by Ministers lawfully issue alive. Most of the religious weeklies Christ in America. ordained only. The attempt of the overture are in accord with the minority of the Su­ Henry Sloane Coffin, president, Union Theo­ to say that unordained missioners should preme Court, namely, that in matters of logical Seminary, New York City. "be deemed" to meet these confessional re­ conscience a man owes his highest allegiance Abraham Cronbach, professor, Hebrew Union' quirements was branded as an unethical to God. "In the forum of conscience," so College, Cincinnati. subterfuge, in order to make the confession reads a line from the minority decision, A. C. Dieffenbach, editor, "The Christian appear to mean the exact opposite of what "duty to a moral power higher than the Register," Boston. it says, Although the recommend~tion of state has always been maintained." Sherwood Eddy, publicist and author, New the committee was that this overture be A large group of Ministers, Religionists, York City. answered in the affirmative, the Presbytery Professors and Religious Journalists is now Fred B. Fisher, minister,' Methodist EpIs- overwhelmingly voted to say "no," holding circulating a protest to President Hoover copal Church, Ann Arbor, Mich. - that no emergency could justify such a fun­ and to the Congress, with a view to securing Albert Parker Fitch, minister,Park Avenue damental surrender of Presbyterian convic­ additional signatures. The Protest, together Presbyterian Church, New York City. tions. with the names of the original signers, is Harry Emerson Fosdick, minister, Riverside Overture "C" was also reported out favor­ as follows: Church, New York City. ably by the committee. Several speakers Charles W. Gilkey, dean of the Chapel, Uni- urged the Presbytery to caution, saying that To the President and Congress of the versity of Chicago. they did not understand the necessity of in­ United States: William E. Gilroy, editor, "The Congrega~' corporating a few changes in the law into a The recent decision of the Supreme Court, tionalist," Boston. whole new chapter. It was suggested that which denies the right of citizepship to A. O. Hartman, editor, "Zion's Herald;'>: the phrase "recognized Presbyterian theo- persons who refuse to abdicate their con- Boston. 22 CHRISTIANITY TODAY November, 1931

Hubert C. Herring, Committee on Cultural An Unusual Degree for Dr. Munhall been gratifying and concrete plans for the Relations with Latin America, New York organization of the Fellowship are gradually City. R. L. W. MUNHALL, of Philadelphia, taking shape. Organization work will be John Haynes Holmes, minister, Community D militant Methodist Fundamentalist, started next Spring. Philadelphia will be -8hurch,-NewYork City; who had been speaking to the student body the headquarters, and Mr. Monsma himself S. Arthur Huston, Bishop of Olympia, Prot­ of the Bob Jones College, College Point, contemplates settling there to help in the estant Episcopal Church, Seattle. Florida, for three weeks, closed his work launching and directing of the movement. Paul Hutchinson, managing editor, "The there late in October with an address on the subject, "Evolution Unscientific, Unchris­ The Reformation Fellowship will be Christian Century," Chicago. chiefiy a laymen's organization. While the tian, and Unreasonable." At the close of :Edward L. Israel, chairman, Central Con­ Presbyterian League of Faith, organized ference of American Rabbis, Baltimore. Dr. Munhall's address, the Bob Jones Col­ lege through its president, conferred upon some months ago in New York, seeks to Burris Jenkins, minister, Linwood Boule­ band the faithful Ministers of the Presby­ vard Christian Church, Kansas City. him possibly the most unusual degree which has ever been given in the educational terian Church in the U.S.A. together for a John Howland Lathrop, minister, Church of study of their common problems as well as world. the Saviour, Brooklyn, N. Y. for -joint testimony and action, the Fellow­ Paul S. Leinbach, editor, "The Reformed Dr. Bob Jones, founder and president of ship will seek to enlist primarily (though Church Messenger," Philadelphia. the college, in conferring the degree, said, not exclusively) the general membership. It Halford E. Luccock, professor, Yale Univer­ "Dr. Munhall, you are almost ninety years will call to its ranks the thousands of faith­ sity Divinity School, New Haven. old. You have been a Minister of the gospel ful -men and women in the pews who -at the Louis L. Mann, rabbi, Sinai Temple, Chicago. of Jesus Christ for nearly seventy years. present time are weak and inarticulate be­ Francis J. McConnell, president, The Fed­ You have traveled more than one million cause they lack organization. eral Council of the Churches of Christ in three hundred thousand miles. You have The Wisconsin pastor is not a stranger America. preached forty-two thousand times and have in the Middle West. He has had consider­ Harold Marshall, manager, "The Christian preached to more people than any living able experience in organization work, yet is Leader," Boston. man. You are the author of a number