n n co < Po ~L~CHRISTIA,\a!Y TODAY ~~04 ,~~v/ < =- ~ LL.. ~a:o- A PRESBYTERIAN JOURNAL DEVOTED TO STATING/DEFENDING o III AND FURTHERING THE GOSPEL IN THE MODERN WORLD III SAMUEL G. CRAIG, Editor H. McALLISTER GRIFFrfHS, Managing Editor Published monthly by THE PRESBYTERIAN AND MID-AUGUST,1932 $1.00 A YEAR EVERYWHERE REFORMED PUBLISHING CO., Entered as second·da.. mailer May ii, 1931, at Vol. 3 No.4 th. Post Olfic. at Philadelphia, Po., under th. 501 Witherspoon Bldg., Phila., Pa. Act of March 3, 1879. The Securities of the Faith

"0 Timothy, guard that which is com­ uttermost part of the earth." The since PAUL penned his epistles to mitted unto thee, turning away from significance of the word "deposit," as TIMOTHY when there was. greater need profane babblings and oppositions of used in this connection, has found al­ of reminding Christians, particularly the knowledge which is falsely so called; most classic expression in the oft-quoted ministers, that it is both their duty and which some professing have erred con­ words of a fifth century expositor, their wisdom to preserve "safe and un­ cerning the faith." VINCENT of LERINS. "vVhat is a de­ diminished" the deposit committed to N PAUL'S exhortation to TIMOTHY posit?", he asks; and answers: "It is their trust. An outstanding characteris­ I just cited, the phrase "that which something that is accredited to thee, not tic of Modernism (so-called) is its pro­ is committed unto thee" is a translation invented by thee; something thou hast nounced tendency to sit loosely to the of two Greek words that taken literally received, not that thou hast thought thought of the Gospel as a deposit, as a mean "the deposit." Hence PAUL here out; a result not of genius but of in­ faith once for all delivered, to be pre­ speaks of the Gospel as a body of divine struction; not of personal ownership, served inviolate at all cost. Modernists truth that had been committed to but of public tradition; a matter brought as a class deny that Christianity has a TIMOTHY as a trust and which as such to thee, not produced by thee, with re­ definite content of its own, given it he was under obligation to preserve in­ spect to which thou art bound to be not once and for all by CHRIST and His violate and pass on undiminished. an author, but a custodian, not an orig­ apostles, that remains essentially the MOFFAT translates, "0 TIMOTHEUS, inator, but a bearer, not a leader but a same through every change and chance keep the securities of the faith intact," follower." of time. The following statement is -a translation that has received added Perhaps there has never been a time typical: "VY e know of nothing that has point and relevancy in these recent days remained or can remain unchanged from the inception of the Christian faith as men have seen the earthly securities IN THIS ISSUE: on which they depended lose their value, down to the present. The Christianity not infrequently because of the unfaith­ Editorial Notes and Comments of yesterday was creative of the Chris­ tianity of today, but at the same time fulness of those to whom they had com­ Fundamentalism and Premillennialism 2 the Christianity of today is more and mitted them. "Amillennialism?" •..•...... 3 While it is only in PAUL'S latest somewhat other than the Christianity of epistles-commonly called the Pastoral Francis Turretin...... • 4 yesterday." The Modernist not only c. E. Edwards epistles, because addressed to TIMOTHY boasts that he does not believe as the and TITUS as shepherds of the flock­ Confessions of a Miser. • • . . • . . . . . • . • 6 fathers believed (including the Apostolic that the Gospel is spoken of under the R. C. Tillinghast fathers) but he does not expect his figure of a deposit that has been en­ Syncretism...... 7 children to believe as he believes. trusted to men (especially to officers of c. L. Richards Though he calls himself a Christian that the Church) yet the thought itself is Loneliness. • . . • . • ...... 7 does not necessarily mean that the thing fundamental to the whole New Testa­ J. W.Robb he calls Christianity has any close re­ semblance to the thing PAUL charged ment representation. This appears when The Triumph and Fragrance of True it is seen that it is because the Gospel and FaithFul Preaching...... 8 TIMOTHY to faithfully preserve and to is a "deposit" that the primary function T. S. Armentrout conscientiously hand on to others. of the Church is to "witness." "Ye shall Notes on Biblical Exposition...... 10 It is hardly necessary to say that be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and J. G. Machen PAUL'S passionate exhortation to TIM­ in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the News of the Church ••.••.•••••. , , , '. 13 OTHY was rooted in his conviction that 2 C H R I S TI A N rT Y T 0 DAY August, 1932 this deposit was possessed of supreme the first, but we deny the second. We falsely so called. All other knowledge worth. Other knowledge might be im­ should ever distinguish between the is valueless as compared with the inher­ portant, but not as compared with the voice of philosophy and science _and the ent preciousness of the gospel of the knowledge that had been entrusted to voices of the philosophers and the scien­ grace of GOD. him-a conviction that found its ulti­ tists.