'Ike ~~WtiaIL- GUARDIAN

Contents The Grace of Humility By C. RALPH VERNO

Preparing to Preach Today By CORNELIUS VAN TIL

Observations of a Missionary By FRANCIS E. MAHAFFY

Are We Encouraging Sacramentalism? l By ALBERT G. EDWARDS, III t Must We Be Negative? " By G. I. WILLIAMSON Editorials

Letters

News

Machen Hall Westminster Seminary VOLUME 30, NO. 10 OCTOBER, 1961 as these examples in order for them The Grace of Humility to be obvious, in order for the denial f of them to be sin. The sinfulness of this type of false I By C. RALPH VERNO humility is aggravated, moreover, be­ cause it is an affront to our sovereign God. The denial of the gift is in effect T ~ ~nyon~ fa~iliar with Scripture there is an appalling deficiency in this a denial of the Giver. How shameful I It IS qurte evident that the Bible respect. This is sadly true not only of it is when God's people who have places great emphasis upon the Chris­ many of us as ordinary laymen, but been graciously blessed and equipped tian virtue of humility. Throughout also, and more tragically, in the case with abilities and talents, instead of the Word of God it is made very of some prominent Christian leaders. glorifying God thereby, offend him clear that true humility is indispensable There are, on the other hand, multi­ by denying that they have been so for the child of God. It is not a char­ tudes of God's people who do see the blessed; and all this is in the name acteristic that distinguishes the very imperative nature of this great need of humility! pious saint from the ordinary Chris­ for humility and who genuinely try to Not only is God dishonored by tian; it is rather an essential ingredient maintain an unassuming attitude. It is such false humility, but his church and in the life of the true believer. In light to be regretted, however, that many kingdom are robbed. God gives tal­ of the Scriptural emphasis upon hu­ even of these saints have a false view ents to be faithfully used and devel­ mility the necessity and- importance of what humility really is according oped in his service. We would no of this grace can hardly be overem­ to Holy Scripture. Thus misguided, doubt be amazed and ashamed if we phasized. though truly sincere, they do much could know how much more the Moses was noted and commended harm to the church of Christ. Cer­ church of Christ might have accom­ for his meekness (Numbers 12:3). tainly nobody who accepts the teach­ plished and could hereafter accom­ Our Lord begins his Sermon on the ing of the Bible can deny that true plish if such a false concept of hu­ Mount with messianic benediction humility on our part as sinners en­ mility were eliminated. Whether it be upon the poor in spirit and the meek tails the honest recognition that in and in the pulpit or assisting in Bible (Mt. 5: 3, 5). Meekness or gentleness of ourselves we are utterly unworthy, school, singing in the choir or serv­ is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. that we have nothing to commend us ing on a committee, talents are to be 5: 22-23). Jacob manifests genuine to God. Too often, however, God's used rather than to be buried with humility when he confesses that he is people practice what is certainly a false the shovel of a false humility. Pious unworthy of even the least of all the humility when they speak of them­ saints, desiring to be humble, have Lord's mercy and fidelity (Gen. selves with contempt, denying their deprived God's kingdom of much use­ 32: 10). John the Baptist exemplifies talents, abilities and usefulness. Many ful service through their unscriptural this quality when he says of Christ, believers, when called upon to use view of humility. "He must increase, but I must de­ talents graciously given by our cov­ True Humility crease" (John 3: 30) . enant God, refuse or beg off by piously The true child of God must show denying these gifts in the name of What we badly need, then, is a forth Christian love, but such love is humility. In trying to avoid pride and true humiilty which involves an hon­ not puffed up (I Cor. 13 :4). Peter presumption they deny that they can est, frank self-evaluation. As Romans tells us that God resists the proud, do anything worthwhile; thus they 12: 3 clearly implies, we are to have but gives grace to the humble (I Peter become progressively unambitious and a proper estimate of ourselves: we are 5 :5). Paul reminds us that a man virtually dormant where Kingdom to think as highly of ourselves as we ought not to think or set his affections work is concerned. ought to think; not more, but not less either. In fact Romans 12 stresses the on himself more highly than he ought A False Concept to do (Romans 12:3). Of course the need of such a humble use of gifts This all-tao-common attitude is supreme example of humility is the received by grace. We need to humbly perfect life of our Savior (which surely not the humility which Scrip­ acknowledge that the abilities we do makes it quite clear that humility does ture demands of us, which God possess have been given to us by our not necessarily presuppose personal wants in his people. Moreover, not­ gracious Lord in spite of our com­ sinfulness) . withstanding its sincerity, it is simply plete unworthiness. Then we are to sinful. There is a basic matter of hon­ utilize these talents in the service of Not Easily Achieved esty involved. If a Bob Cousy were Christ, humbly recognizing that their The difficulty of manifesting true to deny that he is an outstanding bas­ ultimate effect and usefulness comes humility is obvious not only from a ketball player, he wouldn't be humble; also from God's gracious blessing perusal of the Biblical history, but he would be lying. If a Dr. Machen upon them. As Hodge so aptly com­ also from observation of the wide­ had denied his proficiency in Greek, ments on Romans 12 :3, "A right spread lack of it all about us today. he wouldn't be demonstrating hu­ estimate can never be other than a We live in a proud nation filled with mility, he would be violating the very humble one, since, whatever millions of proud individuals. Even ninth commandment. Surely one's tal­ there is of good in us is not of our­ within the professing Christian church ents do not have to be as outstanding selves, but of God."

The Presbyterian Guardian is published monthly by the Presbyterion Guardian Publishing Corporation, 7401 Old York Road, Philadelphia 26, Pa., at the following rates, payable in advance in any part of the world, postage prepaid: $3.00 per year ($2.50 in Clubs of ten or more); $1.00 for four months; 25c per single copy. Second Class mail privileges authorized at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa. 170 The Presbyterian Guardian Another year begins at Westminster Theological Seminary Preparing to Preach Today

By CORNELIUS VAN TIL

Professor Van Til, Presiding Fel­ There are, moreover, the millions low of the Faculty and Professor of who have never even heard the name Apologetics, welcomed the students of Christ, that only name by which e n t e r i n g Westminster T heological men must be saved. Seminary on the occasion of the 33rd Universal Need of Christ annual opening exercises on September How anxious then you are to go 20. His remarks are relevant to the Protestant situation today, particularly out into the world and to the ends of the world to tell men of the cruci­ in the light of the upcoming confer­ fied One. How anxious you are to tell ence at New Delhi. After noting that men, that whether they acknowledge we "live in trying times," Dr. Van it or not, it is because of sin that Til went on to speak as follows. they are under the wrath of God. How anxious you are to tell men that their ou are going to preach Christ as condition is far worse than the great­ y the redeemer from sin. But there est minds of the world have ever are those who deny that they are sin­ thought of it as being. And then how ners. Therefore they also say that they anxious you also are to tell men how do not need Christ to save them from far better their condition will be if sin. Or, if they think they need to be 'saved,' then they think they can save only they believe and trust in the crucified and risen Christ for the for­ themselves. giveness of their sins. You would When I speak of those who deny hasten to tell them that he who knew that they are sinners you are thinking unto the harvest. How shall so few no sin was made sin for us that we with me of those who have, as they minister to so many? might be made the righteousness of say they have, no religious need at But the full seriousness of the situa­ God in him, and that he who was all. We hear much of secularism to­ tion appears only if we realize that of rich was made poor so that we by day. You are thinking also of those the "few" that prepare themselves for his lovert might become rich. Men who say that any particular religion is y the Christian ministry only a "very nee to be told that they are sinners as good as any other particular reli­ in the sense that as such they are few" prepare themselves to preach the gion. You are thinking of those who under the wrath and condemnation of true Christ. How many serious young say that there are many paths that men are about to enter Roman Cath­ God, and men need to be told that lead to the top of the same mountain. olic seminaries! How sad to realize All men are God's children and as a Christ Jesus died to save those who .. believe in him from the wrath to come that there they learn to preach only true father, so they say, God never and that he will come again to take an adulterated gospel. gets permanently angry with any of them into his presence. As little as did Luther do they learn them. God, if there be a god, we are at these seminaries to know either the told, loves all men and all men, in How Few Prepare Themselves full heinousness of sin or the full joy the depth of their heart, love a God Of course, in thinking of the false of the forgiveness of sins. When these who loves all men. If Christ comes views of sin and salvation that are young men go out into the field they into the picture at all for those who entertained by so many millions of are ready, unless Christ in his mercy speak in this fashion, it is in the same men you are mindful of how few intervenes as he did with Luther, to way that Buddha comes into the pic­ there be who prepare themselves to compromise with the false saviors that ture for Buddhists, namely, as an ex­ preach the gospel. Counting all those sinners have made for themselves. ample of the love of the universal that are being trained in all the sem­ Once more then your urgency to father of men. inaries of all 'Christian' churches will prepare yourselves to preach the Christ only make you say, "What are these who died and rose agair. 'lccording to Mr. Wybenga, who was hospital­ among so many?" The fields are white the Scriptures increases, You realize ized for a time, will continue his studies in the Gospel of Luke next month. The series appears regularly on the opposite page. How very few prepare to preach the true Christ.

