Vol. 13, No. 1

ORDAINED SERVANT

Published by

The Committee on Christian Education

of

THE ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

January, 2004 ORDAINED SERVANT

Statement of Purpose

Ordained Servant exists to provide solid materials for the equipping of office-bearers to serve more faithfully. The goal of this journal is to assist the ordained servants of the church to become more fruit- ful in their particular ministry so that they in turn will be more capable to prepare God's people for works of service. To attain this goal Ordained Servant will include articles (both old and new) of a theoretical and practical nature with the emphasis tending toward practical articles wrestling with perennial and thorny problems encountered by office-bearers.

Editorial Policy

1. Ordained Servant publishes articles inculcating biblical presbyterianism in accord with the constitu- tion of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and helpful articles from collateral Reformed traditions; how- ever, views expressed by the writers do not necessarily represent the position of Ordained Servant or of the Church.

2. Ordained Servant occasionally publishes articles on issues on which differing positions are taken by officers in good standing in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Ordained Servant does not intend to take a partisan stand, but welcomes articles from various viewpoints in harmony with the constitution of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

All material in this periodical is subject to U.S. and International copyright laws and may not be re- produced without prior written approval. Interested parties are invited to obtain permission to re- produce material found in this publication by writing to the editor.

Copyright by the Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. All rights reserved.

Published for the Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church under direction of the Subcommittee on Resources for Church Officers

Contents: Vol. 13, No. 1

Editorial Notes...... 3 The Duties of Elders, by Daniel R. Hyde...... 4 What does it mean to Subscribe to the Westminster Standards? by the Editor...... 8 On Being a Confessional Church, by Gregory E. Reynolds...... 11 Some Thoughts on Term Eldership, by John R. Sittema...... 14 Turning Points in American Presbyterianism, Part Three, by D.G. Hart and John R. Muether...... 17 Book Reviews...... 20 CD Review - The Puritan Bookshelf and The Reformation Bookshelf...... 23

Please send materials intended for possible publication in Ordained Servant to the Editor, G. I. Wil- liamson, 406 Normal College Ave., Sheldon, IA 51201. (Or you can send a text file, by Email to: william- [email protected]).

2 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 EDITORIAL NOTES

hree of the ordination vows a “blatant breach of trust, of the too high a position?” The answer T taken by office bearers basic principle of honesty” or in to this is really quite simple: “No, of the Orthodox Presbyterian other words it is “moral perjury, it is not anything of the sort if Church are the same for Minis- and that in one of the most sacred they actually are a faithful sum- ters, Elders and Deacons. These relations that exists in this mary of the teaching of Scrip- vows are as follows: world.” ture.” And that is exactly what we said we believed when we (1) Do you believe the Scrip- “Can you say that there is no subscribed to them in the first tures of the Old and New relation between a man's position place. We said we sincerely re- Testaments to be the Word in the realm of doctrine and his ceived and adopted the Confes- of God, the only infallible principles of life and conduct?” sion and Catechisms as faithful rule of faith and practice? asked Murray. “No; they are one expressions of what the Bible because they concern truth and teaches. No, we did not say we (2) Do you sincerely receive and the sanctity of truth. Truth is one, believed they were infallible or adopt the Confession of and it is a moral and psychologi- inerrant. We affirmed that to be Faith and Catechisms of this cal impossibility for a man's be- true only of the Scriptures. So, if Church, as containing the lief with respect to what consti- we—for some reason that we now system of doctrine taught in tutes Christianity to be heterodox find compelling—come to believe the Holy Scriptures? and his beliefs with respect to that they are not in actual fact true what constitutes the norm of to the Bible we have two options. (3) Do you approve of the gov- Christian life to be orthodox.” We can leave the OPC and join a ernment, discipline, and denomination that has a creed we worship of the Orthodox “The primal necessity is truth can agree with. Or, if our disa- Presbyterian Church? in the inward parts, and error with greement is relatively minor, we respect to God, Christ, sin and re- can bring a revised creedal state- In later issues we hope to de- demption cannot co-exist there ment to my Session or Presbytery vote attention to other vows as with a true standard of moral obli- in order to seek to persuade our well, but in this issue of Or- gation. Modernism in doctrine fellow office-bearers that the sec- dained Servant we want to focus and modernism in ethics are ulti- ondary standards need improve- attention on the second vow. As mately one.” (The quotations are ment. This has actually been done suggested in the editorial of the from Collected Writings of John in our history, and should be done previous issue of this journal, it is Murray, Vol. 1, pp. 194,195.) wherever it can be shown to be our conviction that we, as a con- needed. In the mean time, while fessional church, need to mani- We are not Modernists, of this process is going on, it is our fest a greater degree of integrity course. But, as Murray went on to solemn duty to abide by the pre- in our adherence to the form of show in the essay quoted above, it cept of the Psalmist (Psalm sound words that we have sol- is by no means impossible that 15:4b). The man acceptable to emnly confessed to be a faithful “earnest men, believing men” can God is he who, when he finds out expression of “the system of doc- nevertheless “appear to be out of that there is pain involved in trine taught in the Holy Scrip- sympathy with some of the dis- keeping vows, accepts that pain tures.” As John Murray once said tinctive doctrines of that commun- because of his ethical integrity. with respect to signers of the Au- ion whose doctrines they have burn Affirmation, these “ men… solemnly vowed to believe and There is no more urgent need solemnly vowed belief in and ad- maintain.” in the OPC today than Ministers, herence to these great verities Elders and Deacons who are will- which they…either denied or Now some will immediately ing to honor their vows in the branded as mere theories.” Pro- ask the question: “But isn’t this to manner spoken of by the Psalm- fessor Murray rightly called this put these man-made documents in ist.

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 3 THE DUTIES OF ELDERS

by

Daniel R. Hyde

Almost 60 years ago, J.L. many of our churches rise and fall may be practiced.They shall see Schaver lamented the deplorable with the congregation. To remedy to it that their fellow-elders, the condition of the eldership in Re- this and bring stability into a local minister(s) and the deacons formed and Presbyterian church- church, a solid group of elders is faithfully discharge their offic- es, which “were sleeping at the needed to safeguard the congrega- es. They are to maintain the switch.”1 It is always a delicate tion from the minister, and to safe- purity of the Word and Sacra- matter when one wants to sound guard the minister from the con- ments, assist in catechizing the an alarm without sounding as an gregation. In my own experience I youth, promote God-centered alarmist. I do want to sound an witnessed a solid Consistory (Ses- schooling, visit the members of alarm, not that there is any specif- sion) not only keep a church afloat the congregation according to ic errors we are guilty of, but to when its pastor retired, but actual- their needs, engage in family always keep us alert and sober, ly see the church grow as they visiting, exercise discipline in which is a Biblical virtue. searched for a year and a half for a the congregation, actively pro- new pastor. mote the work of evangelism As Reformed and Presbyterian and missions, and insure that churches, we need to ask our- What follows is a part of my everything is done decently and selves the question, “What are we elder-training manual that I am de- in good order (paragraph divi- doing to ensure that our churches veloping in my congregation. It is sion mine). will stay orthodox in doctrine and an exposition of article 14 of the vibrant in witness for the next Church Order of the URCNA, The Elders’ Purpose generation?” There are countless which I pray will benefit my col- ideas and topics that can fit under leagues in the URCNA, but also in The goal and reason the elder- this question, but I want to focus the OPC as these principles apply. ship exists is “in order that purity on one, namely, training up a new This article may also serve to fur- of doctrine and holiness of life generation of elders to rule, to ther our common bond of fraterni- may be practiced.” The elders are teach, to shepherd, and to counsel. ty as historic Reformed and Pres- to rule over the beliefs and lives of byterians. their flock, since Christians are As a young church planter I members of a public community. I can say from experience, that one Article 14 of our Church like how The Book of Church Or- of the most important foundations Order says der of the OPC states this, when it of our churches must be a strong says, “They are to watch diligently eldership. We need men with con- The duties belonging to the of- over the people committed to their viction and passion to lead God’s fice of elder consist of continu- charge to prevent corruption of people. This is of the essence of ing in prayer and ruling the doctrine or morals” (X.3). being Reformed and Presbyterian. church of Christ according to Too many of our churches rise the principles taught in Scrip- Ruling takes diligence. In a and fall with the pastor; this is one ture, in order that purity of church like mine, which began as a danger. But another is that too doctrine and holiness of life small church plant but is now