· The voices of the latter are dis­ The securities of the faith are the only mate explanation in the fact that it cordant, because they speak only half­ securities of long standing that have re­ alone gave the right answer to the ques­ truths. Not until that better day when mained at par through every change and tion, What must I do to be saved? Such they speak whole truths will it be pos­ chance of time. Though issued some two a conviction is unintelligible to one who sible to identify their voices with the thousand years ago they have the same has no consciousness of sin as pollution voice of philosophy and science. In the value and are paying the same dividends and guilt and no awareness of the pres­ meantime we should not permit our­ as when first issued. What is more, un­ ent life as standing in moral and organic selves to be u.nduly exercised over the ·like other securities, -they may be ob­ relation to the life to come; but it was fact that we are more or less at a loss tained by all without money and with­ basic to PAUL and through all the chang­ at times to reconcile the truths of the out price. Strangely enough, however, ing centuries it has remained basic to Gospel with alleged truths derived from they are ignored by multitudes who those who have had a historic right to other sources. The truths of the Gospel nevertheless are bending every effort to call themselves Christians. are revealed truths, independently evi­ obtain securities of such shifting value In the interest of guarding the deposit denced' as true. As such we may not as stocks and bonds and real estate. A PAUL warns TIMOTHY to avoid knowl­ only be sure that they constitute genuine partial explanation, at, least, is to be edge which is falsely so called. The war­ knowledge but that in the end it will ap­ found in the fact that today as truly as rant for this is obvious. Truth is a pear to all that these truths-both as in the days of PAUL the "oppositions of unity. What we profess in one field of regards their fact-content and their knowledge falsely so called" leads men knowledge inevitably affects what we truth-content--are indispensable arcs in to suppose that these securities are profess in other fields. Adopt a false the circle of truth. valueless; but to those who lay hold upon scientific or philosophic theory, and, if According to PAUL it is knowledge them by faith they pay dividends that we are at all consistent in our thinking, falsely so called not real knowledge, the prove that they have back of them both we will no longer be able to hold to the acceptance of which leads men to err the wisdom and the power of GOD, Gospel in its purity. Adopt a scientific concerning the truth as it is in JESUS Guaranteed by JESUS CHRIST Himself theory, for instance, that makes sin but CHRIST. This is not to deny, however, who abides the same yesterday, today a stage in the evolutionary process and that too great absorption even in whatis and forever we may be sure that what­ at once we lose interest in the Scrip­ rightly called knowledge may lead us to ever may prove true of earthly securities tural answer to the question, "What must err concerning the faith. Even the goo,d the securities of the faith cannot fail. I do to be saved?" Or adopt a philo­ is often the enemy of the best. Men may It is the primary duty of the church to sophic theory that precludes the belief and often do become so absorbed in their commend these securities to men every­ that GOD has intervened in a miraculous study of science, art, literature, business, where and that it may do so success­ manner for the salvation of mankind, economics, politics-and what not--as fully it is necessary to keep them intact and the Scriptural answer to this ques­ to become indifferent to things of greater -in other words that it proclaim the tion will seem to rest on no solid basis. importance. Here too we should strive Gospel of the grace of GOD in its purity Ministers and Christian teachers, there­ to keep first things first. Knowledge and integrity. This is what PAUL ex­ fore, cannot be unconcerned about cur­ rightly so called, if sought too exClu­ horted TIMOTHY to do and this is what rent scientific and philosophic theories. sively, may blind men to the need of ministers must do today if they are Indirectly if not directly they are blast­ availing themselves of "the securities, of properly to discharge their function as ing and cursing the lives of multitudes. the faith" as effectively as knowledge "witnesses." Let it be noted that it is "knowledge falsely so called" the acceptance of which causes men to err concerning .the truth. It is true, of course, that much Editorial Notes and Comments that is put forth as genuine knowledge actually contradicts the sacred deposit, Fundamentalism and Premillennialism: membership. We did this partly because it but that is really evidence that it is excludes from memberShip many of the counterfeit knowledge, not what it is The China Fundamentalist Approves leading exponents of orthodoxy but more represented as being. It is one thing to our Position especially because it tends to make the dif­ say that Christianity is out of harmony N our issue for November 1931, under ferences between premillenialists, post­ with the teachings of many modern I the title "Fundamentalism and Premil­ millennialists and amillennialists a diviSive lennialism," we expressed our regret that issue. While we are far from regarding philosophers and scientists and quite the ''World's Christian Fundamentals As­ these differences as unimportant we regard another thing to say it is out of harmony sociation" insists on belief in the premil­ them as such differences as exist among with philosophy and science. We admit lennial return of our LORD as a. condition of brethren and do not think that they should Augustl 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 3 be allowed to act as obstacles in the way of lennial view is sponsored by some of the ism. If we have said much more about the all real "fundamentalists" acting as a unit professors of Princeton Theological Semin­ amillennial view than the others, that is as over against modernism. ary, and we wonder if it did not originate because so many seem to think that all be­ Hearty approval of our position was ex­ with the late Dr. B. B. W ARFmLD. The view lievers in a real coming of CHRIST as the great event of the future are either premil­ pressed in an editorial in the March issue is not referred to in Dr. HODGE'S Theology, so it must have originated after his day. lennialists or postmillennialists. of The China Fundamentalist, published by Neither does STRONG know anything of it the Christian Fundamentals League for In the second place, we are somewhat in his Theology. Amillennialism has some­ China. With our editorial in mind it says: surprised to find a man like M. A. HOPKINS thing in common with both pre- ·and post­ expressing the notion that the amillennial "The November 1931 issue of CHRISTIANITY millennialism, and is, in fact, a sort of view is of recent origin. That may be true TODAY has a splendid article with which we co'mpromise between the two. It is more of the term itself. We do not know its find ourselves in hearty agreement. For scriptural and more in accord with world ongm. We are confident it did not origi­ twenty years the present writer has held trends than postmillennialism, 'and so has nate with the late Dr. B. B. W ARFmLD-who the premillennial view, and is glad to con­ much to commend it. held the postmillennial view-and while this fess that the study of the Bible during these view was long taught at Princeton by Profes­ years as preacher and teacher, and develop­ "Undoubtedly the premillennial view has sor GEERHARDUS Vos we have no reason to ments in the world situation, has served to the authority of history on its side. It was think the term originated with him. But, confirm us in the premillennial view. But the prevailing view from the time of the whatever the origin of the term, the idea we do not think that belief in premillen­ Apostles. Dr. HODGE acknowledges this in itself is very old. It is apparently true, strange nialism should be a prerequisite to member­ his theology: 'The doctrine of a premillen­ as it may seem, that neither the term or ship in the 'World's Qhristian Fundamentals nial advent of CHRIST has been extenSively the idea appears in the theologies of Drs. Association.' It is to be regretted that Dr. held from the days of the Apostles to the HODGE and STRONG-both of whom were RILEY and others insist upon it as a pre­ present time.' BARNARAS, HERMAS, P APIAS, postmillennialists-but it sellms hardly ac­ requisite. Fundamentalism and Premillen­ IRENAEUS, TERTULLIAN, and CYPRIAN all held curate to say there is no mention of the nialism ate not co-extensive terms. For all and taught the premillennial view. Not till idea in SHEDD'S History of Doctrine. Dr. fundamentalists are not premillennial; the rise of the allegorizing school of ORIGEN SHEDD apparently does not use the term neither are all premillennialists funda­ and the conversion of CONSTANTINE, followed "postmillennial" either and the impression mental. One of the dangers that threaten by the union of church and state, did the we get is that his own view was essentially Fundamentalism is internal dissension. Let view fall into disfavor. And at the same that of the amillennialists. As we have us avoid this. Fundamentalism .should be time the church entered upon the darkest previously pointed out, the view is certainly broad enough to inClude all who believe in age of her history. With the Reformation as old as the Westminster Standards. Its the real coming of CHRIST, whether they be and the restoration of the Word of GOD to advocates, of course, hold that it is as old pre-, post-, or amillennial." its rightful place of authority premillen­ nialism revived. Postmillennialism origin­ as the New Testament. That other premillenialists (not to men­ ated only about two centuries ago, and then It is obvious that Dr. SHEDD did not think tion amillennialists and postmillennialists) avowedly as a 'new hypothesis.' Its effect that "the premillennial view has the author­ share our position in this connection is in­ has been to obscure the blessed hope of the ity of history on its side." Witness his con­ dicated not only by our correspondence but appearing of the glory of our great GOD and clUSion: "The facts, then, established by particularly, for instance, by the success SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, not intentionally of this account of Millenarianism in the which has attended the organization of the .course, but because it is psychologically im­ Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern Churches, Philadelphia Fundamentalists (see news possible for people to have much interest in are the following: 1. That Millenarianism note in our last issue)-an organization an event that is removed from them by at was never the ecumenical faith of the church, that was established by premillennialists least a thousand years. For this reason and never entered as an article into any of but which does not make belief in premil­ we devoutly wish that all who cannot see the creeds. 