Hatboro Church Dedicated UP went the steeple as work neared completion on the new building of Trinity Orthodox Presby­ terian Church of Hatboro, Pennsylvania. The congregation held the first services in its almost finished permanent home on the third Sunday in November-just five months after groundbreaking ceremonies on a warm day last June. A series of meetings for thanksgiving and dedica­ (continued on page 142) \

Meditations on the Gospel of Luke Even so, there was a note of discord II amid the solemn ministrations of the evening, for we read: "There was also j a strife among them which of them should be accounted the greatest" (v. A Memorable Night 24). The disciples still had in mind an earthly kingdom of splendor and EDWARD WYBENGA glory which they hoped the Messiah would set up. They were wondering .• The Treachery of Judas who would have the places of highest J to his besetting sin of avarice. He was authority in that kingdom. Luke 22:1-6 neither the first, nor the last, to sell his soul for money. We see it happen­ By means of an object lesson-the t was Wednesday of the last week example of foot-washing recorded in of Jesus' life upon this earth before ing every day. Honesty, virtue, char­ I acter are sacrificed on the altar of de­ John 13-Jesus taught them that true the cross. In the providence of God greatness lies in true humility which votion to the god of gold. In the heart our Savior was to die as our sacrificial is shown in consecrated service. They of man there still lurks a 'Judas' seek­ Lamb at the very time when the annual who are faithful in their service to ing to destroy him! Passover lamb was to be sacrificed in Christ shall have reward enough in commemoration of the deliverance of The Last Supper the kingdom of heaven where they the Jews from Egyptian bondage. Join­ Luke 22:7-30 shall live and reign with the Lord ing the two the apostle later wrote, ow the time had come when Jesus forever. "For even Christ our passover is sac­ N was to keep the Passover with his The Lord's Table rificed for us" (I Corinth. 5:7). disciples. Accordingly, he sent Peter It was Jesus' purpose to lead on Through the redemption wrought by and John to make the necessary prepa­ from the Old Testament Passover meal Christ upon the cross sinners are freed rations. He told them that upon enter­ to the Lord's Supper of the New Tes­ from a far more grievous oppression ing the city of Jerusalem they would tament. In this way he would show his than ever befell the children of Israel be met by a man carrying a pitcher followers that as the true Paschal Lamb under Pharaoh. of water. They were to follow him into he was introducing a new sacrament His enemies were determined to put the house where he entered. On the or ordinance whereby his people could Jesus to death. They had long sought authority of Christ they were to ask call to remembrance his sacrificial for an opportunity to do so, but de­ for the guest-chamber; and there they death for their sins. He said, "This do layed for fear of the people, many of were to make ready the Passover. All in remembrance of me." The broken whom thought of him as a great of this came to pass as Jesus had said. bread and the poured out wine would prophet. At the time of the celebration When the appointed hour arrived speak most clearly and forcefully of of the Passover feast a huge multitude the central truth of redemption, -perhaps two million-had gathered the Savior and his little band of twelve apostles gathered in the upper room namely, "He loved me, and gave him­ in Jerusalem from all parts of the land, self for me" (Gal. 3: 20b) . some coming from more distant places. of the house to partake of this last How could the chief priests and scribes supper together. It was indeed to be While Jesus wished to proceed with seize Jesus and get away with their the last-for with the death of Christ the institution of the Lord's Supper, scheme of putting him to death in the on the following day the old Passover he apparently did not wish to do so presence of such a crowd? feast was about to be done away. The until he had first dismissed Judas from It was just at this time that Judas true Passover Lamb would then have the company of the twelve. Such sacred came along to help solve their prob­ given his life for the redemption of associations of thought and feeling as lem. As one of the twelve he had in­ his people. No longer would the pertained to the holy sacrament were side knowledge about the life and paschal lamb of the Old Testament not in keeping with the heart and habits of Jesus. He would see to it have to be slain and its blood shed mind of Judas, who was already in the that Jesus would fall into the hands of rifice of "the Lamb of God that taketh clutches of the devil. Therefore, at this his enemies without the multitude's away the sin of the world" (John point, as indicated in the Gospel of bec~ming aware of what was hap­ 1: 29) . Matthew (26:21-25), the traitor was identified, and he at once left the as­ pemng. This was indeed a memorable night This was welcome news to the rulers for Jesus and his disciples. He said, sembly (John 13:30). of the Sanhedrin. Immediately they "With desire I have desired to eat this How inexpressibly painful was this struck a bargain with Judas. After Passover with you before I suffer"­ scene at the Passover table! The soul Jesus had been delivered into their i.e., "I have greatly desired to do so." of Jesus was agitated within him hands they would give the traitor It was a deeply religious occasion, a (John 13 :21). The disciples were cast thirty pieces of silver-reward enough time of close fellowship and spiritual into deep gloom and sorrow (Matt. for Judas who would sell his Master conversation. It brought a foretaste of 26:22). As for Judas, upon him fell for about the price of a slave. the permanent and perfect joys of sal­ the verdict of Christ: "The Son of Satan had indeed entered into the vation that await the children of God man goeth as it is written of him: but heart of Judas Iscariot. He fell victim in heaven. (concluded on page 144)

The Presbyterian Guardian is published monthly (except May-June and Jufy-Augustl by the Presbyterian Guardian Publishing Corp., 7401 Old York Rd., Phila. Pa. 19126, 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 morel; $1.00 for four months; 25c per single copy. Sec,nd Class mail privileges authorized at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa. 134 The Presbyterian Guardian Have We Confused Christ's Command? Witnessing About Christ ALBERT G. EDWARDS

I love to tell the story "soul winner" or a "personal worker" Do we have personal assurance of what Of unseen things above, is the same thing as being a witness, Christ has done for us through faith? Of Jesus and his glory, countless humble Christians are being Paul's admonition to the Christians in Of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story, discouraged needlessly by this miscon­ Corinth is much to the point: "Ex­ Because I know 'tis true; ception. Christians need to witness, amine yourselves, whether ye be in the It satisfies my longings and must be encouraged to witness. faith; prove your own selves. Know ye As nothing else could do. The only proper way to encourage not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be repro­ ur Lord Jesus, in one of the last them is to tell the truth about witness­ bates?" (II Corinthians 13: 5). O words he left us before his rna­ ing as found in the Bible. jestic ascension into heaven, said: "Ye Witnessing Should Come May this not be an important reason why many do not witness? They have shall receive power, after that the Holy Naturally Spirit is come upon you, and ye shall nothing inside to talk about. They do Witnessing simply means to tell be witnesses unto me" (Acts 1: 8) . not know whether Jesus Christ is in Although the command is clear, what we know to be true. Therefore, them. They are empty and hollow, many Christians are afraid of witness­ witnessing is something that should only pretending. They do not know ing. They are afraid because they have come naturally. It cannot help but the joy of their salvation, the reality a confused idea of what it means to come naturally if Jesus Christ is real of the forgiveness of sin. They have witness. They think that being a wit­ to us, and his salvation and Word are only a form of godliness, but know ness and being a "soul winner" or a a source of real comfort and assurance. nothing of the power of it (II Timo­ "personal worker" are one and the When Peter and John were threatened thy 3: 5). Christ is not real to them. same thing. Are witnessing and "soul and told not to say anything about He is only remote. How then can they winning" the same? What does it Jesus, they said, "We cannot but speak speak of the Lord whom they do not mean to witness? the things which we have seen and know? Witnessing is, very simply, telling heard" (Acts 4: 20) . If we know Christ we will witness someone what we know to be true. It We cannot help speaking about about him. If we are not witness­ is not the using of clever, memorized things that mean most to us, things ing, we must seriously ask ourselves arguments with the aim of persuading we are really excited about. If we whether we are Christians at all. Those a person to become a Christian. In a treasure and are really full of joy over who are Christians will witness. They law court, a witness does not try to the great salvation that God has given cannot help it. They know Christ. argue with the judge, or present clever, us in his Son, how can we help but They cannot deny him. The Holy carefully memorized statements to try bring it up in conversation? If people Spirit's power in their life compels to persuade him to take a certain get excited over new recipes, new cars, them to witness. "But ye shall receive course of action. He simply tells the or a really good place to fish, how power, after that the Holy Spirit is judge what he personally knows to be much more ought Christians to be come upon you, and ye shall be wit­ true. really enthusiastic over the greatest nesses unto me" (Acts 1 :8). thing in life, fellowship with God Witnessing Is Not Identical himself through his own Son Jesus Witnesses Must Use Words with Soul Winning Christ? The Apostle John was excited Many try to take shelter from the The Bible says that "he that win­ about it, and talked about it to every­ searching light of God' s Word by say­ neth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11 :30). one he could. "That which we have ing that, although they may not say But not every Christian seems to have seen and heard," he said, "declare we much about Christ, nevertheless they this gift from God. Is it not true that unto you, that ye also may have fel­ are witnessing with their lives. It is some are so terribly shy that even lowship with us: and truly our fel­ certainly true that the witness of our though they pray earnestly for help, lowship is with the Father, and with mouth is dead without the witness of they become hopelessly confused and his Son Jesus Christ" (I John 1:3). our life (James 2: 17-18). On the other hand, the witness of our life is tangled up when they try to persuade We Must Have Something to someone else to become a Christian? meaningless and not understood with­ And so, because they do not seem to Witness About out the witness of our mouth. To have the gift of being a "personal If witnessing simply means to tell whom do we give credit for our worker," they become discouraged. what we personally know to be true, changed life? If we keep our mouth They think they are failures. They do then we must ask ourselves, What do shut, no one will know. Paul did not not realize that if they are Christians we personally know to be true about hesitate to witness with words about at all, they are witnesses to Christ. Christ? Do we have personal assurance the reason for his changed life. He When they are told that being a of the truth of the Bible's message? testified: "But by the grace of God I