4 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 THE DUTIES OF ELDERS growing month by month, the office of the Old Testament should have particular concern amount of guidance, visiting, king.2 They are anointed for rul- for the doctrine and conduct of counseling, and sin is exponential. ing, governing, and guiding. But the minister of the Word and But the elders must be diligent to their rule is not according to the help him in his labors.” Some keep on top of who is in need, principles of the business world, questions the elders need to ask who needs correction, who is not but “according to the principles themselves are these: Is the pas- at worship, what problems exist taught in Scripture.” So how do tor faithfully preaching the amongst the members, etc. It may the elders rule? This leads us to a Word? How can I free him from seem overwhelming, but it is only consideration of their specific administrative tasks so he can overwhelming when you are not duties below. pray, study, and visit? Is the being a diligent elder. flock growing in knowledge and The Elders’ Specific Duties piety? The Elders’ General Duties 1. Oversee all office-bearers The elders are also to oversee The elders fulfill their purpose the ministry of the deacons. A of keeping the church pure in doc- The elders are to “see to it few questions would be: Are the trine and life by doing certain du- that their fellow-elders, the min- deacons aware of benevolent ties. Article 14 begins with the ister(s) and the deacons faithful- needs in the congregation? Are general duties of the elders and ly discharge their offices.” The they serving the pastor, also, by then moves on to their specific du- elders hold the office of elder, assisting him in daily administra- ties. have the task of overseer, and tive tasks? Are they visiting are to have the character of a those in need regularly, praying In unity with the ministers (art. shepherd. To be an overseer is to and encouraging them with 2) and deacons (art. 15), prayer is be a watchman, always on the Scripture? listed as the first duty. We can say lookout (Acts 20:28). And this is the primary duty of the eld- watching out for the other offi- These are the kinds of ques- er. As he prays, his duties will be cers of the church is to be done tions that the elders must ask and effective and powerful; but if he willingly, eagerly, and as an ex- evaluate to ensure the congrega- doesn’t pray his duties will be fu- ample (Greek: tupos, “type”; 1 tion is being true to Christ’s tile and impotent. I especially ap- Peter 5:2). This is a huge task. great commission. This is the es- preciate how The Book of Church But God fills the office with ca- sence of what Paul told the eld- Order of the OPC says this: “They pable men for the task. This is ers in Ephesus, when he said, should pray with and for the peo- why the wisdom of the following “...take heed to yourselves and to ple” (emphasis mine; chapter statement is so good: all the flock, among which the X.3). How strong would our Holy Spirit has made you over- churches be if the elders did not “Those who fill this office seers, to shepherd the church of simply pray for those under their should be sound in the faith God” (Acts 20:28). care, which is very important to and of exemplary Christian say the least, but as shepherds life, men of wisdom and dis- 2. Maintain the purity of the lived among their flock, knew cretion, worthy of the esteem Word and Sacraments their intimate needs, and offered of the congregation as spiritu- those needs to the Chief Shep- al fathers” (BCO, X.2). In order for an elder to know herd? if the Word and sacraments are The elders are to oversee the being administered purely, he In distinction from the minis- minister of the Word. The Book must himself know the Word and ters and deacons, the elders are of Church Order especially em- be “apt to teach” the Word (1 to rule. They hold the analogous phasizes this, saying, “They Tim 3:2). One practical way this

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 5 THE DUTIES OF ELDERS can be worked out in a particular ministry is to have the elders join whether they are sick, hospital- congregation is to have a time of this task. They are to “nourish and ized, or mourning. We have a glo- “sermon review” at Consistory/ guard the children of the cove- rious history as Reformed Church- Session meetings. And in doing nant” (BCO, X.3). Here is where I es in visiting our people, whether so, here are a few pointers to the must sound the alarm. In my expe- in Geneva with Calvin, or Scot- elders: Be humble. Be specific rience, most elders are not “apt to land with Knox. It is amazing to about a point the minister made teach,” but in fact, shun the idea of me that in so many evangelical that you don’t understand or agree teaching at all. How can we reme- churches that I was a part of in the with. Don’t make generalized dy this? First, nominate and elect past that the pastors and elders did statements as this shows an uncar- only those men who know the not visit their members. But let us ing attitude – uncaring in taking Word well enough to teach it. Sec- be faithful shepherds, knowing the effort to listen well and uncar- ond, we as pastors need to have who is in need, not being afraid of ing in burdening the pastor with the elders/potential elders sit in on those in need, and comforting doubt and criticism. Have direct our catechism classes. They need them. Remember, you too will one quotes from the sermon you would to observe us and we need to ob- day need a visit just as someone like to discuss. The minister must serve them in teaching situations. today may. also be humble enough to receive This is so important as elders need constructive criticism, and actually to be a part of the life of our cove- 6. Family Visitation train the elders to be able to offer nant youth. this review. The practice of regular (yearly) 4. Promote God-centered visitation of the families in our Since the elders hold the office Schooling congregations is also a blessing. of king, analogously, they are also To intimately fellowship with to “maintain the purity of the Elders are to be involved in the young and old, single and married, Word and sacraments” by defend- lives of their flocks, for example, new convert or faithful widow ing the church (Acts 20:28-31). in the education of their children. where an elder will see the labors They are to defend the church While education is primarily the of the minister, elders, and dea- from enemies outside the church, sphere of parents, the church is cons in practical ways. Here are a as Paul says, “Savage wolves will also involved as it seeks to see its few practical points for family vis- come in among you” (Acts 20:29); members applying the word of iting: First, be prepared. In our and from enemies inside the God in all areas of life. In our di- church I prepare a basic outlined church: “From among yourselves verse congregation we encourage lesson for the elders to use with men will rise up” (Acts 20:30). As parents to be involved in their every family in that particular under-shepherds of the Chief children’s education by applying year. Second, have questions for Shepherd, they too are to use the the Reformed Faith, whether their every age group. I love to ask little rod of defense (Ps 23) and the children attend a Christian school children to open with praying the sword of offense, the Word of the (in our area there is a URC/CRC Lord’s Prayer. I also ask them to Living God (Eph 6:17). Elders, school, a Lutheran school, and an recite the Creed and a few of the know the Word! Know your Con- Evangelical school), are home commandments. For older chil- fessions! schooled, attend a public charter dren I have them recite a cate- school, or the public school. chism question or two, such as 3. Assist in catechizing the questions 1, 21, and 60. I always Youth 5. Visit Those in Need ask children what baptism means. Ask the adult(s) about This is primarily the task of the One of the blessings of being their relationship, about their minister, as the one trained to an elder is the experience of visit- daily piety, and encourage them teach. But one joy in a healthy ing the people under your care, to become a part of the life of

6 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 THE DUTIES OF ELDERS the church. Third, bring a jour- 8. Actively Promote the Work of ence to God. The eldership is a nal with you. After the visit Evangelism and Missions service to God, and we serve write down the prayer requests, Him best by letting His name how you think they are doing, I think The Book of Church arise in our midst and letting and your overall impressions. Order gives us a very practical ours fade into the background. key in what this means when it When things are done decently 7. Exercise Discipline says that one of the ministries of and in good order, we are not on the elders is to “instruct the ig- the stage performing in the eyes Discipline is a ministry of norant” (X.3). What better way of men, but God is center-stage, reconciliation (cf. Mt 18:12-14; to “actively promote the work of performing through His Word Lk 15; 2 Cor 5) and restoration evangelism and missions” than and Sacraments and receiving (cf. Jn 21:15-17; Acts 9; Phil to be involved in those tasks all the praise and adoration. 15-17). I think we can more ef- oneself? As well, it the elders’ fectively exercise this, the third job to invite missionaries to May you as elders decrease mark of the Church, if we do the preach and present their work in that the Lord’s work and will following: First, we need to be our churches. It is the elders’ job may increase. praying as Consistories/Sessions to be active in planting new more for those under discipline churches, by proposing to start to be restored. Second, we need them, and by overseeing them in 1 J.L. Schaver, The Polity of the Churches: Volume 1 (Chicago: to be prepared with the mindset their infancy. Church Polity Press, 1947) 153. that discipline is long, painful, 9. Insure that Everything is Done and difficult work. Third, we 2 For an excellent explanation of the need to learn tact and boldness Decently and in Good Order Continental Reformed view of the in the interpersonal relation- analogy between the offices of Israel ships that are involved with dis- Finally, what this all boils and the Church, see Derke P. Berg- cipline. Fourth, and very basic, down to is this: the elders are sma, “Prophets, Priests, and Kings: sin should never come as a sur- charged with governing the Biblical Offices,” in The Compro- prise to us, no matter whose sin churches doctrine and life so mised Church (Wheaton: Crossway, it is or what sin it is. that all things are done in rever- 1998) 117-131.

Daniel R. Hyde is currently serving as Church Planter and

Pastor of the Oceanside United Reformed Church in Ocean-

side, California. This congregation, organized in 2002, is

Daniel’s first congregation and he is the congregation’s first

pastor. His email address is [email protected].

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 7 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SUBSCRIBE TO

THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS?

by

G.I. Williamson

No one can be a minister, rul- I not that I disagree with the doc- ing elder and deacon in the OPC trine, but that I do not think this is without first giving an affirma- The first, says Hodge, was the best way of stating the doc- tive answer to the following never the view even among Old trine. I do not think we should be question: School Presbyterians. Men have involved in ‘worldly’ employ- “Do you sincerely receive and always been free to say that they ments or recreations on any day adopt the Confession of Faith do not think this or that word, or of the week, any more than on the and Catechisms of this phrase, is the best way of saying Sabbath. I think a better term here Church, as containing the sys- what the Bible teaches. And with would be ‘daily’ or ‘everyday.’ tem of doctrine taught in the this I am in hearty agreement. To The other term that I would like Holy Scriptures?” explain why, I want to cite two to see improved on is the word examples. (1) In Chapter VII, ‘exercises.’ This term seems to We are all familiar with this section 4, of the Westminster me to conjur up the idea of a kind vow, but what does it mean? Ac- Confession we read that the “cov- of mechanized spirituality, as in cording to Charles Hodge our enant of grace is frequently set read the Bible and pray all day vows have been understood in forth in Scripture by the name of Sunday. Sometimes I think the three different ways in the history a testament…” The problem is best thing for me to do on Sunday of Presbyterianism. “First,” says that while everything else in this is to take a short nap (which Hodge, “some understand them statement is true, I do not think could hardly be called an exer- to mean that every proposition the word ‘frequently’ is accurate. cise)! contained in the Confession of May I not, then, be free to state Faith is included in the profes- this fact without anyone saying I Other examples could be giv- sion made at ordination. Sec- dissent from the doctrine of the en. But my point is that the text of ondly, others say that they mean covenant? (2) Or take the state- the Confession is not perfect as just what the words import. ment in Chapter XXI, section 8, the inspired text of the Bible is. What is adopted is the ‘system where the Confession explains So there ought to be the right to of doctrine.’ The system of the how the Sabbath is to be sancti- disagree with a particular expres- Reformed Churches is a known fied. Here we are informed that sion here and there, so long as the and admitted scheme of doctrine, men are not only required to “ob- disagreement really is with the and that scheme, nothing more or serve a holy resting all that day, wording, and not with the doc- less, we profess to adopt. The from their own works, words, trines. third view of the subject is, that and thoughts about their worldly by the system of doctrine con- employments and recreations, but II tained in the Confession is are also [to be] taken up, the meant the essential doctrines of whole time, in the public and pri- The other view that Charles Christianity and nothing vate exercises of [God’s] wor- Hodge opposed was what can be more.” (Editor’s emphasis.) ship…” Now my problem here is called ‘the substance of doctrine