October, 1961 171 that only the sons of the Reformation, Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour tian fellowship is a violation of the the followers of Luther and of Calvin, according to the Scriptures, and there­ unity of the ecumenical church."6 Any may be expected to preach Christ as fore seek to fulfill together their com­ local church will soon be seen to be the redeemer from sin without com­ mon calling to the glory of the one "the ecumenical church manifested in promise with the desires of the natural God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." a particular locality."7 When the ecu­ man. If then "the Christ" is to be pro­ menical church is a reality it will mean What of New Delhi? claimed "according to the Scriptures," "the virtual passing of the heretic."8 what more could any son of Luther or But you are deterred by divisions The church will have a "new vision of of Calvin desire? Are we not all ecu­ found among these sons of the Ref­ Jesus Christ."? The ecumenical spirit, menically minded? How can we help ormation. You bewail the schismatic born of the Holy Spirit, was well ex­ but be if we remember John I7? and sectarian nature of those who pressed by Philips Brooks when he said: "To me, the gospel is just one claim to follow Luther and Calvin. Morrison's Ecumenical Ideal great Figure standing with outstretched You long for a united voice of It might seem then that soon the arms.t'I? And this, adds Morrison, ex­ Protestantism. Did not our Savior pray ideal of ecumenical-minded men of presses the "spirit of Martin Luther that his followers might all be one in the modern church will be realized. who, in his earlier days, desired the their speaking of him? Is this prayer One of them, Charles Clayton Morri­ Reformation to rest upon no other never to be answered on earth? son, reviews the history of Protestant foundation than 'the forgiving love Involuntarily your thoughts turn to churches in relation to the process of of God in Jesus Christ.' "11 the meeting of Protestant leaders soon their unification. to be held at New Delhi. Are we The whole history of Protestantism, The Mission Appeal there to see the answer to the great says he, "appears as a long series of With the appearance of the ecu­ high-priestly prayer of our Lord? schismatic chain reactions--one schism menical church, we are told, the There are those who seem to think producing other schisms and they in proper missionary approach to the that we shall or that, if that prayer is turn producing others, in a process peoples of the Orient can be taken. ever to be answered, it must at least which continued up to, let us say, These religions themselves have lost be by such means of unification as are the late nineteenth century."3 But now, much of their own mutual exclusive­ there to be employed. says Morrison, "we live in a different ness.l-' "For instance, such words as Here at New Delhi the World time and a new kind of world." The Karma and Maya to the modern Council of Churches and the Interna­ "walls of our sectarian isolationism Hindu, or Metta and Nibbana to the tional Missionary Council will meet are in a process of crumbling.':" The modern Moslem now convey new together, and may well be joined into prophetic voices of "inspired idealists" meanings." And the "newness" about one organization. If such a union is calling for Protestant unity are at long these doctrines "makes them challeng­ effected the possibility of a united last meeting with response.' Men are ing and relevant to all people."13 Protestantism may seem, to some, to beginning to see that "every denorni­ "What vitally matters is the dynamic have been virtually realized. Then too national creed used as a basis of Chris- of faith undergirding these concepts, the World Council will have within itself a division of World Missions and Evangelism. LARGEST STUDENT BODY ENROLLED Must we not take at face value the ith classrooms bulging with students and the more than crowded aims of both of these organizations as Wlibrary pointing up the urgent need for a new building, Westminster expressed in their official documents? Seminary is in the midst of another year of strategic service in the cause "The Tambaras, Madras Meeting of of the gospel. For the second year in a row enrollment figures show an the International Missionary Council increase of 20 percent. in 1938 issued a statement on 'The The widening appeal of this seminary for those who want a theo­ Faith by which the Church Lives' that logical training grounded in a commitment to the Scriptures as the infalli­ declared unequivocally: ble Word of God is in part indicated by the fact that the 120 students We believe that Christ is the hold degrees from 63 different colleges and universities. Of the 28 denom­ Way for all, that He alone is ade­ inations represented just half would be classified as Presbyterian or Re­ quate for the world's need. ... formed. There are 14 Orthodox Presbyterian students. We are bold enough to call men Twenty per cent of the students come from countries other than the out from them [ other religions} United States: Australia-2, Canada-6, India-I, Japan-6, Korea-7, to the feet of Christ. We do so Netherlands-I, United Kingdom-I, for a total of 24. There are 34 in because we believe that in Him the entering, or Junior class. Of more than 20 in the graduate program alone is the full salvation which nine are candidates for the degree of Doctor of Theology. man needs."! A large crowd attended the opening exercises, at which the Rev. As for the World Council, until Henry Fikkert, pastor of Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Cen­ recently its basis has been "acceptance ter Square, Pa. gave the invocation. Scripture was read by the Rev. John 'of our Lord Jesus Christ as God and DeWitt, pastor of the Sixth Reformed Church, Paterson, N. J. The Rev. as Saviour.' "2 If this should seem to Egbert Andrews, missionary to Formosa of the Orthodox Presbyterian allow for doubt as to where the Christ Church, offered prayer. The address by the Rev. Alexander De Jong, may be found, the proposed revision Th.D., pastor of the Second Christian Reformed Church, Highland, Ind. of this basis reads as follows: "The on "The Focus of Our Consecration," stressed the central concern of the World Council of Churches is a fel­ ministry with the welfare and task of the church. lowship of churches which confess the

172 The Presbyterian Guardian The true church of Christ still speaks the words of Christ. Orthodox Presbyterian Churches Use Seminarians making them relevant to present life Modern e cum e n i cal Protestantism uring the past summer a dozen and meaningful in contemporary his­ leaves men without a merciful heav­ or more Westminster Seminary tory." 14 D enly Father and therefore without students were given the opportunity It is thus that according to modern hope in the world. throughout the Orthodox Presbyterian ecumenicists, the ecumenical spirit Be of Good Courage back of the Protestant creeds and the Church to apply knowledge previously ecumenical spirit back of the Oriental Here then is the situation. An acquired in the classroom. Two religions may merge in one great ecu­ apostate church preaches a false Christ churches - Emmanuel, Wilmington, menical spirit centered in the com­ to a world that is dying in sin. Is Del. and Covenant, Pittsburgh, Pa. ­ mon ideals of all good men. The then the prince of darkness to be vic­ were able to supply the full summer torious after all? Will your work of "dynamic of faith" common to all support of a student. With the co­ preparation for the preaching of the truly religious men may hereafter be operation of the Committee on Home "mobilized to create a just social order, Christ of the Scriptures at best rescue a few brands from the burning? Missions and Church Extension 14 a true community of people, a world additional congregations and home in which human rights are guaran­ No! Christ broke the power of sin mission fields were able to employ ten teed." All faiths may now "seek to put and death! He did rise from the tomb. students for at least a part of the meaning to our common humanity and Through him death is swallowed up ensure the worth of human values."15 in victory. He did save men from the summer. wrath to come. He did ascend to "The work assigned to the sem­ Not Historic Protestantism heaven to prepare a habitation for his inarians was varied and strenuous, Now if you look at all this even people. He does rule over all. Satan from renovating a barracks building with a measure of care, my friends, is a vanquished foe. The voice of the for services to acting as camp counsel­ you will observe that if the voice of gospel is still heard among men. There lor," reports the Rev. LeRoy Oliver, united Protestantism does emerge at are those who have not bowed their general secretary. Most taught in vaca­ New Delhi it will no longer be the knees to Baal. The true church of tion Bible school, preached while pas­ voice of Protestantism in the historic Christ still speaks the words of Christ. tors were on vacation, and did exten­ sense of that term. In spite of much apostacy Christ's sive calling. The new voice of modern ecumeni­ voice is still heard among men. And cal Protestantism seemingly about to by the grace of God men still respond Florida to California emerge at New Delhi will not sound to the preaching of the gospel. Christ The students and their fields of either like the voice of Luther or of did save the world. He is saving the labor were: Jack Corzine, Redeemer, Calvin. In God's providence Luther world. He will save the world. In his Newtown Square, Pa.; Ivan DeMaster, and Calvin set men free to believe name you may freely preach "liberty Covenant, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Raymond and to preach the gospel of free grace to the captives and the opening of the Drake, Sharon, Hialeah and the new apart from works. But the voice of prison to them that are bound." home mission field in Southwest modern ecumenical Protestantism ulti­ Let us then with full commitment Miami, Fla.; George Hall, Trinity, mately makes man his own savior. to the Lord, with great love for his Hatboro, Pa.; Norman Jones, Park Luther and Calvin pointed men to the name, with great zeal for his cause, Hill, Denver, Sable, and Thornton, Christ of whom the Scriptures speak with great joy because of the cer­ Colo.; Rollin Keller, Neptune, N. J.; plainly. Modern ecumenical Protestant­ tainty of his victory undertake our Duncan Lowe, First, Waterloo, Iowa; ism will presumably also speak 'ac­ work together. David Moore, Knox, Silver Spring, cording to the Scripture,' but its Scrip­ God's truth abideth still, Md.; Michael Stingley, La Puente, First, Manhattan Beach, and West­ ... ture is nothing more than a sublimate His kingdom is forever. of sinful man's self-constructed ideals. minster, Los Angeles, Calif.; and Ber­ Its Christ is nowhere to be found for nard Stonehouse, Emmanuel, Wilming­ he is but the ideal that sinful man 1. The Theology of the Christian ton, Del. Richard Gaffin, Jr. and Peter makes for himself. Mission, Gerald H. Anderson (ed.), Steen sp:nt one week canvassing a Luther and Calvin preached Christ London, 1961, p. 11. suburb of Baltimore, Md. for First 2. Bernard Leeming S. J., The Church. Calvin Malcor was employed as dying on the cross for them, in Churches and the Church, London, their room and stead, in order to set 1960, p. 6. part time by Greyfriars, Torrance, them free from the wrath to come. 3. The Unfinished Reformation, New Calif. Modern e cum e n i cal Protestantism York, 1951, p. 5. As reported by the Committee on 4. Ibid., p. 11. preaches a Christ-ideal in terms of 5. Ibid., p. 15. Home Missions to the 28th General which men tell themselves that there 6. Ibid., p. 62. Assembly, "We believe that the em­ is no such thing as the wrath of God 7. Ibid., p. 89. ployment of students for summer ac­ upon the sin of man and therefore no 8. Ibid., p. 189. tivity is in the best interests, not only 9. Ibid., p. 194. eternal punishment. 10. Ibid., p. 195. of the local churches, but also of the Luther and Calvin preached Christ 11. Idem. whole denomination. For while the as the One who, when he had blotted 12. The Theology of the Christian students are assisting in the program out the handwriting of sin that was Mission, p. 150. of evangelism they are trained for 13. Idem. against them, returned to his Father in 14. Idem. future services as minsters" of the heaven to prepare a place for them. 15. Ibid., p. 151. gospel. October, 1961 173 Observations of a Missionary on Furlough