November, 1965 135 am what I am: and his grace which and start using a compelling set of home can we go on to witness to was bestowed upon me was not in arguments to bring him to Christ. This others. vain; but I labored more abundantly is a most unfortunate distortion. When than they all: yet not I, but the grace Jesus told his disciples to witness, he We Must Witness One to of God which was with rn-" (I Cor­ told them where they should witness Another at Church inthians 15:10) . (Jerusalem, all Judea, Samaria and The practice of speaking one to Because words are absolutely essen­ unto the uttermost part of the earth), another of God's faithfulness and tial to meaningful scriptural witness­ but he did not tell them to limit their grace is too widely neglected in many ing, therefore we are told to use our witness to anyone type of person in churches. Sad to say, it is often be­ mouth. "If thou shalt confess with thy those places.We should witness to ail cause of shame. Even in Jesus' time mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt be­ with whom we have contact. there were some who did not confess lieve in thine heart that God hath We must not think that witnessing him, "for they loved the praise of men raised him from the dead, thou shalt is a type of talk we must reserve for more than the praise of God" (John be saved. For with the heart man be­ and use only with non-Christians. In 12:43). How refreshing it is to hear lieveth unto righteousness; and with the first place, as we have tried to Paul say, "For I am not ashamed of the mouth confession is made unto sal­ emphasize, witnessing is not some spe­ the gospel of Christ" (Romans 1:16). vation" (Roman 10:9,10). Jesus like­ cial kind of talking. It is just speaking Jesus soberly warns us against giving wise stresses the absolute importance naturally of the things that are im­ in to this temptation. He says: 'For of openly acknowledging him before portant to us, things about which we whosoever shall be ashamed of me and men. He said: "Whosoever therefore can't help but be a little excited, of my words, of him shall the Son shall confess me before men, him will things we know to be true because we of Man be ashamed, when he shall I confess also before my Father which have found them in God's Word and come in his own glory, and in his is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny experienced their reality in certain ways Father's, and of the holy angels" me before men, him will I also deny in our life. Secondly, we find that the (Luke 9:26). before my Father which is in heaven" Bible tells Christians to speak to one I love to tell the story, (Matthew 10:32,33). another about Christ. 'Twill be my theme in glory To tell the old, old story If we do not use our mouth - our We Must Witness about Christ Of Jesus and his love. words - in witnessing, we are not to One Another witnessing in the scriptural meaning In the life of the church Christians, of the term. Weare disobeying Christ. We must witness about Christ to when they meet together before or We are denying Christ by silence. one another. "Then they that feared after a worship service, should find it Know then that he will repudiate the Lord spake often one to another," natural to speak together of God's those who deny him. On that day we read in Malachi 3: 16. In Colossians wonderful dealings with them. All too when we shall all stand before the 3:16 we are told, "Let the word of often the conversation revolves around judgment seat of Christ, what will he Christ dwell in you richly in all wis­ the weather instead of the Creator of dom; teaching and admonishing one say to you? Now is the time to think the weather and of all things. Oppor­ about this, and to start using your another ..." In Hebrews 10 :25 we tunity ought also to be opened, and mouth for his glory. are reminded that we should be "ex­ encouragement by example given, in hatting one another." gatherings for Bible study and prayer Witnesses Should Be Natural to witness one to another and even to I love to tell the story; Witnessing should be a natural ex­ For those who know it best exhort one another about the things of pression of the Christian's faith. If Seem hungering and thirsting God (Hebrews 10 :25). witnessing should come naturally, it To hear it, like the rest. If Christians do not find it nautral should also be natural. It should not And when, in scenes of glory, wherever and whenever they meet to I sing the new, new song, be artificial or put on. That would be 'Twill be the old, old story, speak one with another of God's gra­ hypocrisy. It would actually be telling That I have loved so long. cious dealings with them, how can a lie, bearing a false witness. Each they ever hope naturally to speak with person has his own way of talking Start in the Home non-Christians about Jesus Christ? and doing things. Each should there­ We must start with those closest to When a Christian simply puts on a fore witness about Christ with his us and share in our joy in the Lord pious attitude for the benefit of a non­ mouth in a way that is not artificial one with another. We should do this Christian, the non-Christian can see to him, or put on, but natural. in the home. Husbands and wives through the hypocrisy with ease. It is should bear witness to each other of remarkable that so many of us feel I love to tell the story; God's faithfulness and mercy. Parents that when we do this we are doing More wonderful it seems Than all the golden fancies should witness to their children. This something worthy of God's own Of all our golden dreams. is the heart of Christian education. praise. Actually, the only ones we are I love to tell the story, Children must share with their parents, fooling are ourselves. It did so much for me; speaking of, witnessing to, God's deal­ And that is just the reason Christians Must Witness to I tell it now to thee. ings with them. Children in a family should speak with each other and Those Who Do Not Trust Christ Often we are given the impression share naturally in their covenant joy. It should not be necessary to say that before a Christian can witness, he If we cannot witness to one another, that a Christian must witness also to must find somebody who is not a how can we genuinely witness to any­ those who do not trust Christ, for we Christian, get him alone in a corner, one else? Only by first witnessing at should witness to all. Sadly, we do not

136 The Presbyterian Guardian all do so. In this we are disobedient­ to say will be relevant to the person Speakers Announced for disobedient to Christ himself. This dis­ we are talking to, we are wasting our obedience may arise from shame. If so, time, and his. If witnessing is not rele­ R. E. S. July Conference we should carefully examine ourselves, vant, it is unnatural. ~~In all things, including ecumenical whether we really belong to Christ Witnessing Must Be Relevant action, Christ must have the pre­ (Luke 9:26). If our disobedience In talking with a non-Christian, our eminence." So stated Dr. Paul G. stems from fear, we should find out witnessing will be relevant if we can Schrotenboer, General Secretary of the why we are afraid, and ask God to say something that will help him meet Reformed Ecumenical Synod, in de­ help us. After all, he has promised to concern~d scribing the theme of the R.E.S. Re­ give us the power of no less a person the particular problem ?e is about. Or if we mention how Chnst gional Conference for July 26-28, than the invincible Holy Spirit! What can help him find the joy and peace 1966 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. then have we to fear? "We may boldly which he obviously seems to be lack­ Under the general theme, Christ or say, The Lord is my helper, and I will ing. If, in his conversation, he shows Chaos I, the Conference will show that not fear what man shall do unto me" a total unawareness of the joy and Christ is the Power of the gospel, the (Hebrews 13:6). help Christ can give in life, we can Head of the church, the Key to unity, If our fear stems from a mistaken simply point this out, and tell how the Hope of the world. idea of witnessing, from still thinking we personally have found in Christ "Chaos is the only alternative to that witnessing to a non-Christian what he seems to be missing. He can Christ," Dr. Schrotenboer said. "Apart means to get him into a corner and tell by our life and attitude whether from him the world is lost, the persuade him by means of a series of our witness rings true. churches are confused and our age is compelling arguments to come to Again, it may be that if someone disillusioned. Christ alone is the an­ Christ, we ought perhaps to read over compliments us, and if we are aware swer. This we shall humbly and boldly again what has been said here so far. that the thing about which he com­ proclaim." We need to remember that the essence pliments us is. due to the wace of "Lest we give the false impression," of witnessing is not in our being per­ God, we can simply bear WItness to suasive. That is God's work. The es­ the General Secretary also explained, this conviction and say so. It may be "that all Reformed churches are al­ sence of witnessing is telling, simply possible to foll~~ up this opp~rtuni~y telling what we know to be true on ready fully united in the proclama­ with some additional observations If tion of Christ, the conference will also the basis of God' s Word and what the person does not change the subject he has done for us. face the nettlesome issues which sepa­ and ignore our remark. In any case, rate Reformed churches. Christ is the I love to tell the story; simply by speaking, we have.witnessed critic of his church; our differences 'Tis pleasant to repeat to Christ. It is this that Chnst asks of must be tested by his Word." What seems, each time I tell it, us. This is witnessing. The results are Speakers at the conference will be More wonderfully sweet. up to God. I love to tell the story, Dr. Joel Nederhood, Radio Minister For some have never heard Soul Winning and Witnessing of the Back to God Hour; Prof. Ed­ The message of salvation mund P. Clowney, acting President of "Soul winning" (a good biblical From God's own holy Word. Westminster Theological Seminary; term - Proverbs 11: 30) - or "fish­ Dr. G. Aiken Taylor, editor of the How Shall We Witness to a ing for men" (a term used by Jesus Presbyterian Journal; and Dr. John W. in Matthew 4:19) - is not the same Non-Christian? Sanderson, Dean of Covenant College. If the non-Christian we are trying thing as witnessing. Witnessing is The second day of the conference to speak with is a friend, we should simply telling what we know to be will feature a panel discussion under ~on­ ask Christ to help us to speak natur­ true, speaking to Christians. a?d the theme: Christ the Critic of his Christians alike. Every Christian IS a ally of the Lord with our.non-Chris­ Church: Testing our Differences by his witness. In his witness he undoubtedly tian friend. After all, our friend knows Word. The moderator will be Prof. us well enough to sense whether we prays that God will use what ?e says Bruce Willson of the Reformed Pres­ are being natural or not. to bring a person closer to Chnst. The byterian Theological Seminary, Pitts­ "soul-winner," on the other hand, con­ If the non-Christian we want to burgh. Others on the panel will be sciously seeks to persuade a non-Chris­ speak with is a stranger, often the Johannes G. Vos, Gordon J. Spykman, tion, by combining witnessing with problem is how to start and car.ry on a Edmund P. Clowney and Jerome de '. careful reasoning, to trust in Jesus conversation with him that WIll pro­ Jong. Christ. vide an opportunity to speak about The conference will provide an at­ what we are excited about. Perhaps many Christians are not mosphere and setting in which pa!ti­ "soul~winners:" ~ut Whether with a friend or a stranger, persuasive every cipants can reflect upon the abiding Christian is a WItness, Iike It or not. witnessing should be a natural part of task of the church: the proclamation He is a witness to God's work in his the conversation, a sharing with him, of the gospel. Participation will be heart and life. He should therefore in a way natural to us, of things that open to all. The site of the conference bear witness to what he knows to be mean much to us and that we feel is the new beautiful 'Knollcrest Cam­ should and can mean much to him, true. pus' of Calvin College. also. For this reason, "canned" or RES NEWS EXCHANGE memorized approaches are too often Mr. Edwards is the pastor of the 729 Upper Gage useless. It should be obvious also that First Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Hamilton, Ontario if we cannot see how what we want Portland, Oregan. Canada

