CHRISTIA t TY TODAY ....-::::::::::::::::::::::?~. ~ ~~1:::A:'::AA:':::::::::::::::---" ~ A PRESBYTERIAN JOURNAL DEVOTED TO STATING, DEFENDING III AND FURTHERING THE GOSPEL IN THE MODERN WORLD III SAMUEL G. CRAIG, Editor H. McALLISTER GRIFFITHS, Managing Editpr Published monthly by THE PRESBYTERIAN AND MID-OCTOBER, 1930 $1.00 A YEAR REFORMED PUBLISHING CO., EVERYWHERE 501 Witherspoon Bldg., Phila., Pa. Vol. 1 No.6 What Is a Christian? DEFINITION to have value must whether we ourselves are Christians and there being some Christians, it will at A be exclusive as well as\ inclusive. It as such heirs according to the promise. least be confessed that the fact that must tell what a thing is not as well as Obviously there is a close connection Christianity exists carries with it no what it is. We do not expect, therefore, between the questions, "What is a Chris­ assurance that we ourselves are Chris­ that our attempt to define a Christian tian?" and "What is Christianity?" (cf. tians. What we are concerned to point wiil add to our popularity. No doubt if our June issue) inasmuch as the answer out now are those marks or character­ ,ve could content ourselves with some we give to the latter necessarily deter­ istics lacking which a man is not a Chris­ definition inclusive of practically all those mines the answer we give to the former. tian but possessing which a man is a who are called Christians, "o/hether by N one the less the two questions should Christian no matter how lacking he may themselves or by others, we would offend not be confused. It is one thing to say be in other respects. some who belong to the religious minor­ what Christianity is and another thing to In approaching this question it is of ity but hardly any who belong to the say what a Christian is. The former first importance that we realize that it is religious majority at the present time. assertion -moves in the sphere of the an historical question,and that history And yet despite the fact that there are objective, the latter in the sphere of the alone can furnish us with, the right few things more calculated to make a subjective. While there could be no such answer. Many, for instance, seem to man unpopular in the sphere of religious thing as a Christian if there were no assume that this question is more or less discussion today we are going to answer such thing as Christianity, it is conceiv­ sy_nonomous with the question, What is the question, "What is a Christian?", able that Christianity should exist even the ideal man? N ow we are not all dis­ in a way that will necessarily imply that if there were no Christians. And even posed to deny that men are moved by a many who are called Christians are not if it be maintained that in view of the true impulse when they assume that the such at all. It seems to us highly impor­ promises of GOD it is not even conceivable terms "Christian man" and "ideal man" tant that this be done; because while we that Christianity should exist without are more or less interchangeable, at least regard it as a matter of no special when we have in mind what the Christian moment whether a man be a Christian in man is to become rather than what he is. the loose sense in which the word is IN THIS ISSUE: It does not follow, however, that these often employed-a sense that often two questions can rightly be treated as means little more than that the man is not The Reformation Gospel in the synonomous. The first is primarily an Modern World ...... -...... 4 a Jew or that he regards JESUS as the historical question; the second is primar­ Walter A. Maier ideal man-we regard it a matter of ily an ethical or philosophical question. eternal significance whether he is a Chris­ The Present Position in the Presbyterian Conceivably history may give such an tian in the restricted sense in which it is Church of England...... 6 answer to the question, What is a Chris­ employed in the New Testament and A. H. Fraser tian? that we will have no inclination to which it has all but universally borne Dr. Machen Surveys Dr. Speer's New look upon the Christian man as the ideal throughout the Christian centuries, at Book...... 9 man-witness NIETZSCHE. Be this as it least until the rise of Modernism. J. G. Machen may, we have no right to assume, prior What is needed is a definition that will Questions Relative to Christian Faith to investigation, that the full-grown enable -us to distinguish between the and Practice...... 12 Christian man and the ideal man are one Christian and the nOh-Christian; more and the same person. Moreover if we particularly, since it is often true that Letters to the Editor...... 14 ignore the fact that this question is first, GOD alone is capable of doing this, a defi­ Current Views and Voices ...... 16 last and always an historical ql!estion, it nition that will enable us to determine News of the Church ...... 18 will be hardly possible to justify one 2 CHRISTIANITY TODAY

answer as over against opposing answers. may not admire the type of man this and ognized CHRIST as an object of worship; If, however, it be realized that the ques­ similar words were used to designate in they did not, however, trust CHRIST and· tion is fundamentally an historical ques­ the New Testament; but at any rate the CHRIST alone for salvation with the tion, and that the word "Christian" has word is properly used only when it is used result that PAUL refused to recognize a specific content of its own, given it once in the sense that the writers of the New them as Christians. But while the New and for all at a definite period in the Testament attached to it. Certainly that is Testament knows nothing of Christians world's history, it will be seen that the what we are concerned to indicate when who did not worship CHRIST and look to word is used legitimately only when it is we attempt to say what a Christian is. Him and Him alone for salvation yet all used in that particular sense. What is more, as already intimated, it is of whom this was true were unhesitat­ It is sometimes assumed, even by those only when the word, "Christian," is taken ingly recognized as such, no matter how _ who recognize its historical character, in its New Testament sense that we con­ imperfect in thought and life they were - that we can obtain a sufficiently exact sider it a matter of any great significance in other respects. answer to it by ascertaining what is com­ whether or no a man is a Christian. This A Christian, therefore, is to be defined mon to those professing aiid calling them­ is not to say that the Ghristian literature as one who stands in a religious relation selves Christians, what is common being of lat.er periods has nothing to contribute to JESUS CHRIST and who receives and regarded as essential and what' is not to our knowledge of what a Christian is. rests upon Him alone for salvation. But common as unessential. This assumption Far from it. Few of us have obtained while these two things are characteristic is untenable whether we consider it our conception of what a Christian is di­ of all true Christians, it is not to be sup­ chronologically or geographically-that rectly from the New Testament. But it posed that all Christians- have anything is whether have in mind all those who is to say that these later representations like a clear understanding of their pre­ throughout the ages have professed and have validity only as they explicate that suppositions. The informed and clear­ called themselves Christians or merely found in the New Testament. In a word headed Christian realizes that a religious those of one age who profess and call the New Testament literature alone is attitude toward CHRIST is warranted themselves Christians. Suppose that any normative in this connection. on the assumption that "being the eternal of those who call themselves Christians If now we approach the question, SON of GOD He became man, and so was are not really Christians at all. Then "What is a Christian?" in the conscious­ and continueth to be GOD and MAN, in what is common to them all would in­ ness not only that the answer must be two distinct natures, and one person, for­ clude only what the Christian has in com­ sought in the field of history but in that ever." But while a religious attitude mon with the non-Christian. But even if particular field of history covered by the toward CHRIST is warranted only if all such are really Christians such a New Testament, what do we' find to be CHRIST is Himself GOD yet in considering method would give us a definition that the -marks lacking which a man is not the question whether a particular individ­ would tell us not what a normal, repre­ esteemed a Christian but possessing ual is a Christian it is his attitude toward sentative Christian is, but of the least which he is regarded as such? CHRIST rather than the warrant for such' a man may be and still be a Christian. It should be obvious to all that such an attitude that should command our No doubt the method would be valuable marks wi1lnot be found among the things attention. Again the informed and clear­ if it would give us even this but inasmuch that may be common to Christains and headed Christian realizes that we are as it is as certain as anything can be that non-Christians, such as honesty and warranted in receiving and resting upon there is and always have been (even in truthfulness and kindness and devotion CHRIST alone for salvation only on the the Apostolic age) Christians falsely so­ to ideals. ,iVhat we are seeking are not assumption that He by virtue of what He called, it is as clear as day that such a the things that the Christian may have in is and did is qualified to save us; so that method will not yield us even this. common with the high-minded non-Chris­ as a matter of fact He. not only bestows It is not enough then that we- realize tian, but the things that are distinctive of forgiveness upon those who put their that this question is an historical ques­ the Christian-not everything that is trust in Him but through the HOLY SPIRIT tion; we must also realize that it is a distinctive of _the Christian but rather regenerates them and so enables them to question the answer to which must be those of central significance. If we mis­ walk in newness of life. And yet in con­ sought in a particular section of a definite take not the distinctive marks' of a Chris­ sidering whether a particular individual historic period, viz., that covered by the tian, according to the New Testament, is a Christian, whether we ourselves are New Testament. The word "Christian" are (1) the Christian is one who stands Christians, our attention should be di­ was coined in the city of Antioch-so in a religious relation to CHRIST and (2) rected not so much to what it behooves LUKE tells us in the Book of Acts-to the Christian is one who receives and CHRIST to be and do in order that our designate the new kind of people that rests upon CHRIST alone for salvation faith in Him may be savingly effective as were increasing in its midst, a people that from the guilt and power of sin. The to whether we are actually trusting Him were different both from those who wor­ New Testament knows nothing of Chris­ to save us from the guilt and power of -. shipped in pagan temples and those who tians who do not both recognize CHRIST sin. CHRIST is able to save and-does worshipped in Jewish synagogues; and as an object of religion and look to Him all those who put their trust in Him only as the word is used to designate a alone for salvation. It is necessary to though their knowledge of His people of the same type is the word used stress the word, "both" in this connection tions for this task be very imperfect. in its proper historic sense. We mayor inasmuch as the Judaizers apparently rec- would not indeed go so far as to say that October, 1930 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 3 a person can be a Christian without hav­ become it is hardly possible to exagger­ fail we may be sure that there will be ing some knowledge of CHRIST. The ate the difference. The Christian may be millions of such in the ages to come. current distinction between "Whom" we a poor enough specimen now but the time believe and "What" we believe is false is coming when by the grace of GOD all Prayer and the Weather and misleading. There is no such thing evil shall have been eliminated from his HE recent drought led many to as trust in a person without some knowl­ life and when purity and strength . .of. pray for rain, public gatherings edge of that person; not only are the two character shall be his portion. For the T being held in many instances for this inseparable, the latter conditions the present, however, most Christians are but· purpose. As a result there has been con­ former. Moreover while a saving faith "babes in CHRIST;" certainly all are to be' siderable discussion of the possible effec­ may exist where there is but little knowl­ spoken of not as full-grown but as tiveness of such prayers. Widespread edge we must be on our guard against growing. pUblicity has been given to the fact that implying that ignorance or error is Those who stand in a religious relation seven out of the nine replies received by advantageous to salvation. It is only to CHRIST and who have the conscious­ the Christian Ct'ntu;y from a "group of when we are seeking to guard our defini­ ness of having been redeemed by His representative American clergymen and tion of a Christian against the charge that blood constitute a peculiar people--and theologians" to the question, "Does it would exclude many of CHRIST'S "little so a people that require a peculiar word prayer affect the weather?" were to the ones" that there is need of stressing the for their designation. The word, "Chris­ effect that such prayers are futile. No fact that one need not be learned or logi­ tian" was once such a word and when used doubt it was to be expected that the ma­ cal in order to be saved. But that does in its New Testament meaning is still such jority of the group selected by so mod­ not mean that either learning or logic is a word. If the loose sense in which the ernistic a journal would sympathize with lacking in those Christians who most word is so widely used today-according the notion that "it is only in pious legend adorn the gospel they profess; rather the to which even those who regard the GOD­ that tempests are stilled at a word of wider our learning and the greater our MAN as a myth and who scoff at the command and rain descends in answer to logical capacity the more Christian, other thought of redemption through His prayer." A more orthodox journal things being equal, will we be in life as blood are rightly called Christians­ could easily have selected a group the well as thought. . should become the generally accepted one, majority of whom would have agreed with If time and space permitted it could be that would not necessarily mean that the Dr, MARK A. MATTHEWS and Dr. JAMES shown that a whole system of doctrine sort of people it had been employed to M. GRAY that even as regards the weather and conduct is implied in the belief that designate for some nineteen centuries no the supplication of a righteous man CHRIST is an object of r:eligious worship longer existed. It would merely mean availeth much. Be this as it may, the Who is able to save and does save those that there was need of coining a new group selected was sufficiently representa­ who put their trust in Him. One is word to take the place of the old. It is tive to indicate that a large percentage of hardly qualified to be a Christian Minister the reality for which the word stands the so-called Christian leaders of America or teacher who does not have a clear rather than the word itself in which we are blind leaders of the blind. Accord­ apprehension of the presuppositions and should be mainly interested. We would ing to Dr. FOSDICK "the crude, obsolete implications of a recognition of CHRIST be but little concerned about the loss of supernaturalism which prays for rain is as LORD and SAVIOUR; but the matter is the word if we had the assurance that the a standing reproach to our religion" but quite different when we are merely deal­ kind of people it was used to designate such a statement merely advertises the ing with the question whether one is a in New Testament times were on the fact that he does not hold the Christian Christian. It should never be overlooked, increase. We do not mean to suggest life and world view. Whether GOD will however, that when we put our trust in that the time has come for such people answer any particular prayer' for rain de­ CHRIST as SAVIOUR we put our trust in to give us the use of the word as a pends upon His sovereign pleasure but Him as SAVIOUR from the power and pol­ designation of themselves. Rather we no one who holds to the Christian view lution of sin as well as from its guilt. All think they should determine by GOD'S of GOD will deny His ability to send rain Christians are "twice-born" persons: help to maintain 'their exclusive right to as He sees fit. What is more, the argu­ They have been regenerated as well as this word as a self-designation-not for­ ments advance~ to show the folly of forgiven. Moreover, however imper­ getting as long as their claim is disputed praying for rain may also with equal pro­ fect they are today they are destined to to distinguish between those who are priety be advanced to show -the folly cif become perfect. Those who do not desire truly Christians and those who are merely praying for the conversion of sinners or moral perfection should have nothing to called Christians. Whatever fate befalls for the guidance and protection of our do with JESUS CHRIST. Why adopt the word we need cherish no doubt but loved ones. The whole question of the means fitted to bring about ends we do that there will always be the sort of objective effects of prayer is here in­ not desire? There may be little observ­ people in the world that it has, until the volved. Unless prayer .has such effects able in the Christian today to· distinguish . rise of modernism all but universally its practice can hardly be justified. All him from the non-Christian; but when designated. All down through the ages believers in the supernaturalism of the we look at the Christian and the non­ there have been such people; there are New Testament, however, (i. e., intelli­ Christian not from the point of view of millions of such in the world today; and gent Christians) believe that it has such what they are but of what they are to inasmuch as the promises of GOD cannot effects. CHRISTIANITY TODAY October, 1930 The Reformation Gospel in the Modern World

By the Rev. ProF. Walter A. Maierl Ph. D. (Dr. Maier is a Professor in Concordia Theologicdl Seminary, St. Louis, and is regarded as one of the prominent and brilliant figures of American Lutheranism. This article is the abridgment of an address delivered dt the "Luther Day Celebration" at Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, N. J.t on August fifth of this year and takes the place of our sermon in this issue.)