8 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS? view.’ And here, too, I am in of doctrine contained in the Con- Newman, just before his open hearty agreement with him. If fession of faith and Catechisms apostasy, published a tract in there is one thing that I have teaching” is another. which he defended his right to be learned from recent church histo- in the English Church while hold- ry, it is the devastation that this The fatal flaw with this view is ing the doctrines of the Church of view has brought upon Presbyteri- that there is no definition of what Rome. He claimed for himself the an Churches around the world. the substance of the system of Thirty-nine articles in a ‘non- doctrine is. We know what the natural sense’; that is, in the sense In 1879 the United Presbyteri- system of doctrine is because it is which he chose to put upon the an Church in Scotland invented clearly (though not perfectly) ex- words. This shocks the common what was called a Declaratory Act pressed in the Westminster Stan- sense and the common honesty of or Statement. Other churches soon dards. But no one know what is men. There is no need to argue the followed their example (the Free meant by speaking of “the sub- matter. The turpitude of such a Church in 1892 and the Presbyter- stance of” this doctrine. principle is much more clearly ian Church in New Zealand seen intuitively than discursive- (PCNZ) in 1901). By this act, the III ly.” PCNZ said “diversity of opinion is recognized in such points of the The only viable view, then— “The two principles which, by Confession as do not enter into the according to Dr. Hodge—is the the common consent of all honest substance of the Reformed Faith, adoption of the Confession of men, determine the interpretation and full authority to determine Faith and Catechisms as contain- of oaths and professions of faith, what points fall within this de- ing the system of doctrine taught are; first, the plain, historical scription is retained for the in the Bible. And concerning this meaning of the words; and sec- church.” Whatever may have been Dr. Hodge says “the candidate has ondly, the animus imponentis, that the intention in adopting this act, no right to put his own sense upon is, the intention of the party im- as Rev. Jack Sawyer noted “the the words propounded to him. He posing the oath or requiring the historically observable effect of has no right to select from all pos- profession. The words, therefore, this Act was to allow the assem- sible meanings which the words ‘system of doctrine taught in the blies of the church to permit in- may bear, that particular sense Holy Scriptures,’ are to be taken creasingly significant deviations which suits his purpose, or which, in their plain, historical sense. A from the express doctrinal propo- he thinks, will save his con- man is not a liberty to understand sitions of the Westminster Confes- science. It is well known that this the words “Holy Scriptures,” to sion, until at last the Westminster course has been openly advocated, mean all books written by holy Confession in reality ceased to not only by the Jesuits, but by men, because although that inter- have any binding authority as a men of this generation, in this pretation might consist with the subordinate standard of the country and in Europe. The signification of the words, it is in- church.”1 ‘chemistry of thought,’ it is said, consistent with the historical can make all creeds alike. Men meaning of the phrase. Nor can he As Dr. Hodge himself put it, have boasted that they could sign understand them, as they would be “the substance of the doctrine is any creed. To a man in a balloon understood by Romanists, as in- not the doctrine, any more than the earth appears a plane, all ine- cluding the Apocrypha, because the substance of a man is the qualities on its surface being lost the words being used by a Protes- man.” To say “I adopt the Confes- in the distance. And here is a phil- tant Church, must be taken in a sion of Faith and Catechisms of osophic elevation from which all Protestant sense. Neither can the this church, as containing system forms of human belief look alike. candidate say, that he means by of doctrine contained in the Scrip- They are sublimed into general “system of doctrine” Christianity tures” is one thing. To say “I formulas, which include them all as opposed to Mohammedanism, adopt the substance of the system and distinguish none. Professor or Protestantism, as opposed to

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 9 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS?

Romanism, or evangelical Chris- sense. The Confession must be possible the testimony of these tianity, as distinguished from the adopted in the sense of the men that they really mean it when theology of the Reformed (i.e., Church, into the service of which they say they sincerely receive Calvinistic) Churches, because the the minister, in virtue of that and adopt the Confession of Faith words being used by a Reformed adoption, is received. These are and Catechisms as faithul (though Church, must be understood in the simple principles of honesty, and not infallible) statements of what sense which that Church is know we presume they are universally the Bible teaches. It is my opin- to attach to them. If a man pro- admitted, at least so far as our ion that this—more than anything fesses to receive the doctrine of Church is concerned.”2 else—has enabled the Orthodox the Trinity, the word must be tak- Presbyterian Church to continue en in its Christian sense, the can- Presbyterian and Reformed in the line of those men who sac- didate cannot substitute for that history demonstrates the fact that rificed so much back in 1936 be- sense the Sabellian idea of a mo- there is no absolute safeguard in cause they believed these doc- dal Trinity, nor the philosophical any form of subscription. This is trines. trichotomy of Pantheism. And so not to say that no improvement is of all other expressions which possible. When the Reformed We, as officebearers of the have a fixed historical meaning. Churches of New Zealand adopt- OPC, need to be men of integrity. Again, by the animus imponentis ed the Westminster Confession of We need to examine our own in the case contemplated, is to be Faith alongside the Three Forms hearts before the Lord to make understood not the mind or inten- of Unity, they also modified the sure that we are faithful to our tion of the ordaining bishop in the wording of the form of subscrip- commitments. And one of these Episcopal Church, or of the or- tion. The phrase “all the points of is the duty to ascertain that those daining presbytery in the Presby- doctrine” was changed to read who are ordained by us give con- terian Church. It is the mind or in- “the whole system of doctrine.” vincing evidence of their hearty tention of the Church, of which And it is my opinion that this is a agreement with the system of the bishop or the presbytery is the modest improvement. But be that doctrine contained in the West- organ or agent. Should a Roman- as it may, the fact remains that minster Standards. izing bishop in the Church of Eng- nothing will protect the church land give “a non-natural” sense to from error but diligence on the the Thirty-nine articles, that part of those who administer this 1 Trust and Obey, A forty year history would not acquit the priest, who oath. of the Reformed Churches of New should sign them in that sense, of Zealand, by D. G. Vanderpyyl p. the crime of moral perjury; or In other words the men who al- 453. should a presbytery give an entire- ready are ministers and ruling eld- 2 All of the quotations from Hodge are from his Church Polity, which has ly erroneous interpretation to the ers must be diligent and careful as recently been republished by, and is Westminster Confession, that they examine men who aspire to available from, Westminster Dis- would not justify a candidate for the biblical offices. They must do count Books of Scarsdale, N.Y. ordination in adopting it in that this in order to elicit as clearly as (914) 472-2237.

“…the creed is the bond of fellowship…and an instrument for the preservation of both purity and peace. The persons subscribing to that creed are bound to ad- here to its teaching as long as they enjoy the privileges accruing from that sub- scription and from the fellowship it entails. They must relinquish these privileg- es whenever they are no longer able to avow the tenets expressed in the creed.” — John Murray

10 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 ON BEING A CONFESSIONAL CHURCH