November, 1965 137 J Basic Assumptions Reconsidered

GEORGEW.MARSTON

~~Should parents be received as An overture from the ~j7est Coast church members who refuse to Presbytery raised this question at the have their children baptized?" In an 32nd General Assembly of the OPC: article which appeared in the March Does the Constitution of the OPC per­ issue of the Presbyterian Guardian, mit church sessions to receive into Albeit G. Edwards called for a re­ communicant membership those who examination of an assumption held by refuse to present their children for those who were unwilling to receive baptism on account of scruples con­ such parents, namely, that the church cerning infant baptism? "must not receive those it must, in re­ The Assembly elected a committee ceiving, discipline." of three to consider the matter: Messrs. In reality, the question before us John Murray, Charles Ellis, and calls for a re-examination of at least Laurence Vail. three basic assumptions. The reader is reminded that two Organization and Organism views on the subject were presented The first assumption is held by in articles that appeared in these pages those who are willing to receive at in March 1965. Herewith is a further least conditionally, as communicant contribution to the discussion, by the church members, parents who are un­ Rev. George Marston, a member of the refuse to present their children for willing to present their children for Presbytery of Wisconsin. baptism should not be forced to sin against their consciences. In what baptism. According to this position we sense is infant baptism a matter of dare not exclude from the church as but it is certainly required of those an organization, those who belong to conscience? Those who quote from who would become either communi­ Romans 14 in support of this position the church as an organism. However, cant or non-communicant members of in I Corinthians 5:3-5 the Apostle would seem to be placing infant bap­ the church as an organization. This is tism in the realm of the adiaphora­ Paul recommends such an action in evident from Acts 2:38; 16:14, 15; respect to a certain member of the things indifferent, left to the con­ 16:30-33. This requirement is an im­ science of the individual. Infant bap­ church at Corinth. This passage reads portant aspect of the scriptural doc­ as follows: "For I verily, as absent tism does not belong in this category. trine of the church. I would suggest We believe that it is required by the in body, but present in spirit, have a rereading of the article entitled "In­ judged already, as though I were Word of God. fant Baptism Optional?" by Robert K. It is true, however, that neither in­ present, concerning him that hath so Churchill, which appeared in the same done this deed, in the name of our dividuals nor churches should sin issue of the Presbyterian Guardian. In against their consciences by doing that Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gath­ this connection see also the references ered together, and my spirit, with the which they believe to be contrary to on this subject to be found in the the Word of God. If both the church power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and deliver such an one unto Satan for and the individual Christian are tv Directory of Worship of the Orthodox follow what they believe the Word the destruction of the flesh, that the Presbyterian Church. spirit may be saved in the day of the of God teaches on this subject, Chris­ Lord Jesus." What the Bible Requires tian parents should unite with the In these words, he instructs them to It is the duty of every church to church whose teaching on this basic cast out of the church as an organi­ require of its members what it feels subject they believe to be in accord zation, one who belonged to the that the eternal Son of God requires with the Word. church as an organism. It is evident in his WOld. It has the right to refuse "All that we may require of the from this that membership in the admission to or remove from its mem­ candidate for communicant church church as an organism does not auto­ bership those who refuse to meet these membership is a credible profession matically qualify one for membership requirements. The Baptists are con­ of faith." This is the second assump­ in the church as an organization. sistent in their application of this prin­ tion which must be reconsidered. Something more, in this case consistent ciple and so should we be. According Those who are in favor of admitting Christian living, must be required of to our Standards, the Word of GDd to communicant church membership a member of the church as an organi­ teaches that the sign and seal of the parents who refuse to present their zation. covenant, the badge of church mem­ children for baptism, seek to base their More germane to the problem at bership, is to be applied not only to position on this assumption. In this hand is the requirement of baptism. adult converts but also to the children case, the principle stated is correct but None of us would insist that baptism of believers (Directory of Worship, it does not support the position of is essential to salvation, to member­ Chapter IV: B. 2). those who appeal to it. They have ship in the church as an organism, It has been said that parents who failed to recognize the implications,

138 The Presbyterian Guardian in other words, the scope of a credible baptized. Thus we see that the scope ship and since, according to our Stand­ profession of faith. of a credible profession of faith calls ards, the church consists of both be­ for obedience to the teaching of the lievers and their children, both should Credible Profession Word of God on the subject of receive this badge. and Obedience baptims. The Matter of Discipline It is evident from the questions fhe third assumption to be recon­ Further support for the validity of asked of those who are making a sidered is the one challenged by Mr. public profession that a credible pro­ Edwards in his article, to which we the basic assumption now under re­ ( consideration, is found as we examine l fession of faith involves a promise of have already referred, namely, that the t obedience. Let us listen again to these church should not receive as members section 5, Chapter V of the Directory questions (Directory of Worship, those whose beliefs or practices would of Worship in the light of section 2, Chapter V: 5). make them liable for discipline. Chapter I of the Book of Discipline. In the first of these sections, the 1. Do you believe the Bible, consist­ Consistency Required candidate is required to give affirma­ ing of the Old and New Testa­ ments, to be the Word of God, and This position, held by those who tive answer to the following question: its doctrine of salvation to be the maintain that parents who refuse to "Do you agree to submit in the Lord perfect and only true doctrine of present their children for baptism to the government of this church and, salvation'! should not be received as communicant in case you should be found delin­ 2. Do you confess that because of church members, is based upon a rec­ quent in doctrine or life, to heed its your sinfulness you abhor and humble yourself before God, and ognition of the fact that a credible discipline?" The word doctrine simply that you trust for salvation not in profession of faith involves, not only means teaching. As already indicated, yourself but in Jesus Christ alone'! a promise of obedience, but also a life this statement includes the teaching 3. Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ marked by obedience. In other words, of our Standards on the subject of as your sovereign Lord and do you a profession of faith is credible only baptism. In the second of these sec­ promise, in reliance on the grace of God, to serve him with all that' when it is accompanied by a life that tions, an offense (an action for which is in you, to forsake the world, to is basically consistent with what we one may be disciplined) is defined as mortify your old nature, and to confess. In support of this view see "anything in the doctrine or practice lead a godly life'! Matthew 7:20-22; James 1 :22; 2:20. of a member of the church which is 4. Do you agree to submit in the Lord That a credible profession of faith contrary to the Word of God." . to the government of this church and, in case you should be found calls for consistent Christian living is If applicants for communicant delinquent in doctrine or life, to clearly implied in the Directory for church membership have been pro­ heed its discipline'!' Worship, Chapter V: 3, which reads as perly instructed, the taking of this follows: "When the session is satisfied fourth vow by parents who do not This fourth question, if taken by that anyone is qualified to make pub­ itself, would seem to require the can­ intend to present their children for lic profession at faith in Christ, his baptism, places both the parents and didate to accept the total teaching of name shall be publicly announced to the Orthodox Presbyterian Church as the church in an anomalous position. the church at least one week before These parents are already engaged in a set forth in our various Standards. the day chosen for this solemn event, Since we are not a Confessional practice which, according to our Stand­ in order that the members of the ards, is an "offense." Both the parents Church in this sense of the word, per­ church may have opportunity to ac­ haps this statement should be modi­ and the session know that they intend quaint the session with such facts con­ to continue this offense and will there­ fied. However, assent to this question cerning him as may appear to be ir­ certainly implies acceptance of the doc­ fore be liable to discipline. Under reconcible with a sincere profession. these circumstances, the session is trine (teaching) of our Standards on The session shall weigh such evidence the subject of baptism. guilty of compounding the offense. In­ and determine its validity." deed, of the two, the session is the The article by Mr. Churchill to Now this is what we mean when which we have already referred con­ more guilty; both should be dis­ we say that no one should be received ciplined. tains this pertinent statement: ". .. as a communicant church member if ~: Baptism is the initiatory rite into Standards Quoted ! he holds to some erroneous doctrine Christ's church and kingdom. It is a or is engaged in misconduct for which That the Standards of the Orthodox matter of simple obedience. When in he would be disciplined. This require­ Presbyterian Church do not permit th~ Scripture was it ever classed with be­ ment does not call for perfection, nor admission of parents who have scru­ lief in the high mysteries of election can the degree of consistency required ples against presenting their children which, to say the least, requires be defined precisely, but surely it calls for baptism is evident from the fol­ knowledge and considerable growth? for the acceptance of the primary lowing quotations: The broad and enduring basis for in­ truths of the Christian faith and con­ "Not only those who actually pro­ fant baptism is that the church in all sistency in our practice of the basic fess faith in and obedience unto ages has included children of believers principles of Christian conduct. Christ, but also the infants of one or bearing the covenant sign." Baptism and the Lords Supper are both believing parents are to be bap­ As we turn from our secondary to primary doctrines of the Christian tized" (Confession of Faith, Chapter our primary Standard, the Word of faith. According to our Standards, they 28, section 4). God, we note that in apostolic times must be accepted and practiced, not "... Infants descending from par­ converts to the Christian faith obeyed only by elders and deacons, but by the ents either both or but one of them the command to be baptized. Not only church as a whole. Indeed, since bap­ professing faith in Christ, and obedi­ individuals but whole households were tism is the badge of church member- ence to him, are in that respect within