AN an enlightened, modern mind still American free-thinker and the American There is, first of all, the definite verdict C believe in the Bible? Can we still liberalist and skeptic preacher as any two of history. Men like to call Christianity a hold that Scripture is what it claims to be, conceivable extremes can differ from each failure. The truth of the matter is that namely, the inerrant, complete, and con­ other; yet when-it comes to religion-or the everything else has failed. While every­ vincing revelation of God to mankind; or lack of it and the opposition to it--JWe are thing which human ingenuity has advanced must we reject the Bible as a disappointing not as far from Russia as we may think. for the improvement and amelioration of relic of a superstitious day now happily re­ The same rampant reaction against religion the world have proved themselves to be piti­ moved. In short, is the Gospel of Jesus is faithfully re-echoed throughout the ful and disappointing subterfuges, While Christ still the power of God unto salvation American nation. educationalism, intellectualism, frater­ in this twentieth and enlightened age, or How else can we explain the spread of nalism, the study and application of the is it simply tradition? To employ a less atheism in the United States within the last sciences, legislation and theories of political dignified designation, is it fairy-tale, folk­ decade or two, the formation of the Ameri­ economy, as well as other similar methods lore, and myth? This is the alternative that can Association for the Advancement of and agencies, have left the human heart presents itself to us this afternoon, not Atheism, the organization of atheistic clubs unchanged and have done little or nothing merely as one of the tremendous issues of and "Societies of Damned Souls" in our to raise the moral tone of humanity; the present day thought and present day tend­ colleges and universities, the prominence Gospel of Jesus Christ is the one transform­ encies, but also as a reflex of that epoch given to Sinclair Lewis and men of his type ing power in the history of the world that making battle that was fought four hundred when they rise up to deny the existence of has tamed the wild passions of men, sub­ years ago when the Lutheran clergy and the God and to offer God five minutes to strike dued their selfish and self-centered greed, Lutheran laity united in presenting to them down dead? How else can we inter­ and given them an outlook on life which Charles V.the immortal pages of the Augs­ pret the desecration of Christian pulpits and has perpetuated institutions of charity, burg Confession. the prostitution of Christian churches by enterprises for the alleviation of suffering, Never before have there been as many preachers who call themselves Christian but and work for the restitution of the down­ who have risen up in bold determination to who preach radical, destructive, anti-Chris­ trodden multitudes that have fallen by the tear Christianity out of the hearts of their tion sermons? wayside and lie hopeless and helpless in the fellow men, to dethrone the God of the slimy gutter. Bible, and to set up in His place as the God's Word or Man's? The salutary influence of the Gospel is supreme oracle and authority, human rea­ As a result we are today engaged in a also being demonstrated today in practically son and human intelligence. We think al­ terrific conflict between reason and revela­ every phase of our daily existence. Think most instinctively of the tragedies of Red­ tion, between the Word of God and the of our home life and the finer, nobler forms ruled Russia where the greatest away-from­ word of man. And as on the 25th of June, of mutual devotion between husband and the-Bible movement that history has ever 1530, those pioneer protagonists of pure wife; think of the companionship between known is now being promoted with grim Protestantism affixed their signatures to parents and children, the interest in the and desperate determination, where hun­ that positive statement of clear-cut convic­ development of the home, the love of chil­ dreds of churches have been desecrated and tions, so today, as many Christian souls dren and the respect for parents, the closed in the anti-religious campaign of the hover in uncertainty and ask themselves ideals of purity and clean living, and the Soviet authorities, and where images of the whether they too must bow down before the corresponding abhorence of divorce and of Savior are torn out of the dismantled heartless idol of scientific atheism ... the marital inconsistencies which the power of churches, dragged through the mud of the Church is 'called upon to sound forth its con­ Jesus Christ and that power alone has made streets, and burned in public bonfires to viction that the Word of God is still the possible! And to realize the full strength symbolize the triumph of reason over re­ Word of Truth, that it is still a dynamic of this, compare these Christian ideals with ligion. power, yea, that it alone gives a full and the domestic shipwrecks in the homes where So ruthless and so brutal are the inroads satisfying answer to those questions which the power of the Gospel is willfully and which the atheistic Bolshevists are making must be answered if life is to be worth liv­ ungratefully excluded. Compare it with the on the Christian Church that a wave of hot ing and death worth dying. This conviction, insistent efforts of religious liberalists to resentment and fiery protest has swept over we are persuaded, is not mere sentimentality endorse companionate marriage, contract the churches of our country; and so scathing incapable of proof. On the contrary we marriage, vacations from married life, and is our denunciation of this bloody persecu­ hold that it rests on reasons so convincing similar arrangements which so frequently tion that many have overlooked a very and considerations se forceful that unless amount to nothing more than free love in similar tendency right here within the con­ one is hopelessly biased and permanently its most promiscuous forms. Compare the fines of this so-called Christian country. prejudiced he must come to the conclusion working of. the Gospel with the tearful Moscow may be 3,000 miles away; the Rus­ that the Gospel is what it claims to be, tragedies of morally and spiritually bank­ sian a theist in his racial affinities, in his namely the power of God unto Salvation­ rupt Russia where the Soviet state hotel is appearance, in his dress, in his customs, in not as many would have us believe the to substitute for the home, where divorce his morals, in his education, and in his whole vestige of an ignorance now happily sur­ may be granted in nine minutes for a few philosophy of life may be as far from the vived. rubles, and without any legal red-tape and October, 1930 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 5

embarrassments, and where, as a result, When the destiny of our immortal soul in Augsburg, declared through their spokes­ social diseases annually take a terrific toll, hangs in the balance. when a. ruined life man: "Rather than allow the Word of the and children, unacknowledged by their comes tottering to the grave confronted by Lord to be taken from me, rather than deny parents and uncared for by the state, run the inevitable thoughts of eternity, when a my God, r would kneel down before your over the fields as so many~packs of wild, guilty mortal is brought face to face with Majesty and have my head cut off." degenerate animals estranged from every the grim reaper and stands before the yawn­ They were the men who, with others, helpful ideal. Think of all those and your ing abyss which ultimately confronts every were summoned by the Emperor, immedi­ human reason, as limited and fallacious as one of us,-where is the Truth, the Light, ately after his arrival in Augsburg, to take it is, will bring you to the conclusion that and the Hope that definitely gives him the part in the Corpus Christi procession, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ can not be power to face the veiled uncertainties un­ who answered: "Christ did not institute His mythical tradition, nor a vapid fairy-tale, flinchingly and confidently? By the death­ sacrament to be worshipped." rather that it must be the power of God bed confessions of skepticism and by dying They were· the men who stood standing unto salvation in this present and modern hours spent in devastating despair by in­ when the king and his courtiers bent their order of things. ~ fidels and skeptics, this power can not be knees in the idolatry of the mass, and who found in any branch of human attainment, remained unflinchingly fast before the The Power of the Gospel in any theory of human intelligence, in any taunts of an Italian archbishop who The voice of missionary conquests lends plans of human science. By the very denials urged the king and his brother: "Sharpen its fervent testimony to the same truth. of modernistic religion it can not be found your swords, wield them against these per­ What was it that transformed some of the in the creed which is being proclaimed in fidious disturbers of religion, cut to pieces South Sea Islands and changed them from Christ-denying churches where the great this unexampled hardness." cesspools of cannibalism, iniquity, barbaric questions of sin and salvation, life and They were the men who did not flinch beastiality, and heathen hideousness into death, God and man are answered with a when'the critical moment came for them to garden spots of the earth and into model suave question mark or with a polite denial affix their signatures to the Confession, and communities which may serve as an example of the revelation of God as it is preserved at that crisis one of them declared, when for many localities of our nation? What in our Bible. But it can be found and it Melanchthon suggested that the theologians was it that wrought such a fundamental will be found as long as men trustingly alone should sign the document: "God for­ change in the life and habits of the inhabit­ raise up their eyes to the hills of Divine bid that you should exclude me. I am re­ ants of Tierra del Fuego who, when Charles Grac~ whence cometh our help. solved to do what is right without troubling Darwin visited them on his scientific It was confidence in the supreme validity myself about my crown. I desire to confess journey around the world, were found to be of the word of the Scriptures that motivated the Lord. My electoral hat and my ermine so depraved and! degenerated that they and inspired the signers of the Augsburg are not so precious to me as the Cross of hardly could come within the classification Confession four hundred years ago. If we Jesus Christ. I shall leave on earth these of human beings, but who through the read over the twenty-eiglht chawters or marks of my greatness; but my Master's efforts of Christian missionaries became so articles of the Augsburg Confession, what Cross will accompany me to heaven." fundamentally and utterly changed that the else do these contain but the sound Biblical Another took the pen, and turned and de­ man who was called the father of evolution testimony of God? . . . If such were not clared: "I have fought more than once to gave the most eloquent possible tribute in the case there would be no room nor reason please others; now, if the honor of my Lord the form of an annual subsidy to the Pat­ for celebrations of this anniversary Jesus Christ requires it, I am ready to agonian Missionary Society? ... "How can throughout the Church today. But because saddle my horse, to leave my goods and these things be?" we inquire with Nicode­ from introduction to conclusion it is simply life behind and rush into eternity towards mus. And once again the plain; dictates of a restatement of the everlasting truth, a an everlasting crown." common sense tells us that these twice-born direct testimony to God's revelation to men, They were the men who truly could take men have not entered into newness of life it has been placed alongside of the three the words of the One Hundred and Nine­ because of some folklore or antiquated creeds of the ancient Church-the Apostles', teenth Psalm and declare: "I shall speak of fairy-tale, (for the world is full of that, the Nicene and that attributed to St. Thy testimonies also before kings and will and correspondingly full of frightful Athanasius-to tell the world what the not be ashamed." failures) but that the one really potential, Lutheran Church teaches, and it has come actuating power in the world is the energy down to us after four long and eventful The Call for Today and force of Christ's Gospel, operative to­ centuries as an exhibition of the power of We hardly need remind ourselves that the day wherever this Gospel is preached, oper­ the pure and unadulterated Word. day of new and greater conquests for the ative here in Ocean Grove, as men in this Cross depends now as it did four hundred audience can testify who have been brought A Great Lay Movement years ago on the active and intelligent to the Church and who have received the And let us remember today that the Augs­ participation of the laity in the work of our power to become the sons of God with a burg Confession is the product of one of the Church. More than 99 112 per cent of the new spirit animating their being, with a greatest lay movements in history. While communicant membership of the Lutheran new purpose and impulse. in life. the Confession itself was largely the work Church belongs to the laity, and even if the But the greatest demonstration of the of professional theologians, nevertheless, energy, and the Christian enthusiasm, and power of the Gospel and the clearest proof the men who signed it and who bore the the power of our clergy could be increased of its divine nature is shown to us in its brunt of the responsibility were members of tenfold, this alone would not suffice; it is influence upon the soul and spirit of men. the Lutheran laity and individuals of the a matter of common experience that only I challenge any system of human invention, highest civic and social attainments. There by the cooperation and whole hearted par­ any modern "enlightened" conception of re­ were, for example, those outstanding ticipation of all who are engaged in any ligion that sets Jesus Christ aside, any Lutheran princes, John, Elector of Saxony; building project or undertaking, can the attitude which atheism and skepticism may George, Margrave of Brandenburg; Philip, desired results -be obtained. The King's engender in human beings, to give to man­ Landgrave of Hesse; Wolfgang, Prince of Business is no exception, and so this ann~­ kind a definite and satisfying solution to Anhalt; with whom also we can group versary calls to us to reemphasize the sec­ the great problem of release from sin and Gregory von Brueck, Chancellor of the ond great principle of Luther's Reforma­ death that has agitated the hearts and Saxon Court. They were the men who, tion, namely .that in the Church of Jesus minds of humanity since the very cradle when they were told that the Lutheran Christ as it is delineated for us in the New days of the human race. preachers would have to desist preaching Testament, we all, laity and clergy, are 6 CHRISTIANITY TODAY October, 1930

members of a royal priesthood, and that And because there are similar signs and our Church prayers should ascend regularly individually we must bear active testimony symptoms in our own Church, the prayer and repeatedly to the mercy seat, beseech­ to our faith. It has well been said: "The that expresses itself from our inmost con­ ing God that in His kindness He would supreme need of twentieth century Chris­ viction is the petition to the throne of mercy grant us that measure of unity which is tianity is personal devotion to Christ, to­ that God in His Providence would grant us conducive to the welfare of His Kingdom, gether with full participation by lay mem­ men, farvisioned workers in the Kingdom, this steadfast petitioning would contribute bers of the Church in all its plans and work. who realizing the tremendous challenge of one of the strongest forces ever offered for ... The Church, the community, the na­ the present conflict, will work and battle as the establishment of a real unity in the tion, and the world wait for laymen to be their illustrious predecessors, the lay Lutheran Church in America. such Christians as reveal Christ to others." leaders of Augsburg did in 1530. And to­ Christ as Victorious Redeemer Remember thau we are living in the day, as we rededicate ourselves to the spirit greatest age of publicity and propaganda of Augsburg, let us remember that this And thus we hear the challenge that met that the world has ever known. The total testimony of the confessors was em­ us at the beginning: Is this Gospel fact advertising bill for the United States an­ phatically offered in the interest of estab­ or fiction, truth or tradition, the power of nually aggregates more than two billions lishing a real, spiritual unity in outward our salvation or the poirer of delusion? of dollars. The newspaper advertising in Christianity. Anyone who reads over the And we answer: By the very promise of a our country exceeds more than $700,000,000, preface to the Confession must be impressed majestic and ever faithful God who tells and surely if men who dispose of the perish­ with the ardent desire of the Lutheran us that·though heaven and earth shall pass able commodities can exhibit such enthusi­ signers to establish a true unity upon which away this Word shall not pass away; by asm and spend such sums to tell the world the Scriptures lay so much and such re­ the testimony of the saints of all lands and of their products, then surely we, who have peated stress. A similar desire should ani­ . ages who take upon themselves all the at our disposal the most priceless gifts that mate us, and it is our sacred and unavoid­ bitter persecution that an unbelieving only God can bestow to humanity, and who able duty to pray and to work for a sincere world could heap up against them and have offer these free and without charge, should unity of those who are really one in spirit nevertheless found happiness in life and take every opportunity at our disposal to and in the hope of their calling. even greater joy in death; by the magnif­ speak of the testimonies of God, to send icent operation and the superhuman True Unity forth the message that the world needs demonstration of the power of the Gospel more than anything else with an insistence Our first duty in this direction will be ful­ in the course of humall_his tory, refining, and and a clearness that will not leave men in filled when we seek to preserve that unity in ennobling, as it has, every aspect of human doubt as to where we stand in religion and ourselves, without which we can not work existence; yea, and especially by the evi­ what our faith means to us. for unity in others. Then, we must make dence of the power of this glorious, God­ our desire for unity felt, and we can do this breathed, everlastingly victorious Word in Dead and Dying Churches when, individually as members of our our own hearts, offering, as it does, the That intensive lay activity is imperatively Church and collectively as the Church at firm assurance that this Jesus can not be necessary is shown by the fact that we are large, we demonstrate. a kindly spirit of a myth, nor a disappointing visionary, nor experiencing an alarming rate of church Christian love and charity. We dare not a mere human figure in history, even as mortality. The number of churches that indulge in personalities, nor be influenced you and I, but that He is by the full and are empty and deserted ranges from the by fleshly bitterness, nor heap ridicule and overpowering conviction that manifests it­ conservative estimate of 8,000, offered by sarcasm upon those who differ from us. self in every fiber of our existence and in Frank L. Collins, writing in the Woman's While we must,bear continued testimony to every hope of our destiny, the mighty God Home Oompanion, to 25,000, the more gen­ the truth, we must not do this in the "hoIier­ of mighty God, the incarnate Conqueror of erous figure of Mr. Houtsma of Chicago. than-thou" spirit, but in a sincere, humble, the ages, the everlasting Answer of Divine This second figure seems to be the more cor­ and when necessary, pleading manner which Wisdom to the great needs of humanity,­ rect, for we are assured that there are is based on the conviction that the vast by all this we know and believe and con­ more than 1,000 abandoned country churches majority of the members of other Lutheran fess that His Word and Gospel, above the in Ohio alone. synods and other fundamentally Christian strife and turmoil of this world, above all communions are actually, if sometimes not the petty bickering and denial of short­ Of even more practical importance than in theory of their confession, sincere, well­ sighted humans, yea, above our own power these dead churches is the still greater num­ meaning, and devoted Christians. And fully to understand that it is, God be ever­ ber of dying churches, concerning which we finally, we have at our disposal the power lastingly praised, the power of God unto have read a good deal during the past of victorious prayer. If from the homes salvation, full, free, complete "to everyone weeks. Thus, the Men's Church League in of the million and a quarter members of that believeth." New York asserts that not one convert was made in the 11,394 churches which it in­ vestigated,-one-third of all the Presby­ terian, Northern Baptist, and Methodist The Present Position in the Presbyterian Episcopal congregations in the country. Figures which were based on the official Church of England records of the Presbyterian Church showed that in this denomination 3,269 churches By Lt.-Col. A. H. Fraser did not record a single convert, while 500 others made only one convert. The claim is [Editor's Not~: This drticle is r~pri~ted from the British "Bible League QUdrterly" for July­ Sept. 1930/ In the hope thdt It will prove vdludble news to our American Constituency advanced that altogether 60,000 of the 200,- regarding the attitude toward creed-subscription in one of the historic branches of the Pres- 000 Protestant churches are dead, the evi­ byterian Church/-evidencing as it does the alarming progress of Modernism.] dence of their decease being furnished by the fact that'they recorded no increase in N the Times of 23rd January, this. year, the more general agreement as to the accuracy of membership during the past year. Almost I Bishop of Birmingham was reported to have the statement. The evidence of the progress as bad, in fact hovering in the throes of ap­ said that "the progress of Modernism during of these views relative to the period previous to proaching death, are about· 40,000 other the last 15 years had been amazing." If for that mentioned, as well as to the period itself, churches which gained only one or two the word "Modernism" we substitute "Modem is not always easily obtained, and there has members. Views," it is probable that there would be a been no great keenness to supply it for the October, 1930 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 7