By FRANCIS E. MAHAFFY

ecently we stood on the deck of their sense of God-given authority aspects of the churches' life and R the S.S. Steel Worker in Brooklyn and responsibility for their covenant learned of effective means of dealing joined by a group of pastors, elders, youth. A few churches seem to be with diverse problems. It was of spe­ and Christian laymen from a number standing still or moving backwards, cial interest to me to observe the of our Orthodox Presbyterian churches inadequately aware of their task of variety of means and emphases fol­ along with a few others. I was deeply reaching the lost with the gospel and lowed by different pastors and moved during the brief farewell serv­ building up and challenging the saints churches in the work of evangelism ice of hymns, Scripture and prayer to a vital Christian life and witness. in the community. and the farewells and wishes of God­ There is room for improvement in Work of Evangelism speed on our way. some of our Sunday schools: more This past year it had been my privi­ For some the Sunday school or emphasis needs to be laid on a thor­ daily vacation Bible school provided lege of visiting in most of the churches ough instruction of the covenant represented by these Christian brothers the main contacts which led to the youth and adults in the verities of our conversion of parents as well as chil­ and sisters and, for that matter, most faith. A few seem inadequately con­ of our Orthodox Presbyterian church­ dren. For others the time-honored cerned for the necessity of promoting method of doorbell pushing seemed es; as well as many of the Reformed Christian schools for our youth and (Eureka Classis) churches, some the most effective means. Some have the effects of a godless education are classes in evangelism for the interested Christian Reformed, Protestant Re­ too often apparent. Sometimes there formed, Reformed Presbyterian, Evan­ church members. One church has a is a lack in emphasis and practice of family call night each month when gelical Presbyterian and a few others. the communion of the saints. I have enjoyed the most gracious church members two by two call on Visiting in the homes of pastors, the homes of the community in their Christian hospitality from the coasts elders and Christians active in our of Florida, bustling New York and evangelistic outreach. Some believe churches, discussing the progress and the emphasis should be on neighbor­ New Jersey to beautiful Oregon and problems of individual congregations burgeoning California, as well as hood get-togethers where a church was a stimulating experience. I came family invites a group of neighbors in many places in between. It is my hope to a greater appreciation of various that in the process the church received for an evening of fellowship and to a clearer picture of her mission work meet and talk with the pastor infor­ mally. Another church tries small in Africa, that her prayers and gifts At our request Mr. Mahaffy took for the spread of the gospel were stim­ steak fries as a means of evangelistic time on the long journey back to contacts. ulated. Eritrea to write out these observations. One spoke of the use of a flyer, Perhaps the missionary returning He writes of a pleasant trip including every sixth year to the U. S. has a containing a message by the pastor brief visits in Spain and Turkey ­ on pertinent matters of interest, that privilege that most pastors do not with a side trip to old Antioch. The enjoy. He is in a position to get a was distributed in the community. A Mahaffys arrived in Senafe "to find number of churches have attractive bird's eye view of the church. Being the house a bit worse for the excep­ away from the scene for so long the printed invitations to the church tionally heavy rains, but it did not which are used along with other tracts changes that may go unnoticed by fare as badly as did many houses. in calls. Some pastors and elders find those closer at hand often stand out About 150 houses fell in here. Our sick calls have been an effective means more vividly for him. It may be that walls were damp and mouldy but we of reaching the lost with the gospel. passing on a few of my observations are getting them dried out and Occasional use is made of street meet­ and impressions will be of some help cleaned. There will be more patching ings and one wonders if more effective to others. and redecorating to be done." use might not be made of this means Some Disappointments "The children will start school be­ of evangelism. The encouraging fact While in many respects my fur­ fore the end of this week" (Sept. 12), is that most of our churches are be­ lough proved a source of real encour­ he continued. "Actually they did quite coming increasingly aware of their agement to me as I saw the life of a bit on the trip back. The services task in evangelism and are searching the church, the growth of so many in Adi Caieh and Senafe on Sundays eagerly for the best means to reach Christians whom I have come to know have been well attended. We had a the lost sheep with the message of through the years, the interest of many Sunday school for the children in salvation. young people in missions and the Senafe both Sund

174 The Presbyterian Guardian building committees in our churches would be glad to learn of ways of "LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE" putting up an adequate building for The editor of Christian Economics, fortnightly publication of Chris­ the worship of God and yet of cut­ tian Freedom Foundation, was a dinner guest of the Mahaffys during ting expenses to a minimum. Some thei~ furlough. This tribute entitled "A Family Benediction" appeared in could no doubt profit from the experi­ the Issue dated Oct. 17 as the regular "Sermonette" feature. It is slightly ence of others as to suitable places for abridged here. expansion and methods in getting new he scholarly young minister who met our train at the Union Station in works started. Many pastors and T Chicago was slightly built, graying a little at the temples and probably people could profit considerably from about 40 years of age. He proudly presented to us his two small sons, the experiences and mistakes of others Paul and Samuel. We had long hoped to meet him and he had invited us in finding more effective means of to dinner with his family. getting the gospel to John Doe who We climbed the steep stairs to the two attic rooms and there met has no interest in coming to where his smiling, energetic wife and five other children. The oldest, John, is the gospel is proclaimed. 16. Then come James, Paul, Samuel, Peter, Mary, and Elizabeth, aged Others could share sources of helps three. Their paternal grandmother, who is a part of the household, for Machen League meetings, for seemed proud of these bright, good-looking, well-mannered boys and girls. Christian education, Christian school The living room contained two double beds and a third was in a promotion, pastoral problems and small hallway near the tiny bathroom. The kitchen and dining room were many other matters of mutual inter­ not large but the mother of the seven children had prepared a delicious est to the churches. Perhaps the meal of ample variety within an hour after returning from church, and Guardian might perform a useful serv­ assured us it was "no trouble at all." She said, "If we were two the ice to the church by encouraging more coming of ten guests would be a problem, but we are ten and the coming articles along these lines and by de­ of two more is hardly noticeable." voting a page to the informal ex­ A long table in one side of the kitchen accommodated eight, two of change of ideas from pastors and the boys sat at a small table nearby and the litle girls occupied high people. Could the papers that some chairs at two corners of the big table. In this small space there seemed to t, be plenty of room for all. There was no friction, impatience, loud voices " Presbyteries publish profitably be ex­ panded and circulated more widely or discourtesy of any kind. Because these wonderful people, young and through the church? old alike, had room in their hearts for others, there was no lack of space in their crowded quarters. The children answered pleasantly when spoken The work of the Kingdom is going to but otherwise had little to say. They ate their food, even the little ones, forward in the Orthodox Presbyterian without urging, and they were neat and mannerly while doing it. Church. Some of the pastors in our We had not been in their home five minutes before we became aware churches impress me particularly as of its unusual quality and culture. These people were different! There was men of deep devotion and of excep­ something fine about them. We felt that God was not far away! tional ability as preachers of the Word As we rose from the table I noticed one of the older boys, without and shepherds of Christ's flock, a prompting, take three-year old Elizabeth to the bathroom to wash her tribute among other factors to the hands. Then he with the other older children helped clear the table and part Westminster Theological Sem­ wash the dishes. They all seemed to have a sense of responsibility and inary has had in their training. New proceeded, promptly and efficiently, to perform their respective duties churches are being established. The without prompting. work of Christian education in Chris­ The small apartment was neat and clean. Playthings appeared at tian schools and through Christian intervals from boxes or closets, were thoroughly enjoyed and afterwards literature is being expanded. There is promptly put away. Three of the boys took turns reading from a children's a vital growing interest in the spread Bible with some of their brothers and sisters listening. There was no con­ of the gospel at home and abroad. fusion or clutter of things which one might expect to find in a family of Many of our churches are becoming seven children. more deeply conscious and apprecia­ The father of these children has formulated an alphabet and reduced tive of the rich heritage that is ours the language spoken in the country to which he was sent, to writing, in the Reformed Faith. translated (part of) the New Testament into the newly written language Sense of Urgency and has taught a substantial number of people to read and write. A large Yet it would be a great error to family and low income seem not to reduce his scholarly accomplishments. be complacent and to think that we To most of us, life in cramped quarters on a small income would have arrived. The one thing we of the be uncomfortable and productive of many tensions, but this family Orthodox Presbyterian and fellow Re­ showed no evidence of strain or unhappiness. They all appeared to be formed groups need above all else is buoyant, constructive and well-adjusted. We felt greatly blessed by being a deep sense of the urgency of the privileged to associate with them for a few hours. task of Christ's church. Is it not be­ Once again we verified our belief that the problems of this world cause Christians generally have be­ arise because men separate themselves from God. Those who abide in come complacent that the forces of the shadow of the Almighty ... go through life with shining faces and anti-Christ are encircling the world? are spared the tragedy and suffering that afflicts all who refuse or neglect Is not the complacency of Christians to be reconciled to Him. one of the chief causes of the de-