BY

Gregory Edward Reynolds

In 1980, at my first General agreement we will face, as is per- the confession of my church. If I Assembly, the late Bernard haps already evident, a confes- come to think the confession un- “Chip” Stonehouse exhorted us sional crisis. As one astute ob- biblical, based on my understand- rookie commissioners to wait five server of the last General ing of Scripture, I am bound to years before we opened our Assembly comments: “The test my findings with the mind of mouths in debate. Fresh out of church is particularly ill-equipped the church, and then if others seminary I thought my Old- to judge the way in which her agree, take proper constitutional School theology made my posi- subordinate standards serve to es- steps to revise the confession. I tion superior to Chip’s on most tablish both the unity and the di- must be careful not to think that questions. However, I am pleased versity of its faith. In the more my interpretation trumps the to have heeded his exhortation. confessionally literate age [of] church’s understanding. The Bib- Over the past several decades I …the Synod of Dordt, the church lical alternative to authoritarian have been privileged to observe— recognized that a confession clericalism is not an egalitarian- and to participate in—a system of served both vital functions: it es- ism, in which my opinion sets the church government based on prin- tablished boundaries for theologi- agenda, but confessional Presby- ciples that are self-consciously cal formulation and it offered lati- terianism. Biblical. It has been difficult at tude within those boundaries for times to learn to think and com- the development of varied theo- Being a confessional church municate in a way different from logical expressions…A party means that we respect our my native egalitarian instincts. As spirit seems to be emerging with- history. an outsider raised in liberal New in the church, with factions large- England Congregationalism, it ly determined by where ministeri- When examined by the Pres- took a conscious effort, time and al commissioners were bytery of New York and New experience to learn to participate educated.”1 The antidote is the England John Murray, who dif- in the culture of Presbyterianism. culture of confessionalism. fered with the confession on at I am glad I waited. Chip gave us least eight points, stated only one good advice on this point. Being a confessional church exception and that was his con- means that we are exegetical. viction of exclusive psalmody. With an increasing number of What is ironic and instructive is ministers entering the OPC from As the body of Christ, the that the ipsissima verba of the outside the Presbyterian tradition, church is rooted in the text of confession supports exclusive and with the increasing variety of Scripture. Being confessional psalmody! But because Murray seminary training of our minis- means that we have come to a thought historically about the ters, I would like to pass on some consensus regarding what Scrip- confession he knew that his thoughts on what I think it means ture teaches. But we must always church had decided in the nine- to be a confessional church. My be testing the truth and accuracy teenth century that it was permis- fellow officers and I have taken a of that consensus by the careful sible to sing hymns, since the vow to uphold the purity, peace exegesis of Scripture. Unlike the singing of psalms was not essen- and unity of the church. I believe Scriptures, our confessions are tial to the system of doctrine.2 that only a truly confessional fallible. Yet, being faithful to church has the ability to keep Scripture does not mean that be- Furthermore, Professor Mur- such a vow, because we have cor- cause I have a particular under- ray taught his points of difference porately agreed on what we be- standing of a passage or passages to seminary students and even de- lieve. If we cannot continue our that my interpretation supercedes fend them in his writings. He ad-

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 11 ON BEING A CONFESSIONAL CHURCH mitted that his view of the cove- judicial activism. The answer is differs with this view is not strict, nant was a significant recasting of no, judicial activism is interpret- but “loose” and therefore suspect. the historic reformed doctrine. ing the constitution in a new way, In fairness to men like Morton However, even in teaching con- as it is applied to a particular case, Smith and George Knight, who trary to these non-essential points which is out of accord with the use these terms, they grant that he always did so with great re- history of interpretation. As a con- not every word, phrase of even spect for the confession, while fessional church our courts must proposition is required. But every never treating it as if it is infalli- not act as if no one before us had doctrine is. Thus, the idea of the ble. “It is with something of an read, interpreted or subscribed to “system of doctrine” is narrowed apology that attention is drawn to the confession, but we must rather in a way never intended by the these blemishes” he wronte. “But ask: How have our forefathers in- authors, or subsequent interpret- they serve to point up and con- terpreted it? If we seek to under- ers, of the second vow. John firm…that any amendment neces- stand it differently then it is the Murray quotes Charles Hodge sary does not affect the system of whole church that decides through with approval: “The words ‘sys- truth set forth in the Confession, the arduous process of amending tem of doctrine,’ have a definite and they remind of the imperfec- the constitution. Substantive meaning, to serve to define and tion that must attach itself to hu- changes to the system of doctrine limit the extent to which the con- man composition so that we may must be made by amending the fession is adopted.”6 Hodge be- never place human documents or constitution. This is a legislative, lieved that to require the adoption pronouncements on a par with the and not a judicial action. In decid- of every proposition or teaching one supreme standard of faith.”3 ing judicial cases, it is important is to invite hypocrisy and foster Murray is worthy of our emula- not to reverse the church’s former disunity. “We are not sure that tion. understanding. Such a reversal is we personally know a dozen min- judicial activism. It is unjust be- isters besides ourselves, who Tradition is a living reality [L. cause it is unpredictable. This can could stand the test”7 he said. traditio = hand down]. Culture is only be corrected by understand- “the ideas, customs, skills, arts, ing the animus imponentis (“the Hodge took his cue from the etc., of a people or group, that are intention of the party imposing original Adopting Act of 1729, transferred, communicated, or the oath”) of the church, which is which refers to the “essential passed along, as in or to succeed- the meaning of “the system of and necessary articles, good ing generations.”4 All cultures doctrine.”5 forms of sound words and sys- are in dynamic growth, but when tems of Christian doctrine” and cultures grow properly they culti- Being a confessional church defined “scruples” as “only about vate themselves in the soil of their means upholding the “system of articles not essential and neces- past. The church decides what it doctrine.” The recent and ongoing sary in doctrine, worship, or gov- confesses. And it often does so on debate among conservative Pres- ernment.”8 Thus the “system” non-essential points, teaching byterians over subscription needs excludes articles not part of the what is not part of the system of to be understood in terms of the “whole system in its integrity.”9 doctrine, without changing the ways that we American Presbyter- Hodge was careful to distance text of the confession, as with ians have understood the nature of himself from the view that essen- hymn singing. Its commitment to subscription. tial refers only to the “doctrines the authority of Scripture means of the gospel.”10 Essential refers, that it is always seeking to main- The ways in which words are rather, to the entire “system of tain what is Biblical, and correct used to communicate ideas is es- doctrines common to the Re- what is not. Thus, the confession pecially important in maintaining formed Churches.”11 This in- is, in this sense, a working docu- and developing a culture. The cludes all teachings on doctrine, ment. Like any constitution it words “strict” and “full” have re- worship and government, which must be revised or amended with cently been used to define “sys- are essential to that system. great care and deliberation, but it tem” subscription as subscription There are three categories of such is open to revision. to every single teaching or doc- teachings: 1) those common to all trine of the confession. The im- Christians, expressed in the early Some might object that this is pression is given that anyone who councils of the ancient church; 2)

12 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 ON BEING A CONFESSIONAL CHURCH those common to all Protestants, Being a confessional church re- Practice of Confessional Subscription as distinct from Romanism; 3) quires substantial humility. (New York: University Press of those peculiar to Reformed America, Inc., 1995) 220-221. David Churches, as distinct from Lu- The first time I heard the term Urish lists the other seven points of 12 difference, which Murray apparently theran and Arminian. On the “consensus document” used of did not consider essential to the re- other hand Hodge gives examples our confession I was taken aback. formed system. of doctrines not essential to the Surely, I thought, this smacks of 3 John H. Skilton, Scripture and Con- system which are consistent with compromise. It is not wrong to fession: A Book about Confessions the kind of exceptions noted by hold convictions narrower than Old and New (Presbyterian and Re- the Adopting assembly. These the confession, or even at odds formed Publishing Company, 1973) 148. are doctrines “relating to civil with the confession, as long as 4 Webster’s New World Dictionary magistrates, the power of the these do not undermine the system and Thesaurus. Accent Software In- state, conditions of Church mem- of doctrine. Consensus requires ternational, Macmillan Publishers, bership, marriage, divorce, and humility and submission to the Version 2.0 – 1998, Build #25. other matters lying outside of the others. Even the most cursory 5 I owe some ideas in this paragraph to ‘system of doctrine’ in its theo- look at the history of the extended T. David Gordon. For the expression logical sense...”13 As important deliberations of the Westminster of them I take full responsibility. 6 John Murray, “Creed Subscription in as the Confession’s teaching on assembly will demonstrate that the Presbyterian Church U. S. A.” these doctrines is, Hodge main- many particular views were con- David W. Hall, ed. The Practice of tains, the Church has been wise sciously and humbly set aside in Confessional Subscription (New not to make them conditions of order to agree upon a doctrinal po- York: University Press of America, ministerial communion. sition. Inc., 1995) 259. 7 Charles Hodge, Discussions in Being a confessional church When debating and deciding Church Polity (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1878) 331. means that we are the church. judicial cases we must consider 8 Ibid., 321. the nature of the case itself in light 9 Ibid., 323. The church is not a group that of our tradition, consciously set- 10 Ibid.,, 329. supports the particulars of my ting aside our own particular 11 Ibid., 326. agenda. The confession is not views or views imputed to but not 12 Ibid., 333. what I interpret it to mean, but part of the case. Humility also re- 13 Ibid., 334. what the church has said it means. quires deferring to older elders It is decidedly un-confessional to and ministers. Theological train- seek to impose my own set of par- ing in our circles is a heady aca- Gregory Reynolds is ticular cherished beliefs on the en- demic experience. That is neces- tire church. The very concept of sary, but often leaves us with the currently serving as confessionalism is that the whole false impression that we are wiser Pastor of the Amos- church comes to a consensus than those who have been in- about its system of belief. To be- volved in the life and work of the keag Presbyterian have otherwise is to be sectarian. church for decades. Only then will Church (OPC) in Man- Thus, Murray always taught his justice be done and the culture of points of difference with defer- confessionalism preserved. chester, NH. He is also ence to the confession. While a member of the Com- Presbyterianism in the nineteenth We need to work much harder century moved in the direction of at this critical point in our history mittee on Christian confessing less than it should, our at being a confessional church. own reaction may lead us to seek Education, and of the to confess more than we should. subcommittee that The prudence of confessionalism 1 Bryan Pieters, “Synod of Dordt, the demands that we strike a careful Lesser,” (Nicotine Theological Jour- has oversight of this nal October 2003) 4. balance between these two ex- publication. tremes, nothing less and nothing 2 James E. Urish, “A Peaceable Plea About Subscription: Avoiding Future more. Divisions.” David W. Hall, ed. The