information of the average churchgoer. What public declaration to Assembly 1930 which victory over the grave, and His risen life, to follows is an attempt in some measure to make reads as follows:- reconcile men to God, bringing them the for­ up the deficiency in so far as the Presbyterian giveness of sins, the power of a new life and the New Public Deciaralion Church of England is concerned. assurance of immortality. In May, 1928, the General- Assembly of this "We are enjoined to make the following "And the Call to all men to accept Jesus Chutch appointed a Special Committee "to public declaration:- Christ as their Lord and Saviour, finding iu deliberate and recommend what steps should "The Presbyterian Church of England ac­ Him the light of life in all their relations alike be taken by the Church" in relation to her knowledges as her Supreme Standard the to God their Father and to their brethren of subordinate standards (the 'Nestminster Con­ revelation of God recorded in the Scriptures mankind; to enter into the fellowship of His fession of Faith and the two Catechisms based of the Old and New Testaments, progressively Church, that body of which He is the living thereon), as it was acknowledged by a large delivered and perfected in Jesus Christ, Who, Head, and to become fellow-workers with Him maj ority in that Assembly that those standards speaking through the ever-living Spirit, is the in the establishing of His Kingdom on earth in "no longer represent the mind of the Church." final authority for faith and life; to Whom its fulness and joy." To anyone acquainted with her Basis of Union the loyalty of His disciples is ever due. Assembly Refuses to be Doctrinally Bound (1876), but unacquainted with her subsequent "This Church as a branch of the Church history, this would undoubtedly seem to in­ Catholic inherits the ancient creeds of Christen­ This Statement the Assembly resolved to dicate a severance in spirit from that Basis, dom, known as the Apostles' Creed and the send "to Presbyteries that any which may whatever the nature of the ties by which she Nicene Creed, and is one of that family of the desire to do so may send their views thereon was bound to her buildings and endowments. Churches of the Reformation which further to the Committee," but the mover of this To appreciate correctly how far the Church has inherits the Westminster Confession of Faith. resolution said that he did not expect Pres­ now travelled from that Basis the first two This Confession and the Larger and Shorter byteries to make any great changes in it. An sections are here quoted:- Catechisms are the subordinate standards of example of the kind of change that the Com­ this Church. mittee would not accept was supplied by the Basis of Union, 1876' rejection of a resolution to delete the important 1. That the Word of God contained in the Creeds as Historical Relics word "not" from the third paragraph of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments is "In thus acknowledging her historic rela­ Statement. Another motion asking for a more the only rule of faith and duty. tionship to these documents, this Church de­ complete and considered report was also re­ 2. That the Westminster Co~fession of clares her acceptance of the evangelical reformed jected, the mover charging the Committee with Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms faith, but is not committed to the doctrinal having dared to alter John 3 :16 in their state­ are the standards of this Church. expression of that faith set forth in these ment of the Gospel. Assembly 1931 will The phrase "contained in" nowadays subordinate standards, Christ having promised probably approve this document with but usually indicates that the whole Bi1:ile is not that the, Church should progress in under­ slight amendment, so that we may study briefly regarded as the Word of God, but the first two standing of the truth through the guidance of the position, which has been growing steadily questions of the Formula for Ministers, adopted the Holy Spirit. more vague and unsatisfactory since its adop­ with the Basis of Union, show a different state "Her relationship to her subordinate tion in 1886. It is supposed that the Com­ of affairs in 1876. They read as follows:- standards is therefore defined, and her spiritual mittee, authorised to make "clearer the rela­ 1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old freedom safeguarckd, in the following pro­ tion of the Church to the Scriptures, the posi­ and New Testaments to be the Word of God, visions :- tion of the Confession and Catechisms as and the only rule of faith and duty? (a) "The Church recognises liberty of standards," etc., consider they have by this 2. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the opinion on such matters of doctrine as do not document discharged their duty. When then doctrine of the Westminster Confession of enter into the substance of the faith; while was the position in 1886, and have they suc­ Faith as in accordance with the teaching of she retains full authority, in any case which ceeded in their task? In that year Assembly Holy Scripture? etc. may arise, to -determine what falls within this (or Synod) altered the relation' of the Church This is plain language, but unfortunately it description and to guard against any abuse of to her standards for the first time since the was not long retained, vital changes being ap­ this liberty to the injury of her unity and Union of 1876 by adopting a Declaratory proved ten years later. peace. Statement, the fifth clause of which is nearly word for word the same as clause (a) in the Right to Modify Creeds Special Committee on Standards new Statement. The phrase, "the substance Turning our attention to the Special Cpm­ (b) "The Church further claims the right, of the faith," caused some misgiving at that mittee on Standards, we find that Committee as duty may require, to interpret, alter, add time, one Presbytery asking Synod "to define soon realising that the task before them would to or modify her subordinate standards and thost< subjects on which liberty of opinion is "raise large issues-doctrinal, historical and formulas, under the promised guidance of the allowed, and thus render definite those which constitutional," and asking Assembly 1929 for Holy Spirit, and under a sense of direct re­ constitute the substance of the faith." This authority to deal with these qU,estions. A sponsibility to her lver-living Head. phrase is undoubtedly the charter of freedom motion requesting Assembly to reaffirm its "And now, _that men may hear anew the for the holding and teaching of "Modern -faith without qualification in that chapter of Gospel which she declares to the world, she Views" in the Church. The Rev. Dr. Dykes, its qwn Standards dealing with the Holy sets forth these central truths of her message :- who was in charge of the measure in 1885, Scriptures, in which their final authority is "The Confession of one God Who is Love­ replied to this request as follows:- recognised, and also to direct the Committee Eternal, Almighty, Holy; the Creator, Sus­ to retain that chapter as an article of faith, tairier and Ruler of all things; Whom we know Where Draw the Line? only found some half-dozen supporters. The as our Father, through Jesus Christ His Son, "The Committee are of opinion that, in the Committee were thus given a free hand to deal our Lord and Saviour; and with Whom we nature of the case, it is impossible to meet the with all the fundamental doctrines of the have fellowship through the Holy Spirit as His desire of the Presbytery of Carlisle by defining Christian Faith. How have they dealt with children. To Whom-;Father, Son and Spirit, beforehand the points regarding which (under them? One God,-be glory and praise. clause 5) liberty of opinion is to be recognised. It should be understood that at every "The Gospel that God so loved the world Each generation is confronted by its own burn­ ordination and induction service a public that He gave His Son Jesus Christ to be the ing questions; and as new questions emerge, declaration is made of the Church's attitude perfect image and likeness of God, and the 'matters round which hot controversy had been to the Holy Scriptures and to the Westminster perfect pattern and example of man; and formerly waged fall out of sight. Dogmatic Confession. The Committee submitted a new through His life on earth, His death" His positions are reduced in comparative impor- 8 CHRISTIANITY TODAY October, 1930

tance, or, on the other hand, they become of In any affirmation of the Scripture as our the Church, writing of the theology of the larger relative consequence, through the shifting standard that ought to be said." Why is it ancient creeds, says: "They speak with tactics of unbelief, or through some change in not then in the Statement? Has the Com­ assurance of many things towards which we the condition of the Church, or by reason of a mittee or the Church divided the Scriptures now maintain an attitude of reverential clearer apprehension of the revealed mind of into categories of inspiration? If not, why silence." Even so does this new Gospel, mak­ God~ The living Church must judge, when not? He further said: "We state there is a ing due allowance for the need of brevity, cases occur, what measure of liberty it is safe progressive revelation and we assert in the maintain a "reverential silence" towards the to allow, and what variations of belief must be same breath that the final authority is in the following central truths: (1) The justice of excluded. The line calmot be drawn in living Spirit of Christ." "We have a final God, (2) Original sin, (3) Justification by advance." authority for the interpretation of it (the faith, (4) Repentance unto life, (5) Regenera­ If Dr. Dykes had said that he declined to Scripture) in our hearts and in the Church." tion by the Holy Spirit, (6) The substitutionary draw the line in advance he would probably Whether the last two sentences can be recon­ and propitiatory sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus have indicated more accurately the feeling in ciled or not, there is in reality not much to Christ, (7) His physical Resurrection, (8) His Synod, but the acceptance of such a statement choose between the claim for a progressive Ascension, (9) His present High-priestly of­ shows how even at that date the evil influences revelation, by inference from the above, vouch­ fice, (10) His return in glory. of Higher Critical thought in the previous safed to the living Church, and the claim to a Synods may err, but not God's Word progressive understanding" of the truth in the decade had . undermined "the faith once for These omissions are significant, but they are all delivered to the saints." The demand was third paragraph of the new Statement. In hardly surprising where no "form of sound voiced in more than one Presbytery that the effect the claim is made that the living Spirit words" is recognised. It is sometimes argued Church should define her position and avoid of Christ in this generation rej ects the teaching that because the Westminster Divines them­ ambiguity, and this shows she could have of the same Spirit in a past generation, because selves said that "synods ... may err and defined it if she had wanted to, but, speaking this generation has presumably discovered that many have erred," therefore the form of words generally, the will was lacking. She is now "what was pleasing to God at one stage was in which they stated their doctrine cannot be reaping what was then sown. found to be wrong and forbidden by God at accepted nowadays. The fact is that the doc­ another" (Report of Moderators' Committee, trine itself is rejected, for the Divines have Declaratory Statement Examined 1922). In other words, this generation pro­ indicated their unqualified acceptance of the Let us examine the new proposed Declaratory fesses to have received, as is elsewhere stated, Scriptures as the rule of faith and life, and of Statement a little more closely. "a more complete revelation" of a "real Word final authority, declaring that their "decrees 1. The Statement it is replacing, which was of God" which causes it to "discard" as "im­ and determinations, if consonant to the Word adopted in 1913, begins as follows: "We are perfect" a doctrine which says that the Scrip­ of God are to 'be received." Wherever the enjoined to make public declaration of the ture is the supreme standard of faith and duty, chief thought of men is freedom from restraint Church's attitude towards her standards in the "to which nothing at any time is to be added, rather than a willing submission to just following terms: The Presbyterian Church of whether by new revelations of the Spirit or authority, there lawlessness is prevalent. Any England acknowledges as her Supreme Standard traditions of men." So much is clear to those attempt to check abuses is largely rendered of Faith and Duty the Scriptures of the Old who have studied this movement, but is the ineffectual because of the wide toleration by and New Testaments, and as her Subordinate general public likely to be made aware of this the Christian Church of so many forms of Standards the Westminster Confession of Faith by the new Declaratory Statement, or will it thought and even of opposing doctrines. and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms..... " be deceived thereby? A sound, doctrinal basis is essential for good (Here follow clauses (a) and (b) as in the new Freedom-to Attack the Faith order, but such a document as this Declaratory proposed statement and another clause with 3. Passing over the problematical value of Statement is an unworthy and inadequate ex­ reference to the 24 Articles of th~ Faith the Creeds and Confession as an inheritance, position of the evangelical reformed faith of authorized in 1890 as a brief compendium of when they are merely regarded as interesting which the Church declares her acceptance. the faith.) It will be seen at once that whereas historical documents, which do not express the the Scriptures were the Supreme Standard in Justification by Faith alone Repudialed doctrine of the Church now, clause (a) secures the past, in future it is to be some undefined The Moderator this year spoke of "the im­ a freedom which is so wide that it would take perative call to the Church to make its message "revelation of God recorded in the Scrip­ a bold man to challenge the teaching of another effective in our own land," signifying his em­ tures," and whereas the Church "acknowl­ and secure a pronouncement against him for phatic approval of the statement that "it is edged" the Westminster Confession and Cate­ unorthodoxy. The door to this freedom was enough to make a man, in the eyes of the chisms as subordinate standards in the past, opened in 1886, as previously stated, no doubt orthodox, a Christian," if "he is one who in future she is "not committed to the doc­ as the result of the nationalistic influences so strives, yet fails, to make his life conform to trinal expression" of the faith set forth in strongly at work at that time. As a learned Christ's teaching." The Church's message and those standards. In fact there are to be no divine then said-it was "giving up our safe­ Presbyterian orthodoxy may be estimated from standards worthy the name, and the declaration guard and letting every man have his own other parts of this paper, but the real emphasis at the end of the second paragraph of the way." Let a recent statement give its own here is on works rather than on faith. The Statement is as "a well without water." evidence as a fulfilment of that prophecy: Confession says: "By this faith a Christian Ever since the weakening of the formula for "Not fifteen years ago . . . but nearer fifty my believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in ministers, whereby in 1886 they were asked to generation, at least those of them who did a the Word." subscribe to "the system of doctrine" in the little thinking, found themselves theologically As has been well pointed out elsewhere, faith Confession, and its further weakening, whereby homeless .... On (my generation) came the takes precedence of love, and doctrine of prac­ in 1913 belief in "the substance of the stress of the conviction that the old foundation tise both in the order of nature and of historical faith" contained in the Confession was only had vanished"-but these thinkers of a new development. Even as late as 1922 (Report of required, the value of the standards as such has theology did not take long to establish them­ the Moderator's Committee) it was considered dwindled till it is now practically at vanishing selves in the home of those they were attack­ point. ing I by Presbyterians that to be a Christian was to "believe," whereas now it is, "strive .even if Does God's Truth Change? The Modernist "Gospel" you fail." Paul's answer to the question, 2. The seconder of the Report bringing for­ 4. As regards the Gospel declared "anew," "What must I do to be saved?" was, "Believe ward the new Declaratory Statement said: this contains mos, of the features of a mild on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts xvi. 30). "In respect of Scripture we no longer believe modernist gospel, more remarkable for its Peter's answer to the question, "Men and in a literal and equal inspiration of all its parts. omissions than its inclusions. A missionary of (Concluded on Page 24) October/ 1930 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 9 Dr. Machen Surveys Dr. Speer's New Book (The review appearing below concerns Dr. Robert E. Speer's most recent book, and was written especially for "Christianity Today" by Dr. J. Gresham Machen.)

SOME LIVING ISSUES. Ey Robert E. a representative of that tendency in the Church chapter begins well. Dr. Speer refers with Speer. Fleming H. Revell Company, New which seeks to mediate and obscure an issue evident condemnation to the common view that York, Chicago, London and Edinburgh, about which we think that a man must definitely Jesus had a religion which was "the religion 1930. Pp. 280. take sides. of Jesus" and not "a religion about Jesus that That issue is the issue between Christianity made Him its object and elevated Him to the HE author of this book has been for many as set forth in the Bible and in the great creeds place of God to be regarded and worshipped years one of the most .distinguished mis­ T of the Church and a non-doctrinal or indif­ as God," a religion about Jesus which "was the sionary leaders in the world. As a secretary ferentist Modernism that is represented in the doing of His disciples in later years." Surely, of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presby" Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. by the we may be inclined to say, a book that states terian Church in the U. S. A., he has wielded "Auburn Affirmation" and that is really more the issue so well on its· first page and evidently an influence that extends far beyond the bounds or less dominant in most of the large Protestant rejects the prevailing non-redemptive view of of anyone church or anyone country, but churches of the world. Christianity will be a book that evangelical rather is in the truest sense world-wide. With regard to that issue, three positions are Christians can heartily commend. This world-wide influence has been due not possible and are actually being taken today. But we are not left very long in this state merely to administrative experience and to a In the first place, one may stand unreservedly of favorable anticipation. On the very next wide acquaintance with the missionfieIds, but for the old Faith and unreservedly against the page, we find Dr. Speer actually appealing to also, and primarily, to spiritual gifts of a high indifferentist tendency in the modern Church; the late A. von Harnack of Berlin in support order. Dr. Robert E. Speer is a truly eloquent in the second place, one may stand unreservedly of "the historic judgment of the Church" re­ man. Though quiet and restrained in the man­ for Modernism and against the old Faith; and garding Jesus' "character and significance." ner of his public address, he yet exerts an in the third place, one may ignore the serious­ Now we share to the full Dr. Speer's admira­ extraordinary power over his hearers. What ness of the issue and seek, without bringing it tion of Harnack's intellectual ability. We will sympathetic hearer does not fall under his spell? to ·a head, to preserve the undisturbed control not, indeed, call him, as Dr. Speer does, not For nearly forty years Dr. Speer has been a of the present organization in the Church. It only the ablest but the "most authoritative" of real leader of men. is this last attitude that is represented by the the critics; for we do not think that any It cannot be an event without importance book now under review. Dr. Robert E. Speer critic is "authoritative," the plain man having when such a leader, at a time of uncertainty certainly presents himself not as a Modernist an inalienable right to make up his own mind and transition in the Church, publishes a book but as an adherent of the historic Christian regarding the credentials of the New Testa­ which sets forth in something like comprehen­ Faith; yet he takes no clear stand in the great ment books. But certainly Harnack was an ex­ sive form his position with regard to the issues issue of the day, but rather adopts an attitude ceedingly able scholar. Who would not admire of the day. Such a book is the one now under of reassurance and palliation, according high such prodigious learning, such limpid clearness review. The book is not, indeed, intended to praise and apparently far-reaching agreement of expression, such earnestness in the search be comprehensive; it is in part made up of to men of very destructive views. for truth? Yet, after all, Harnack, with all addresses delivered at various times, and it It is this palliative or reassuring attitude his extraordinary gifts, was a representative deals with somewhat disconnected subjects. which, we are almost inclined to think, con­ of just that view of Christianity as "the religion Yet, when it is taken as a whole, it does serve stitutes the most serious menace to the life of of Jesus," just that view that regards as later to indicate fairly well the general trend of the the Church today; it is in some ways doing accretions the whole redemptive content of teaching of its distinguished author. more harm than clear-sighted Modernism can Christianity, which Dr. Speer has apparently With that general trend we find ourselves, if do. The representatives of it are often much rejected. What possible comfort can the we may speak plainly and briefly, in disagree­ farther from the Faith than they themselves evangelical Christian obtain from being told ment. There are, indeed, many things in the know; and they are leading others much far­ that Harnack regarded the Gospels as being book with which we heartily agree. vVe do ther away than they have been led themselves. essentially true? The plain fact is that Har­ not mean the general declaration on p. 136 Obviously such a te~dency in the Church de­ nack removed from the pages of history those that the author "accepts the whole of Chris­ serves very careful attention from thoughtful things in the Gospels that are dear to the tianity as set forth in the New Testament," men. Christian's heart-namely, their whole super­ and that he accepts the doctrine of the West­ But when it is considered, fairness demands natural and redemptive content. Yet we are minster Confession as to the Bible. Such gen­ that it should be considered not in its poorest, told by Dr. Speer that the Christian need not eral declarations are constantly being inter­ but in its best, representatives. That is our fear New Testament criticism because Harnack, preted in so many diverse ways at the present justification for occupying so much space with "the ablest and most authoritative of all the time that in themselves they mean afmost the present review. Dr. Robert E. Speer is critics," has assured us that New Testament nothing. But, as will appear in what we shall perhaps the most distinguished and eloquent criticism has resulted in a confirmation of the say presently, there are many points at which popular representative of what is commonly plain man's reading of some, at least, of the our agreement becomes far more specific. called the "middle-of-the-road" or pacifist posi­ New Testament books! Nevertheless, when the book is taken as a tion with regard to the great religious issue of Does Dr. Speer mean that we are to accept whole, our general attitude toward it is one the day. As such, he is certainly worthy of a Harnack's historical criticism, or at least re­ not of agreement but of disagreement. The careful hearing by those who differ from him gard as essential no more of the Biblical ac­ disagreement is due to the fact that Dr. Robert in the Church. count of Jesus than Harnack retains? Does E. Speer shows himself in this book to be, as The first chapter of the book deals with "The he mean that the plain man is well enough indeed he has with increasing clearness become, Place of Christ in the World Today." That off if he contents himself with that reading of 10 CHRISTIANITY TODAY October, 1930