of still a young man, is of Holland-American C. C. Morrison, editor, "The Christian Cen­ religiOUS books. You have delivered one lecture on the Bible to almost a thousand stock, and combines the three functions of tury," Chicago. Minister, journalist, and author. _ Mrs. Thomas Nicholson, president, Woman's audiences throughout the world. You are Foreign Missionary Society of the Metho­ the editor of 'The Methodist: published in Philadelphia. dist Episcopal Church, Detroit. Reinhold Niebuhr, professor, Union Theo­ "In all your sermons and writings you Dr. Diehl Cleared of Charges logical Seminary, New York City. have stood without apology for the old time HE Rev. Chas. E. Diehl, D.D., President Kirby Page, editor, "The World Tomorrow," religion and for. the absolute authority of T of Southwestern College, Memphis, New York City. the Bible. What you stand for the Bob Tenn., has been cleared by a unanimous vote Jones College stands for, and this day we Albert W. Palmer, president, The Chicago of the Presbytery of-Nashville, (Presbyterian are conferring upon you the honorary de­ Theological Seminary, Chicago. Church in the U. S.) of charges of unortho­ gree of Contender for the Faith. Edward L. Parsons, Bishop of California, doxy. Last spring, when rumors concerning Protestant Episcopal Church, San Fran­ "We could confer upon you the same de­ Dr. Diehl were being circulated, he appeared cisco. grees which are usually conferred by col­ before the Presbytery, spoke concerning his Carl S. Patton, mQderator, Congregational leges upon distinguished men, but you have convictions, and placed himself in their General Council, Los Angeles. received these degrees from a number of in­ hands. At the same meeting charges were Wi11iam Scarlett, Bishop Coadjutor of Mis­ stitutions, and besides, these other degrees preferred against Dr. Diehl. A committee souri, Protestant Episcopal Church, St. would not convey the honor it is our desire of five was appointed to investigate, and to to give. Louis. report at the autumn meeting. The com­ GUY Emery Shipler, editor, "The Church­ "We pray that God may spare you many mittee gathered information concerning Dr. Diehl, and submitted a questionnaire to him man," New York City. years yet, but we, the Bob Jones College, regarding his beliefs. When its report was Ralph W. Sockman, minister, Madison Ave­ pledge you our word that if you go home to given to the Presbytery, it made no recom­ nue Methodist Episcopal Church, New Heaven first we will keep the fires burning mendation, but simply submitted the mate­ York City. and continue the glorious fight for orthodoxy rial it had gathered. In the discussion that Wilson R. Stearly, Bishop of Newark, Prot­ and evangelism which you have been carry­ ensued, the charges against Dr. Diehl were - estant Episcopal Church. ing on for three score years and ten." formally withdrawn, and Presbytery passed Ernest Fremont Tittle, minister, First Dr. Munhall, in accepting the degree, said that the only solution for the problems of a motion that he be exonerated. It is also Methodist Episcopal Church, Evanston, reported, however, that a motion to endorse Illinois. - the perplexed world is old time Bible preach­ ing and a revival of the old time religion. his administration of Southwestern College Luther A. Weigle, dean, Yale University was lost. Divinity School, New Haven. Stephen S. Wise, rabbi, Free Synagogue, ReFormation Fellowship to be New York City. Effects of the Revolution in Mary E. Woolley, president, Mount Holyoke Organized ; College, South Hadley, Mass. OME time ago an article appeared in Spain S CHRISTIANITY TODAY, written by the Rev. HE well known Spanish Protestant -While most of the names attached to the John Clover Monsma, of Oostburg, Wis., in clergyman, Theodor Fliedner, writing in protest are of those holding "liberal" views which he suggested organization _of a ''Re­ theT Dutch periodical "Zeltwende" concerning in religion, many conservatives have also formation Fellowship" for the purpose of the revolution in Spain, says: "Many Span­ expressed themselves as being unable to consolidating the orthodox forces in the iards have assured me that the king would concur in the reasoning of the majority Presbyterian and Reformed Churches of still be on his throne if his policy had not of the Supreme Court, t'\lat a man's duty to America and preparing them for aggressive been so clerical. Spain has for long not been the state takes precedence of his duty to action along definite lines. According to the faithful daughter of -the church, to the God. reports the response to that suggestion has extent foreign Roman Catholics and Prot- November, 1931 CH R 1ST I A NIT Y TOO A Y 23