October, 1961 175 scending arm of God's judgment on Messrs. Harold Dorman, Cornville, involves unwholesome tendencies as the nations? Me., Wendell Rockey, Cranston, R. I., specified in the report." and Charles Stanton, Lewiston, Me. Is the preaching in our churches (See the Presbyterian Guardian for and the witness of our people filled Greetings from Classis Eastern On­ tario of the Christian Reformed July, 1961, pp. 130-134, for the ac­ with a sense of the urgency of the tions of the Assembly and the Com­ gospel message for our day? Do we Church were brought by the Rev. Mr. Hans Wittenbosch. The Rev. Laurence mittee's Report on Peniel's Doctrine call men to repent and believe the of Guidance.) gospel? Do we who love the Re­ Sibley, Lisbon, N. Y., reported on his formed Faith really take the whole visit to Classis Eastern Ontario. A counsel of God dead seriously? Is the committee of three was appointed to Reformation Services Word in reality the guide to all our correspond with neighboring classes, thinking and lives? in accord with a recommendation to n increasing number of churches plan services on or near October Is God's law the absolute standard the last General Assembly by the Com­ A 31st each fall to call attention to the for our conduct in the private and mittee to Confer with Representatives Protestant Reformation and its continu­ social sphere? Or have we rationalized of the Christian Reformed Church. ing significance. Among those that ourselves into a position of accepting A call from Westminster Church, as normal and right the all too com­ Hamden, Conn. for the pastoral serv­ have been reported to us is a joint serv­ mon disregard for this law by the ices of the Rev. Arthur B. Spooner was ice between the Grace Church, Fall powers that be, failing even to found in order and transmitted to the River, Mass. and the Calvary Church, register our protest to this public Presbytery of New Jersey. Cranston, R.1. Pastor Wendell Rockey, Jr. of the latter congregation is the evil? Have we lost the prophetic A call from Pilgrim Church, Bang­ speaker at the November 1st meeting voice of the church proclaiming the or, Maine to the Rev. George E. Haney, in Fall River. Word and applying it to all of life? Jr. was found in order and transmitted Dr. Edwin Palmer of Westminster We have indeed made progress but to the Presbytery of Wisconsin. Mr. Seminary was the scheduled speaker at have only begun to fulfill the great Haney is the pastor of First Church, a Reformation rally on October 27 responsibility that Christ, the Lord Waterloo, Iowa. This action was taken at the First Orthodox Presbyterian and Head of the church, has commit­ at an earlier special meeting. Church, Baltimore, Md., with the Re­ ted to us who love him in truth and Peniel Motion formed Episcopal Church, whose pas­ who seek to proclaim the fullness of With reference to the matter of Pe­ tor is the Rev. Karl Rudolph, partici­ the gospel. We can learn much about niel the following motion was passed: pating in the observance of the 444th methods from each other. But above "That in view of the action of the 28th anniversary of Martin Luther's historic all may God give us as members, General Assembly with respect to the action. pastors and missionaries of Orthodox teaching of the Peniel Bible Confer­ "Our Reformation Heritage" is the Presbyterian and other churches that ence on sanctification and guidance, announced subject of an address by take the Reformed Faith seriously, a we instruct the ministers of presbytery Mr. Ralph Verno of Philadelphia on deeper commitment to Christ and a who have places of responsibility in November 1st at the Stratford Church, sense of the urgency of the gospel for the Peniel Bible Conference to justify Stratford, N. J. in conjunction with the us. ~nd all the world in this day of Immanuel Orthodox Presbyterian crisis. their continuing to act in that capa­ city." Churches of Bellmawr and West Col­ The 28th General Assembly de­ lingswood. clared that Peniel's "Formulation of Presbytery Meets in the Doctrine of Guidance" is "erron­ A Calendar Help for Rochester, N. Y. eous . . . in teaching that in every de­ cision of life the Christian may look Daily Devotions '"Jlhe Rev. George Willis was re­ for a sense of assurance akin to the l .1 elected moderator and the Rev. witness of the Holy Spirit to his son­ fl e 1962 Daily Manna calendar (ed­ Theodore Georgian was again named ship; in teaching that a witness of the T ited by Prof. Martin Monsma and clerk at the opening of the stated fall Spirit is the decisive index constraining published by Zondervan, listed at meeting of the Presbytery of New assurance respecting the proper course $1.95) is now available. This popular York and New England. Memorial of action in daily life; and in teaching aid to personal or family devotions Church was host to the two-day session a non-exegetical conscious leading of comes in a box that may be left on a on October 10 and 11. the Holy Spirit; which views constitute table or hung on a wall for conveni­ Mr. Ronald Nickerson, who received a deviation from the doctrine set forth ence in reaching the daily reading his B.D. from Westminster Seminary in the Word of God and our subordi­ sheet. last May, was examined and licensed nate standards." Among Orthodox Presbyterian writ­ to preach the gospel. He is a member The Assembly also declared that, as ers in the 1962 calendar are the Rev. of the Grace Church of Fall River, indicated in the section on Sanctifica­ Carl Ahlfeldt, the Rev. Robert Atwell, Mass. The Rev. G. I. Williamson was tion in the report of the Committee, Dr. Burton Goddard and Dr. John elected executive secretary of the home "the particular conception of method Skilton. missions work of the presbytery. Oral entertained by Peniel, especially with The calendar mlY be obtained reports were given by the three home regard to counseling, introduces un­ through the Committee on Christian missionaries who are recipients of aid warranted restrictions in connection Education, 7401 Old York Rd., Phila. through the presbytery: the Rev. with the process of sanctification and 26, Pa.

176 The Presbyterian Guardian sionary or to read a Scripture portion In this changing world of startling received. horizons, how many of us are continu­ '!he ~litImt- All this and much more-s-because ally checking the new concepts that we GUARDIAN you gave, not out of what was left are forced to reckon with, by the time­ over but at the cost of something of less Word of God? How well are we yourself-in remembrance of Him who able to cope with the questions of the EDITOR gave His life for your salvation. coming generation without more study Robert E. Nicholas This is thanksgiving in depth. of Scripture and its application than EDITORIAL COUNCIL has been our habit? Ned B. Stonehouse Have we sometimes fallen into ar­ Edmund P. Clowney Robley J. Johnston Continuous Reformation gumentation by slogan or label, with­ out digging out the reason for the he Protestant Reformation is gen­ position we take? ~re we ~?nestly All correspondence should be ad­ T erally dated as beginning on Oc­ thinking not only rn opposItion to dressed to The Presbyterian Guardian, tober 31, 1517 with Luther's hammer 7401 Old York Road, Phila. 26, Pa. false ecumenism, for example, but also blows. Actually its antecedents go back in the direction of scriptural unity? of the sixteenth century, and the re­ Now what is being said and asked membered date was only the beginning here, in part at least, is said in order Thanksgiving in Depth of a sequence of events that shook to call attention to the fact that several Europe for a century like a series of he custom of bringing a special articles in this issue are in keeping earthquakes. offering in gratitude for some with the theme of continuous reforma­ T The aftershocks of the Reformation special divine favor is an old one. The tion. The reader may be forced to ex­ have never ceased, nor may they be Old Testament made provision for amine his thinking in terms of what allowed to stop. Each generation must such thank offerings. The practice is the Bible teaches. (We hope there is again raise the cry: "To the law and now one of many years' standing in something of this in every issue, of to the testimony." We do not look to the Orthodox Presbyterian churches. course, but we don't mention it often!) an infallible church or pope or creed One writer touches on a very prac­ The Old Testament thank offering for the last word. We look rather to tical matter of the Christian's frame included the idea of sacrifice, and the the Scriptures alone, the infallible of mind. A missionary makes some ob­ New Testament speaks of sharing what Word of God, for our final authority. servations to his denomination at its \ we have as a sacrifice with which God Involved in this basic principle of the quarter-century mark. A pastor won­ is well pleased. The deep gratitude of Reformation is the requirement of ders whether tradition alone dictates a our hearts, often expressed with our continuing to do just that. Every de­ certain practice in Reformed churches. lips, finds an opportunity to exhibit its cision of a general assembly or a pres­ A professor fac~s ecumenis~ at New innermost concern in the annual thank bytery or a session, each sermon or Delhi in the lrght of Scripture. A offering. Sunday school lesson or Bible study, presbytery concerns itself w.ith the im­ every idea or action of life must stand plications of Assem?ly action .on Pe­ under the light of God's Word. niel last June. A mmister reminds us In the light of its truth we must that we cannot avoid some accent on examine our lives and re-examine our the negative. A news story tells of practices. Too often P:otesta?tism ~as Reformation Day services in several forsaken its first allegiance m settmg churches. alleged 'new insights' or 'scientific It seems that what happened on the findings' or 'contemporary thought' last day of October some 444 yea~s over against the Bible as its interpre­ ago is still a live issue today. May It ter. Thus in the name of the right of ever be so. One characteristic of ortho­ 'private interpretation' the opinion of doxy is its willingness to ~eep lookin.g man has been raised above the Word into the perfect law of liberty and If With eyes of faith one may see be­ of God, with devastating results necessary to reform its practices there­ neath the offering envelopes the well­ throughout the church. Just because by. Straight thinking is bound to lead flo~ing springs of praise to God out the idea of re-examining our beliefs to continuous reformation. in streams of love that encircle the and practices has been so widely per· R. E. N. earth. Thirsty souls in the Orient ~ill verted, however, we who hold to the drink of living water, never to thirst Reformed faith must not be deterred again. Another congregation of the re­ from continually examining our own EDITOR'S MAIL BOX deemed will be gathered in some way of doing things, and our own atti­ Dear Brethren: gospel-barren suburb.of our . land .. A tudes. We do stand in need of con­ After attending the Missouri Synod young lad will study rn vacation BIble tinuous reformation. Lutheran "State of the Church Con­ school-and may himself one day pro­ Which of us has not sometimes ference," Mr. Reitsma reports that the claim the gospel. simply said, "Yes, but that's the way picture presented is "dark, frightening, Sound biblical lessons for our Sun­ we've always done it." Now the tra­ and all too familiar." It is no less day schools will be one step ne~rer dition may be right, but it is truly frightening to read his referring to this realization. A visitor to an east African Protestant to ask, "What saith the gathering of a splinter group of com­ market will stop to listen to a rnis- Scripture ?" mitted traditionalists with the words:

October, 1961 177 "It was like the exciting meetings that church on the meaning and implica­ quired to sign a card affirming agree­ led to the formation of the Orthodox tions of the doctrine of inspiration. ment with the aims of the organizers Presbyterrian Church . . . I had the When Dr. Scharlemann's writings are of the conference. Only those who comfortable feeling that these were our quoted in connection with this dis­ signed the card had the privilege of kind of people." cussion, it should always be mentioned speaking from the floor. Many church When threatened schism in the that he has repeatedly stated his con­ officers and faculty members of our church is cause for exhilaration, we viction that the Scriptures are inspired seminaries attended but could not sign have come a long way from the Chris­ and "utterly reliable in making us the card in good conscience. Thus they tianity of John 17: 21 and John 13: 'wise unto salvation.' " The constitution were able only to listen without oppor­ 34, 35. This is all the more cause for of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Syn­ tunity to reply when they were at­ concern because the issue at stake in od stipulates that every member ac­ tacked in essays and discussion ... the Missouri Synod is not at all one cepts the Scriptures "as the written Differences in theological opinions to which II Cor. 6:14 or Romans 16: Word of God and the only rule of and inherited traditions separate us into 17, 18 can be applied. This is not a faith and practice." denominations. Even within a denomi­ separation of Christian Bible-believer There are many things which would nation, church body, or congregation from non-Christian Bible-denier, but have to be said about the "State of there always exist differences of opin­ between two groups of men each com­ the Church Conference" before a fair ion which could rend asunder the mitted to the Lord Jesus Christ as Sav­ evaluation could be made. I would like Body of Christ unless we remember ior and to the Bible as the only rule to mention just one aspect not covered that we all worship the same Re­ of God in faith and practice. by Mr. Reitsma which should be of deemer. Yours in His Name, interest to Guardian readers. The con­ Sincerely yours, RICHARD H. BUBE ference was advertised as being free EDWARD L. LIND Princeton, N. J. and open, but registrants were re- Lawrenceville, N. J.

A Missouri-Lutheran Voice Dear Sir: Protestant Reformed Churches As a member of the Lutheran­ Merge with Christian Reformed Church Church-Missouri Synod I was very in­ terested in the discussion of doctrinal s a result of contacts and conver­ "in the interest of seeking the unity issues in my church by the Rev. Carl A sations over a period of several of the Church of Christ we express J. Reitsma, in the August issue of the years the Synod of the Protestant Re­ that we no longer are justified in Presbyterian Guardian. formed Churches (commonly referred maintaining separate denominational Mr. Reitsma correctly points out that to in association with the name De existence." The agreement provided the few hundred members who at­ Wolf) meeting on July 13, 1961 that the members of any congregation tended the "State of the Church Con­ agreed to a proposed basis for reunion which disbanded might transfer to a ference" formed a very small fraction with the Christian Reformed Church. nearby Christian Reformed church. of the total membership of the Luther­ The Protestant Reformed Church Other congregations might continue by as Church-Missouri Synod. However, originated in 1924 "as a secession from mutual agreement with Christian Re­ it would be most unfortunate if Guard­ the Christian Reformed Church in pro­ formed churches, if any, in the locality ian readers received the impression that test to the deposition of the Rev. Her­ and with the approval of classis. As­ this small group constituted the "Bible­ man Hoeksema and others" who op­ surance was given by the Protestant believers" in the Missouri Synod. posed the doctrine of "common grace" Reformed Synod that any congregation There are many members (probably as Arminian. (See for further reference which did not choose to go along with a large majority) who strongly dis­ an article by the Rev. Carl J. Reitsma the union "had the legal right and agree with the aims and approach of in the Presbyterian Guardian for Sept. freedom to retain its property and as­ the "State of the Church Conference," 15, 1958, pp. 118-119.) As the church sets." So far as known, there were but who are nevertheless "Bible-be­ "drifted more and more into hyper­ none such. Ministers, after submitting lievers." These members do not view Calvinism" there were voices raised in to a colloquium doctum by a classis, the efforts of contemporary theolo­ protest and in 1953 the Rev. Hubert would be enrolled in the Christian gians as being necessarily a priori De Wolf was suspended for preaching Reformed Church. heretical, but would rather examine that "God promises to every one of The July issue of the Reformed them in the light of Scripture as sin­ you that, if you believe, you shall be Guardian has a fuller account of the cere efforts to meet problems unknown saved," and "Our act of conversion is proceedings of this final meeting of to our founding fathers and of possi­ a prerequisite to enter into the king­ the Synod. This monthly publication, ble value in making the gospel relevant dom of heaven." These were called which had served the interests of these to the twentieth century. "heretical statements." The dcnomna­ Protestant Reformed Churches since Regardless of our differences we are tion was divided in half, with some 17 1953, ceased publication with the Au­ all praying and working to avoid churches siding with De Wolf. gust number, Volume VII, Number 5. schism. During the past year a few of these The Holy Scriptures are taken seri­ congregations had already entered the The Guam Field ously in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Christian Reformed Church, perhaps The Protestant Reformed Churches Synod and for this reason there is ex­ anticipating the July resolution of the began a missionary work on Guam ear­ tensive discussion in all quarters of the Grand Rapids Synod which stated that ly in 1957, supporting as their mission-