the New Testament which Harnack thinks Dr. George A. Gordon, of the Old South resurrection of itself would be sufficient to modern criticism confirms? Or is the refer­ Church in Boston, in the course of which it is establish the deity of our Lord. Lazarus was ence to Harnack due only to unawareness of said that "the true relation of mankind to the raised from the dead; yet he was not God. what Harnack's real position is? We should Lord Jesus is not grasped until He is regarded But when taken in connection with the whole like to think that the latter is the case. It as the Incarnation of the Eternal Humanity in New Testament account of Jesus, above all seems, indeed, almost incredible that such un­ which the race is constituted." We can only when taken in connection with Jesus' own awareness of Harnack's position should exist say that if it is easier for the modern world to stupendous claims, the resurrection does set in the mind of any modern educated man who accept an incarnation like that, it is no doubt the seal upon the testimony. We confess, fur­ has ever dealt with these questions at all, es­ correspondingly harder to accept the incarnation ther, that we do not know what Dr. Speer pecially in the mind of one who pronounces spoken of in the fourteenth verse of the first means by "the power and principle of the Harnack's book on "The Expansion of Chris­ chapter of John. Here, as always, a minimiz­ Resurrection" as being "the central essence of tianity in the First Three Centuries" to be ing apologetic ends logically in the loss of Christianity." To us, the really essential thing "one of the greatest missionary books ever everything distinctive of the Christian Faith. to say about the resurrection of Christ seems written" (p. 96); but on the other hand the Finally, in the same chapter, Dr. Speer points to be not that it was a principle or possessed other explanation of Dr. Speer's attitude to­ out that "the Church's claim for Christ has in­ a principle, but that it was a fact. By it our ward Harnack seems to be excluded by the volved not only His moral" authority and His Lord completed the redeeming work that He had come into the world to do. At any rate, fact that Dr. Speer does believe in the virgin Deity, but also His Saviourhood." Is Christ however, we do not think that we attribute less birth and no doubt in the true, bodily resurrec­ "any nearer His rightful place in these regards tion of Jesus, which, with all the other miracles in the life and thought of the world"? Here importance to it than does Dr. Speer. of the New Testament, Harnack rejects. A again Dr. Speer appeals to the testimony of The third chapter, entitled "The Son of God middle position, we surmise, is correct-Dr. non-Christian men-particularly to one who is the Son of Man," deals largely with the Speer no doubt affirms many things that Har­ "was, at the time of his death in 1923, the significance of the title "Son of Man" as it nack denies, but we hardly think he could speak leading Indian in eastern India." This leading appears in our Saviour's words. Here the of Harnack as he does unless he had gone Indian said: "I am a Hindu, but I believe in author, as is unfortunately very common, has much farther with Harnack, and much farther Christ as the highest fulfilment of Hinduism." missed the origin and significance of the term away from clear-cut. evangelicalism than a And more in that vein. Dr. Speer can see in with which the chapter deals. The true key to careless reader of his book might suppose. One such testimonies "the evidence of Christ's steady the term is almost certainly to be found in the thing at least is plain-there can be no real advance toward His sovereignty as moral ideal, stupendous vision of the seventh chapter of compromise between the naturalism of Harnack as .Son of God, as Saviour of mankind." We, Daniel, where "one like unto a son of man" and the supernaturalism of the Bible and of however, can see little in them but evidence appears in the presence of the Ancient of days. the Christian Faith. Was the real Jesus. the that the visible Church has mitigated the true The title "Son of Man" in the Gospels is not Jesus reconstructed by Harnack or was He the offence of Christ's words and has lowered His a designation of our Lord's humanity as dis­ stupendous Redeemer whom the Bible presents lofty claims. The true and stupendous Lord tinguished from His deity, still less a designa­ -that question ought never to be trifled with, and Saviour presented in God's Word could tion of any real or supposed character of His but must be resolutely and clearly faced. hardly thus be treated with complacent admira­ as a summation or recapitulation of humanity tion by those who will not bear His name. as a whole, but rather is expressive of His In the facing of the question, the reader ob­ supernatural office as heavenly Messiah. Dr. tains no help in the rest of Dr. Speer's first God keep us in the Church from seeking testi­ monies such as these I The world will never Speer regrets the avoidance of the title in the chapter. A considerable amount of space is usage of the Church. Yet he himself admits occupied by testimony from non-Christians in be saved by "the mind of Christ" becoming in this manner supreme; it will only be saved that in the New Testament the title occurs al­ support of the thesis that "Christ is more most exclusively in the words of Jesus Him­ looked up to today throughout the whole world when men and women lost in sin are begotten again by God's Spirit and have their sin self. Apparently the only exception is found as the supreme moral authority and the ulti­ in Acts 7 :55f., where the ultimate origin of mate and absolute ethical ideal than ever before washed away in the blood of the Lamb. If the title is particularly plain. The dying in human history." We confess that sadness missionaries always proclaimed that message in martyr, Stephen, like Daniel, saw the heavenly comes over us as we read these testimonies. all its poignancy and offence, no doubt fewer Messiah in the presence of God. We must say If the true Jesus, with His stupendous claims, distinguished Hindus would testify to the value plainly that in our judgment the Church would had always been presented in mission lands, of Christ's moral ideals. But, on the other do well to imitate the reserve of the New Testa­ would there ever have been this polite recog­ hand, more precious souls ,would be saved. ment writers in the use of this title in referring nition of Him as a moral leader by those who The second chapter deals with "The Grounds to Christ. Certainly the use of the title would have not been born again and are not willing for Belief in the Deity of Christ." The essen­ be very unfortunate if it led to any confusion to desert all other saviours and endure the tial and conclusive ground, Dr. Speer says, is between the humanity and the deity of our offence of His name? Dr. Speer does recog­ to be found not in the inimitable uniqueness of Lord. Dr. Speer, in this chapter which deals nize, indeed, the inadequacy of these testimonies Christ's moral character, not in his "unique with "the Son of Man," actually quotes from in themselves. Jesus Christ, he observes, character and message as a teacher," not in Myers' "St. Paul," which he calls. "one of the claimed to be more than the moral Lord of life' the miracle of His "spiritual consciousness, His most nobly Christian of all the poems of the He claimed also to be "the unique Son of sense of perfect harmony with God," not in centuries," a passage ending with the line: God." But even with regard to this claim, he His "central place in history," not in the continues, important acknowledgments have miracles of His ministry, but rather in His "Jesus, divinest when Thou most art man!" been obtained from adherents of non-Christian resurrection from the dead. So thought Paul, That line, from the Christian point of view, is faiths. Here again, however, we are filled says Dr. Speer, and so we ot:ght to think. "So little short of blasphemous. N ever should we with little but sadness as we read. The testi­ today the Resurrection ought to be· conceived forget that our Lord is "God and man, in two monies cited here do not really go beyond those by us as the demonstration of our Lord's distinct natures, and one person, forever." A cited under the other head; and it seems very deity, and the power and principle of the supremely important truth is involved in that sad that a great missionary leader should regard Resurrection as the central essence of Chris- word, "distinct." It was well worth the theo­ such testimonies as these as in anv sense testi­ tianity." . logical conflict that led to its inclusion in the monies to the Christian view of Christ. But, Here, as so often in connection with the book, creeds of the Church. says Dr. Speer in the same chapter, modern agreement is mingled with disagreement as we In connection with the fourth chapter, which ideas of development and personality have read. Certainly we agree with the author's deais with "The Virgin Birth," our agreement "helped many minds toward faith in the Incar­ attribution of importance to the resurrection with Dr. Speer is probably as great as it is at nation." Then follows a long quotation from of Christ. We do not, indeed, think that the any other point in the book. The author ac- Octobert 1930 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 11

cepts the virgin birth of Christ and so do we; It is perfectly clear, when Paul's teaching is the words that we have just quoted, we find and in that agreement we greatly rejoice. But taken as a whole, that both the Cross and the the author saying (pp. 263f.) : then, in the next chapter, entitled "Why Was resurrection were quite fUl'damental to every­ "Jesus only is the fundamental and adequate Christ Crucified?", our disagreement becomes thing that he said, b~ing presupposed even theology. What was enough for Peter and James and John, when Jesus was transfigured particularly acute, and it is a disagreement not where they are not mentioned. vVhy should the before them, is enough for us." only of the head but also of the heart. Dr. one be pitted against the other? What becomes, then, of the Cross; what be­ Speer, like so many other modern men, seems We cannet pass the other chapters of the book comes of Pentecost? What becomes of that to linger at the threshold of the great truth in any sort of detailed review. They contain which Christ did for us once for all, as distin­ of the atonement without ever really entering many things with which we heartily agree, guished from that which He was and is? It in: he says many fine and true things about the many things, too, which are eloquently and is all pushed, as non-essential, aside. We can Cross of Christ; but neither here nor in any finely said. Thus, on page 118, Dr. Speer return without essential loss, according to Dr. other of his recent books, so far as we have points out well and forcibly the unfairness of Speer, to the experience of Peter and James been able to observe, does he give any ~clear the charge of narrowness which is SEl often and John, in the days before Jesus had yet died expression to that which seems to us to lie at brought against evangelical Christi~nity: for men's sins. * the inmost heart of Christianity-the true sub­ "Men will speak tolerantly of liberalistic Chris­ The truth is that in this book we have two stitutionary death of our Lord as a sacrifice to tianity or of institutional or sacerdotal or pre .. latical or Papal religion, or of the use of reli­ distinct strains. We have, in the first place, satisfy divine justice and reconcile us to God. gion as a force to control the ignorant, but evangelical Christianity, with its clear doctrinal elements of evangelical conviction; and we have, He comes near to the great doctrine; he quotes convictions and its warm religious experience, in the second place, a type of religious faith is narrow. on page 79 a passage of Scripture which im­ • and life in which those elements have no logical plies it: but he himself somehow always stops "Now let us at once recognize that there is an element of truth in this view. Truth is narrow place. This latter type has exerted a large in­ ·short at the really decisive point. After quot­ and exclusive. All truth is so. The search for it, whether in science or religion, involves the fluence upon Dr. Speer's book. The author ing the words, "Unto him that loveth us and rejection of every false and untenable hy­ pothesis." does manfully strive, indeed, to hold on to loosed us from our sins by his blood," and a elements of the former type. We do not for a That is well said indeed. Our central criticism verse from an old gospel hymn, he says: moment mean to imply that the evangelical of Dr. Speer is that he does not apply it in "We do not know how. ~e only know that utterances in the book are put there by the nineteen hundred years ago a tragedy had to his own teaching and in his own attitude in the author merely in order to quiet the fears of be wrought to cure the tragedy of the sin of Church. Certainly he does not apply it in the mankind." evangelicals in the Church. Rather. is Dr. present book. Particularly does he fail to And then he trails off, in the customary way, Speer, in those utterances, really strivirtg to be apply it in what he says, on pp. 141ff., with about "the illustration of God's absolute and conservative; he is really striving to avoid the regard to "the limits of tolerance." What be­ utter faithfulness and His willingness to pay radicalism that is so prevalent in the religious comes of the Christian message if "the posses­ the price, even with His own life, for the fail­ world today. But the trouble is that' logic is sion of Christian spirit ["spirit" being spelled ure of man." Thus the true and blessed doc­ a great dynamic, and that things contradictory with a small letter is the essential and suffi­ trine of the Cross is passed by. 1 to each other cannot permanently exist side by cient credential" (p. 142)? Dr. Speer seems Here our disagreement, we must say frankly, side. Whether or not Dr. Speer ever draws the to forget, here and at other places, that which concerns the very heart of the Christian faith full logical conclusions from the erroneous ele­ he himself recognizes (see, for example, p. 227), and life. Dr. Speer says with regard to salva­ ments in his thinking, many of those who are that the world cannot be saved by the loveliness tion by the Cross of Christ: "We do not know influenced by him will probably draw those of Christians or by any human goodness, but how." We say, on the contrary: "Praise be conclusions only too well. Indeed, we find even only by the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. to God, we do know how." There are many Dr: Speer himself, almost at the very end of Certainly the New Testament passages cited in things that we do not know. But one thing, his book, quoting with the utmost enthusiasm such profusion on page 144 do not at all war­ thank God, we do know; we do know that the vague and verbose utterances of the Lausanne rant the inclusiveness for which Dr. Speer Lord Jesus took upon Himself the just penalty and Jerusalem Conferences. That is surely a seems to plead. of our sins and bare it in our stead upon the sad ending for a book that contains so many cross. We do not know it by any wisdom of Finally, we come to the last chapter, on things that are true. It is as though the ver­ our own. Indeed, all the wisdom of all' the "Returning to Jesus." The title is somewhat biage of church-unionism had at last swept philosophers, all the insight of all the poets, ominous. It recalls the famous shibboleth of away as in a mighty flood the elementS' of the all the experience of all the ages were quite modern Liberalism, "Back to Christ," by which historic' Faith that Dr. Speer had tried so powerless to discover it. But it can be well the followers of Harnack and of others of his manfully to maintain. known to every simple reader of God's holy way of thinking sought to justify their rejec­ Dr. Speer pleads, in his .last chapter, for Book. This mystery at least God has forever tion of the way of salvation as it' is set forth, simplicity. But we venture to think that in hidden from the wise and prudent; but, thank in particular, in the Epistles of Paul. Here, doing so he is confusing very different things. God, He has revealed it unto babes. indeed, as at other places in the· book, Dr. He is confusing simplicity with vagueness, and In the sixth chapter, which deals with "The Speer detects the lurking danger; he shrinks the two are really quite distinct. Dr. Speer's Resurrection-The Centre of Christianity," we back from the