estants generally considered it. The revolu­ dents." No teacher in the class room "is degrees. (10) Words of instruction by Mr. tion was against the monarchy but still "permitted to speak a good word for Christ Ho, the President of the Shantung Provincial more against the church_ Everywhere in or His cause." "No place for Christian wor­ Bureau of Education. (11) Awarding of Spain, for example, oue finds Protestant ship may be tolerated on the school prem­ prizes. (12) Dismission.' mayors and judges_ The Spanish Ministers ises." . "Many Christians present were astounded are openly sympathetic towards Protestant­ A deadly parallel Is given in order 291 and grieved. For opening prayer, hymns, ism. Naturally, Protestant Spaniards who which says-"Every student must perform Scripture reading, and clOSing benediction r suffered most under the former intolerance, the Sun Yat Sen memorial service and must were all conspicuously absent. A Christian are now the firmest adherents of the Re- study the national party prinCiples under a Chinese present said that the name of Christ public." teacher approved by the Board_" This was not even mentioned! Mr. Ho, the weekly memorial service consists in stand­ President of the Provincial Bureau of Edu­ The North Kiangsu Mission of the ing before a tablet or photograph of Sun cation, who delivered the 'Words of Instruc­ Southern Presbyterian Church Yat Sen in quiet meditation and then bow­ tion: is an avowed atheist and one of the ing before it. This is considered by many most relentless persecutors of Christianity and Registered Schools Chinese Christians as idolatry, though it is in all China. Such commencement exercises OR several years the North Kiangsu called "respect." Some ignorant Christiims in a Christian institution is little less than FMission, in China, has refused to reg­ are even now praying to Jesus and Sun! high treason to the Lord Jesus Christ. For­ ister its schools. This summer the Kiangpei And as to the party principles they are tunately this travesty was not performed in Presbytery, which works in the field with intensely and in places acrimoniously pa­ the University Chapel." this mission, asked that the appropriations, triotic. Thus a weapon is forged absolutely A veteran missionary in China, writing the missionary teachers and two of the larg­ to nullify any Christian work atteZ:UPted to the Editors of CHRISTIANITY TODAY says: est buildings be given to the Presbytery to out of school. To register is to put the "It should make those in America who favor adminIster for a period of three years, and school in this danger. the registration of Christian schools in said that it proposed to register the schools Some Christian schools have registered China rub their eyes and those who do not and intended to maintain their Christian and established Christian services and favor a Nicolaitan policy to raise their voice character. Since some mission schools were teaching in near-by houses, and this has in protest against the use of Mission funds registered under more favorable regulations been allowed by friendly executives. But, in such educational work. the ,supporters of the Christian work-'ln if registered, the pupils cannot be limited "As to the Tsinan school (Cheloo), a secre­ China, will wish to know why this seemingly to Christian families, the school spirit 'is tary of our Foreign Mission Board once simple request of the Presbytery was denied. destroyed and lio student may be "induced" announced that he proposed to 'stand by it' According to information sent to CHRIS­ or "encouraged" to study Christianity. until the cows 'came home.' It would seem TIANrrY TODAY by B. C. Patterson, Tengh­ When it suits the powers that control, all that they have arrived." sien, Shantung, China, in dealing with the Chris~ian plans and, ideals must go. question there was nothing dictatorial or (3) The order to register or close was supercilious in the attitude of the mission Presbyterian Church in Canada toward its Chinese fellow workers. On the made several years ago but its execution has again been deferred a year. The mis­ contrary the matter received the most sym­ HE Church has recently lost another of pathetic, prolonged and earnest considera­ sion is encouraged to hope that by prayer and wise effort these anti-Christian restric­ T its stalwarts in the death of the Rev. _ tion. D. R. Drummond, D.D., pastor of St. Paul's Further the mission was not unwilling to tions may be modified in a way that will not injure the work of the church. Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, Ontario. turn over funds to the Chinese church to Born in Ontario in 1868, a kinsman of the (4) The mission appOinted a committee use for purposes that the mission thinks is famous Professor Henry Drummond, he to meet the Presbytery and to try to pro­ right. graduated from Queen's University, Kings~ pose a solution of the difficulty. The com­ The mission does not object to registering , ton, Ontario, in arts in 1889 and in theology mittee was instructed to say that it cannot its schools but objects to registration while in 1892. In 1893 he presented studies in make proposals that look towards registra­ the present restrictions are in force and the theological halls of Edinburgh. He was tion under the present restrictions. other missions, such as the Great China Minister at Russelltown, Quebec and at St. The difficulty is a very real one to Chinese Inland, the American Episcopal, Dutch Re­ Thomas, Ontario, before going to Hamilton brethren and the home church should join formed, have taken similar action. in 1905. A man of great evangelical and Some of the chief reasons for the mission's in earnest prayer for them. A recent issue of the "China Fundamen­ missionary zeal, he was one of the leaders vote were-(l) It is the declared purpose in the battle against the abortive "Church­ of those in authority in the Chinese National talist" further describes the effect of regis­ union" of 1925. Board of Education to' "definitely ("dras­ tration as follows: tically") abolish Christian schools." This ''The Shantung Christian University, - lo­ * * * cated in Tsinanfu .