178 The Presbyterian Guardian ary the Rev. Edwin 1. Wade, a minister of the Presbytery of California of the A plea for re-examination of a traditional practice Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wade was joined three years later by the Rev. John Hoffman, Jr. of the PR Church. The Synod on July 14 of this Are We Encouraging year voted to request the Christian Reformed Church to "take over the responsibility and care of the Guam Satramentalism in field as soon as feasible after Sept. 1 1961." The future course of the pres: ent personnel on Guam was to be worked out by the PR Missions Com­ Reformed Ehurthas ? mittee in conjunction with the CR Board of Foreign Missions and the missionaries, and arrangements were to By ALBERT G. EDWARDS, III be made for the transfer of all prop­ erty on Guam to the CR Church. If a mutually satisfactory relation­ ship could not be worked out between eformed. chur.ches today, through servance of this sacrament. However, the new missions agency and Mr. R- .a practice dictated by tradition, the Scriptures give evidence that the Wade (whose request last spring of are In grave danger of toning down Lord's Supper was observed in the ~he!r the Presbytery of California for a re­ one of mo.st cherished principles. early church once a week, if not even commission to labor on Guam had The principle IS the primacy of the more frequently. The New Testament been held in abeyance), the Presby­ Word of God as the great means of is not saying by this that therefore ~race tery of California would be asked to .. The practice which is in ques­ the Lord's Supper must be observed tion IS the practice connected with once every week, but simply that the recall him. Subsequently, under com­ the traditional frequency and mode of Lord's Supper should be observed with munication to the Presbytery dated ob~,erv~ce frequency, with a good frequency. Sept. 19, the PR Missions Committee of the Lord's Supper. Now what has the tradition of Re­ did so request, indicating that it would . Faith cometh by hearing, and hear­ Ing by the Word of God," says the formed churches dictated? Tradition honor its commitment to provide six Apostle Paul. The Westminster Shorter has it that the frequency of observance months' furlough salary and housing Catechism, in questions 88 and 89, is about once every three months - a from the August termination of their echoes this teaching. The hearing of far cry from the once a week observ­ contract, and return transportation for the Word of God is the principal ance of the early church. But what is the Wades and their household goods. means by which we are informed of of real concern is the effect of this in­ ~~. Wade, in a letter dated Sept. 21, the grace of God, and in connection frequent observance of the Lord's petitioned Presbytery to uphold his with ~hich the Holy Spirit is pleased Supper upon the attitude of Christians "right to remain here, if I feel so led to bring us to faith in Jesus Christ. toward it. The effect is this: if the of the Lord, as long as I feel so led, We of course repudiate, and properly Lords's Supper is observed so infre­ and He grants me the strength and so, the view held by Lutherans, that quently, people come to think that it op~rtunity to do so in His sovereign the. Word of God itself produces faith. must be something extra-special, much providence." The congregation which It IS the Holy Spirit who engenders more special than that which is ob­ worships at the Busanda Christian faith in our hearts, but He does so served every week, namely the preach­ Church on Guam was reported to the in connection with the hearing of the ing of the Word of God. Presbytery as being desirous of the Word of God. In this sense, the Word Consequently we find in many Re­ continued services of Mr. Wade. The of God is the primary means of grace. formed churches that there are people Presbytery of California took no final There is little dispute about this in who would never think of missing a action at its meeting on Sept. 28 but Reforme? . circ~es. Yet by our practice, Communion service, though they may sent communications to Mr. Wade, to our tradition In the matter here dis­ not be so scrupulous about attending the Board of Foreign Missions of the cussed, we tend to tone down this every service of the preaching of the CR Church and to the PR Missions principle to the the point where we Word on a Sabbath day. They have, Committee. almost make the Word of God a evidentlf, regarded the Lord's Supper Since that time, however, it has been secondary means of grace. as a prImary means of grace which reported that Mr. Wade has submitted The Word and Tradition they would neglect only with greatest his resignation as pastor of the Bu­ reluctance. Their attitude toward the sanda Church and that Mr. Hoffman Consider discerningly the usual Word of God hardly shows the same h~s assumed responsibility for the ra­ manner and frequency of the observ­ high esteem. And our churches, by dIO work and the Guam mission for ance of the Lord's Supper in Reformed their practice, dictated largely by cus­ the Christian Reformed Church. The churches. Traditionally, Ref 0 r m e d tom, are teaching our people to think property has been turned over to that churches observe the Lord's Supper in this way. body. Mr. Wade is said to have re­ once a quarter, or four times a year. quested of the PR Missions Committee No one questions the right of every Preparatory Service an extension of time beyond that orig­ church, every session or consistory, to Another tradition of Reformed inally stipulated for his leaving Guam. determine the frequency of the ob- churches is a preparatory service. There

October, 1961 179 is no evidence in the Scripture that members and participants only at In a previous charge this writer suc­ preparatory services were held a few Communion services. Does not this cessfully encouraged the church to ob­ days or a week prior to the observance imply that the churches which do serve the Lord's Supper once a month, of the Lord's Supper. Rather, it seems such, regard the Communion service which turned out to be a great blessing that all in the church were exhorted as a more important service than the to the whole church. In his present to prepare themselves individually be­ regular weekly preaching of the Word charge, the Lord's Supper is now ob­ forehand, and that in the observance of God? Do our churches ordinarily served bi-monthly instead of quarterly, of the Lord's Supper the preaching of follow up those members who miss which is an advance. Notice is given the Word of God during that service one of the preaching services on the in the church bulletin the week pre­ was intended to be the preparation for Lord's Day, or who might happen not vious to the administration of the the proper participation in it. There is to attend any service on some particu­ Lord's Supper, that the members no question that preparation is needed lar Lord's Day? And yet there is great should prepare themselves by spiritual today, even as it was in the days of concern if members miss one Com­ examination for participation in the the Apostles. But what Scriptural sup­ munion service. In sessions and con­ sacrament. During the same service in port can be given to the idea that a sistories there are even rumblings as which the Lord's Supper is observed Communion service may not be ob­ to the advisability of discipline In a message of a preparatory nature is served unless a preparatory service has such cases. presented, not only setting forth the meaning and blessing of the sacra­ first been held, either during the pre­ Relation to Preaching vious week or on the previous Sab­ ment, but pointing out the necessity of bath? Now, lest the thrust of these re­ self-examination concerning the gen­ What is the effect of this tradition marks be misunderstood, let it be said uineness of one's faith in Jesus Christ of the preparatory service? The effect that in no way does this writer under­ in order to participate in it. is that the preparatory service further value the great privileges and blessings The Pharisees of old were not the sets off the observance of the Lord's of the Lord's Supper. However, he only people to be governed unduly by Supper as something extra special, does value greatly the preaching of tradition. Nor is the Roman Catholic above the preaching of the Word of the Word of God and is concerned Church today the only church to be God. Truly, if preparation were need­ lest our Reformed churches, by their governed by tradition. We who are of ed, it were needed that people might practices, dictated chiefly by tradition, Reformed persuasion should awake to hear reverently the preaching of the tend to undervalue the importance of the fact that we are also at certain Word of God. How excellent is the the preaching of God's Word. We points in grave danger of being gov­ teaching of the Westminster Larger are unwittingly, by our practice, lean­ erned by tradition. Let us fearlessly Catechism on this point. Questions ing toward sacramental ism. re-examine our practices to make sure 156 and 157 are quite explicit. Why It would be well if our Reformed not only that they meet the formal re­ do we, as Reformed churches, not have churches were to re-examine their quirements of Scripture, but that they preparatory services to prepare people practices concerning the Lord's Sup­ encourage believers to have a proper to hear the preaching of the Word of per in relation to the preaching of the estimate of the importance of the God reverently, with understanding Word of God and the administration preaching of the Word of God, our and with self-examination, when we of Baptism. supreme rule for faith and practice. are so insistent that they must attend preparatory services in order to ob­ serve the Lord's Supper. The Other Sacrament Then also there is the inconsistent attitude of Reformed churches in this Must We Be Negative? matter toward the other Scriptural sacrament, namely, Baptism. By tradi­ By G. I. WILLIAMSON tion we require preparatory services for the whole church in order to par­ ticipate in the Lord's Supper. But we rom time to time we hear criticism gospel wholly by this approach. But do not do so with respect to the sacra­ F -and we regard it as well in­ there is no use pretending that the ment of Baptism. True, the minister tended-because we not only defend negative aspect can be entirely avoided counsels with and instructs the parents the truth but also expose error. It is by those who follow the Scriptures. of the child to be baptized, and in­ suggested that we would do better Was Christ too negative? Or can structs the convert to be baptized, but merely to present the truth in a posi­ anyone say that he was not positive there is no preparatory service for the tive way without mentioning error, enough? Yet it cannot be denied that whole church a few days or a week leaving it to the individual to make he not only told men what the truth before the administering of the sacra­ his own contrast and draw his own was, but also told them exactly what ment of Baptism. Actually, the sacra­ conclusion. In this way, it is hoped, the errors of the day were. It was Jesus ment of Baptism is all too often no one will be offended, and more who said, "Take heed and beware of casually observed in our churches. Why progress will be made. the leaven of the Pharisees and of the is there such discrimination? It is to be admitted, of course, that Sadducees" (Mt. 16:6). "Then un­ Another matter is the custom of one can be too negative. One cer­ derstood they how that he bade them many churches to take attendance of tainly cannot preach or witness the . beware ... of the doctrine of the