November, 1965 139 the covenant and are to be baptized" Chapter IV: A. 1). according to all that the Lord has (The Larger Catechism - Question "Although our young children do granted us, and the great goodness to 166). not yet understand these things, they the house of Israel which he has "The baptism of infants is not to be are nevertheless to be baptized. So the granted them, according to his mercy, unnecessarily delayed" (Directory for children of the covenant are by bap­ according to the abundance of this Worship, Chapter IV: A. 2). tism distinguished from the world and steadfast love" (63:7). "From of old "Baptism is a sacrament ordained solemnly received into the visible no one has heard or perceived by the by the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a sign church" (Directory for Worship, ear, no eye has seen a God beside thee, and seal of the inclusion of the per­ Chapter IV: B. 2). who works for those who wait for son who is baptized in the covenant "Do you acknowledge that, al­ him" (64:4) . "As one whom his of grace. Teaching that we and our though our children are conceived and mother comforts, so 1 will comfort children are conceived and born in born in sin and therefore are subject you" (66:13). sin, it witnesses and seals unto us the to condemnation, they are holy in I clung to these and other promises remission of sins and the bestowal of Christ and as members of his church as the days passed with no sign of all the gifts of salvation through union ought to be baptized?" (Directory for improvement or hope. Having com­ with Christ" (Directory for Worship, Worship, Chapter IV: B. 4). pleted Isaiah, 1 continued in my devo­ tions to read Jeremiah. On the day the third attempt was made to obtain a biopsy of the kidney, this verse in Jeremiah stayed with me: "Let him who glories glory in this, that he un­ Hanging on the Promises of God derstands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, jus­ tice, and righteousness in the earth" ROBERT G. VALENTINE (9:24). This third attempt was also a failure and the doctors said they would have to schedule surgery, for 1 ~~R ead consecutively through a sec- ance draws near speedily, my salvation was at a standstill. This was the only tion of Scripture until a verse has gone forth" (51:5). "My stead­ way to know how to treat me further. comes alive to you and then meditate fast love shall not depart from you, That evening at eight-thirty 1 knew on that portion as God's message for and my covenant of peace shall not be the Lord's healing had come. A great you that day." So 1 had advised people removed, says the Lord, who has com­ peace descended upon me and I began many times in trying to help them passion on you" (54:10). "1 will heal to thank and praise the Lord. During make Bible study meaningful. This him" (57: 19b). "Then shall you see the night the long-awaited remission had been my own practice, but so and be radiant, your heart shall thrill began, and in a few days was apparent often it was perfunctory, rushed and rejoice" (60:5). even to the physicians. Suddenly the through in a brief "devotion" in the 1 knew the Lord was faithful to his tests showed improvement. Within five rush for life. Word, yet as the days of testing went days tests were showing almost com­ Then, overnight, 1 was seriously ill on, reports were discouraging. They plete recovery of the kidney function. with nephritis, a severe kidney disease showed that 1 was making no progress. One doctor said, "It happened over­ for which medical science can do little. Physically, 1 reached the lowest ebb night." In the eleven weeks following 1 was and was unable to move around at all In the days that followed these were driven to the Word with new urgency as 1 had been doing. In order to treat the verses that came as 1 read in the and had to find a message to cling to the case further the doctors agreed that Book of Jeremiah: "There is none like for another day, one day at a time. it was necessary to have a biopsy of the thee, a Lord, Thou art great, and thy Day by day the flesh grew worse and kidney, but attempts to get such re­ name is great in might" (10 :6). "Give all that sustained me was the spirit. sulted in failure and disappointment. glory to the Lord your God" (13:16) . Finally, the local doctors had done all Through these days as 1 continued "Art thou not he, a Lord, our God? they could and sent me to a big medi­ to read Isaiah these words were the We set our hope on thee, for thou r cal center to the specialists. 1 was sick verses to which 1 clung: "I will re­ doest all these things" (14:22b). r: of being sick and often cried out for count the steadfast love of the Lord, "Heal me, a Lord, and I shall be the release that comes in death, but healed" (17:14). even that seemed to be denied. All that Not only was my healing a miracle the doctors could tell me was that in After an absence of six months sent from God, but also the messages time-perhaps three months, perhaps Mr. Valentine returned to his pulpit he gave day by day and their appro­ six months or a year-fifty percent of on the last Sunday of August. He is priateness. As my daughter said when the cases recovered. the minister of Westminster OPC, told about it, "It was as if God were The day 1 flew off to enter the med­ Valdosta, Georgia. His account of the speaking directly to you." Of that, ical center the Lord gave me this verse crisis days in May was written as soon there will never be any doubt in my to cling to: "1 bring near my deliver­ thereafter as he was able. It was sent mind. Or to express it in the words ance, it is not far off" (Isa. 46: 13) . to us this fall at the request of some of the message of another day from In the coming days as 1 continued to of his brethren in the Presbytery of the Jeremiah: "Thy words were found ... read through Isaiah these were some South, along with a note of gratitude and thy words became to me a joy and of the verses given me: "My deliver- for the prayers of many friends. the delight of my heart" (15:16) .