Rome and the" Apostolic Succession" Certainly the Roman Catholic Church is not ible organization, by an unbroken chain, to the such: a Church. And that. because not only are Apostles. In our judgment the claim of the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: its teachings quite different from those of the Roman Catholic Church that its Ministers, I am enclosing a copy of a Catholic paper Apostles but because its Ministers do not derive more ~specially that the Pope is the successor which some relatives of mine sent me recently, their powers from the Apostles by an uninter­ of the Apostles detracts from rather than adds containing an article about "Apostolic Succes­ rupted succession. It is true no doubt that the plausibility to its claim to be the true Church sion." I am a Presbyterian and have no idea Roman Catholic Church has been in existence of Christ. of changing my Church connections but I am much' longer than any of the Protestant asking you to look it over and let me know if churches; but that it is nothing to the point the Roman Catholic Church is the real Church' unless it can be shown that it goes back to the Are Affirmationists Orthodox? or the Apostolic ,succession. You need not Apostles themselves. What does it avail for Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: ret1trn the Catholic papel'; but I would like to Cardinal Gibbons to ask, "Whoever heard of Is it not true that the "Auburn Affirmation" know the truth on this subfect . .... a Baptist or Episcopalian or any other Pro­ was an attack not on the five doctrinal state­ testant church prior to the Reformation" when Sincerely yours, ments made by the General Assembly of 1923 G. W. it is open to the Protestant to retort, whoever (cited in your August issue) but on the attempt heard of the Roman Catholic Church in to elevate them to the position of tests for "THE article referred to above is some 5000 New Testament times or until long after all the ordination 'or for-good standing as Ministers in words in length, and so cannot be cited. Apostles were dead? We agree with the the Presbyterian Church? If that is the case, Roman Catholics that the Apostles constituted It is in substance, however, a popular exposition is it fair for you to give the impression. that all and defense of that conception of the Christian an extraordinary supernaturally endowed body signers of the Affimation are un01,thodo:c? It Church succinctly expressed by Cardinal Gib­ of men as over against those who look upon may be that you have good reasons for think­ them as merely the first Ministers of the bons in The Faith of our Fathers by the follow­ ing that some of these signers are unortho­ ing words: "The true Church must always Church. We do not indeed think that there is do:c, but it seems to me that, if so, YOllr any reason to think that Peter had any official teach the identical doctrines once delivered by evidence was gotten from some source other the Apostles and her ministers must derive preeminence among them and yet we do think . than the Affirmation itself. How is it possible their powers from the Apostles by an uninter­ that they as a body had a significance for the for you to say that these men are all un­ Church of all ages. If the Apostles were liv­ rupted succession. Consequently no Church can sound in the faith when in the Affirmation claim to be the true one whose doctrines differ ing today, or if there existed today a body of itself they say : "We all believe /1'om our from those of the Apostles, or whose Ministers men who had succeeded to their powers, they hearts that the 'Writers of the Bible 'Were in­ would speak with authority in the Church are unable to trace, by an unbroken chain, their spired of God; that Jesus Christ was God mani­ of Christ in such a sense that to reject their authority to an Apostolic source." fest in the flesh; that God was in Christ, rec­ authority would be to reject the authority of It is impossible, of course, in the space at our onciling the 'World unto Himself, and through Christ himself. Where Rome errs. is not so disposal. to deal in any adequate way with the Him we have our redemption; that having died much in the significance it attaches to the claim of the Roman Catholic Church that is for 011r sins He rose from the .dead and is our Apostles as in its holding that the Roman the one true Church because it alone has the evedasting Saviour; that in His earthly min­ Catholic clergy are their successors. As a note or attribute of Apostolicity. There is istry He wrought many mighty works, and by matter of fact they have had no successors, and nothing new in the article sent us unless it be His vicari01ts death and unfailing presence He the significance of the Apostolate for all ages the use made of the Didache. The writer says is able to save to the uttermost?" Is there lies in the fact that the Apostles not only spoke that "it is generally believed to have been anything .tnsound about a statement like that! but wrote. As a result there is not, and in the written between the years fifty and fifty-five" .... Unless you can show on the basis of the nature of the case could not be a Church on and so finds in it evidence of Catholic teaching very words of the Affirmation itself that those earth that ha:s the note of Apostolicity in the and practice before most of the New Testa­ who signed it al'e unsound what real warrant sense that 'its Ministers derive their powers by ment was written. Dr. N. B. Stonehouse of have you for criticising Prin.ceton Seminary an uninterrupted. succession from the Apostles; Westminster Seminary, however, states that and the Gen.eral Assembly and its Boards and and yet every true Church has the note of "most scholars now consider it quite certain Agencies on the ground jhat they (Lre friendly Apostolicity in the sense that it teaches the that it was written between 135 and 160" and or at least not unfriendly to Auburn Affirma­ same doctrines that the Apostles taught. cites Harnack, Robinson, and Lietzman in tionists? .... Doubtless they do this with different degrees support of his statement. (The Apocalypse in Yom's sincerely, of purity but it seems to us as clear as day that the Ancient Church, p. 13.) The article as a S ..C. whole is an attractive and to the uncritical at it is the historic Protestant Churches rather least a persuasive setting forth of the common than the Roman Catholic Church which can HE source from which this ques~on Roman Catholic claim that the Roman Catholic best justify their claim to Apostolicity in the T comes, together with the statements that Church alone has the note of -:Apostolicity as only sense in which any Church can rightly accompanied it, indicates that there are fairly defined above. claim to be an Apostolic Church. We agree well informed persons who think that the fact Perhaps nothing more is necessary in this with Cardinal Gibbons that no Church can that a man signed the Auburn Affirmation is connection than to point out that if "the true claim to be a true Church whose doctrines not evidence that fie is something bf a heretic. - Church must always teach the identical doc­ differ from those of the Apostles-though we No doubt most of these persons have not read trines delivered by the ApostleS and her would not insist that its doctrines must be the Affirmation for themselves; but, strange as Ministers must derive their powers from the "identical" with those of. the Apostles-but hold it may seem, there are not lacking those who Apostles by an uninterrupted succession," then, that as a matter of fact no Church has a Ministry have actually read it for themselves who have there is no such thing as a true Church on earth. that can trace their authority, through a vis- apparently done so without discovering any- October, 1930 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 13

thing to warrant the representation that its whether its subscribers believe in Christ as the HAT we think about this matter is indi­ signers are doctrinally unsQund. God-man, they make dear t~at such an incarna­ Wcated in a broad way in our leading It is true that otheAuburn Affirmation was tion as they subscribe to is on.; that can be held editoral in this issue. In our judgment this aimed, in part at least, at an alleged attempt to apart from belief in the Virgin Birth and question should have been answered with an extra constitutional tests on ministers bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. We submit emphatic "No." A Christian is necessarily one and elders. If that exhausted its signficance, that it is impossible to hold to the Christian who stands in a religious relation to Christ. It if it was merely a protest against a supposed conception of the incarnation and the' continu­ passes comprehension, however, to suppose that attempt by means of Assembly deliverances to ing life of our Lord while rejecting the Virgin one who looks upon Him as 100 per cent human in effect alter the Constitution of the Church, Birth and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. can regard Him as an object of religious wor­ it would deserve our sympathy if not our ap­ This creed also asserts that God was in ship. It is perhaps even more important to note proval. As a matter of fact, however, the Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, that that the information given indicates not only Auburn Affirmation did not content itself with through Christwe have our redemption, etc. It is that the man putting the question is not a Chris­ protesting against an alleged effort to elevate impossible, however, to overlook the fact that tian but that the radio speaker himself is fatally the "five points" to the position of tests for according to the Affirmation itself such asser­ ignorant of the right answer to the question, ordination or for good standing in our Church. tions do not necessitate the belief that "Christ What is a Christian? Nothing is more charac­ It openly and 'explicitly took exception to the offered up Himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine teristic of the genuine Christian than the fact representation of the General Assemb:ly that justice and to reconcile us to God"-despite the that he receives and rests upon Christ alone for the -."five points" express essential doctrines, fact that this belief expresses the very heart of salvation. He may have very imperfect views 'and affirmed that not a single one of these the doctrine of the atonement as expressed about Christ, of what it behooved Christ to be doctrines need be believed by a Presbyterian alike in the Scriptures and in the standards of and do in order that He might save him, but no Minister. Thus according to the Auburn the Presbyterian Church. We submit that any man is a Christian who proceeds upon the Affirmation a man may properly be a:Minister and every theory of the atonement is unsound, assumption that he is to be saved on the ground of the Presbyterian Church even though he both according to the Scriptures and the stand­ of what he is or what he has done. All men does not believe that the Bible is trustworthy, ards of the Presbyterian Church, that denies have sinned and come short of the glory of God that a Virgin was the mother of Jesus, that the or ignores the death of Christ as a sacrifice to to such an extent that it is forever true that by death of Christ was a sacrifice to. satisfy divine satisfy divine justice and to reconcile us to the deeds of the law no flesh shall be justified justice and to reconcile us to God, that Christ God. in His sight. It is indeed true that the Chris­ rose from the dead en the third day as recorded The limits of our space forbid that we point tian man will become a good man, is in fact in Scripture, or that Christ wrought miracles out more fully that this brief creed, when inter­ the only man that will become the good man in in the days of His flesh as the Scriptures preted in the light of its context, affords not the a God-pleasing sense, but no man has ever been assert. If that does not constitute warrant for slightest warrant for affirming the doctrinal saved or ever will be saved on the ground of stating that its signers, together with all those soundness of the subscribers to the Auburn his own goodness. It is sad indeed that Chris­ who approve their action, are unsound accord­ Affirmation. In our judgment no.ne can rightly tian Ministers, so-called, should lead men to put ing to the Standards of the Presbyterian ,claim to be loyal and intelligent ministers of their trust in that which is of no avail and thus Church, we are at loss to know what would .the Presbyterian Church who. look upon the use thdr influence to keep them from putting constitute such warrant. writers of the Bible. as untrustworthy both as their trust in the one name given under heaven It is true, and we have no desire to conceal recorders of historical facts and as doctrinal whereby they may be saved. the fact, that the Auburn Affirmation contains guides, who regard such doctrines as the Virgin the brief creed cited by our questioner. This Birth and bodily resurrection of our Lord as brief confession is expressed in Scriptural non-essential doctrines, who are unwilling to Is Predestination an language, and, taken by itself, could be sub­ affirm that He wrought miracles· in the days of "Infamous Doctrine 7" scribed to by every loyal Presbyterian as satis­ His flesh, and most of all who deny that "it is factory-as far

ing and revel'ing the el}tire Confession, are while "Liberalism" in any of its consistent ment. VVhat it teaches is that out of the mass every bit as inconsistent as any Minister can be forms of expression is something other than of the lost, God elects a multitude that no man who takes his vows with certain liberal Christianity yet that there are a number of can number, purchases them to himself by the ureservatiol1s,n systems of doctrine, notably those known as precious blood of His Son, operates creatively G.W. the Lutheran and the Wesleyan Arminian, by His Spirit in the inmost core of their being, which while they reject the doctrine of election in short saves them in the New Testament HEN Ministers and elders at their taught in the Westminster Confession are not sense of that word. It should never be for­ W ordination "receive and adopt" the Con­ only Christian but evangelically Christian. gotten, however, that while none would be saved fession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church It will not have been overlooked, however, apart from the electing love of God those who "as containing the system of doctrine taught in that the second question put to us above does are lost are lost because of their sin. It is of the Holy Scriptures" they affirm (1) the not end with the words, "Westminster Con­ course sheer caricature (though in this instance teachihgs of Scripture constitute a system of fession." It not only asks whether Ministers unintentional) to say that a "logical and un­ doctrine, not a mere aggregate of unrelat~d and elders believe in the doctrine of election as mistakable implication" of the doctrine of elec­ doctrines and (2) that the system of doctrine taught in the \Vestminster Confession, it also tion taught in the Westminster Confession is taught in the Scriptures is set forth in the Con­ asks whether they believe "its frightful asser­ that "non-elect infants, dying in infancy, go fession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church. tions that God of His own good pleasure chose into everlasting punishment." The Confession It should be clearly noted, however, that while some for everlasting life a'nd others for ever­ of Faith never taught that there are any non­ the candidate for ordination is required to lasting punishment, and even worse, its logical elect infants. The most that can be said is that affirm that he believes the Scriptures of the Old and unmistakable implication that non-elect previous to the adoption of the Declaratory and New Testaments "to be the Word of God" infants, dying in infancy, go into everlasting Statement it left it an open question whether all he is merely required to accept the Confession punishment?" Relative to the latter part of infants are included among the elect. The of Faith "as contain.ing the system of doctrine the question, we would reply that as far as we Declaratory Statement explicitly affirms that taught in the Holy Scriptures." This means know no Minister or elder believes such things, all dying in infancy are included in the election that while he is required to affirm his belief in certainly no Minister or elder is required to of grace. Whether the Confession of Faith the Bible as completely trustworthy in all its confess belief in such things for the simple goes beyond the Scriptures at this point may statements he is required to accept the Con­ reason that these things are not taught in the be an open question; but be that as it may the fession of Faith only in the broad sense that it Westminster Confession of Faith. It is true Westminster doctrine of election does not carry contains the system of doctrine taught in the of course that the Confession of Faith teaches with it the implication that any of those dying Bible. Obviously this means that he is not that God has chosen some to everlasting life­ in infancy are lost. Rather is it true, as we required to profess belief in the infalIibiIity of without any implications as to the relative hope to show in the near future in reply to the Confession of Faith or even to profess number of the saved and the unsaved (see our another question, that it is the Calvinist and the belief in alI its teachings as long as he embraces August issue, p. 12)-but it nowhere teaches Calvinist alone who can consistently hold that . the system of doctrine therein taught as divinely that God chose others for everlasting punish- all those dying in infancy are saved. revealed. The system of doctrine set forth in the Confession of Faith is, of course, what is known as the Calvinistic or Reformed in dis­ tinction from those known as Lutheran or Arminian or Roman Catholic, not to mention Letters to the Editor others. This means that none except Calvin­ [The letters printed here express the convictions of the writers, and publication in these ists can honestly and intelligently accept ordina­ columns does not necessarily imply either approval or disapproval on the part of the tion as Presbyterian Ministers or elders. Editors. If correspondents do not wish their names printed, they will please so request, but all are asked to kindly sign their names as an evidence of good faith. We do not If the second question put to us above ended print letters that come to us anonymously.] with the words "Wesminster Confession," we would reply that all Presbyterian Ministers To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: times when "thou shalt" and "thou shalt not" and elders who are both honest and intelligent SIR: I am in whole-hearted sympathy with are far too definite for those who seek a conven­ believe in the doctrine of election as taught in your position-your loyalty to the Lord Jesus ient religion and have not enough faith to the Westminster Confession. Of what pro­ and His supernatural and inerrant Word-and believe anything beyond what can be demon­ portion of the some 10,000 ministers and some praise' the Lord that He has called you to "con­ strated to them by some current experiment. 50,000 elders of the Presbyterian Church in the tend earnestly for the Faith" and that He has I attended the meeting of the General . U. S. A., this is true we have no means of granted you grace and ability to testify with Assembly in Cincinnati on the day when a knowing. Nothing can be more certain, how­ such clearness and virility. May your "bow" Presbyterian Minister gave a long address ever, than that the doctrine of election as taught long abide in strength. Never was the need with many pagan illustrations about the home in the Confession of Faith is fundamental to greater for such witness. and marriage and the life of young people. It the system of doctrine therein set forth; and Yours sincerly, was in deplorable taste and by the widest hence that only those who believe in that A. B. WINCHESTER. stretch of the imagination could not be con­ doctrine of election can honestly .and intelli­ Knox Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Ontario. sidered helpful to the cause of sound morals. gently accept Presbyterian ordination:. We The real Presbyterian Church has a loftier fully agree with our questioner that Ministers To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: purpose than was indicated by the vulgar clap­ and elders who rej ect this doctrine are as SIR: Permit me to congratulate you upon the trap that took so much time that afternoon. I truly inconsistent as those who have taken their publication of CHRISTIANITY TODAY. Each appreciated the comment of the American vows with "liberal reservations." Whether issue is valuable from cover to cover and if any­ Episcopalian bishop who reported that the pro­ they are "every" bit as inconsistent" depends thing can save the Presbyterian Church from longed discussion of these intimate phases of upon the extent of those reservations. If they degenerating into an empty organization with social life at the Lambeth Conference had but take their vows with mild reservations they all the spiritual power gone from it, your one noticeable effect upon him. They made may be no more inconsistent, or even less paper's wholesome and dignified presentation of him "seasick."" inconsistent, lhan if they rej ected the doctrine the truth will be effective to that end. I hope, as thousands of Presbyterians hope, of. election as taught in the vVestminster Con­ CHRISTIANITY TODAY and \Vestminster that those who now are trying to control the fession of Faith; but if they be at all thorough­ Theological Seminary have the same reason for Presbyterian Church and who have no connec­ going in their reservations they are much more existence. Both stand ror the whole message tion with this paper or Westminster Seminary, inconsistent. This folIows from the fact that of Christianity in these radical and demoralized will return to the fundamental principles of our October, 1930 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 15 , faith. How can they claim to be Presbyterians To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: by the "faith of our fathers." They will re­ when they question (1) A truthful Bible, (2) SIR: I write to thank you for that most joice that Hampden-Sydney is such a place The miracles of the Bible, (3) The Virgin excellent and timely article by Rev. F. H. that one need have no fears in sending his or Birth of Christ, (4) Christ'sgiY!tlg of Him­ Stevenson, D.D. It ought to be placed in the her son there. For wise advice and scholarly self as a substitute for us in His death on the hands of every member of our Presbyterian attainments her faculty cannot be equalled; cross, and (5) His bodily resurrection? My Church to inform them of what is going on in and in genuinely Christian atmosphere I have hope is that the public is thoroughly aware of the high places (and in the places not so high) never heard of a place which was (or could the difference existing between genuine Pres­ of the Church. How can a Minister boost the be) her superior. CHRISTIANITY TODAY stands byterians and the radical wing of the Church offerings for the work at home and abroad in the worl