•. has had to drop the Among the invitations sent out by the is published in the Board's orders. This United Church of Canada to the opening of and the following quotations are from the word 'Christian' from its name, the name in English now being 'Cheeloo University.' their new Emanuel College, Toronto, was April, 1930 edition of "The Important Edu­ one to Glasgow University, asking that it cational Regulations now in Force." Thus One fears from the recent commencement send a delegate. In response to this invita­ to put Christian schools under their con­ exercises that not only the name but the tion, the University commissioned as its trol is to invite trouble. (2)' Christianity reality are sadly missing. The following is representative the Rev. Stuart C. Parker, may be studied as an elective course by stu­ a translation of the brief programme: D.D., of New St. Andrew's Presbyterian dents in the last three years of the senior "'(1) The assembled body respectfully Church, Toronto. high school but may not be required. This stand. (2) Singing of the Party 'Song. (3) Though Canada is a young country the is a sop thrown. to Christians but the real Three bows to the Party flag and to the pic­ Presbyterian Church has had a place early animus of the matter appears in the other ture of Dr. SU'n, the late leader. (4) Re­ in its history. St. Andrew's Church, regulations. spectful reading of Dr.' Sun's will. (5) Niagara-on-the-Lake, celebrated recently the The school may no longer be called "Chris­ Bowing of the head in three minutes of 137th anniversary of its founding and the tian." "No student may be forced, induced silence before the picture of Dr. Sun. (6) 100th anniversary of the erection of· the or encouraged to study Christianity (except OpilUing remarks by the Vice-President. (7) present building. The celebration consisted last three years of senior high school) and Address by Mr. Chu Ching Nung. (8) Pres­ of special services on Sunday and a congre-. Christianity may not be taught to the stu- entation of diplomas.. (9) Conferring of 2.4 CHRISTIANITY TODAY November, 1931 gational rally on the Monday evening. On prise and regrets at this action which in a Sunday several tablets were unveiled in very suggestive manner combats Jews and honor of faithful members of the congrega­ WHAT CHRISTMAS GIFT Christian alike, in the name of the "old tion. The Church's history is blended with Germanism." th&·story-of~the -waI" of- -lS12 -when the con­ sh,.all I give this year? Expensive gregation suffered the loss of its building' presents are not in 1931 style. Why by fire. Located on the Niagara Peninsula not present your Friends with a yearly The Tallest Church in the World it was in the very heart of the conflict. subscription to Christianity Today? It SKYSCRAPER church is to rise in John In the far east, Charlottetown, P.E.I., the will bring more than a dollar's worth A Street, New York City, in the heart of congregation of St. James during the sum­ of pleasure and profit For twelve the financial section, when the old John mer, entered upon an extensive remodeling months. You will be saving money, Street Methodist Church is torn down and of the interior. The result has been a trans­ informing your Friendst and helping a nineteen story building to cost more than formation of the building in a manner that the cause of the Gospel. IF you wish two million dollars is erected in its place. brings great satisfaction to the congrega­ to subscribe For your Friends we will This structure will be the tallest church in tion. On the day of re-opening a beautiful send them a Christmas Card bringing the world. The John Street Church is the chancel was dedIcated to the memory of your greetings and our best wishes. oldest Methodist church in the United Rev. J.ohn Goodwill and his wife, mission­ Take advantage of this opportunityl States, having been built ninety years ago. aries of The Church of Scotland in the A blank is enclosed. Many priceless Methodist relics have been Island of Espiritu Santo in the New preserved in it and provision will be made Hebrides. Rev. R. Moorehead Legate is the for these in the new building. At its top will be a tiny modern chapel which is to be Minister. Dr. Leatham of St. Andrew's United Presbyterian with $33.81, and named the Barbara Heck Chapel, in memory Church, Ottawa, was the preacher at the Southern Presbyterian with $31.91. re-opening services. of the first Methodist woman in the world. An