140 The Presbyterian Guardian interim executive secretary for the speakers were heard, including Dr. group, is quoted as saying that PUBC John Mackay, former president of "are committed to operating within the Princeton, urging a stronger statement 'JL~~ framework of United Presbyterian on Scripture, and Dr. Dowey, invited GUARDIAN polity . . . they have come together to engage in a face-to-face debate with to seek that kind of revision which PUBC's spokesman, Dr. John Gerstner. will be able to unite the church in a Major purpose of the gathering was theologically sound confession and to consider (in some 40 discussion EDITOR mission." groups) nine pages of revisions pre­ Robert E. Nicholas The editorial committee of PUBC pared by PUBCs editorial committee r has issued a pamphlet entitled "A in order to present the best possible ItH Conversation about the Proposed Con­ suggestions to the denominational spe­ All correspondence should be ad­ fession of 1967" which the preface cial Committee of Fifteen meeting in dressed to The Presbyterian Guardian, says has been "read and, in principle, mid-December, also in Chicago. That 7401 Old York Road, Phila., Pa. 19126 approved" by some 44 signatories. Committee, headed by the Rev. W. Among signers other than members of Sherman Skinner of St. Louis, has been the Executive Committee are David receiving criticisms and suggestions Presbyterian Ferment W. Baker, Allyn R. Bell, Mariano and will be hearing representatives of DiGangi, J. Clyde Henry, Ellis R. varying viewpoints at its Chicago ses­ s the "year of study" among United Shaw, and Walter J. Teeuwissen, Jr. sion. A Presbyterians passes the halfway In the form of 62 questions and point organized opposition to the pro­ The Committee of Fifteen has an­ answers under seven heads, the "Con­ nounced a deadline of January 15 for posed Creed of 1967 has made itself versation" gives ample evidence to heard within that denomination. While any suggestions, after which it is ex­ substantiate their earlier statement that pected to draft its recommendations as synods, presbyteries, and many local the Confession of 1967 "is not truly congregations consider the new creed to the final form of the proposed Con­ Biblical, evangelical, or Reformed fession to be submitted to the General in one way or another, here and there throughout." Although not as care­ rallies in opposition have been held Assembly meeting in Boston next May. fully guarded as desirable in some If approved by that Assembly, the and some ministers have come out with spots, the twelve pages of questions strong criticism in series of sermons. presbyteries would vote during the en­ and answers do pinpoint some of the suing year. Earlier in the fall reports of an or­ serious deficiencies of the new Creed, ganized group in opposition to the All of this discussion and debate faults which on our view make any raises certain questions which we hope Creed of 1967 were confirmed with patchwork revision quite impossible. the appearance of "Presbyterians to consider in the months ahead. Dr. United for Biblical Confession." Chair­ Dowey and PUBC Dowey insists that the Confession of man of its Executive Committee is Dr. Edward A. Dowey, Jr., chair­ 1967 is to be taken in the context of Dr. Cary N. Weisiger III, pastor in man of the committee that prepared the proposed Book of Confessions. Menlo Park, California. Pittsburgh the Confession of 1967, is of course Does this make it easier to swallow? pastor John Calvin Reid is vice-chair­ most critical of this publication of What is the view of truth underlying man, with Dr. E. G. Montag, retired PUBC. Speaking in the Market Square such a Book? pastor from Beaver, Pennsylvania, serv­ Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, Is it possible to "revise" the new ing as executive secretary. Pa. on November 7, he termed the Confession in such a fashion as to Other members of the Executive "Conversation" piece a "scurrilous" make it "truly Biblical, evangelical, Committee are listed as Gary W. De­ document which made him "angry" in and Reformed"? marest of LaCanada, Calif., C. Ralston some of its statements. What he re­ Are the two views of Scripture Smith of Oklahoma City, John D. gards as a milder and more objective espoused by the Westminster Confes­ Tate of Harrisburg, Pa., Richard C. statement, however, appeared as one sion and by the Confession of 1967 Halverson of Washington, D.C., Dale side of "A Debate on the Confes­ supplementary? Different only in em­ K. Milligan of Pittsburgh, Addison H. sional Position of the Church" in phasis? Basically in conflict? Leitch of Tarkio College, Mo., C. Presbyterian Life for November 15. R.E.N. Bryson Schreiner of Pittsburgh (an It is a "revision and condensation" elder), John H. Gerstner of Pitts­ of the earlier pamphlet in the same In Harrisburg Professor Dowey also burgh Theological Seminary, Richard question and answer format, but with asserted that there is certainly "no pos­ E. Pritchard of Madison, Wise., and only 35 questions, and may be con­ sible schismatic level" of difference Jerry R. Kirk of New Wilmington, sidered "an official statement of the among the several confessions of the Pa. general views and convictions of the Book; and PUBC are committed to The avowed purpose of Presbyte­ Executive Committee" of PUBC. The working for revision that will be able rians United for Biblical Confession other side of the "debate" is given by to unite the church. One must ask at (PUBC) is twofold: "A) to seek Professor Dowey himself in similar what point, if any, the basic and, in theological strength and renewal in question and answer form (26 ques­ our judgment, irreconcilable issues are our church by a thorough study of the tions) . to be joined and carried to a conclu­ issues raised by the proposed Confes­ In Chicago on November 22-23 sion, regardless of the consequences? sion of 1967; B) to seek such revision more than 500 persons from all over R. E. N. of the proposed Confession as will the country showed up at a conference make it truly Biblical, evangelical, and under the auspices of PUBC (which consistent with our Reformed Faith." has attracted over 5,000 supporters in (The address of PUBC is Box 488, The Rev. Mr. Kirk, who served as the UP denomination). A number of New Castle, Pa. 16103.) November, 1965 141 Hatboro Church (continued from cover) tion over the Thanksgiving weekend introduced what an attractive folder termed "not just another church" but an old friend in a new location - a church whose "message offers the only certain and lasting answers to our per­ sonal, family and community needs. In a world of change, insecurity, and tension, Jesus Christ is the one foun­ dation on which to place our trust." The Rev. LeRoy Oliver, general sec­ retary of the Committee on Home Missions, was the speaker for the aft­ ernoon dedication service on Novem­ ber 28, using as his theme, 'The Con­ temporary Church: True Worship." Building nears completion four months Mrs. Spooner takes her turn while the Special music was provided by the after June 20 groundbreaking. Pastor looks on. Westminster Seminary Chorale under the direction of Mr. William Viss. Worthington Construction Company by the pews and pulpit furniture of The dedication came ten years to the of Bristol, Pa., a firm headed by Chris­ Calvary Church of Glenside (original day from the time of the organization tians and presently engaged in the "mother" of the congregation) when of the congregation. building of eight other churches in that renovated and enlarged building the area. "It was a pleasure to work acquires its new furniture in the near Thanksgiving with a concern of such integrity and future. A Thanksgiving Day service was competence," stated Pastor Spooner. Trinity is a home missions church held in coperation with the choir and The Building Committee consisted and its building program has been pastor, the Rev. Wilbur Blakely, of of Mr. Paul Kent, chairman, Mrs. made possible only with the continued the neighboring Warminster Reformed LeRoy Oliver, Mr. Alton Leger, presi­ support of the whole chur~h. through Presbyterian Church. On Friday eve­ dent of the trustees and a deacon, its Committee on Home MISSIons and ning the Rev. Professor Edmund Mr. John Tolsma, recently ordained with the aid of loans from the Church Clowney, acting president of West­ as an elder, Dr. Robert DeMoss, also Extension Fund and a local bank. minster Seminary, preached on "A His­ an elder, and Mr. Spooner. Members of the congregation have as­ torical Church," with the choir of Cal­ The building design is called "Pio­ sumed a burden of sacrificial giving vary Church, Glenside, furnishing the neer" and is one of the Christian Life in their determination to further the music. Dr. Edward Young, Old Testa­ plans of architect Joseph Kimbel in gospel in the area. ment professor at Westminster, spoke conjunction with the Weyerhauser on Saturday night on "A Bible­ Some years ago the four-acre site, Lumber Company. Of concrete block which includes a manse, was pur­ Centered Church." A social hour fol­ construction with brick facing, this lowed each evening meeting with re­ chased. It is at 151 W. County Line first unit of the overall plan seats 225 Road, the dividing line bteween Mont­ freshments supplied by the ladies of persons. The pastor's study-offic~, a the host church in the fellowship hall. gomery and Bucks counties. The road cloakroom, restrooms, and a spaCIous is in the process of being widened Other participants in the service of narthex complete the main floor. A and repaved and will soon be a four­ dedication, beside the Rev. Arthur full basement in the 80 x 36 feet lane highway joining other main ar­ Boyce Spooner, pastor since 1962, were structure includes a nursery, the cen­ teries. During the decade of its exist­ three men who had served as former tral heating unit, an open kitchen cor­ ence Trinity Church has met in several ner, two large classroms, and a Sunday moderators of the session: the Rev. places, for the most ~art in recent ye~rs Professor Paul Woolley and Dr. school assembly room which will serve in the Fulmor Heights Community Robert Knudsen of the Westminster as a social and fellowship hall and Building, about three miles from its which in due course may partitioned faculty, and the Rev. Robert Thoburn, be present location. It is now in the center organizing home missionary and pastor for additional classrooms. of the expanding Hatboro-Horsham­ of the congregation during its first Total cost of the building, including Warminster area and about eight miles three and a half years. Mr. Thoburn a paved parking lot, is approximately north of the Philadelphia city line. is now principal of Fairfax Christian $50,000. While the lower level ceiling School and pastor of Trinity Church, and walls are unfinished as yet, the Fairfax, Virginia. upper level is plastered, with tile floor­ Keys to the new building were pre­ ing and a "majestic red" carpet on the EDITOR'S MAil BOX sented by Mr. Fred Milacci, who was center aisle and platform. Members of Dear Sir: in charge of construction and is an the congregation spent many hours in The newly organized Covenant earnest Christian who prayed as well painting, scraping, cleaning and put­ Orthodox Presbyterian Church (Camp­ as labored for the completion of the ting the building in shape for use. bell, California) enters a 100 percent job. Mr. Milacci is affiliated with the Temporary furniture will be replaced membership subscription to the Pres-