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 13

SOME THOUGHTS ON TERM ELDERSHIP

by

John R. Sittema

Some time back, a reader board member term of office— difficult to imagine “election” to wrote to ask me to address a col- hardly appropriate for an office the office of elder not being cor- umn to the subject of the practice with such weighty Biblical re- rupted by association with popu- of “term eldership.” For those un- sponsibilities. larity, the notion of the elder as familiar with the practice, allow the democratic representative of me to explain: In many Reformed PROBLEMS WITH TERM a group within the church, and churches, elders are selected by ELDERSHIP even the practice of “campaign- “election” by the congregation ing” for office. Sadly, I have for a specified term of office. Allow me to make a few ob- heard much that would indicate “Ordained” to office only once, servations up front. The first is that these practices and attitudes these brothers are eligible for re- that the practice of “term elder- are widespread. election, and subsequent “instal- ship” today seems to be especial- In addition, the practice of lation” to office, again and again ly prevalent in those churches “term eldership” does, at least, throughout their lifetimes. The whose legacy is that of the suggest a temporary, and thus an practice differs markedly from Church Order of Dort (the great insufficient view of the work of that in most churches who hold to synod that answered the challeng- the elder. I have railed for years the Westminster creedal tradition es of Arminius with the Canons in this column against an “admin- where the manner of preparation and also wrote a comprehensive istrative” view of the office of and selection to office for a rul- Church Order whose fundamental elder, insisting on one shaped by ing elder is much more rigorous, principles serve to undergird sev- the Biblical image of the shep- and the term is considered to be eral such documents, representing herd. It is difficult to imagine a lifelong. many denominations and/or true shepherd, in Biblical times, The reader implied some criti- groups of churches today). Term working an eight hour shift, and cism of the term-eldership prac- eldership is not customarily the then forgetting about his flock for tice, as I recall, opining that no- practice in those Presbyterian and the remainder of the day. Jesus, where in Scripture was the Reformed churches whose con- in John 10, called such a care- practice to be found, either expli- fessional legacy is that of West- giver a “hireling,” and would not citly or implicitly. Further, the minster, rather than the Continen- even dignify such a man with the writer went on, it is a waste of tal standards. term “shepherd.” But this would God’s precious gifts to the local Second, among those churches seem to be the inevitable conse- church if several of the men to that practice “term eldership,” quence of electing elders to a whom He has given the wisdom several bad habits seem to go three year term. Service in office and spiritual ability to pastor the along hand in hand. One of these as an elder is viewed as no differ- flock are on “vacation” from is, as the correspondent above ent than service on the Christian their responsibilities for a year or notes, that the view of “election” school board. lt’s a committee more at a time. And, as another to office carries with it such non- position. And once that notion correspondent observed not too Biblical political connotations as sinks roots, it is almost impossi- long ago, the practice of “term to corrupt the high and holy prac- ble to cultivate a strong and Bib- eldership” tends to tilt the empha- tice from the start. In the USA es- lical view of an elder as a pastor, sis of the office from pastoring to pecially, where the image of the daily and deeply concerned about that of a committee position or a political process is so low, it is the spiritual life and walk of the

14 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 SOME THOUGHTS ON TERM ELDERSHIP flock of God throughout their amining him in the presence of at Bethel CRC in Dallas, we long discipleship. the congregation, and only then practice term eldership. And, to Further, if the concept of proceeding, should they concur, be honest, I’ve never met an eld- “term eldership” twists the view to his ordination. The result of er with whom I’ve worked in the of elder even a few degrees off such a careful process is that a CRC who doesn’t like the “term” Biblical center, the result also af- weight of respect and trust is giv- concept (especially in the last fects the preparation process for en to the elder by the flock. In my three months of the last year of those entering the office. My con- experience, election to a three the term)! So. . . tacts within several conservative year term often (usually?) does Presbyterian bodies convince me not bestow such respect and trust. “IF YOU CAN’T SAY SOME- that their view and practice of the (Should you desire to read a bit THING NICE. . .” preparation and examination of more of the theory and practice elders is superior to that in the behind such a view and practice To be fair, I must note some CRC tradition with which I am of office, I highly recommend a benefits in the practice of “term most familiar. ln the CRC, my little booklet by Lawrence R. eldership.” For one, gifted men experience has been that training Eyres entitled The Elders of the are more likely to serve in often discusses policies, proce- Church, Presbyterian and Re- Christ’s church as elder if their dures and practices. Newly elect- formed Publishing Co., 1975.) service has specific term limits. ed term elders are helped to be- By this point, you have no That benefit is worthy of note in come acquainted with the routine doubt noted that I am critical of light of the many kingdom causes of the meeting schedule, assigned the “term-eldership” concept. which place demands particularly their “district,” partnered with a Clearly I am, and not only for the upon the most gifted of the men visiting teammate, and briefly ap- reasons listed above. I have chal- of God among us. They simply prised of “cases” in process. Such lenged several of my friends who do not have the time to serve all a pragmatic approach is neces- hold passionately to the “term- who ask; a limited term in each sary with only three (and in some eldership” concept to point to any ministry enables them to serve cases two) years in office, one passage that suggests, not to men- several, in sequence. has to “hit the ground running.” tion insists, that the Bible views Again, the practice of “terms” In the Presbyterian churches an elder in any other way than a does allow for the practice of with which I am familiar, elder man appointed for life. None to “sabbaticals,” periods of rest and training involves years of as- date has risen to the challenge. In refreshment from the weighty signed reading and study, thor- fact, the “defense” of the practice burdens of office. Such sabbati- ough grounding in Reformed the- among theologically competent cals, between terms of office, are ology and the creeds, careful people is usually apologetic, not particularly beneficial for those examination of the existing pasto- passionate. All I hear is appeals who serve in very large congre- ral involvement of the potential to tradition, that “Church Order gations, with many pastoral du- candidate. (Is he already teach- prescribes it thus and so.” OK, ties, or those who serve in young, ing? How well? What is the level but Church Order isn’t infallible, new or smaller congregations, of his discernment? Is he already remember? At the same time, as a where the amount of work is not involved in counseling? Is his minister of the Word in the CRC, able to be spread around as many work up to Biblical standards? I am bound to that Church Order, willing workers. Of course, grant- Does he “desire the office of and am aware that my options are ing a temporary “sabbatical” is overseer/elder?” Is he willing to limited. And so, although I write not inappropriate for those do the work necessary to be spiri- as l do above, hoping and praying churches that practice life-tenure tually prepared?) Only after such to change attitudes and perspec- eldership. In fact, it is quite com- careful and lengthy reflection do tives, and thus practices within mon. the existing elders present the the CRC and other churches that I will report a benefit which candidate to the flock, often ex- have adopted term eldership, here Professor William Heyns alludes

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 15 SOME THOUGHTS ON TERM ELDERSHIP to in his venerable Handbook for However, I am unlikely to come too great, due to some unu- Elders and Deacons (even sway easily the views and practic- sual circumstance or set of cir- though I find it a spurious argu- es of Reformed churches and indi- cumstances, the sabbatical elders ment). He suggests that term eld- viduals who have several hun- could be called in to relieve the ership profits the church by al- dreds of years of tradition behind active elders of some of the rou- lowing the work to be spread out them, I’ll settle for securing your tine (but nonetheless important) more equitably among the con- agreement to a couple of smaller pastoral duties. gregation, and that it profits the points. (If you can’t beat ’em, join Finally, even if your congre- church by avoiding “hurt feel- ’em, but convince ’em in the pro- gation practices term eldership, ings” in those who would other- cess!) make clear to the flock and to wise not be able to take a turn. First, even if you practice (and any potential candidates that As I said, I find the argument defend) term eldership, please re- your local requirements for of- spurious, because in my view it member that those once ordained fice are those weighty require- promotes a non-pastoral under- remain elders for the rest of their ments set forth by Scripture, and standing of the office of elder. I lives, even if they are not in active not merely a list of “functionary only mention it because it is one office all that time. That this point skills” needed for a committee- of the most popular explanations is valid even in churches that hold type position. Far too often local I've heard for the term eldership to term eldership is demonstrated churches get what they deserve view in twenty years of ministry by the difference in “ordination” elders unqualified for office be- (sad to say). and “installation.” An elder is or- cause they were neither appropri- dained once; after that, he is in- ately trained nor screened. God “IF I HAD MY DRUTHERS...” stalled. Constant reminders of this forbid that should happen to any fact may assist those making nom- of you. His church is too pre- I would prefer, for the overall inations, and help those in the cious to Him to be placed under dignity of the office, and to pre- congregation as well to grasp the the care of unqualified, un- serve the pastoral character of it, seriousness and weight of the of- trained, ill-equipped hirelings! that the office of elder be clearly fice, and to avoid the “democratic understood to be for lifetime ten- process” corruption discussed ure. I believe it is the testimony above. This article was of Scripture that God makes men Second, if your congregation elders (Acts 20:28); the church elects elders for terms of office, originally pub- only receives and recognizes and then grants them release from lished in the Sep- them as such. This, of course, active duty for a time, make clear would demand a change in the to all that they are still in service, tember, 1995 issue manner of selecting elders (not even though the nature of their of The Outlook electing them, but examining and service may be changed for a approving them), and may well time. For example, sabbatical eld- magazine. Dr. Sit- include the needed admission that ers (call them that!) ought to be tema is presently the church cannot, indeed may invited to regular and periodic not, determine in advance how (quarterly?) elder conferences, to serving as the Pas- many elders it will have. If God be apprised of the status of the tor of Young Fa- spiritual care of the flock, to be makes men elders, he alone deter- miles in Christ mines how many he will raise up. involved in prayer on behalf of Those whom he has equipped, to the other brothers and the flock it- Covenant Church self, and to be consulted on mat- whom the church identifies and (PCA) in Matthews, recognizes as possessing these ters in which their wisdom would Spirit-endowecl qualifications, be beneficial. Further, should the North Carolina. should be ordained to office. burden of the care of the flock be-