Westminster Seminary Opens First,-that they had had the common sense to come to Westminster. They would not have Second Year come had they not believed in God, in God's It is With profound sorrow ITHERSPOON Hall in Philadelphia Bible, and if it were not their purpose to preach Wwas the scene, on the afternoon of Octo­ that we record the death of the Gospel. Westminster Seminary believed ber first, of the opening exercises of Westmin­ that Bible and believed that it was capable of ster Theological Seminary. This Presbyterian the Reverend Robert Dick scholarly defense. The students would be Seminary, new in organization but not in tradi­ called upon to prepare themselves to be able tion, has begun its second year with increasing Wilson, D.O., Ph.D., LL.D. to defend the Word against the world, the flesh confidence and optimism. The large gathering on Saturday, October 11th. and the Devil! that assembled to watch the beginning of the Secondly,-they were to be congratulated second year of this venture of 'faith included A full account JOf the life upon having been given faith and courage to many men and women prominent in the eccle­ stand up for Jesus in the mi(lst of a faithless siastical life of the Eastern States. and work of Dr. Wilson, generation. He emphasized the word "given." The exercises began with the singing of the together with tributes to They were good Calvinists. It was all of grace. long metre Doxology by all present. Follow­ No man could boast. To them it had been ing this, the blessing of God was invoked by his character and scholar­ given to stand for the Gospel. Let them stand, the Rev. Everett C. DeVelde, Minister of the then, like men! Center Presbyterian Church of New Park, Pa. ship will be given in our The main address of the afternoon was Added significance was attached to Mr. November issue. delivered by the Rev. F. Paul McConkey, D.D., DeVelde~s participation due to the fact that he Minister of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, was a member of the first graduating class of Detroit, Michigan, and a member of the Board Westminster, and is the first alumnus thus to of the Seminary. Tall, and with a superb return to take part in an opening. presence, Dr. McConkey, speaking in graphic, Following the invocation the whole company ful minorities of today are His triumphant memorable sentences, delivered an eloquent and rose and sang the Ninetieth Psalm in metre, in majorities of tomorrow. powerful address upon "The Modern Cruci­ , the version of Isaac Watts: "Let no one doubt that Westminster Semi­ fixion." It was not the soldiers who crucified "Our God our help in ages past nary is needed. If there was ever a time for our Lord, he asserted. They were but the Our hope for years to come, such speculation it has passed away. The instruments of others whose wills and affections Our shelter from the stormy blast Seminary's witness has gone out into all the had rejected Jesus: The atonement made by And our eternal home." earth. Had we ten times the number of students our Lord had, of course, been accomplished once to send forth there are more than enough As the strains of the psalm were lifted up for all, and God's justice forever satisfied. But churches that desire men with the Westminster from hearts and voices, they bore eloquent testi­ there was a sense in which those of every stamp, to place them all. mony to the oneness of Westminster with the generation could so join their wills to the will great stream of Presbyterian history and faith. "I am glad to announce a substantial increase of those who cried "away with Him" that, in When the Psalm had been sung, the Scripture in the number of students. Today we welcome effect, they would be "crucifying Christ afresh." from Acts 4:1-22, was read by the Rev. Albert a class of new students composed of men of There were three classes of these. They were: Barnes Henry, Minister of the First Presby­ exceptional .ability and promise. If they were First, those who crucify Christ by choosing terian Church of Kensington, Philadelphia. not men of conviction they would not be here. material things in preference to Him. This Prayer was then offered by the Rev. W. B. "The Trustees announce that the Rev. R. B. class of person is symbolized by Judas. His Greenway, D.D., President of Beaver College, Kuiper D.D., has resigned as Professor of price was thirty pieces ~f silver .. He preferred Jenkintown, Pa., who carried all hearts God­ Systematic Theology to accept the Presidency the silver, and got it-together with what went ward in an earnest and fitting petition to the of Calvin College. We regret exceedingly to with it. Today in our so-called Christian throne of all grace. lose Dr. Kuiper and congratulate him upon his countries, material comfort and complacency new field of usefulness and wish him God's are being enthroned above all else. They are The exercises were conducted by the Rev. blessing. In his place we have been fortunate content to sell out their loyalty to the Lord Frank H. Stevenson, D.D., LL.D., President in being able to secure Mr. John Murray, of Jesus for the sake of animal comfort and mone­ of the Board of Trustees of the Seminary, who Scotland. Mr. Murray taught Systematic tary advantage. Yet still He looks down upon made, at this point, a statement on its behalf. Theology last year at Princeton, but declined them with pity and love,-upon a world that is "We are not alone as we are gathered here," a proffered reappointment there, to come with rejecting Him because it wants material advan­ declared Dr. Stevenson. "Standing as we do us, because he was persuaded that it was the tages more than it wants Him. for the historic faith of the Church, we are right thing to do." Second, those who crucify Christ by the spirit surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Paul (Late advices from the office of the Registrar of indifference. This group finds its symbol in is here,-Athanasius, Augustine, Anselm, place the registration at the Seminary at at Pilate. Had Pilate been a true man he would Bernard of Oairvaux, Calvin, Knox, the cove­ least 55, a gain of ten per cent over the first have defended Jesus with all the power of his nanters of Scotland, the martyrs of the Low year, with the possibility of further additions.) office and with 'all his soldiery. But he was Countries,-they all are with us. , We stand Following the statement by Dr. Stevenson, indifferent.' He didn't care. And it· was be­ today where they stood in their generation. greetings to the new students were extended by coming more and more so in nation and Church "In the Providence of God, when great crises the Rev. Prof. R. Dick Wilson, Ph.D., D.D., today. People were not so much hostile and have come in His Church, He has in past ages LL.D., As he arose to speak, the venerable and antagonistic to the Gospel as simply indiffer­ used the determined witness of irrepressible distinguished scholar was accorded an ovation by ent to ,it. Whether it was true that Christ died minorities to maintain and transmit the faith. the audience, bearing testimony to the affection for them they did not consider a matter worth How often it has been the lot of the little in which he is held by all. I> worrying about. But indifference is crucifying group to hold fast until by God's grace the tide Dr. Wilson told the new students that he Christ afresh. It has come into the Church has turned and victory has come! God's faith- offered to them a two-fold congratulation: from the world. And indifferentism in the pul- October, 1930 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 19 pit will never meet indifference in the pew. Men ing Presbytery be made to prosecute, which After having received the report of the com­ who did not care about the great truths of the prosecution is allowed by the Book ofDisdpline mittee (which did not itself prefer the charges Gospel, men who were willing to sit idly by only when "a iudicatoT'J find., it necessary for but merely transmitted them in a clerical capac­ when these truths were being ridiculed or the ends of discipline to investigate the alleged ity), an effort was made by the friends of Mr. assailed, would only fortity the world in its offense." Barnhouse to have the trial take place in open indifference to the Gospel. The Judicial Commission of the Synod Presbytery, so that the Church at large might Third, Christ is "crucified afresh" by the decided in favor of the complainants, as follows: be fully informed of the charges. The direction spirit of unbelief. Modern unbelief is sym­ "IT IS .THE JUDGMENT OF THE of Synod was that a Judicial Commission be bolized by the Pharisees and the Sadducees. COMMISSION: appointed by Presbytery, but Mr. Barnhouse Unbelief today is, in many quarters, not as "(1) That the Presbytery of Philadelphia stood upon his right as a Minister to be tried open and crude as in other years. It is unbelief exercised its discretionary power unwisely in by the whole Presbytery and claimed that all the same,-even when lip homage is being declining to initiate a judicial investigation of Synod could not take his constitutional right rendered to our Lord. In a striking figure, Dr. certain evidence submitted to it which alleges from him. After a st~rmy debate the Modera­ McConkey said, "They press on His brow a that the Reverend Donald Gray Barnhouse, one tor ruled that Mr. Barnhouse must be tried by thorny wreath of roses, and nail Him to a of its members, had violated the ninth com­ a commission. An appeal was taken from the cross of hollow and heartless praise." mandment of his ordination vows. decision of the chair, and amid great confusion The world, and worldly sections of the visible "(2) That the Presbytery of Philadelphia the vote was announced as 43 to 42 for sustain­ Church had reiected both Christ and the Bible. permitted attacks upon the integrity and ortho­ ing the Moderator. An immediate request was In trying to do away with the authority of the doxy of a number of its Ministers to remain made for a retabulation of the votes because it Word, they had at the last destroyed all author­ unchallenged in declining to initiate this iudi­ appeared that one of the members of Presby­ ity of any sort. Following Ritschl, they had cial investigation. tery had voted to sustain the Moderator, while "shifted their house of faith from the Rock, and "( 3) That the record in the case warrants thinking that he was voting the opposite way. built it, not upon a sand bar, but upon a fog the contention of the minority report of the The request for a recount was refused by the bank." i udicial committee that prosecution should be Moderator. Immediately notice of complaint Dr. McConkey concluded his masterful initiated by the Presbytery, upon which body was given by Mr. R. K. Armes, Elder from the address with a thrilling appeal for a return to the Constitution places such responsibility. Tenth Presbyterian Church. the "Faith once delivered," by which alone the "( 4) That the Presbytery of Philadelphia in Presbytery then passed to the difficult task Church could recover its lost vigor and spirit­ declining to initiate proceedings against the of selecting a Judicial Commission. . Many ual glory. Reverend Donald Gray Barnhouse is at vari­ suggested as members of the Commission flatly After Dr. McConkey's great sermon, all arose ance with the repeated deliverances of the refused to serve. It was not until the next to sing: General Assembly to the effect that the brethren meeting of .the Presbytery, on October sixth, "0 could I speak the matchless worth refrain from making accusations against the that all members of the commission were fin­ o could I sound the glories forth doctrinal integrity of Ministers save in the ally selected. They are: Which in my Saviour shine ...." manner prescribed by our Book of Discipline. Minist.ers The concluding prayer was then offered and "THE COMPLAINANT IS THERE­ Geo. M. Oakley, D.D., Chairman the benediction pronounced by the Rev. Stanley FORE UNANIMOUSLY SUSTAINED and Geo. H. Bucher V. Bergen, Minister of Union Tabernacle the Presbytery of Philadelphia is hereby di­ David Freeman Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. All pres­ rected to appoint a judicial committee to formu­ Howard J. Bell ent arose from the exercises of the day edified late charges and specifications on the basis of Elders and inspired, full of faith and confidence in the the evidence submitted by the complainants; Jos. McCutcheon, Clerk grace and power of God to make Westminster elect a judicial commission; proceed to the G. F. Norton Seminary a strength and blessing to the whole trail of the Reverend Donald Gray Barnhouse, H. C. Albin Church of Christ. in the name of the Presbyterian Church in the D. T. Richman U. S. A., and in accordance with all the pro­ A number of members of Presbytery refused ll The IIBarnhouse Case visions of the Book of Discipline." to act as prosecutor, among them the Rev. Dr. HE 1930 session of the Synod of Penn­ At the September meeting of the Presbytery O. T. Allis, Professor in Westminster Theolog­ T sylvania referred to its iudicial commission of Philadelphia the decision of Synod's Com­ ical Seminary, who, it was reported in the a complaint by a. minority in the Presbytery of ~ission (which became when read the decision daily press, considered several of the charges .Philadelphia against the action of Presbytery in of Synod) was received by the Presbytery. In "petty." The Moderator's nomination of the refusing to institute iudicial proceedings against obedience to the mandate of Synod, Presbytery Rev. Robt. B. Whyte, D.D., as. prosecutor was the Rev. Donald Gray Barnhouse, for alleged appointed a committee to "formulate charges received with disfavor by the Presbytery, which slanders of other Ministers. The Presbytery and specifications on the basis of the evidence it is said is due to the fact that Dr. Whyte is had appointed a committee to investigate the submitted by the complainants." alleged, to be among those who have been matter, and had decided, after receiving its A special meeting, of Presbytery for the pur­ active in opposing Mr. Barnhouse. Dr. E. A. eommittee's report, that the facts did not war­ pose of receiving the report of the Committee, Freeman, Associate Minister of Chambers­ rant the Presbytery's taking action. The way and of proceeding further, was appointed for Wylie Church was finally appointed as pros­ was left clear, however, for any private members September 29th. On that day the Committee ~cutor. of Presbytery who might consider themselves reported that on the basis of the "evidence" In pursuance of the announcement by Mr. aggrieved to file charges against Mr. Barn­ submitted by the "complainants" there were Roland K. Armes that a protest would be filed, house. This none of Mr. Barnhouse's oppo­ two charges, with fifteen specifications alleged a protest signed by more than one-third of the nents were willing to do; instead, as has been to prove them. The charges are, in substance, members of Presbytery recorded as present at indicated, they carried the matter to the Synod (I) That Mr. Barnhouse failed "to be zeal­ the time of the vote was filed on October of Pennsylvania, asking that Presbytery (which ous and faithful in maintaining . . . . the . . . . seventh with .the Rev. I. Sturger Shultz, Stated had already decided that it could not try Mr. peace of the Church" in accordance with his Oerk of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Under Barnhouse on the basis of the evidence sub­ ordination vow. the law of the Church, proceedings, it is said, mitted) be compelled to try him. It has never (2) That Mr. Barnhouse violated the ninth should now be suspended pending the action of been clearly explained why the parties consider­ commandment ( "Thou shalt not bear false the Synod of Pennsylvania of 1931 on the ing themselves aggrieved did not file charges witness against they neighbor") by casting re­ merits of the complaint. Whether action will in their own names as is provided for in the flections upon the doctrinal soundness of cer­ be thus sisted is not definitely known at the Book of Discipline but insisted that an unwill- tain other Ministers of the Presbytery. present writing. 20 CHRISTIANITY TODAY October, 1930