142 The Presbyterian Guardian byterian Guardian. Please send 25 into the ministry without believing my shoulders, but a lot of hair stuck copies each mailing period until that. She promised me to do so. Being to my Banlon shirt. I rinsed it under further notice. God's blessing upon a Westminster graduate, I did not for­ a shower but, alas, the hair still would your very fine work. get to recommend that seminary! not come off and I spent hours pick­ Cordially, In Chicago Mr. Jacob Heerema, ing it off one by one by hand! I guess (Rev.) WILSON H. RINKER, pastor brother of Mrs. Egbert Andrews, and the haircut was a success, however, for 2154 San Tomas Aquino Rd. his wife entertained me. Like many the OPC ladies to whom I was to Campbell, Calif. 95008 Christian Reformed people he is a speak were much pleased, laughing staunch supporter of Westminster, and and giggling while I was addressing * * * needless to say I expressed my appre­ them. Dear Sir: ciation. Mrs. Heerema drove me I preached both in Denver and in You rightly point out (October edi­ around to show me the face of Chi­ Thornton. The Taws family treated me torial) that all reforming that is done cago. To my disappointment I did not to Chinese food at home-their five in the church should be done on the see gangs fighting in the streets, which children are crazy about Chinese food. basis of the Word of God. Thus, con­ publicity had led me to expect. For a whole week I stayed with Elder fessions of faith which depart from On my way to Omaha, Nebraska a and Mrs. Arthur Johnson, who were Scripture are to be rejected. middle-aged Christian lady was seated most hospitable. However, it is interesting that the behind me on the bus. Formerly a Lutheran, she was now a member of a On the West Coast reformers of the past placed great em­ After a short stop at the Grand phasis upon translating the "expres­ UPUSA church. Being talkative, I chatted with her over an hour on the Canyon I arrived in Los Angeles. sions of changeless truths" into the Elder and Mrs. Clarence Taylor of the thought patterns of the day. Luther infallibility of the Bible, the cancer of Liberalism, and the history of the Manhattan Beach OPC, who had en­ and Calvin translated the Bible into tertained me when I first arrived on German and French. OPe. She was fascinated. I said to her that it was her duty to investigate just the U.S. mainland three years ago, and We pride ourselves in using the Mr. Carl Erickson (Westminster '64), Apostles' Creed which includes such what her pastor believed, and she promised to do so. At Des Moines she assistant to Rev. Mr. Ralph Clough, phrases as "descended into hell" and offered me hospitality. I was surprised "holy catholic church." But these changed buses, and as a token of her appreciation of the conversation she to meet myoId friend Mr. John Yen phrases cannot be taken at face value; from Taiwan. I thought it was his they must be interpreted. Thus we al­ gave me Billy Graham's book Peace with God, which she had been read­ ghost! He had come to the U.S. last most find ourselves in the same situa­ May without my knowledge. Years be­ tion as those who are formulating new ing. When she had gone I opened the book, and found a five-dollar bill in­ fore he was sleeping next to me in the confessions of faith: we say one thing army, and later I brought him to and mean another. serted. The Lord bless her. It pays to be talkative! Christ. I spoke at the Manhattan Beach Other examples could be drawn church and preached at San Diego from the wording of the King James At the terminal in Omaha the Rev. Mr. Reginald Voorhees was looking (Paradise Hills). It was a delight to version of the Bible or perhaps from see for the first time the gifted Mrs. the Westminster Confession of Faith. for the self-styled Taiwanese "monk" whom he had never met before. I had Edward Kellogg, mother of Mrs. The OPC must be careful that the Edwin Urban, Jr. presence of ambiguity which it detects written him that I was coming to "in­ On my way to San Francisco Mr. in the new creeds is not found in its vade" as many OPCs as possible on Erickson drove to Yosemite National own statements of faith. my westward trip. The Voorheeses were very kind and agreeable. On Sun­ Park where we stayed overnight in a ROGER W. SCHMURR day morning I found my shoes shin­ white tent that was like an ice-box. Portland, Oregon ing! Did an angel polish them while Though there was no snow, it was * * * I slept? (After inquiry, I found the deadly cold. I had managed to survive .. angel was the pastor.) I preached in snow in Pennsylvania for three winters A Good Witness Omaha in the morning and at Faith but I doubted that I would survive November 10, 1965 Church, Lincoln in the evening, where Yosemite. It was a great surprise to Dear Sir: the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Piper find myself alive when I woke up the ome of my friends may be inter­ offered me hospitality for the night. following morning! S ested in the trip of this "ex-monk" My next stop was Denver. Eighty­ In San Francisco I served the First across the U.S.A. last summer en route year old Miss Harriet Teal, who had OPC as a student pastor for five to Taiwan. With a heavy heart I left been praying for and corresponding weeks. The friends were very kind and my dear OPC friends on the East with me for years but had never seen lowe Elder Young much. Being a Coast, especially the Urbans, Sr. me, came with Rev. Mr. Elmer Dortz­ "bishop" in the area I had the priv­ On the way to Chicago via Grey­ bach to meet me. Miss Teal is a won­ ilege of playing host to famed Rev. hound bus my seatmate was a pretty derful Christian and lowe her much. Mr. Henry Coray and the Churchills young girl who was soon to marry a Rev. Mr. Dortzbach is a very unusual at a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown man about to enter a theological semi­ pastor. I asked him to take me to a one afternoon. I also preached at the nary. I advised her that she should ask barber shop; instead he brought out a South San Francisco church once, her fiance whether he believed the clipper and began to cut my hair be­ where the Urbans, OPC missionary ap­ whole Bible as the inspired Word of fore I could ask about his skill. He pointees to Taiwan (now teaching in God, for it does not make sense to go put a small piece of plastic bag around Virginia), were most helpful. I was

November, 1965 143 also given the privilege to speak at Covenant Church, Berkeley, where my Subscription Crisis for teacher for a time, Rev. Mr. Richard Lewis, is pastor. On July 16 I left the U.S.A. for Presbyterian Officers Japan. The Andrewses, on vacation in Japan, entertained me for a week NORMAN SHEPHERD there. Now I wish to thank those who offered me kindnesses and hospitality he movement within the United on my "monkish trip" across your T Presbyterian Church to introduce a great country. A merry Christmas and new confession has created a crisis a happy New Year to you all. situation for numbers of loyal Presby­ Gratefully yours, terians. Nowhere, however, will the DANIEL M. HUNG problem be more keenly felt than P. O. Box 53 among the ministers of the denomina­ Taipei, Taiwan tion who have subscribed to the West­ minster Confession and Catechisms in ** * truth and sincerity and who seek to Dear Sir: maintain confessional teaching in local In case OPC-ers should feel like congregations. (The same situation ap­ Alice in Wonderland at the Mad Hat­ plies to elders and deacons in their ter's tea party after reading Mr. Spaan's areas of responsibility.) speech to the General Assembly (in The seriousness of their plight can the September issue), let them take a be appreciated only after careful att~n­ long look at the face of Clerk John­ tion is given to the form of subscnp­ ston pictured with the article. Here is tion, together with the Confession of patience and rectitude, and here is 1967 itself as proposed to the recent intelligence! General Assembly of the United Pres­ R. K. CHURCHILL byterian Church. Moreover, one must Sonora, Calif. take note of the stance which these men have taken over the years in re­ maining in that denomination even Wybenga (from page 134) when the accuracy of criticisms leveled against it by Orthodox Presbyterians woe unto that man by whom the Son and others has, to a large extent, been The Rev. Mr. Shepherd, now on of man is betrayed! It had been good conceded. leave for studies at the Free University for that man if he had not been born" Up to the present time the United of Amsterdam, will return to West­ (Matt. 26:24). Presbyterian Church has had the West­ minster Seminary next year as Assistant And whoever has enjoyed the priv­ minster Confession as its own con­ Professor in Systematic Theology. ileges of the gospel, and the blessings fession of faith. In line with that, it of the covenant, and the fellowship of has required all its ministers to re­ Christ, and the advantages of Chris­ ceive and adopt the Westminster Con­ For this reason, these amendments tian influences-and then turns against fession as containing the system of were struck down when the Orthodox God and away from the Savior-s-of doctrine taught in the Holy Scripture. Presbyterian Church adopted the West­ that person it may also be said, "Woe No one has understood this formula minster Confession in 1936. Neverthe­ unto him! It had been good for such as the mere affirmation of an historical less, even B. B. Warfield argued force­ a person if he had not been born!" fact, that the Westminster Confession fully that the system of doctrine is scriptural. Both the prior commit­ remained unimpaired. ment to the Bible as the only infallible With strong constitutional support, New or Corrected Addresses rule of faith and practice as well as the some United Presbyterians have re­ The Rev. Theodore J. Hard, Ortho­ words "receive and adopt" represent mained loyal to the Reformed faith dox Presbyterian Mission, APO, San an agreement with the Westminster and have sought to restore the denom­ Francisco, Calif. 96259 (Package mail: Confession as expressing one's own ination to the purity to which it is Box 184, Pusan, Korea). faith. officially committed. They have been In view of this, Presbyterians have The Rev. Howard E. Hart, Bridge­ in the morally stronger position in frequently pointed out, and properly water, So. Dakota 57319. using the ordination vows to prod so, that no minister could legitimately clouded consciences. It is as clear-cut The Rev. Wilson H. Rinker, 2154 hold office in the denomination with­ San Tomas Aquino Rd., Campbell, as the simple matter of honesty before out being Reformed in doctrine. There God. Calif. 95008. is a generally accepted opinion that the The Rev. Cornelius Tolsma, 1551 addition of two articles and a declara­ The New Formula N.W. 47th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. tory statement to the Westminster Con­ Ironically enough, it is just this 33313 (ordained by the Presbytery of fession in 1903 seriously weakened the same insistence-proper and unavoid­ the South). Reformed emphasis of the document. able in itself-which will create the