180 The Presbyterian Guardian Pharisees and of the Sadducees" (16: The Bluntness of Jesus long as he held the doctrine of Satan, 12) . If a minister today were to be as he could be fairly rebuked as one in In one extended passage recorded in blunt and truthful as Jesus was, he whom Satan worked. There was noth­ both Mark and Matthew, Christ spe­ would be regarded as a scoundrel. ing 'harsh' or 'unjust' therefore in con­ cifically condemned their practice of Listen : "Woe unto you, scribes and demning Peter severely for holding "teaching for doctrines the command­ Pharisees, hypocrites . . . ye serpents, such a view. ments of men . . . making the word ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye Now we are well aware of the fact of God of none effect through your escape the judgment of hell" (Mt. that it sometimes causes restless un­ tradition" (Mk. 7:7, 13). In another 23 :29, 33 etc.? Imagine calling the easiness when, in the preaching of passage (Mt. 23) we see him con­ recognized religious leaders of His day God's word, we take the time to con­ demning error after error. 'snakes' ! demn error. When we do this it may As it was his custom to condemn Well, you may say, Jesus was God's seem as if we had some personal bit­ error as well as teach truth, so it was Son and therefore had the right to terness against those who hold an er­ his constant habit to reveal the source say such a thing, but other men must roneous view. But this is not the case. of that error as well as the consequence never do so. But John the Baptist said, When Jesus rebuked Peter he did it, of maintaining it. He said (as to the when he saw many of the Pharisees not because he hated Peter, but be­ source of error), "Ye do err, not and Sadducees coming to his baptism, cause he loved him. We condemn er­ knowing the Scriptures" (Mt. 22: 29) . "Ye offspring of vipers, who warned ror precisely because we desire to save And he said (as to the consequences you to flee from the wrath to come" those who hold the same. of error), "In vain do they worship" (Mt. 3:7)? And Jesus said of John, Does not the Bible say: "My breth­ (Mk. 7:7), "Woe unto you" (Mt. "Verily I say unto you, Among them ren, if any among you err from the 23 often). that are born of women there hath not truth, and one convert him; let him Apostolic Example arisen a greater . . ." (Mt. 11: 11). know, that he who converteth a sinner And why not? If it was true when from the error of his way shall save The Apostles followed the example Jesus said it, why not when John said a soul from death, and shall cover a of their Lord, and condemned error it? And why not say it if it is true? multitude of sins" (James 5:19, 20)? faithfully. The whole epistle of Jude deals with the false teachers that had, Must we be negative? Yes indeed When we take pains to point out the even then, crept into the Christian we must, if we are to serve in the errors of the Roman Catholic religion church. And one can hardly find a cause of Christ. For that is what it is not because we desire to see men New Testament epistle that does not Christ's cause is: it is a fight to the condemned, but because we desire to contain direct attack upon error. In I finish against the kingdom of dark­ save men from the errors which can Cor. 15: 12 Paul attacks the error of ness, which is built upon nothing but cause them to be condemned. When those who said there was no resurrec­ error. Paul said that "the Spirit expressly" tion. In Galatians he attacks those When all is said and done we be­ warned of the day in which men would who were teaching that circumcision lieve that those who would avoid the "give heed to seducing spirits and was a requirement in the New Testa­ assault on error cannot really serve doctrines of devils" (I Tim. 4:1, 2), ment era. God in the battle for truth. One was he joking? And when he named must choose sides. And he who does The instructions that the Apostle those "doctrines of devils" as "forbid­ not choose to oppose error, cannot but ding to marry, and commanding to ab­ Paul gave to Timothy include the duty be opposed to the truth. Indeed, the to "reprove, rebuke, exhort with all stain from meats," was he being harsh only ones who have nothing to fear and bitter? And if such things should longsuffering and doctrine" (II Tim. are those who love the truth. Those 4: 2). True, he is to be "gentle to all," not be condemned today, why did he who love the truth are not unwilling go on to say, "If thou put the brethren but he is also "in meekness (to) cor­ to be shown, by God's holy Word, that rect those that oppose themselves" (2: in mind of these things, thou shalt be they themselves are in error at a given a good minister of Christ Jesus" (I 24, 25). And even the members of point. But to those who do not love the congregation as well as the minis­ Tim. 4:6)? How else can a minister the truth, every attack upon error is in "correct them that oppose themselves" ter are to "have no fellowship with effect an attack upon themselves. the unfruitful works of darkness, but (II Tim. 2:25)? rather (to) reprove them" (Eph. 5: An Important Distinction The Word of God requires that the 11). Right here we must make one very preaching of the gospel be negative as The truth is that the Scriptures important distinction. It is the dis­ well as positive. It is not enough to be (which are our only rule of faith and tinction between the cause which the for something, we must also be against practice) require us to be negative as man represents, and the man who rep­ something. And so there must be a well as positive. One cannot be "for" resents the cause. We can see the point rebuke of error, as well as exhortation truth unless he is "against" error. Im­ if we will remember that occasion in truth. agine the Voice of America speaking when Jesus said to none other than the Suppose you were a physician and a only pleasant truths about itself, with­ Apostle Peter, "Get thee behind me, sick man came to you claiming that out also exposing lies and distortions Satan: thou art a stumbling-block unto he had been cured by a home-remedy? being put forth by the Communists! me: for thou mindest not the things You would not only need to give him Would you be content to say nice of God, but the things of men" (Mt. the true remedy, you would also need things about your friend, but nothing 16: 23). Because Peter, at this moment, to warn him against the false one. So about the false. ,and;vil things that adopted the doctrine of Satan he rep­ it is with the medicine of God's true are being said about him? resented the cause of Satan. And so gospel for the soul.

October, 1961 181 California Churches Dedicate Buildings niscing. The MacKenzies showed color slides portraying the history of the ithin a period of thirteen months San Francisco church from its beginning and closing W five California Orthodox Pres­ Earlier in the month First Church with pictures of the many volunteers byterian Churches have dedicated new of San Francisco was filled to over­ buildings to the glory of God and two whose labors brought the construction flowing as some 250 people crowded to its completion. other congregations have entered reno­ into the upstairs chapel and into the vated structures. Not previously re­ social hall below. The Rev. John Gal­ Torrance ported in these columns were three braith (general secretary of the Com­ A few weeks earlier the Greyfriars services of dedication last spring. mittee on Foreign Missions) used as Church, 22511 S. Figueroa St., Tor­ Whittier his theme for the dedication sermon rance held its dedicatory services. Dr. More than 300 persons gathered at "Size Doesn't Count." David Calderwood, pastor, preached Calvary Church, 12132 S. Luitwieler Pastors of other congregations in the a sermon on "Things Which Cannot Ave., Whittier on Palm Sunday after­ area who participated were the Rev. Be Shaken." The Rev. Dwight Pound­ noon to participate in the responsive Messrs. Henry Coray, Richard Lewis, stone and the Rev. Paul Lovik took refrain, "We dedicate this house." The Jack Miller, and Arthur Riffel. First part, and the choir of First Church, Rev. Edward Kellogg preached a ser­ Church began under the ministry of Long Beach, furnished special music. mon on "Christ in the Midst of the the Rev. Robert Atwell, meeting in a Other ministers of presbytery were also Churches." store building until the purchase and present. Others who took part were the Rev. remodelling of the old Stanley Dollar Although the seating capacity is Messrs. Louis Knowles, Wilson Al­ home on Turk St. Following the pas­ nearly 350 not all who came to the bright, Lawrence Eyres, LeRoy Oliver torates of the Rev. Carl Ahlfeldt and service were able to get inside. Seven (general secretary of the Committee the Rev. Edwards Elliott, the Rev. new families from the community at­ on Home Missions, who was on the Salvador Solis was called as minister tended the morning worship service West Coast at the time), and Dwight in the spring of 1958. the week following the dedication, and Poundstone, pastor. All of the Ortho­ About a year later Covenant Church 21 adults were received into the church dox Presbyterian congregations of the (whose former pastor, the Rev. Lionel during the next three months, it is re­ area were represented on the occasion, Brown, is now in Volga, S. D.) and ported. which was followed by a time of fel­ First Church merged, the properties Greyfriars Church moved to Tor­ lowship and refreshments on the low­ were sold and the present location ac­ rance from its former location on er level of the new and attractive quired at 1350 Lawton St., at 20th Western Avenue, meeting for some building. Avenue. An existing building serves time with its branch mission group in It was a happy day indeed for the as a manse, with Sunday school rooms a recreation building in Sea-Aire Park, congregation which began as a Bible downstairs. The exterior of the new Torrance. Various restrictions pre­ class in a home ten years ago, later chapel is of stucco and brick, with a vented the use of the first piece of moved to a recreation building in a copper steeple above a high slanted property bought, but the increase in public park and then to the Whittier roof. The interior has a driftwood fin­ value at its sale made possible the pur­ YMCA. More recently the meeting­ ish, with laminated arches. Blue car­ chase of the present site and a sizeable place had been a renovated chapel peting adds to the loveliness of the building fund. The new structure has (formerly a garage) on the present chapel, which seats 165. A social hall a colorful interior with pink and wood­ property. The new unit is part of an and pastor's study are downstairs. rose hues combined with lavender and overall plan for development in meet­ On the Friday after the dedication blue windows. The spire displays the ing the needs of the growing area the church family gathered for a fel­ church's emblem, the burning bush, which Calvary Church serves. lowship dinner and a time of remi- which is lit at night.

Messrs. Solis, Coray, Galbraith, Lewis, Riffel, Miller, in First Church, San View of Calvary Church, Whittier Interior of Greyfriars' Sanctuary, Torrance Francisco.