Dr. Fosdick Makes Darwin a Saint sought and obtained admission to the Church church has been, erected and there are at least in Canada. Instead of drawing upon the three others anticipated. The missionary there T has just been announced that the new Church erection funds they proceeded to erect is Rev. A. E. \ 7ilright who formerly served the I "Riverside Baptist Church" of New York, the building required, largely by their own Church in southern British Columbia. financed, it is said, by the Rockefellers, and labor. On September 20, the cornerstone of The General Council of the United Church ministered to by Harry Emerson Fosdick, will, the Church was laid. The devotion of this in its scheme of decorations, glorify a number has been in session for some time in London, company seems the greater in the light of Ontario. The Presbyterian Church was advised of historical personages who were either industrial depression, many of them having had entirely non-Christian or else antagonistic to by the Moderator and the Secretary of the their incomes materially reduced. Splendid United Church that its representatives would the Evangelical Faith. In addition to the usual workmanship has been displayed by these carved stone images of our Lord, the saints and be welcome at the General Council. The volunteer laborers and the building will be a reply sent was that no provision had been angels over the doorway of the structure that is credit to all concerned. nearing completion, will be figures in successive made by the Church in this particular. It Rev. Paul Crath a Ukrainian who prior to rings above the doorway: first, the likenesses seems impossible for' those on that side Union was a Minister of the Church but who of sixteen of the world's greatest s<;ientists, to realize that fraternal relations are out of was in his homeland at the time the vote was beginning with Hippocrates and ending with the question whilst hostile action against taken found, himself )lpon return a Minister of Darwin, Pasteur, Lister and Albert Einstein; the Presbyterian Church on their part is the United Church. At the last meeting of the next, an arch honoring the distinguished phil­ sustained. Such action was manifest a year ago Presbytery of Toronto he applied for re-admis­ osophers, including Pythagoras and Ralph at the Pan-Presbyterian Alliance when the sion to the Presbyterian Church and was rec­ Waldo Emerson, and finally an arch paying the representatives of the Uni1led Church with ommended by Presbytery to the Assembly same kind of tribute to the outstanding religi­ vigor and determination opposed the Church Commission for the Reception of Ministers. ous leaders, from Moses to David Livingstone. being designated on the records of the Alliance There will be no question' about his re-admis­ Dr. Fosdick was, prior to the General as The Presbyterian Church in Canada. sion. He is now under appointment of the Assembly of 1923, a temporary ornament of the Neither their mind nor their action in this par­ General Board of Missions to return to Presbyterian Church as the special weekly ticular has changed. The retiring Moderator Ukrainia as a missionary to lead in the great preacher of the First Presbyterian Church of with strange logic refers to the Presbyterian revival among that people in the southern part New York. Church as having withdrawn from The Pres­ of Poland. They have earnestly sought the byterian Church in Canada, using the following help of Canadian Presbyterianism, feeling language: The Presbyterian Church in Canada deeply their need for both Ministers and "We do not deny to non-concurrents the ANFF, in the heart of the Rockies amid teachers. liberty to withdraw from the Church. We scenes of surpassing grandeur, invites the Another Minister of the United Church who B simply deny tlleir claim to be The Presby­ tourist from every part of the world. Very has recently sought re-admission is Mr. Ma of terian Church in Canada, as we deny their early the Presbyterian Church established a the Chinese Mission in Toronto. The Chinese power to continue the Church which, by its cause there and it has been sustained. When congregation there was organized a short time own free decision, has resolved to enter the the vote was taken on Union the congregation ago in connection with the United Church of union." decided to remain Presbyterian. The building China, a body of course quite different from the' has not been in keeping with the requirements, United Church of Canada. The work how­ This is a new theory of schism quite in con­ and a new structure has been planned. The ever was carried on jointly under the Presby­ flict with the traditional view, with the judg­ town is built on a Government 'reservation. terian and United Churches. This co-operation ment of civil courts, and with common sense. Recently the privilege of having a better site seemed latterly to be impossible and the Chinese According to this view, those who remain was secured and now the new church is in themselves have solicited the privilege of con­ loyal to the standards constituting the con­ course of erection. It will be very much in tinuing under the care of the Presbyterian fession of faith of a religious body are the keeping with the place and the importance of Church. dissenters whilst those who, leave that body, the work. Progress in Chinese work, in British abandon these standards and erect a new organ­ Though so many new churches have been Columbia is in evidence in the fact that a splen­ ization, claim to be the continuing body! erected since 1925 as the result of the losses to did new building has been opened, and with it Another circumstance worthy of note is the the Church in property, the building program is a manse for the use of the Minis.ter. This remarkable silence which has prevailed in still continues. Two new buildings in Saskat­ building was formally dedicated by the Presby­ United Church circles with respect to the

chewan are almost completed, one at Indian tery of Westminster on Tuesday r evening, dismissal with costs of their appeal to the Head and the other at Moosomin, both thriv­ September 2nd. Privy Council in the Salt Springs Case. ing agricultural centres. Deep interest has been shown by the Church Through a bequest the Church has recently Near the city of Winnipeg eastward the in the Salt Springs case which has been re­ been put into possession of a fine home and Church has had for many years a mission ferred to already in the columns of CHRISTIAN­ grounds which is to serve as a Rest Home for among new Canadian citizens,-most of them ITY TODAY. The Privy Council judgment was retired or disabled Ministers and missionaries. from southern Europe. This work has been given in full in the September issue of "The This legacy is from Mrs. Mary Morgan, Mark­ under the care of a devoted woman, Mrs. Presbyterian Rec01'd" Toronto, ham, Ontario, whose interest in the Church MacKenzie, and her labors, particularly among during her lifetime was very great. In addi­ the young people, have been highly successful. The point emphasized by the Privy Council tion to the home a sum of money was left A site having been procured, the gift of Mrs. is that the United Church of Canada having which will in part sustain the institution. MacKenzie's sister, a church was erected and obtained its constitution from the Federal Par­ opened a short time ago. This necessary liament, that constitution cannot be modified Another instance of a return to the fold is equipment will contribute greatly to the prog­ by provincial legislation. This is an important that of Markdale congregation in the Province ress of the work. judgment particularly in view of the fact that of Ontario. After having been a little more Another building almost completed in a in seven provinces the vote for "Union" was than five years in the United Church this body manufacturing centre in Ontario, Oshawa, has taken under the authority of provincial statutes decided to seek re-admission to the Presby­ engaged deep interest. I t is being erected in instead of under the Federal Act of Incorpora­ terian Church. The decision appears to have the interests of our Ukrainian work. Some tion of the United Church. been unanimous. The congregation is not large time ago this congregation, which had entered The ChuTch is pushing its work in new areas. but the petition presented to Presbytery was the 'United Church became dissatisfied This summer it had four men in the Peace signed by 123 members and 44 adherents. The and withdrew, leaving their property. They River country, two of them ordained. One Presbytery granted the prayer of the petition October, 1930 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 21

and now that MarkdaIe is united with another that the distinguished Bishop DuBose, ruso .of A. M. Morgan, E. M. Williamson, and Euclid stat jon a substantial congregation has been the Southern Methodist Communion, has ad­ vVaterhouse, together with others to be elected formed .. vised Bishop Cannon to resign his office. It is by them, not to exceed thirty in all, are hereby The Church has recently suffergd great losses not anticipated, however, that Bishop Cannon constituted a body politic· and corporate by the by death. The Rev. F. G. Mackintosh, M.A., will retire without a struggle and a vigorous name and style of The ~iI[ilIiam Jennings Bryan of Nova Scotia, had served the Church faith­ attempt to vindicate himself. University, for the purpose of establishing, con­ fully and efficiently as Synodical Missionary for ducting and perpetuating a University for the the Maritime Provinces. Some months ago he· higher education of men and women under was compelled to give up his work and since Bryan Memorial University Begins Its auspices distinctly Christian and spiritual, as a that time he steadily declined until on Septem­ First Year testimony to the supreme glory of the Lord ber 15th at his home in Pictou, N. S. he passed Jesus Christ, and to the Divine inspiration and N S.e~tember 1~, at Dayton, T~nn., .th~ infallibility of the Bible. to his reward. O "Wilham Jennmgs Bryan Uruverslty Another loss to the Church in the Maritime opened for its first academic year. Approxi­ "All departments of the University shall be Provinces occurred in the· death of the vener­ mately five years after the famed "Anti-evolu­ open alike to students of any religion or sect, able Rev. William Dawson, M.A. recently in tion trial" in the same town, the friends of Mr. without imposing denominational or sectarian the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax. He Bryan have begun a work which is intended tests. was a native of Fyvie, Aberdeen, Scotland, and fittingly to carryon the ideals and cause for "While no statement of belief shall be re­ came to Canada in 1875. Three pastorates in which he stood. quired of any matriculating student, no one Nova Scotia, at Upper Canard, Glenholme and Four days before he was suddenly stricken shall be placed in a position of leadership or MacLellan's Mt. and Brook, extended over a in his sleep, Mr. Bryan had suggested the es­ authority either as Trustee, Officer, or member period of forty years. A man of scholarly at­ tablishment of a school for young men upon of the FaCUlty who does not subscribe with us tainments, he occupied a large place in the life one of the hills . suburban to Dayton. This to the following statement of belief, of the Church in Eastern Canada. idea did not die with Mr. Bryan, for his friends "1. We believe that the Holy Bible, com­ felt that this movement, inaugurated by him, posed of the Old and New Testaments, is of Renewed Charges Against should. be amplified, and that a great Christian final and supreme authority in faith and life, Bishop Cannon co-educational institution should be built in and, being inspired by God, is inerrant in the the place where he "fell on sleep." Nearly a original writings. ' WICE in the past five months Bishop million dollars has been subscribed for this pur­ "2. We believe in God the Father, God the T James Cannon, Jr., of the Methodist pose, a beautiful site of eighty-one acres has Son, and God the Holy Ghost, this trinity be­ Episcopal Church, South has withstood the been acquired, and an administration building, ing one God, externally existing in three per­ bombardment of public investigation of his planned to accommodate four hundred students sons. widespread activities-once by the Methodist in all departments of collegiate life, and to "3. We believe in the virgin birth of Jesus General Conference, and once by a Senate com­ cost approximately $400,000.00 is now nearing Christ; that He was born of the Virgin Mary mittee. Neither inquistion seemed to inj ure the completion. Thus, after five years of pre­ and begotten of the Holy Spirit. Bishop's position or· prestige within his liminary effort, the University has been Church. "4. We believe that the origin of man was launched. by fiat of God in the act of creation as related Last month, while he was engaged upon Between forty and fifty students have been in the Book of Genesis, that he was created in episcopal work and a honeymoon in Brazil, enrolled for the freshman year. The admin­ the image of God; that He sinned and thereby came news that a third, more elaborate attack istration of the University aim to begin on a incurred physical and spiritual death. was being prepared. Four "traveling elders" small scale, and to build up both faculty. and "5. We believe· that all human beings are of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South had student body on the basis of quality. born with a sinful nature, and are in need of sent recommendations to Bishop William New­ a Saviour. for their reconciliation to God. man Ainsworth, chairman of the College of The President of the new institution is Dr. Bishops that their colleague be tried once more. Geo. E. Guille, one of America's best known "6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ Although the text of the charges has not Bible teachers. He was educated at South is the only Saviour, that He was crucified for - been made public, it was reported that not only Western Presbyterian University, formerly of our sins, according to the Scriptures, as a vol­ would Bishop Cannon's political and financial Clarksville, now of Memphis, Tenn., and has untary representative and substitutionary sacri­ operations be reviewed, but also his private served as Minister of Presbyterian Churches fice,and that all that believe in Him and con­ life. Following the death of his first wife in in Athens, Tenn. and Augusta, Ga. For the fess Him before men are justified on the 1928, he married in London" Mrs. Helen last sixteen years he has served as one of the ground of His shed blood. Hawley .McCallum of New York, who had extension teachers of the Moody Bible Institute, ·"7. We believe in the resurrection of the traveled with him as his secretary last year on with headquarters in Chicago. In connection crucified body of Jesus, in His ascension into the trip to the Holy Land awarded him by the with his duties as President of the William Heaven, and in. 'that blesseq hope,' the personal Christian Herald for "distinguished religious Jennings Bryan Uni~ersity Dr. Guille will con­ return to this earth of Jesus Christ where He service" in 1928. duct Bible conferences throughout America, as shall reign forever. part of the extension work of the institution. Upon receipt of the charges filed by the "8. We believe in the bodliy resurrection of traveling elders, it becomes the duty of Bishop Other members of the faculty are, Malcom all persons, judgment to come, the everlasting Ainsworth to assemble a committee of not less Lockhart, Vice-President in charge of promo­ blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting than twelve "traveling elders." Should two­ tional activities; A. P. Bjeeragaard, Professor punishment of the lost." thirds of the committee find that the unpub­ of Science; Dwight W. Ryther, Jr., Professor lished accusations have sufficient basis to of English; and C. A. Montoya, Professor of * * * * * * * * require explanation they will immediately refer Modern Languages. "Inasmuch as this institution is being builded the matter to the next General Conference, and The charter of the University contains the and subscriptions and donations solicited and suspend Bishop Cannon until the conference following provisions, which are especially in­ received on the basis of the above statement of' convenes in 1934. interesting in view of the effort made in them to belief, in justice and equity to those contribut­ Upon receiving information of the renewed insure that the institution will never depart from ing, this platform shall .never be changed or charges against him, Bishop Cannon cut short the faith of its founders: amended, but shall constitute .the religious posi­ his honeymoon, and returned to the United "Be it known, That F. E. Robinson, H. H. tion and belief of the Institution as long as it States t6 face his accusers. It has been reported Frasa, Wallace C. Haggard, Joe F. Benson, shall endure . . . " 22 CHRISTIANITY TODAY October, 1930