144 The Presbyterian Guardian bind, if the proposed Confession and As the lines of escape are cut off .. , ordination vows are adopted. The new formula reads: "Will you perform the duties of a minister of the gospel in items in the new document dealing fession of 1967; nor is it scripturally obedience to Christ, under the author­ with the authority of Scripture are in­ sound to exchange a clear formulation ity of the Scriptures, and the guidance tended as a revision of the Westmin­ of biblical truth for an obscure one. of the confessions of this Church?" ster Confession, and the revision is in The guidance of the Holy Spirit is into Three positive observations must at the nature of a rejection of the older the truth, not out of it (John 16: 13) . once be made. First, an affirmative an­ document. So also the doctrine of re­ On the other hand, a Reformed swer to the question does not bind a conciliation, while pretending to be a minister who has all along insisted man to any confession. Conservative restatement in modern terms, is in fact that ordination vows be taken seri­ ordinands will not be required to re­ a rejection of the Westminster doc­ ously cannot now relax that position. ceive and adopt the Confession of trine. Other examples could be cited. It is not merely a question of con­ 1967 as their own in the way in which How can a document which denies sistency, but a matter of refusing to their less conservative colleagues were a doctrine "supplement" one which take a position which one has de­ required to receive and adopt the affirms it? More to the point, how can clared to be morally indefensible. Westminster Confession. one be guided in any significant way In view of all this, it is difficult to Second, conservatives may point out by mutually contradictory teachings? see how a Reformed minister can con­ that the formula commits them first The way out of this dilemma is tinue to carryon his labors for the of all to obedience to Christ under the obviously to be found in the way in Kingdom of God within the fellow­ authority of the Scriptures. Calvinists which the former United Presbyterian ship of the United Presbyterian Church will not balk here, for the Word of Church of North America (the smaller if the Confession of 1967 should be the Scriptures is the exposition of the of the two bodies which merged in adopted. Those who are already min­ will of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 1958) supplemented the Westminster isters cannot even retreat to the pre­ Submission to the Word carries with it Confession with its Confessional State­ cise form of their own ordination vows obedience to Christ. That is good doc­ ment of 1925. Both documents had which call only for commitment to trine as expounded in the Westmin­ constitutional status but where their the Westminster Standards. As good ster Confession. teachings conflicted, the new state­ presbyters, they will be asking candi­ ment was to prevail. So also is the dates for the ministry to receive guid­ Third, the formula does not speak position of the Confession of 1967 of the Confession of 1967 but of ance which they themselves have, in intended to prevail over the Westmin­ principle, refused but nevertheless "the confessions of this Church." Note ster Confession. If that is not the case the plural. One of these is the West­ must be willing to accept in the ex­ the formulation of a new confession amination of these same candidates. minster Confession, and men who is an exercise in futility. The Assem­ were willing to receive that document bly intends to adort a brief contem­ As the lines of escape are cut off, as an expression of personal doctrinal the serious nature of the crisis becomes porary statement 0 faith. commitment will not draw back at the all the more apparent. thought of receiving guidance from it. Impossible Alternatives Yet the picture is not entirely dark. Nevertheless the significance of Unless one is prepared to argue that One has just for a moment to think these salutary features is negated just the revised subscription formula in­ what a confession of faith is and does. by the fact that the word is plural­ tends to require the impossible, one The confessions of the Reformation confessions. In using the new sub­ must grant that the Confession of emerged in crisis situations. Their pur­ scription formula, a minister not only 1967 is a prima inter pares (first pose was to affirm and proclaim the agrees to be guided by the Westmin­ among equals) whose declarations are historic Christian faith over against ster Confession together with older to prevail over those of the Westmin­ the errors of the day. The Reformers Reformed confessions with which the ster Confession. Both liberals and con­ were compelled to abandon the tem­ Westminster Confession is in full servatives must grant that much, and poral security of the old institution, agreement, but he also promises to be by the same token, only impossible but they found eternal security in the guided by the Confession of 1967 in alternatives are left open for ministers gospel of free and sovereign grace. the conduct of his ministry. In fact, of Reformed conviction. They were obedient to their Lord who and this is the main point, if a min­ On the one hand, a Reformed min­ when brought to a critical moment be­ ister refuses such guidance, he is in ister who has committed himself to the fore Pilate did not retreat behind sub­ violation of his ordination vow. Ordi­ Word of God as the only infallible tleties and sophistries but witnessed a nands will be as fully obligated to ob­ rule of faith and practice, and to the good confession. Paul commends the serve the terms of their ordination in Westminster Confession as containing same steadfastness to Timothy (I Tim­ the future as they are now. the system of doctrine taught in the othy 6:12, 13). Bible, cannot give any allegiance to the The tragedy of the confessional Contradictory Guidance Confession of 1967. He cannot allow crisis in the United Presbyterian In the first place, it is immediately his ministry to be guided by it just Church is surpassed only by the glory apparent that the new subscription because his ministry must be guided of the opportunity now at hand to formula requires something which is by the Word of God. It is neither confess anew and unequivocally the in itself impossible. How can a min­ scientifically nor historically justifiable Lordship of Jesus Christ in the fellow­ ister be guided both by the Westmin­ to place the best possible interpreta­ ship of a church where the Westmin­ ster Confession and the Confession of tion from the point of view of the ster Confession and Catechisms are 1967? To illustrate the problem, the Westminster Confession, on the Con- sincerely received and adopted.

November, 1965 145 Is your youth group half dead? the room boils over with chatter. It is at this point that you can take the temperature of your group. What are they talking about now, on their own time? Where There's Life Do we really want a youth group that is on fire for the Lord? Then why do we chase away each teen-ager ROLLIN P. KELLER who has what we covet for our group? Some say that it is our Calvinism that drives out evangelistic zeal. I hy have we failed in youth work? Mr. Keller is the pastor of the Good don't buy that; but I do think some WOh, we haven't failed completely, Shepherd Chapel in Neptune, N. J., Calvinists unwittingly drive out those But many pastors and youth directors under the sponsorship of the Grace who have this zeal. We have allowed in our churches are scratching their Orthodox Presbyterian Church of the fundamentalists a lot of circum­ craniums and wondering why our Westfield. Although there are but 16 stantial evidence to support their claim youth work is as unsuccessful as it is. communicant members, the Sunday that the Reformed faith breeds "dead There are many reasons, no doubt: school is five times that number and orthodoxy." poor adult leadership, no social out­ Machen League attendance often runs Let's leaven our friends the "fun­ lets, too few teen-agers to start with. up to 20 high school young people. dies." Let's get into local interdenomi­ Here is one more possible reason: we "1 attribute this to the fact that we national youth and evangelism pro­ have been choking the life out of our started with a core of kids who were grams and present the God-honoring youth groups! really saved and wanted to do a work Calvinistic position. Let's accompany Take this hypothetical example. for the Lord," wrote Mr. Keller. our youth to such rallies and discuss Suppose all the evangelical churches the good and bad features with them of the area are going to attend a the disinterested kids who cannot wait later on. youth meeting which has scheduled to tell about the funny thing they saw You may be delightfully surprised a real "live wire" youth speaker. The on T.V. to find that your teen group is able a.p. church decided to discourage its After two or three experiences like to detect the "helplessness" of God youth from attending. They know that this Mary doesn't attend church very in the Arminian message all by them­ this speaker is a dispensational, "free regularly any more. She does not at­ selves. And even if they do not see will Baptist." What are the results? tend Machen League at all. Her alert the difference, by the time they are in Well of course the more they dis­ pastor makes a call and is surprised high school it is a little bit late to courage Mary Jones from attending and disappointed to find that Mary try to shield them from the bear of the youth rally with her school chum, has been attending a local independent Arminianism. In a few short years the more interested she becomes. church. What a shame that such a they will be attacked by the lion of Teens have an unwritten law that bright and promising girl should do atheistic philosophy on a college level. whatever their elders forbid must be such a thing! "How could she prefer Now is the time for on-the-job enjoyable (after all, they are children that rank Arminian message?" "How training in the Christian art of dis­ of Eve too). could she prefer those light ditties cernment. After a discussion of the Let's say Mary happens to be a real and empty choruses to the stately Arminian drawbacks to an otherwise potential in the local Machen League. hymns she was learning to love?" excellent youth rally, your young She knows a lot of kids at school, she Try this for an answer. Chances are people may learn more theology than has a head on her shoulders, and best she actually prefers the well-organized, they would in a whole year's lectures. of all she really seems to know what logical presentation of the gospel she it means to belong to Jesus Christ. In used to get at the a.p. church. She *** a word, she has life. may very well miss those stately hymns You may not agree with the specific The day arrives for the rally and with real content. Her choice of suggestion of this article. You may be .. all of the elder's children, being well­ churches has been made on another one, however, of many who long to behaved, covenant deadheads, stay basis. She found a church where there see sound doctrine accompanied by home and watch the Addams Family is life.' In their youth group they talk more joy in the "abundant life" that while Mary Jones goes to the youth about witnessing, and when they get Jesus came to give, and by more zeal rally. What happens? For the first to school the next week, they do some in Christian witness. We'd be happy time in two years she hears a preacher witnessing. to share with our readers answers that that talks her language. Not only that, Meanwhile, back at the Machen you have found. but the overdone, Arminian altar call League, they are still discussing Lurch has actually caught 25 or 30 kids in and Morticia. Oh, they don't discuss the gospel net. That's something they them during the meeting. No, with Witness in Hawaii are always talking about down at the hands folded in lap they quietly and small, dedicated group of Chris­ a.p. church, but somehow it never dutifully allow a lecture on the impu­ A tians interested in a Reformed happens. tation of Adam's sin to drift through witness in Hawaii is now meeting each The next night she comes to Machen their ears. They look intelligent and Sunday evening for worship and fel­ League all fired up to talk about how ask no questions. The pastor hopes lowship in either the Seventh Dr' to win souls more effectively at school. and prays that some truth has sunk in. Adventist Church or in the home of But she is greeted with yawns from Then bang! Right after closing prayer one of our members, according to a