16 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 TURNING POINTS IN AMERICAN PRESBYTRIANISM - PART III

Old Side versus New Side, 1741-1758 Darryl Hart and John Muether

Almost like clock work Amer- The differences that emerged among her ministers. Creedal ican Presbyterians have endured over the nature and value of subscription had become the a major division in the church re- subscription at the time of the practice in the Old World and sulting in two separate denomi- Adopting Act of 1729 (see part these pro-subscriptionist Pres- nations. Orthodox Presbyterians two of this series) revealed two byterians held that it should are generally well aware of their types of piety within the young also be the practice in Ameri- own break with the Presbyterian Presbyterian communion. On ca. Church in the U.S.A. in 1936 un- the one side, many Presbyteri- The revivals that broke out der the leadership of J. Gresham ans to the north of Philadelphia, during the First Great Awaken- Machen. Fewer in our church, in New Jersey and New York, ing only contributed to this rel- but still many, also generally who shared theological sympa- atively minor tension. Smaller know the contours of the 1837 thies with New England, were awakenings had already oc- split between the Old and curred locally in 1729 New School branches of the among Dutch Reformed Presbyterian Church (still to For the Presbyterians of New England in northern New Jersey be featured in this series). descent, subscription was a violation under the ministry of Rare however is the Ortho- of liberty of conscience, a way of Theodore Freylinghuysen dox Presbyterian who can and then again among binding conscience with the words of identify the chief causes of New England Congrega- the split between the Old men rather than the yoke of Christ. tionalists in 1735 under Side and New Side Presby- Jonathan Edwards’ terians that occurred in preaching. Presbyterians 1741 only thirty-five years after less enthusiastic about subscrip- also experienced first hand the the formation of the Presbytery tion than their Scotch-Irish and effects of these local revivals of Philadelphia. Southeastern Pennsylvania when Gilbert Tennent followed The most popular read on that peers. For the Presbyterians of the example of Freylinghuysen division is correct in that it gen- New England descent, subscrip- and in the 1730s began to erally pits the anti-revival Old tion was a violation of liberty of preach the “terrors of the law” Side against the pro-revival New conscience, a way of binding to Presbyterians in Pennsylva- Side. But where that interpreta- conscience with the words of nia. tion falters is in attributing to the men rather than the yoke of What turned these minor pro-revival party the mantle of Christ. On the other side, those awakenings into a great one conservative Presbyterianism. Presbyterians who were recent was the arrival of George As it turns out, the revivalists immigrants to the New World Whitefield in 1739 in North were generally the innovators (if and generally of Scotch-Irish America. His itinerancy and one can be novel in a church so descent, having settled in Phila- powerful preaching caused an young), while their Old Side op- delphia and beyond to Chester immediate sensation that in ponents were not the proto- and New Castle, believed sub- turn generated controversy liberals many have assumed scription to be valuable for pro- within the churches and, be- them to be. tecting the church from error cause of Protestantism’s social

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 17 TURNING POINTS IN AMERICAN PRESBYTERIANISM - PART III standing, also in the surrounding port from his sons, in 1735 had lege graduates were suspect from society. founded the Log College just the conservatives point of view Whitefield complicated the north of Philadelphia, as a because those who studied with existing tension between those “school of the prophets.” Not the Tennents were better Presbyterians who favored sub- only was the Log College a fore- schooled in the ways of experi- scription and those who did not. runner of the American Protes- mental religion than in Calvinist Three specific issues emerged tant seminary, but it also dogma. Related to this debate during the years between 1739 schooled its students in the was the older one about sub- and 1741 and each of them had marks of revivalistic Presbyteri- scription. Those who took a to do not with the gospel and its anism. Many of the pastors in softer view of subscription tend- denial or the personal holiness Philadelphia and southeastern ed to stress the need for minis- of Presbyterian ministers—as Pennsylvania, who were Scottish ters to give evidence of a person- some attempted to interpret it. or Scotch-Irish, had trained at al religious experience. Those Instead, all three concerned the Scottish universities. Accord- who thought the creeds gave the nature and authority of the ingly, they put a premium on Eu- church proper boundaries want- Christian ministry. ropean educational standards. ed to hear candidates under- The first issue that White- For some opposed to revivals, standing of theology, not their field’s revivals brought to a head the issue of theological educa- personal testimonies. was the question of itinerancy. tion was a smokescreen since it In 1740 these matters came to Whitefield perfected the practice gave conservatives a way of op- a head when Gilbert Tennent of itinerant preaching, that is, of posing the Log Collegemen preached the controversial ser- traveling from city to village, without addressing the isue of re- mon, “The Danger of An Uncon- speaking to crowds of believers vivalism itself. Still, the Log verted Ministry.” He not only and the unchurched whether in- College raised important ques- accused those who were critical side church buildings or outside tions about the proper theologi- of revivals of being unconvert- in the market square or in the cal education for ordination. ed—a group that included those river-side pasture. But itineran- Here the second issue, theo- who had plausible scruples about cy had been an issue before his logical education, merged with itinerancy, the Log College and arrival. The specific conflict the third, qualifications for ordi- the necessity of ministerial can- stemmed from pastors, like Gil- nation. The pro-revivalist party didates to relate a conversion ex- bert Tennent, who went into a in the church (led by the Ten- perience. Tennent also encour- community and began to preach nents) insisted that candidates aged church members to flee the without the invitation of the lo- for ordination give evidence of a congregations of such anti- cal pastor. Revivalists felt justi- conversion experience. Presby- revival ministers and find safe fied in so doing because souls terian conservatives, such as ecclesiastical havens. Thomson were at stake. Established pas- John Thomson, the author of The shot back by asserting that min- tors, however, rightly considered Government of the Church of isters and presbyteries had legiti- such occasions of preaching as a Christ (1741), disagreed and mate authority, delegated by rebuke to their own ministry. argued that presbyteries could Christ, to execute the Christian After all, if a church were al- well dispense with such personal ministry. What Tennent and oth- ready in place with a duly or- questions since licentiates were er pro-revival Presbyterians were dained minister, why were the coming before presbytery as guilty of, then, was no less than revivalists necessary? church members. Instead, what usurping Christ’s authority by ei- A second issue, much related church officers needed to consid- ther refusing to submit to the judg- to Gilbert Tennent, concerned er during ordination exams was ments of presbytery or synod, or the proper training of pastors. how well trained were candi- by telling church members to re- William Tennent, Sr., with sup- dates for the ministry. Log Col- sist the ministrations of their own

18 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 TURNING POINTS IN AMERICAN PRESBYTERIANISM - PART III pastors. Thomson wrote, “the ing in upper New Jersey and the standing of revivals and the piety Relation between a Minister of New York city area. fostered by them. It stated that the Gospel and his Flock, yea Like so many splits in the his- candidates for the ministry would and every Person belonging to it, tory of the church, part of what have to demonstrate an “experi- [is] a sacred and religious tie.” accounted for the reunion of mental acquaintance” with the As such, revivalism represented a 1758 was a change of personali- gospel in addition to having the “new-fangle Method of Relig- ties. Some of the old antagonists requisite learning. The plan also ion.” died, others like Gilbert Tennent, declared that the Great Awaken- With fighting words like apologized for their youthful ob- ing was “a blessed work of God’s these, a split was inevitable. In streperousness. Even so, the re- Holy Spirit,” an assertion very May of 1741, in a move much at issue at the time of that foreshadowed the ac- the split. tion of the Old School Pres- Although the terms affirmed the The Reunion of 1758 was byterians a century later, Old Side’s concerns about sub- significant, then, for settling the Old Side declared that scription and the legitimate au- the identity of American Pres- the Presbytery of New thority of church officers and ju- byterianism. Two versions Brunswick, the judicatory dicatories, the plan of reunion had vied with each other dur- established as a release overwhelmingly affirmed the New ing the colonial period, one valve for Log College grad- Side’s understanding of revivals shaped by pietism (New uates, was no longer part of and the piety fostered by them. Side), the other content with the Synod of Philadelphia. old world forms of creed and And with that decision, the polity (Old Side). The Plan Old Side and New Side Presby- union was generally a victory for of Reunion, to be sure, represent- terians would remain separate the New Side. Although the ed a compromise between the until 1758, with the former being terms affirmed the Old Side’s two sides, trying to affirm both. strongest among the recent concerns about subscription and But as the subsequent history of Scotch-Irish settlers in the Sus- the legitimate authority of church American Presbyterianism would quehanna and Shenandoah river officers and judicatories, the plan reveal, the combination of pie- valleys and in parts of the Phila- of reunion overwhelmingly af- tism and confessionalism is an delphia region, the latter prosper- firmed the New Side’s under- unstable compound.