Bible Institute of Los Angeles Enters the Bible Institute should be given practical The Co.nference wo.uld remind all Christian training in carrying the gospel into the world. peo.ple that the ministratio.ns of the clergy Twenty- Fifth Year From this idea has developed the active student should never be rejected o.n gro.unds of co.lour N this age of intense material appeals it is participation in all outside activities conducted or race, and in this connection it would state its I rare to find the embodiment of a spiritual by the Bible Institute. These include shop opinion that in the interests of true unity it is ideal dominating the very regions where com­ meetings for working men, service in city undesirable that in any given area there should merce is presumed to hold sway. missions, visitations in hospitals, jails and be two or more Bishops of the same Com­ The Bible Institute of Los Angeles is the private homes, extension Bible classes for munion exercising independent jurisdiction. result of such an ideal. Standing in the very adults, for boys and girls of elementary and * * * heart of a great business district, surrounded by young people of high school and business ages. PEACE AND WAR department stores, insurance offices and profes­ Another example of the practical work 25. The Conference affirms that war as a sional buildings, it yet remains unique-an required of the students is their aid to the method of settling international disputes is in­ embodiment of the dream of a man who had facutly in "church cooperation." This diversi­ compatible with the teaching and example o.f achieved earthly success but knew that only the fied work includes supplying of pulpits, con­ Our Lord ] esus Christ. things which are unseen are eternal. That man ducting Bible conferences 'and Evangelistic 26. The Conference believes that peace will was the first President of the Institute, Lyman campaigns, furnishing special musical and never be achieved till international relations are Stewart, Los Angeles oil pioneer and magnate. inspirational programs. controlled by religious and ethical standards, The Institue is about to enter its twenty­ After serving for fifteen years in Moody and that the moral judgment of humanity needs fifth year of Christian service, and the record Bible Institute, Chicago,' Dr. R. A. Torrey took to be enlisted on the side of peace. It therefore of its achievements has blessed every part of his famous world evangelistic tour. Then he appeals to the religio.us leaders of all natio.ns to. give their support to the effort to promote those the world. The secret of its success is two­ became the head of the Bible Institute of Los ideals of peace, brotherhood, and justice for fold: It has but one foundation for all its Angeles-and Dwight L. Moody's influence was work-the Holy Scriptures; it preaches the felt upon the West Coast. It was a fitting which the League o.f Nations stands. same message to those of every race: "] esus union of the work and spirit of the two Bible The Conference welco.mes the agreement made by leading statesmen of the world in the Christ and Him Crucified." Its educational institutions. While their services have been names of their respective peoples, in which they method is profoundly practical. distinct and their programs not identical, their "Our' Bible Institute," Lyman Stewart said underlying purposes have been the same. condemn recourse to war for the solution of international' controversies, renounce it as an on the occasion of the laying of the cornersto.ne Men's and Women's Glee clubs, quartets and instrument of national policy in their, relations of the new building in 1913, "was conceived in soloists, trained leaders and choristers from the with one another, and agree that the settlement prayer, founded by faith and established through Institute are using music to tell the story­ of all disputes which may arise among them sacrifice. These buildings are forever to stand "Ye shall know the tr.uth and the truth shall shall never be sought except by pacific means; solely for the promulgation of the eternal truths make you free." and appeals to all Christian people to support of God's Holy Word. The Institute's presses, mailing bureau and this agreement to the utmost of their power "For the teaching of the truths for which the boo.k store distribute the best in Christian litera­ and to help actively, by prayer and effort, Institute stands, its doors are to open every dai ture to all parts of the world and the 1000-watt agencies (such as the League of Nations Unio.n in the year, and all people, without reference to Radio, K.T.B.I. broadcasts Christian thought and the World Alliance fo.r Promo.ting Inter­ race, color, class or creed .... will ever be and entertainment. natio.nal Friendship through the 'Churches) welcome to its privileges. Shortly after the Bible Institute had come which are working to promote good will amo.ng "It will ever be its purpose to have the gospel, into being, Mr. Stewart foresaw the dangers the nations. as far as possible, brought to every home in our of the Church through attacks against ,its 27. When nations have solemnly bound them­ state. The Institute's missionary work will not doctrines and caused defenses of the Christian selves by Treaty, Covenant, o.r Pact for the be confined to our own coast, but a steady faith to be gathered from all parts of the world pacific 'Settlement of international disputes, the stream of Bible-trained men and women will, and assembled into twelve volumes which were Conference holds that the Christian Church in with increasing volume, be steadily following sent to every Minister and evangelist in the every nation should refuse to countenance any - into the dark places of the earth, carrying the English-speaking world under the title of "The war in regard to which the government of its glad tidings of salvation." Fundamentals." There is little doubt that the own country has not declared its willingness to Nine years after Lyman Stewart had seen great fundamentali;t movement which today submit the matter in dispute to arbitration or the inception of his Bible Institute he fell spreads over the Christian world is greatly reconciliation. asleep content in the knowledge that an endow­ indebted to this man and his brother Milton, 28. The Conference believes that the exist­ ment of friends was more to be desired than an who joined in financing the projeCt so modestly ence of armaments on the present scale amongst endowment of dollars Today activities radia­ and anonymously undertaken by "Two Chris­ the nations o.f the world endangers the main­ ting from this institution and from the Hunan tian Laymen." tenance of peace, and appeals for a determined Bible Institute in China, which is sponsored and effort to secure further reductio.n by interna­ supported by the Institute in Los Angeles, tional agreement. touch the uttermost parts of the world. Villages, The Lambeth Resolutions * * * towns, and cities in every State in the Union 31. The Conference reco.rds, with deep thanks and in many foreign lands know of the Bible ( Concluded) to Almighty God, the signs of a growing move­ Institute of Los Angeles, because Lyman 22. The Conference affirms iits conviction ment towards Christian unity in all parts of the Stewart lived and labored for God. that all communicants wit.hout distinction of world since the issue. of the Appeal to all Fifteen thousand students, including those in race or colour should have access in any church Christain People by the Lambeth Conference correspondence courses, have learned the truths to the Holy Table of the Lord, and that no one in 1920. of the Bible and have been prepared for Chris­ should be excluded from worship in any church The Conference heartily endorses that Appeal tian Leadership. The Bible Institute offers a on account of colour or race. Futher, it urges and reaffirms the principles contained in it and four year course in Bible study, including that where, owing to diversity of language or in the Resolutions dealing with Reunion adopted Christian education and specialized shorter custom, Christians of different races n~rmally by that Conference. courses in Missions, music and church work. wo:rship apart, special occasions shouM be THE MALINES Co.NVERSATIONS These are open to all without tuition fees. sought for united servicfOs and corporate com­ 32. Believing that our Lord's purpose for His Lyman Stewart knew the power and beauty munion in order to witness to the unity of the Church will only be fulfilled when all the sepa­ of the Bible. He believed that each student at Body of Christ. rated parts of His Body are united, and that only October, 1930 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 23 by full discussion between the Churches can error SOUTH INDIA (a) They uphold and propagate the Catho­ and misunderstanding be removed and full 40. (a) The Conference has heard with the lic and Apostolic faith and order as they spiritual unity attained, the Conference ex­ deepest interest of the proposals for Church are generally set forth in the Book of presses its appreciation of the courage and union in South India now under consideration Common Prayer as authorised in their Christian charity of Cardinal Mercier in ar­ between the Church of India, Burma and Cey­ several Churches; ranging the Malines Conversations, >unofficial lon, the South India United Church and the (b) they. are particular or national and not fully representative of the Churches Wesleyan Methodist Church of South India, Churches, and, as such, promote within though they were, and its regret that by the and expresses its high appreciation of the spirit each of their territor,ies a national expres­ Encyclical M ortaiilim animas members of the in which the representatives of these Churches sion of Christian faith, life and worship; Roman Catholic Church are forbidden to take have pursued the lCl11g and careful negotiations. and part in the World Conference on Faith and (b) The Conference notes with warm sym­ (c) they are bound together not by a central Order and other similar Conferences. pathy that the proj ect embodied in the Pro­ legislative and executive authority, but by THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH posed Scheme for Church Union in South mutual loyalty sustained through the com­ 33. (a) The Conference heartily thanks the India is not the formation of any fresh Church mon counsel of the bishops in conference. CEcumenical Patriarch for arranging in co­ or Province of the Anglican Communion: under The Conference makes this statement praying operation with the other Patriarchs and the new conditions, but seeks rather to bring to­ for and eagerly awaiting the> time when the Autocephalous -Churches for the sending of an gether the distinctive elements of different Churches of the present Anglican Communion important Delegation of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Communions, on a basis of sound will enter into communion with other parts of Church under the leadership of the Patriarch doctrine and episcopal order, in a distinct Prov­ the Catholic Church not definable as Anglican of Alexandria, and expresses its grateful appre­ ince of the Universal Church, in such a way in the above sense, as a step towards the ulti­ ciation of the help given to its Committee by the as to give the Indian expression of the spirit, mate reunion of au' Christendom in one visibly Delegation, as well as its sense of the value of the thought and the life of the Church U niver­ united fellowship. the advance made through the joint meetings in sal. the relations of the Orthodox Church with the (c) We observe further, as a novel feature Louisville Seminary Anglican Communion. in the South Indian Scheme, that a complete PENiNG exercises of the Louisville Pres­ (b) The Conference requests the Archbishop agreement between the uniting Churches on O byterian Theological Seminary, at Louis­ of Canterbury to appoint representatives of the certain points of doctrine and practice is not ville, Ky., were held on Wednesday, September Anglican Communion and to invite the CEcu­ expected to be reached before the inauguration 24. The attendance of local ministers, alumni menical Patriarch to appoint representatives of of the union; but the promoters of the scheme and friends, together with the faculty and the Partriarchates and Autocephalous Churches believe that unity will be reached gradually and students, taxed the seating capacity of the of the East to be a Doctrinal Commission, more securely by the interaction of the differ­ chapel, in which the service was held. Rev. which may, in correspondence and in consulta­ ent elements of the united Church upon one Dr. John M. Vander Meulen, former president tion, prepare a joint statement on the theo­ another. It is only when the unification result­ of the seminary, presided. The principal logical points about which there is difference ing from that interaction is complete that a final address was given by Rev. Dr. John Rood Cun­ and agreement between the Anglican and the judgment can be pronounced on the effect of the ningham, the new president. His topic was Eastern Churches. > present proposals. Without attempting, there­ "The Minister and the Modern Church." (c) The Conference not having been sum­ fore, to pronounce such judgment now, we ex­ Terming the ministry as an "Indispensable moned as a Synod to issue any statement pro­ press to our brethren in India our strong desire Function" of the Modern Church, Dr. Cunning­ fessing to define doctrine, is therefore unable to that, as soon as the negotiations are sucess­ ham pointed out that there must be a faithful issue such a formal statement on the subjects fully completed, the venture should be made and ministry if the Church is to exist and God is to referred to in the Resll1ne of the discussions the union inaugurated. We hope that it will be represented to His people; and that in all between the Patriarch of Alexandria with the lead to the emergence of a part of the Body of the records we have of God's dealings with His other Orthdox Representatives and Bishops of Christ which will possess a new combination of people, there is no evidence of any attempt on > the Anglican Communion, but records its accept­ the riches that are His. In this hope we ask ance of the statements of the Anglican Bishops the Churches of our Communion to stand by contained therein as a sufficient account of the our brethren in India, while they make this ex­ :~~:~:~~ ~~t!~~~ }#it~;:&~~~:~ut fu~",": teaching and practice of the Church of England periment, with generous good will. ministry just'tlow'>siat'ftij(:ifuat '''Qi)'1'tlitYe e and of the Churches in communion with it, in THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND than quantity, woutdseeilii t6' iJe~tii~;h~~~';;;r relation to those subj ects 43. The Conference expresses its gratitude today." "The chief problem ofti;:/Chui~fV" THE OLD CATHOLIC CHURCH to the distinguished members of the Church of said the new president, "is not her God, nor her 35. (a) The Conference heartily thanks the Scotland who accepted the invitation to confer Saviour, nor her Book, nor her Message,-it is Archbishop of Utrecht and the Bishops of the with its Committee. It hopes that an invita­ primarily a problem of the quality of her leader­ Old Catholic Church associated with him for tion may soon be issued to the now happily ship." In giving a few of the qualities which coming to consult with its members on the united Church of Scotland to enter into free and seem requistite to ari, effective ministry in the development of closer relations between their unrestricted conference with representatives of modern Church Dr; Cunningham stated that the Churches and the Anglican Communion, and the Anglican Communion on the basis of the modern Minister must, first, embody the spirit expresses its sense of the importance of the step Appeal to All Christian People issued in 1920. of heroic sacrifice; second, that he must have a taken. trained mind; and, third, that he must have a * * * vital religion-an experience of Christ that (b) The Conference requests the Archbishop 49. The Conference approves the following of Canterbury to appoint representatives of the touches the deep places of his life. statement of' the nature and status of the Angli­ Anglican Communion, and to invite the Arch­ Three new members of the faculty were in­ can Communion, as that term is used in its bishop of Utrecht to appoint representatives of ducted into office at these exercises: the Rev. Resolutions :- the Old Catholic Churches to be a Doctrinal Frank Hill Caldwell, called to be Professor of Commission to discuss points of agreement and The Anglican Communion is a fellowship, Homiletics; Rev. W. D. Chamberlain, D.D., difference between them. within the One Holy Catholic and Apos­ Professor of New Testament; and the Rev. (c) The Conference agrees that there is tolic Church, of those duly constituted Dio­ Lewis J. Sherrill, who will be the new Dean. nothing in the Declaration of Utrecht incon­ ceses, Provinces or Regional Churches in Dr. Vander Meulen will be Professor of sistent with the teaching of the Church of communion with the See of Canterbury, Doctrinal Theology. England. which have the following cnaracteristics in The total number of students is reported to * * * common:- be approximately the same as last year. 24 CHRISTIANITY TODAY October, 1930

Religious Freedom in Japan into 'doctrine courts' rather than compromise said, sympathy with and understanding of, the their distinctive Christian character and aim other religions is the only means whereby the HE Japan Chronicle says in a recent issue, by submitting to the .government requirements missionary and preacher can begin his evan­ that "Four students of the Antung Girls' T for registration. As such, they frankly declare gelistic work with any hope of success, for High School have been suspended for disobeying their sole object to be the training up of Chris­ they all contain broken lights which are the order of their teacher to visit a Shinto tian workers, and give Bible study the central gathered up in the intense light of Christ, shrine. The. S emil Press in reporting the affair position in their curricula. They would prefer who is the Light of Light, and the unique and says that according to the custom on April 4th if necessary to drop all secular subjects rather supreme manifestation of God. . last, after the ceremony in honor of the com­ than give any but fitst place to their coursep It was noted by many that among those mencement of the new school year, all the in God's Word." marching in the academic procession was Dr. faculty and students visited the shrine to pay A number of strongly worded protests against Henry Sloane Coffin, President of Union Theo­ homage except four students in question who these restrictions were sent to the Nationalist logical Seminary, New York, long the strong­ flatly refused to do so, insisting that they were government of China by Christian Churches hold of Modernism in the Presbyterian Church. not idolatresses but believers in one God, being and other organizations. The answer of the At this writing, figures regarding the enroll­ Christians. They therefore remained behind in government has been to make the restrictions ment at Princeton Seminary are unobtainable. the class room. The school authorities put more, instead of less, severe. ,As newly pro­ forth every effort later to prevail upon them to mulgated, the regulations 'ban the teaching of Omaha Seminary reconsider their attitude, but in vain and finally Christianity in all mission schools below the suspended them. The case is being watched HE opening exercises of the Presbyterian rank of Junior College. . Theological S.eminary of Omaha were with interest." T The Minister of Education in the Nationalist held September in the North Presbyterian The Japanese Government at the meeting of 17, government, Moling Tsiang, defends the gov­ Church of that city. The address was delivered Parliament in 1929 appointed a committee to ernment's action on the following grounds: by the Rev. Henry Dale White, D.D., Profes­ study the whole Shrine Problem. It does not First, he objects to the teaching of the Chris­ sor of Systematic Theology, who spoke upon seem to be clear just what Shinto is. Some say tian faith without also including the teachings "A Thoroughly Furnished Ministry." that it is a patriotic cult, others say it is a of other faiths. Twenty-three new students have- registered religion. The Buddhists seem to think that it Second, he thinks that unless children ar€ at Omaha Seminary this year, one of the larg­ is a religion and ask that if it is not a religion, kept from the approaches of religion that they est classes in the history of the Seminary. everything that savors of religion be removed will not be free, when mature, to choose a Sixteen of these· men·~are ·college graduates; from the shrines. Recently the authorities in religion rationally. and two are within a few credits of graduation. two provinces placed Shinto god shelves in the Third, he says that if the churches are not Three of the new men have entered for gradu­ public schools. The Buddhists have asked that conducting the schools merely as a means of ate work, and two have come as special these be removed. gaining members, they will not be deeply'af­ students. . A group of Christians have been holding fected by the dropping of Christianity from the meetings about this matter in Tokyo. Recently curriculum. Westminster Seminary Notes they asked the Government Committee to re­ Fourth, he considers religion to be not a fit move all ceremonies that are of a religious RIENDS of the Rev. Robert Dick Wilson, subject for inclusion in a modern; scientific edu­ D.D., LL.D., are greatly concerned by his nature from the· shrines if they decide that F cation. sudden illness following the opening of the Shinto is not a religion and in case they decide When the decision was given out it was Seminary year. Dr. Wilson is now a patient in that it is a religion to grant believers of other declared to be "final, and not subj ect to re­ the Presbyterian Hospital, Philadelphia, and faiths freedom as provided under the Imperial view." One effect of the new regulations may his many friends are praying for his speedy Constitution. be to force missionary effort into more purely and complete recovery. The investigation has not been given exten- evangelistic lines, as exemplified in the "doctrine The Seminary has recently announced that sive publicity inJQreign papers but it is a very courts," with the possibility that the cause of the Ho~i1etics Department will be. assisted in .. in;IportaJlt!=tt,ertpj:}je,Churc\lil;lJapan. Multi­ Christ may be ultimately more helped than its practical work by noted Ministers of the ~'}~i:lesor Chrisimps-1lIavebeensorely troubled Presbyterian Church, who will act as advisers ;<'~~QOutfheirch'ii4i~ti':i~:ehlg 1Qr~~g; to go to the hindered by these attempts to suppress it. to the students. Each adviser will take charge $hrmes, . Some .Ch~is.tlin:scliools have com­ Princeton Seminary Opening of the practical preaching for a period of a to go to the ;~6mi~ei:l,;lIQ;wing t1ie.kstPd~llts RINCETON Seminary opened its second month or six weeks, enabling the students to ~hrines. . Christian people the world over have year as recently reorganized on Wednesday receive the impress of the differing practical been requested to make this a subject of prayer, P morning, Oct. 1, with services at the First points of view of preachers of ability and asking that God may guide the Committee of Presbyterian Church of Princeton. At this experience. The first aG::,iser will be the Rev. the Government to make it possible for religious service, the Rev. Samuel M. Zwemer, D.D., Aquilla Webb, D.D., LL.D., Minister of the freedom to be given to all the people of Japan. LL.D., F.R.G.S., distinguished missionary was First and Central Presbyterian Church of inducted as Professor of Missions. \Vilmington, Delaware. Religious Freedom in China Dr. Zwemer made the principal address of T AST year the Nationalist government of the day, his subject being the place of study of Presbyterran Church in England L China announced what seemed to be the histqry of religion in a theological dis­ ( Concluded) drastic restrictions upon the teaching of the cipline. The new professor maintained in his brethren, what shall we do?" was, "Repent and Christian faith in Christian mission schools. address that the Christian Minister must be be baptised everyone of. you in the name of These regulations forbade the teaching of acquainted with other religions,. with their Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts Christian faith to those in the lower grades. "elements of truth and beauty," so that he may 2 :38). Our Lord's answer to the question, In order to retain their Christian character, be adequately prepared "to preach Jesus Christ "What shall we do that we might work the some of the schools were converted into "Doc­ who is altogether truth and beauty, in whom works of God?" was, "This is the work of trine Courts." (We are informed by a corre­ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowl­ God, that ye believe on Him Whom He hath spondent in China that "the term 'doctrine edge because in Him dwel1s all the fulness of sent." May the Presbyterian Church of Eng­ court' or 'yard' here bears the pregnant sense the Godhead bodily." . land never forget that "Faith cometh by hear­ of institute for the promotion of Christian faith Professor Zwemer 'asserted that the purpose ing, and hearing by the Word of God," and and life." "file same correspondent also writes of missions stands s"tire. and its accomplish­ that to maintain that faith loyalty to the whole that certain schools of the Yihsien Station of ment is certain, because it is the carrying out Scripture as given by inspiration of God is the the Shantung Mission have "all been converted of a God-given commission. Nevertheless, he first essential.

BENJ F. EMERY CO .. PH!LA