146 The Presbyterian Guardian report from David and Jean Hunt. through the messages he delivered over They have had various speakers, lis­ the air during the past five summers Theological Society tened to taped sermons, or studied the and the many contacts he has made Meets in Nashville Bible in a discussion group. About through the correspondence follow-up he Free Will Baptist Bible College, twenty attend each meeting, this num­ and personal appearances he has made T Nashville, Tennessee will be host ber fluctuating greatly due to mobile in behalf of his predecessor and the to the 17th annual meeting of the military families, tourists, and home­ Christian Reformed denomination. Evangelical Theological Society from sick folks returning to the mainland. The Back to God Hour last year December 27 to 29. Dr. Gordon "We have the harvesters, and the commemorated its 25th anniversary. Clark's presidential address on "The field is just as ripe as it was when the The broadcast ministry of the church Inerrancy of Scripture" highlights the first missionaries from New England expanded from a single station in major theme of the gathering. Presi­ arrived here in the early nineteenth 1939 until today it is heard on stations dent John Walvoord of Dallas Semi­ century. We look forward to establish­ in the U.S.A., Canada and many for­ nary will moderate a panel on that ing a church here and bringing the eign countries. Presently it is heard in subject. Good News to the Hawaiian commu­ English, Arabic and Spanish, reaching Among participants prior to open nity," they write. listeners on every continent. discussion the following have been If you plan to be in Hawaii, please Peter Eldersveld scheduled: Dean Kenneth Kantzer of contact the group through Mr. Tjerk In addition to his radio rnmistry Trinity Divinity School-"Significance Bosgra, 2567 Laau Street # 17, Hon­ Dr. Eldersveld served as editor of The of Inerrancy"; Dean Laird Harris of olulu, (ph. 966-491). Family Altar from its beginning 15 Covenant Seminary - "The Basis for years ago. The circulation of this Inerrancy"; Professor Robert Saucy of monthly devotional booklet which is Talbot Seminary - "Difficulties with widely used in Orthodox Presbyterian Inerrancy"; and President Stephen homes has grown from about 25,000 Paine of Houghton College - "The in 1950 to more than six times that Maintenance of Inerrancy." number today. Dr. Eldersveld was the Dr. Carl Henry, editor of Chris­ author of the October meditations on tianity T oday, is to be moderator of the theme of "The Covenant Home." another panel on "Frontier Issues in Thousands of believers who were Contemporary Theology" with partici­ blessed by his worldwide ministry will pants including Drs. Arnold Schultz take comfort that he is now "at home" (Old Testament), Berkeley Mickelsen with the Lord whose faithful servant (New Testament), John Montgomery he was. They will rejoice that for him (Church History), and Roger Nicole it is indeed "far better" to be in the (Theology). Projects in Palestinian presence of the risen Savior whose archaeology will be presented with il­ gospel he proclaimed with the forceful lustrations by Drs. Joseph Free (Jor­ eloquence of simplicity and truth. dan) and G. Douglas Young (Israel).

THE CHANGING SCENE

HENRY W. CORAY

Joel Nederhood Appointed t is not often a book falls into your thinking has so permeated the Chris­ I hands that makes you want to stop tian community that, as he says, "There Radio Minister of the people on the street and ask, "Have is no longer a Christian mind." Is it you read this one?" I think I can an exaggeration? Read what the man Back to God Hour promise that a reading of Harry has to say before you pre-judge him. he Denominational Radio Com­ Blamires' paperback, The Christian His thesis is: T mittee of the Christian Reformed Mind, will have some such effect on The religious view of life differs so fun­ Church, in special session, appointed you. Here is a production (S. P. C. K., damentally and comprehensively from the Dr. Joel H. Nederhood to the position Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone secular view of life that it seems scarcely of Radio Minister, succeeding the late possible for the Christian to communicate Road, London, N.W. 1; 6 s.) that you intelligibly with the modern secularist. Dr. Peter H. Eldersveld who suffered will find as stimulating as desert rain. And indeed this is our most acute prob­ a fatal heart attack on October 14. Mr. Blamires is reminiscent of the late lem today. It seems virtually impossible Dr. Nederhood served the church, C. S. Lewis in his fresh way of stating to bridge the gap between ourselves and our unbelieving fellowmen so as to pre­ whose Back to God Hour broadcast propositions. Add to that an apologetic sent to them, vividly and convincingly, is heard on 300 stations, as Associate with a Van Tilian dimension and you the Christian view of the human situa­ Radio Minister since 1960. He is al­ have a rich diet for both mind and tion. ready well known to the radio audience soul. The writer's thesis is that secular Mr. Blamires, nevertheless, without

November, 1965 147 THE PRESBYTERiAN GUARDIAN Mr. Kenneth Auotin C~mpua St~tion 740'1 Old York Road P.O. Box 4376 Philadelphia, Pa. 19126 Athena, Georgi~ 30£01

Second Class Postage Paid Feb 66 at Philadelphia, Pa. Return Requested

compromising the theistic position one effect that Berton really has nothing or on a human level. "Other psychol­ iota, does define current issues, defend new to say. To which I may add: if ogists have sought to ignore the reli­ the historic Christian faith boldly and you are planning to buy the book, gious implications of man's personal­ r ably, thrust his sword into the Achilles' don't. But if you must, then be pre­ ity. Freud recognized them," says Mr. heel of disbelief and turn it with great pared upon reading it to articulate Rushdoony, "and sought to dissolve V skill. I particularly like the passage with considerable feeling the final and destroy them. Not only was his where he writes: word of the title! approach to man and his guilt to be We are not a lot of amateur detectives non-religious, but it was purged also on the hunt for clues in a cosmic who­ * ** of philosophy, and to become strictly Freud, by R. J. RUSHDOONY dunit. This is not the world as the Chris­ biological." tian sees it. For that would be an aban­ his brief book, the newest addition doned world, a world on which God had T to our church library, is the latest The impact of Freud's thinking on virtually turned His back - a world in in the series of MODERN THINKERS, psychology and theology is both im­ darkness from which God's light had measurable and frightening. "He has," been withdrawn. ... Men have need published by Craig Press, Nutley, New neither to fabricate their creed, nor their Jersey. It contains a wealth of infor­ the writer states in conclusion, "pre­ moral code, nor their picture of the pur­ mation about the man who has per­ pared the way for what Charles Hodge pose of the universe. God chose not to haps done more to influence psychia­ called 'the last issue of history, the leave His world in darkness. He chose conflict between Atheism and its to lay open in it the revelation of Him­ try and psychology than anyone per­ self. That is what Christianity is all son. Mr. Rushdoony gives a character countless forms and Calvinism. The about. sketch of Sigmund Freud (1856­ other systems will be crushed as the Like this tidbit? There are more like 1939), an Austrian Jew, whom he half-rotten ice between two great it in abundance. describes as a "reserved, kindly, and bergs.' Freud, like Nietschze, forced *** old-fashioned person . . . clearly a man to the edge of the abyss. Modern r. Eugene Carson Blake appeared stoic . . . a Liberal of socialist lean­ man has been warned, and it is from D recently on a T.V. panel with a ings, indifferent to political attempts within his own ranks that this warning Jewish rabbi and Catholic Bishop to attain a good society." has come. He is thus in every respect Fulton J. Sheen. He was asked his Persuaded that guilt was man's most without excuse." view of the Catholic Mass. His answer fundamental problem, Freud went The thoroughness with which the was that the Mass differed from his about trying to solve the problem on Rev. Mr. Rushdoony has gone about view of the Lord's Supper in empha­ a spiritual premise but his was a theol­ his analysis of Freud is shown by the sis, not in dogma. One wonders why ogy wrenched from God, the creation, incredible fact that in the 69 pages Dr. Blake does not go back into the the fall, and Jesus Christ. It was, from in his booklet you will find 204 quo­ Roman Church. start to finish, purely anthropological, tations! *** paperback titled The Comfortable ** * A Pew, which sold 150,000 copies in Canada (why, I can't imagine), has y impression of Hamlet's famous soliloquy I found its way south of the Canadian M In the rhythm and structure of the Revised Standard Version border, and will no doubt be hailed Would read something like this: with glee by the increasing number To continue in this present existence or not I of the church's critics. The author, one Poses a burning issue for me; Pierre Berton, confesses that sheer Which is preferable intellectually: boredom, coupled with a skeptical To allow directionless fortune's weapons to keep the pressure on, mind, forced him from the ranks of Or to fight trouble until it is pinned to the wall? the Anglican Church. Some of his That is, to fall asleep, and so I boredom is bound to rub off on the Confess that we have put a stop to disappointment and other set-backs reader-this in spite of the fact that That come naturally-this is the climax to be sought, is it not? Bishop John Robinson, creator of the To pass on and go to sleep-s-it could be to dream; misnamed Honest to God work, calls Yes, that indeed makes for friction: Berton's Blast "the most penetrating Who knows what kind of dreams Death's sleep may produce and, indeed, prophetic book by an out­ After we have taken ourselves slowly out of this machine that sider taking a critical look at the seems to keep running down­ Church." (It should be the kiss of It surely makes us hesitate.... death.) The Old Chinese Philosopher Not often do I find myself in agree­ ment with articles in the Christian Century. I will have to admit, how­ TIME TO RENEW? Check the date on the address above to see when ever, that I fully endorse the comment your subscription expires. When you renew please include your zip of the Century reviewer of Pew to the number if not shown.

148 The Presbyterian Guardian