John Muether teaches Church History at the Orlando Campus of the Reformed Theological Seminary. Darryl Hart is now the Director for the Honors Programs and Faculty Development at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute of Wilmington, Delaware. Both are also Ruling Elders in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 19 BOOK REVIEWS

What is a True Calvinist? by “a holy life”, pp 22-25, Ryken re- The Presbyterian Doctrine of Philip Graham Ryken, P&R, lates each of these five points to Children in the Covenant, by 2003, 32pp. List price $3.50. Re- holiness. This is excellent. Lewis Bevens Schenck. Published viewed by Sam Allison, pastor at by P&R, 2003. Paperback 208 Covenant Community OPC, Calvinism might be set forth pages. List price $15.99. Re- Evansville, IN. by expounding TULIP, or by start- viewed by the Rev. Mike Ericson, ing with the most abundantly testi- Pastor of the Presbyterian Re- Ryken, the successor to James fied fact in the New Testament, formed Church in Johnston, Iowa. Boice at Tenth Presbyterian which is the substitution of Christ Church, early in his booklet, in the place of the sinner, and iden- Schenck’s basic thesis is that quotes an Arminian critic of Cal- tify Calvinists as those who historic Reformed theology and its vinism who makes the claim that uniquely refuse to compromise creeds are clearly presumptionis- Calvinism produces deadness and that fact. Or Calvinism might be tic, with the vast majority holding kills prayer, faith, zeal and holi- set forth by selecting a set of three to the presumptive regeneration of ness. Ryken uses this to sharpen concepts (Reformed worship, Re- children in the visible church. the issue: “What is a true Calvin- formed Church Government and This, in his view, is what justifies ist?” Admitting that some who Reformed Doctrine) and giving the and explains infant baptism. The claim to be Calvinists have been necessary doctrinal Bible texts, or relationship between presumptive narrow minded, proud and unkind, Calvinism might be set forth by in- regeneration and infant baptism is he states that the true Calvinist is troducing its major teachers and revealed in the original subtitle of much more like Isaiah or the organizations from church history. the work: An Historical Study of Apostle Paul, full of love, faith Ryken does none of these; he de- the Significance of Infant Baptism and hope. The author uses Isaiah velops everything out of Isaiah 6 in the Presbyterian Church in as his example to show that the and further opens the topic or an- America. As Schenk conceives our true Calvinist is a miserable sinner swers stock objections from many tradition children are baptized be- who has seen the majestic and portions of the New Testament. cause they are presumed to be re- holy glory of God that pervades all generate members of Christ’s the creation and who now seeks to If you want a booklet to hand body, the church. Schenk’s con- live for God’s glory. Ryken gives out when the Mennonites or fol- cern is that a low view of the spiri- a profile of the true Calvinist un- lowers of John Wesley have sched- tual condition of children in the der six topics: uled their Anti-Calvinism lectures, covenant community has resulted • (1) a God-centered mind, 4pp., I recommend this one. If you have in a lack of nurture and improper • (2) a penitent spirit, 3pp., people who are totally unfamiliar understanding of education. • (3) a grateful heart, 2pp., with the particular atonement and • (4) a submissive will, 5pp., unconditional election, this is one To substantiate his thesis • (5) a holy life, 5pp., and of your better choices of reading Schenk brings before the reader • (6) a glorious purpose, 3pp. material for them. If you need to what he believes to be an accurate All but the last topic are developed counter a carnal and prideful atti- history of Reformed and Presby- by beginning with the man Isaiah tude in some of the young people, terian teaching and creeds on the and opening up another facet of or others in the church, this will be subject. He seeks to show that the the teaching in Isaiah 6. Ryken one of your best choices of litera- historical majority view has been credits Al Martin for naming ture. If you want to set forth didac- that children born in the visible Isaiah 6 as the “historical account tically the TULIP doctrine, this church are already believed to be of how God ‘makes a Calvinist.’” booklet will not do the task direct- regenerate, or at least presumed to ly. be such. He doesn’t significantly The five points of Calvinism differentiate this from the view of are listed four times in the booklet: Overall this is a gracious, well- presumptive election—which pp 5, 6, 17, and 22-25. Three of written, well-edited booklet pub- holds that children may or may not these are each a one- or two- sen- lished in fine style by P&R. I be regenerate from the womb, but tence summary of TULIP. Under found no printing errors. are presumed to be among the

20 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 BOOK REVIEWS elect who will one day be regener- His appointed time” (28:6). All the writing that deals directly with his ated and come to faith in Christ. great creeds agree that only the subject. That book is Archibald Al- The main point is that children elect, through faith, receive what is exander’s Thoughts on Religious have been considered as possess- signified in the sacraments, and Experience, which is a masterpiece ing vital life in union with Christ that not all in the visible church that details the varying aspects and until they prove otherwise. In other are of—or presumed to be of—the degrees of the work of God upon words, children are presumed re- elect. the soul in conversion. generate until they give evidence to the contrary. He spends no time Classic Reformed and Presby- While there are abuses on every on any possible evidence to the terian theology has always strong- side, there has been a portion of contrary. ly maintained the distinction be- the church that has held on to the tween the visible and the invisible clear, biblical teaching on the sub- When the historic doctrine of aspects of the church. This is not ject, such as espoused by those presumptive regeneration as the to deny that some in the camp doctors of the soul, the Puritans, basis of baptism is lost, according have held varying views including Alexander, and many others. This to Schenk, one is left with a cold the element of presumption, but to seems to be lost to Schenk. It sim- formalism or a heated fanaticism present it as the majority view is to ply is not true that the revivalistic of subjectivism. This he sees as ignore a vast wealth of theological notion of conversion became the coming to play in the 18th and writing to the contrary. Schenck center of Old School Presbyterian- 19th century revivals in America, consistently argues from what the- ism or any other orthodox branch. which presentation takes up a sig- ologians have said may be the case nificant portion of the work. The in some infants to what is the case, There is another alternative and influence of the revival paradigm or presumed to be the case, with that is experimental religion, gave rise to revivalism and the all infants. which brings us to our third con- popular notions of conversions as cern. While Schenck speaks of always being of a crisis nature, A second serious concern is nurture, historic Calvinism has with everyone going through such Schenk’s development of a false spoken of bringing the gospel to a crisis. The pains and torments of dilemma between revivalism and our children. Experimental religion some persons’ consciences have formalism, with his view of pre- is the practical application of the been held up by the revivalists as sumptionism as the only alterna- doctrines of sacred Scripture to the norm for everyone else. tive historically. To be sure, there particular individuals by the Holy are those extremes. It is also true Spirit in vital union with Christ. It If one were to read Schenk’s that revivalism has had a major involves testing fruits, in their work and implicitly receive his negative impact in some regards. lives, by the Word of God to see presentation of history and doc- This, however, is not Schenk’s evidence that they are in the faith trine it would lead to serious prob- main point. His main point is to and walking accordingly. It is lems. The reader is cautioned, seek to show, in a scholarly man- making our calling and election therefore, on several counts. First, ner, that there has been no alterna- sure, relying on the grace of God it is not the case that historic Re- tive to presumptionism in the in Christ alone, by faith alone, to formed and Presbyterian churches mainstream of the Presbyterian work His mighty work of salvation have been presumptionistic. The and Reformed tradition. He clearly in us (2 Pet 1:5-11). Second Helvetic Confession reveals that he assumes his own (1566), for example, XIX:11, of thesis throughout and therefore The Puritans, Reformed, and the Word and the sacraments, does not bring to light much that Presbyterian writers were zealous states that “the unbelievers receive ought to have modified his theo- for a head and heart religion—for not the things which are offered.” logical viewpoint. This is illustrat- a faith that was objectively The Westminster Confession of ed by the fact that, in his treatment grounded and also experienced by Faith, likewise, speaks about the of the subject, Schenck quotes the subject of election. If someone grace signified in baptism “to such nearly every Princetonian, except, is already presumed to be regener- as that grace belongeth unto ... in as far as I can tell, one particular ate then what is needed is to nur-