incident In the Home Mission work Barbara Heck was a cousin of Philip Em­ among the Indians of the West that affords Von Hindenburg a Regular bury, the first Methodist preacher in great encouragement was the baptism and Worshipper America, and she was one of a group that reception into membership of the church of ISITORS to Berlin, it is reported, de­ came - with him to America from County thirty-three boys and girls from the Cecilia V. sirous of seeing Von Hindenburg, will Limerick, Ireland, arriving here in 1760. Jeffrey Indian School at Kenora, Onto This find that the best opportunity of doing so is They helped to organize the present John is a tribute to the good work done by the in church. He is very rarely absent from Street Church. principal, Mr. E. W. Byers, and his efficient the Divine Service held on Sunday mornings staff. This school which was founded over in the church-Wilhelmsplatz in Berlin. Just Soviet Sunday Schools in America thirty years ago and was established in the as the service begins, the congregation rises heart of the reserve on the Lake of the to its feet as Hindenburg, with military T is reported that within fifty miles of Woods was recently removed to within three punctuality, enters the church, accompanied I Boston, Mass., thirty-two Soviet Sunday miles of the town of Kenora where a very by his daughter-in-law and takes his place Schools function where children are in­ nile and commodious building was erected at the end of one of the back pews. That structed in atheism. In Pittsburgh a by the Dominion Government. the congregation, it is said, sees nothing "Soviet" Sunday School, with an average remarkable, in the presence of Hindenburg. attendance of 700, is said to meet every Sun­ The service proceeds as usua!. Like the day. In these gatherings, the children are Relative Per CapiJa Giving other members, he deposits his contribution taught to hate God, Christ and the Bible­ in the collection bag and at the end of the openly. HE. United Stewardship Council has re­ service leaves the church, politely acknowl­ . ported its estimates of the sum contrib­ T edging the greetings of his fellow wor­ uted to various church purposes in shippers. Missouri Lutherans Show Increase Protestant denominations, with the average per member. A total communicant member­ ECENT statistics for the Lutheran ship of 23,367,360 in the United States and "Criticism" Gone Wild in Germany R ·Synod of Missouri list 3,843 congrega­ tions in the United States and elsewhere Canada gave $514,992,105. Of this amount HE wife of the well known German with 1,163,666 baptized members and 731,119 $406,069,808 was used for congregational ex­ generalissimo, Marshal Ludendorff, T communicant members. Congregations in­ penses; $79,857,761 for benevolences and in­ whose anti-Jewish propensities are notori­ creased 75 during one year, baptized mem­ cluded in budgets; and in addition, large ous, has published a book entitled "Redemp­ bers 25,000, and communicant members amounts for non-denominational and inter­ tion of Jesus Christ:' which has now reached 16,000. There were, however, but 183,324 denominational activities_ The Southern a third edition. In this book, Mrs. Luden· "voting members" an increase of 2,000. :presbyterian Church holds first rank, giving dorff says that the religion of Christ and Parochial schools decreased 32 to 1,339. an average of $9.01 per member. The also that of Moses, originated in India and Sunday schools increased 115 to 2,849. United Presbyterian Church stands second, that misinformed versions wer'e made by the Adult confirmations during the year num­ with an average of $8.49_ The United Jews. She attempts to "purge the Scriptures bered 6,346; children confirmed 26,090; adult Church of Canada holds third place, its of everything Jewish" and to retain the baptisms 2,179 and child baptisms 33,689. average being $6.35; the Reformed Church "origina!." In a recent issue of the German or" America_ (Dutch Reformed), fourth, with "Pfarrerblatt" Professor Schomerus, the $5.68 per member; and fifth, the Presby­ theological expert has demonstrated that terian Church, U. S. A., with $5.26. This is the wife of the German general has taken Fruits of Christian Missions for budget contributions only_ In per capita all her material from an obscure, romantic VER three hundred c'hristian women gifts for all purposes the Baptists of On­ French work. Although "good German O in the Metet field, West Africa, have tario and Quebec show the highest average, literature" might have shown her, he says, pledged themselves to do Christian work, $40.10 per member. Next in order is the all the so-called "proof" she brings forward and, seventy-five of the local Metet women Protestant Episcopal Church with $39.72; is pure imagination. Notwithstanding this, have given their promise to try to lead, at the Northern Presbyterian with $34.89; Re­ the book is already in a third edition. The least, one other woman to Christ before the formed- Church in America with $34-.42; German church-press has expressed its sur- close of the year.

BENJ. F. EMERY CO •. PHILA