182 The Presbyterian Guardian Presbytery of C·alifornia present charges." (See a report else­ Presbytery of Philadelphia where in this issue of an action taken ixteen ministers, and elders from by the Presbytery of New York and alvary Church of Middletown, Pa., S ten congregations, gathered at the New England at their fall meeting, C was host to the September 25th Brentwood Orthodox Presbyterian October 10-11, 1961.) meeting of the Presbytery of Philadel­ Church of South San Francisco for the Greetings from Classis California phia, with the Rev. John Mitchell con­ stated fall meeting of the Presbytery of the Christian Reformed Church ducting the devotional service. Elected of California on September 27 and 28, were brought by the Rev. Louis Vos­ as moderator was the Rev. Charles under the moderatorship of the Rev. kuil. On motion it was decided to in­ Ellis, as assistant clerk, the Rev. Crom­ Edward Kellogg. The Rev. Lawrence vite Classis California of the Christian well Roskamp, and as treasurer, Mr. Eyres served as temporary assistant Reformed Church, the presbyteries of Howard Porter. The Rev. Henry Fik­ clerk. Stated clerk is the Rev. Edwards the Evangelical Presbyterian and the kert is the clerk. Elliott. Reformed Presbyterian Churches, and A call to the Rev. Arthur B. Spoon­ After an examination in theology the Eureka Classis to send fraternal er from Trinity Church, Hatboro, was the Rev. Robert Graham was received delegates to the spring meeting, which found in order and transmitted to the by transfer from the Presbytery of is to be held April 25 and 26 at First Presbytery of New Jersey. Mr. David Philadelphia and arrangements were Church, Long Beach and Greyfriars Carson, a member of Calvary Church, made for his installation as pastor of Church, Torrance. Glenside, and a graduate of Gordon the Bayview Church, Chula Vista on On Wednesday evening at the pop­ Divinity School, was received under October 11. The reception of Dr. Wil­ ular service the Rev. Robert Graham care of presbytery as a candidate for liam Welmers from the Presbytery of spoke on the theme of the 25th anni­ the gospel ministry. New York and New England was also versary of the Orthodox Presbyterian The name of licentiate William scheduled for that special meeting. Church. White was removed from the roll, at A call from the Westminster Church, At an earlier meeting (June 26th) his request, since he is no longer a Los Angeles, for the pastoral services the presbytery examined and licensed member of the denomination. of Mr. Michael Stingley was found in two candidates for the gospel ministry. order and transmitted to the Presby­ One, Mr. Robert Newsom, a member tery of Philadelphia. Mr. Stingley is of the Garden Grove congregation, has Henry R. Van Til a licentiate of the latter presbytery and taken his seminary training at Dallas a senior at Westminster Seminary. and Fuller. Mr. Calvin Maleor, a sen­ enry R. Van Til suffered a heart A committee was erected to examine ior at Westminster Seminary, is a mem­ H attack on September 28th while potential members and elders-elect of ber of First Church, Manhattan Beach. in his Calvin College classroom and a church to be organized at Sonora, died immediately. He was in his 55th where the Rev. Robert Churchill is year. After a pastorate in the Christian laboring. Reformed Church and three years as a Subsequent to the 26th General As­ Westminster Lecture chaplain in the army, he was appointed sembly in 1959 the Presbytery of Cali­ r. H. R. Rookmaaker, of the Neth­ to the Bible department of Calvin Col­ fornia had requested the Presbytery of D erlands, is to give an illustrated lege in 1946. New York and New England to con­ lecture on Thursday, November 9th, He took some of his undergraduate sider disciplinary action in light of a according to an announcement by the seminary work at Westminster, and statement reportedly made by the Rev. faculty of Westminster Theological after receiving his Th.B. degree from Raymond Meiners repudiating the idea Seminary. The subject is: "A Christian Calvin Seminary obtained a Th.M. in that "normative preceptive guidance is Looks at Art-19th and 20th Century 1938 from Westminster Seminary and obtained exclusively by exegesis of the Visual Arts." also studied at the Free University of Scriptural revelation" (Minutes of Professor Rookmaaker, who is a spe­ Amsterdam. A man of strong convic­ 26th Assembly, p. 83). A communica­ cialist in the history of art, is a mem­ tions in the classroom and outside, tion dated June 8, 1960 and rejecting ber of the faculty of the University of Professor Van Til was a co-editor of the suggestion was received from the Leiden, the Netherlands. For a num­ the periodical Torch and Trumpet and Presbytery of New York and New ber of years he was the art critic for a author of The Calvinistic Concept of England, and a committee was ap­ leading Christian daily in that country. Culture, published in 1959. pointed to deal with the matter. He has been asked to deliver several He is survived by his wife, the for­ The committee recommended that lectures in the United States during mer Elizabeth Zandstra, and seven action be deferred because "Presbytery his stay here. children. Henry Van Til was a nephew does not wish in any way to prejudice The public is cordially invited to at­ of Dr. Cornelius Van Til. the respectful consideration of the ac­ tend the November 9th address which tion of the 28th General Assembly will be held at 8 p. m. in the audi­ relative to Peniel Bible Conference ..." torium of Calvary Orthodox Presby­ A substitute motion prevailed, how­ terian Church, across from the Semi­ Changes of Address ever, expressing "dissatisfaction with nary campus. Dr. Rookmaaker will be Rev. Edwin C. Urban, 2 Lane 311, the reasons given by the Presbytery of the fifteenth lecturer to be presented Antung St., Taipei, Formosa (while New York and New England for fail­ under the auspices of the Worcester the Andrewses are on furlough). ing to take disciplinary action" and Lectureship Fund established through Rev. Robert H. Graham, 464 Jamul reserving "the right, in the event of the generosity of Mrs. Harry A. Wor­ Court, Chula Vista, Calif. (note the further delay of disciplinary action, to cester in memory of her husband. Court, please).

October, 1961 183 of that statement in view of some per­ THE PASSING S£:ENE tinent facts. Why, for example, in the light of I By HENRY W. CORAY Corinthians 6:1-6, did the (then) Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. go to law against the. (now) Orthodox n a flash of refreshing honesty the A few years ago the myth of the Presbyterian Church over the use of creator of Cubism in art, Pablo Piltdown Man exploded before the I the name Presbyterian Church of Picasso, unburdened himself to Papini, world causing much scarlet to flow into America originally adopted by the the famed Italian writer. The confes­ the cheecks of certain scientists who founders of the Orthodox Presbyterian sion is startling, particularly in the had pinned their faith to a phantom Church? And before I Timothy 2: 11, light of the vast prominence given hypothesis. Here in the sphere of art 12, why does the United Presbyterian Picasso and his brush by modern art­ we view a similar bomb burst. Yet curi­ Church ordain women to the office of ists. ously, even though the confession was ruling elder? "From the moment that art ceases voiced by Picasso some nine years ago, to be the food that feeds the best multitudes of Picasso's admirers still Why in the face of Galatians 1: 8, minds the artist can use his talent to fall down and joyfully worship his Ab­ 9, II John 10, and many other relevant perform all the tricks of the intellec­ stract Expressionism. passages, does the church permit theo­ tual charlatan," Picasso told Papini. Accordiing to John Garth, the art­ logians like Dr. Theodore Gill and "Most people today can no longer ex­ ist's mission in life "is not selfishly to other liberal ministers to teach and pect to receive consolation and exalta­ accumulate a lot of money by cheap preach the doctrines of neo-orthodoxy, tion from art. The 'refined,' the rich, trickery, but to use, in the finest man­ existentialism, and other Christ-dishon­ the professional 'do-nothings,' the 'dis­ ner of which he is capable, the rare oring tenets and to occupy high posts tillers of quintessence' desire only the gifts God has entrusted to him." This in its seminaries? And how justify the peculiar, the sensational, the eccentric, is true. Abraham Kuyper in his Stone iniquitous mandate of the 1936 Gen­ the scandalous in todav's art. And I Lectures declared: "The world of eral Assembly demanding blanket loy­ myself, since the advent of Cubism, sounds, the world of tints, and the alty to the church's board and labeling have fed these fellows what they world of poetic ideas can have no other disloyalty to human agencies as serious wanted and satisfied these critics with source than God; and it is our privi­ a sin as a church member's refusing to all the ridiculous ideas that have passed lege as bearers of His image, to have partake of the Lord's Supper? Presby­ through my head. The less they under­ a perception of this beautiful world, terian Life has an abbreviated mem­ stood them, the more they admired me. artistically to produce, and humbly to ory. Not many years ago it featured an "Today, as you know, I am cele­ enjoy it." article by one Dr. Walker of Evanston, brated; I am rich. But when I am Illinois blatantly denying the doctrine alone, I do not have the effrontery to resbyterian Life, the organ of the of hell. consider myself an artist at all, not in P United Presbyterian Church in the The deplorable defection from the the grand old meaning of the word: U.S.A., recently ran an article on the great and glorious Presbyterian doc­ Giotto, Titian, Rembrandt, Goya, those Scriptures, the Only Infallible Rule of trines outlined in the catechism calls great painters. Faith and Practice. The writer insists for Presbyterian Life to open its "I am only a public clown, a mount­ that the Bible has been, and still is the church's record books, study them care­ ebank, I have understood my time and sole standard in his church. This is fully in the blazing rays of God's holy exploited the imbecility, the vanity, the strange and ironical writing in view of Word, and repudiate such articles as greed of my contemporaries. the developments in this largest Pres­ the one boasting the church's alle­ "It is a bitter confession, this con­ byterian body in recent years. One giance to the Bible as the one infallible fession of mine, more painful than it might properly challenge the accuracy rule of faith and practice. may seem, but it, at least, does have the merit of being honest!" note that a well-known doctor GREAT COMMISSION I Recommends that his patients vary their daily routine CHRISTMAS CARDS In order to make life more exciting. A new concept in Christmas greetings For instance, he says, if you are used Six exclusive designs-each available To taking a walk alone, try going with companions as a card or as a tract. These distinctive And vice versa; greetings combine good taste with a true If you are accustomed to commute to the city expression of the sacred joy of the coming By train, try the bus; of the Son of God to earth. Skip an occasional meal for a change; U cards with Scripture text Do you play nothing but golf? Go in for tennis. Boxed with 25 envelopes $1.75 Do you love to read? Try writing. U card-tracts with text and message Boxed with 25 envelopes $1.75 And so on and on and on. Well, I thought, this is excellent advice; Write today for samples So why don't I try going to church this Sunday night? And Prayer Meeting next Wednesday evening? COMMITTEE ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Old Chinese Philosopher ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 7401 OLD YORK ROAD, PHILA. 26, PA. Please send samples of Great Commis­ The Presbyterian Guardian sion Christmas cards to: Name . Address City and State ..

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