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 21 BOOK REVIEWS ture and help to grow what is issue that he deemed most crucial cause, under some texts, it is not there. This covenantal nurture, in to press home to other ministers: easily avoided, but never as the Schenck’s view, is a sufficient in- “What is embraced in the work of root and foundation out of which strumental condition of the cove- preaching Christ according to the our whole ministry proceeds. But nant. Faithful parents will have be- mind of the Spirit, as exhibited in what awful condemnation to be lieving children. Rather than the teaching of his Word, and in thus essentially defective at the holding forth the gospel, looking the practice of his Apostles?” (p. very heart of the great work com- for its sprouting, then aiding in 3). mitted to us! Nothing can in the testing by the Word to see and be least atone for it. You might as assured of saving faith—or con- This is one address, but the well attempt to turn night into day vinced of the contrary by a lack of publishers have helpfully divided by lighting a candle as a substitute such evidence—presumption leads it into five chapters: (1) How did for the sun.” Do we who are to a practical loss of gospel appli- the apostles preach Christ?; (2) preachers preach Christ “as the cation to the heart and soul. How some fail in preaching Christ; root and foundation out of which Schenk’s work, I fear, leads in that (3) What is it to preach Christ?; (4) our whole ministry proceeds”? direction. Truths connected with preaching Christ; (5) Qualifications for Unhappily, for the most part, Preaching Christ, by Charles P. preaching Christ. To give an exam- we cannot trust that our seminaries McIlvaine. Published by Banner of ple, and to reinforce the theme of are adequately preparing men to Truth, 2003. Paper, 86 pages, list the book, the publishers included preach Christ from the whole price $6.99. Reviewed by Larry as an appendix the first sermon Bible. They didn’t when I was a Wilson. that Charles H. Spurgeon preached student, and they aren’t today. Nor in the newly-opened Metropolitan should we expect them to. Timo- Charles McIlvaine (1799-1873) Tabernacle, London, in 1861—a thy was mentored by the Apostle was converted in a revival which sermon on Acts 5:42 (“And daily Paul himself. If he needed to heed took place during his studies at in the temple, and in every house, the exhortation—“Until I come, Princeton College. He entered the they ceased not to teach and devote yourself to the public ministry of the Episcopal Church. preach Jesus Christ”). reaching of Scripture, to exhorta- He served as a chaplain to the Sen- tion, to teaching.... Practice these ate and to the West Point Military How we ministers and men in- things, devote yourself to them, so Academy (where God used him tending the ministry need to hear that all may see your progress” (1 mightily among the cadets), and as and heed McIlvaine’s exhortation Tim. 3:13-15)—how much more pastor of St. Ann’s Church, Brook- in our day. Just listen to Christian do we need to! Every minister lyn, New York. In 1832, he was radio. With a few notable excep- must seek opportunities to contin- made Bishop of Ohio. This book tions, some of the most articulate, ue to learn and to grow and to consists of what was originally a oratorically gifted, and even doc- make progress. Every session charge to the clergy of the Diocese trinally orthodox preachers, in the should see it as its duty to enable of Ohio at their annual convention name of “relevance,” do every- and encourage their pastor to in Akron, Ohio in June 1863 and thing that McIlvaine warns against “sharpen the saw”—as part of his published shortly later in New in chapter two, “How some fail in responsibilities and not as part of York. preaching Christ.” Nor are our his family time. OPC pulpits exempt from these On the front cover, this book is failures. “Sometimes,” McIlvaine It seems that we should prepare subtitled The Heart of Gospel Min- exhorts, “it seems as if the preach- and proclaim our sermons with istry. Inside, it is subtitled An Ad- er could preach just as he does if two mandates equally in mind: dress to Those Entering the Chris- Christ and his work were a mere “preach God’s Word” and “preach tian Ministry. Both subtitles are incident in religion, a name, and Christ.” On the one hand, what we accurate. Evidently believing that little more—answering now and proclaim should be the Word of his ministry was drawing to a then as a convenience to a sen- God and not the wisdom of man. close, McIlvaine addressed the one tence introduced occasionally, be- The people in the pew should be

22 Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 BOOK REVIEWS able to see our emphases as they way, to which alone his blessing is by a man who feels deeply the in- follow along in their own Bibles. promised, and, which he will bless justice of the slavery his ancestors At the same time, the subject of as his own ‘wisdom and power experienced makes all the more the whole Bible is Jesus Christ unto salvation’” (p. 58). Second, powerful his clear affirmation of (Lk. 24:27; Jn. 5:39). Believers, as faithful ministry will be marked the great classic doctrines of the well as unbelievers, desperately by “a very earnest, tender, and Reformed Faith. need the gospel. And so, every overcoming love” (p. 63). “He sermon must preach Christ—and will preach best who loves most” The Reformed faith is Biblical, not as a “Jesus ex machina” artifi- (p. 64). Historical and Experimental and cially inserted into the sermon therefore “in no way… limited to with no real relation to the text, Preaching Christ is a welcome any cultural expression and race but as a natural explanation and exhortation. It is as timely for the of people. In fact” says Carter, application of the text. To do so, 21st century as it was for the 19th. “the Reformation will only be we need to muster every resource It is not so much a book which complete once the elect from eve- that exegesis and biblical theology teaches new doctrine that we have ry tongue, tribe, and nation have and systematic theology and never learned. It’s rather one embraced these truths” (p. 103). church dogmatics and Christian which takes the heart of the matter ethics can give us. (This is why I and addresses it to our hearts. It The book includes an appendix find 1 Timothy 3:15 to be so en- doesn’t take long to read in itself, entitled “Limping toward Recon- couraging. To be a faithful minis- but if one reads it correctly, he ciliaiton.” It contains statements ter, one need not “have it all to- will frequently pause for prayer. It made by three Christian denomi- gether.” He can and should make could be excellent devotional nations dealing with the sin of ra- continual progress.) reading; a pastor would do well to cism (the Assemblies of God, the review once each year. Highly rec- Southern Baptist Convention and But preaching Christ is not just ommended for ministers (who are the Presbyterian Church in Ameri- a matter of learned knowledge and called to preach Christ), for men ca). These certainly have their val- skills, McIlvaine urges; it is above intending the ministry, and for eld- ue. But, as the author says, “the all a spiritual matter. Every part of ers (who are responsible to over- disconnect that exists between our ministry must be done in des- see our pulpits and to guard the black Christians and white Chris- perate dependence upon the gra- sheep). tians in America can be traced to cious working of the Holy Spirit. our lack of understanding of the Accordingly, a faithful ministry On Being Black and Reformed— historical commonality that exists will be marked by at least two A New Perspective on the African- between these two groups. In or- things. A minister first needs a vi- American Christian Experience, der to bridge this divide, blacks tal faith. “I mean faith, not merely by Anthony J. Carter. Published must study the history of the in such of its exercises as make by P&R. 2003. Paperback. 154 church and see howtheir beliefs the minister a living Christian, pages, list price $9.99. Reviewed are rooted in the historical truths and a growing, vigorous Chris- by the Editor. of the faith. Also, whites must tian, but in that special exercise study the history of the church, which enables him to go on pa- I still have a vivid memory of particularly as it has been devel- tiently, persistently, hopefully, im- the shock I received—as a young oped among African Americans, movably, preaching the gospel as soldier stationed in Georgia during to see just how similarly God has we have seen the Apostles World War II—when I first saw worked in the midst of both preached it, in like simplicity and our American version of Apar- groups to bring out the truths we spirituality—with as little of the theit. It has helped me to under- hold so dear… the historical truths devices and mixtures and dilu- stand the depth of pain still felt by handed down through the church tions and subterfuges of man’s black people in our country. It is by the Holy Spirit.” (p 120). wisdom, no matter what the obsta- therefore, for me, a wonderful cles or what the apparent fruitless- thing to read a book such as this. This book is a worthy contribu- ness—believing it is God’s own The fact that this book was written tion to this much needed goal.

Ordained Servant — Vol. 13, No. 1 23 A REVIEW OF TWO BOOK COLLECTIONS ON COMPACT DISKS The Puritan Bookshelf, and The original book, from which these short description of subject matter Reformation Bookshelf, a large were made, in your hands). on the end of the CD case. There is collection of antique books on also a list of the authors printed on CDs created by Stillwaters Revi- Thirty-two of these CDs are en- the CD itself. But I did not find ei- val Books. Price: $650 for The titled The Puritan Bookshelf. The ther of these two rather cryptic Reformation Bookshelf, with other set of thirty are entitled The sources sufficient to facilitate prac- which The Puritan Bookshelf is Reformation Bookshelf. And just tical usage. In my opinion the price added free. We understand that the about everything you can think of is much too high until there is at purchase can also be made by time from the great Puritan and Presby- least an index of this sort. payment. Reviewed by the Editor. terian divines of the past can be found in these CDs somewhere. It should also be mentioned that A few weeks ago I received a But that is just the problem. For there is a considerable volume of full set of these—sixty-two CDs in these to be of much use to a busy material on these CDs, sandwiched all—from the Stillwaters Revival pastor a unified and complete in- in between the older works of great Books company in Edmonton, Al- dex would have to be provided. I value. This material, which is berta, Canada. I did not order them was told by Reg Barrow—of found on most (if not all) of these and it was not my intention to do SWRB—that just such an index is CDs, comes from the pastor of the so because I cannot in good con- currently being prepared. If such a Edmonton Church, from Mr. Reg science support a work that seems complete and well-organized index Barrow and others who belong to to me to have so little good to say actually does become available, the denomination known as the Re- about churches outside their own this library could be a very useful formed Presbytery of North Ameri- immediate fellowship. tool for anyone interested in the ca (RPNA). Because of their se- great Puritan and Presbyterian verely negative attitude toward Yet serious as this issue is to me, writers of the past. But unless and virtually all other Reformed and it does not prevent me from saying until a good index is available I'm Presbyterian churches, the inclu- that this set of CDs contains some afraid this set would not be of sion of a large amount of material very rare material—from many out- much practical value. reflecting this point of view reduc- of-print volumes—not readily es the value of these two CD sets available anywhere else, some of At present there is no way to considerably. which is quite valuable. The materi- know, in any convenient way, al is recorded on the CDs in Adobe what is on a given CD. To find out There is certainly some fine PDF files. When you open them what is on a CD you just have to gold to be mined in this amazing you are presented with a digital pic- open it up and see for yourself. compilation, no doubt about that. ture of book’s pages. Most of these One could, of course, laboriously But there is no easy way to locate are quite readable, showing the go through the sixty-two CDs and exactly where to find it. This being painstaking effort that has been make one's own index. But this the case I cannot recommend buy- made to produce these CDs. But at would certainly be a very time- ing this collection—at this price the same time it must be said that consuming task. There is some ($650 USD)—unless, and until, some are difficult to read (just as rather vague indication of the con- the promised index of the whole they would also be if you had the tents of each CD in the form of a collection is made available.

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