2. That Millenarianism has been len.nialism a prerequisite to membership. their way clear to accept the premillennial the opinion of individuals and parties,­ view would enter the ranks of the amillen­ some of whom have stood in agreement nialists." with the catholic faith, and some in opposi­ /I Amillennialism 7/1 We have cited the above statement partly tion to it" (Vol. 2, p. 398). It seems clear also that it is to misquote Dr. HODGE to say E are confident our readers will be beca:u~e of its inherent interest and partly in order that we may offer a few comments. that he acknowledges that the premillen­ Winterested in what the premillennial nial view was "the prevailing view from the editor of The China Fundamentalist, in the We say advisedly "a few comments" as the statement raises issues that would require time of the Apostles." The words cited same issue from which we have quoted, from Dr. HODGE take on a different mean­ says about the relative merits of amillen­ an extended article to disCUSG at all adequ::ctely. ing when read in their context. His state­ nialism and postmillennialism. Under the ment as a whole follows: "The common title given above he writes as follows: In the first place, we are somewhat sur­ doctrine of the Church stated above, is that "The editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY is an prised to find ourselves spoken of as "an the conversion of the world. the restoration ardent advocate of what is termed Amillen­ ardent advocate" of Amillenialism. It was of the Jews, and the destruction of Anti­ nialism, the 'A' being privative and mean­ our impression that we had "advocated" it christ are to precede the second coming of ing that there will be no millennium. We only to the extent of maintaining that the CHRIST, which event will be attended by the are unable to find the word in the Inter­ term expresses one of the historic views of general resurrection, the final jUdgment, the national Dictionary, or in any of the the second coming that cannot be ignored end of the world, and the consummation of encyclopedias or Bible Dictionaries at hand, by any who would take into consideration the Church. In opposition to this view the and are forced to conclude that either the the main views that have been held in this doctrine of the premillennial advent of idea itself or the word user'!. to express it is connection. Without denying that we are CHRIST has been extensively held from the very recent. This statement is confirmed disposed to regard it more favorably than days of the Apostles to the present time" by the failure to find mention either of the any of the other views, our main concern (Systematic Theology Vol. III. p. 861). It idea or the name in SHEDD'S History of has been to maintain that all who believe in is one thing to say that a view has been Christian Doctrine, which brings the his­ the real coming of CHRIST should stand to­ extensively held and quite another to say tory of. doctrine down to 1648. The Amil- gether as over against encroaching modern- (Concluded on page 19!,) 4 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1932

Francis T urretin (And His Teaching Concerning Predestination) By Charles E. Edwards

Pittsburgh l Pa.

F AMOUS successor of Calvin in for it is the source of our gratitude to fruits of election, faith and repentance A Geneva was Francis Turretin, God, the root of humility, the strong may be found in us, which is the safest whose Latin volumes of theology were anchor of confidence in temptations, one way of proceeding to the saving knowl­ used for generations by students in of sweet consolation, and a powerful edge of that doctrine, with the object of Great Britain and America. Long ago spur to piety and holiness. (3) The increasing our faith, and to labor for Professor Giger of Princeton College enemies of the truth force us by their edification. translated these volumes into English; misrepresentations to refute their errors. but the manuscript still remains in the II Add these explanations:-Wicked men Princeton Seminary Library, awaiting often abuse this doctrine; but so do they Grace Alone an editor and a publisher. These valu­ scoff at other doctrines, the Trinity, the able works are practically inaccessible, In his "Question XI" concerning the Incarnation, the Resurrection. In deal­ obtainable only at secondhand, for the Decrees of God, Turretin asks, "Was ing with false apostles, Paul was not last edition at Edinburgh, is dated 1847. Election made from the foresight of silent; and we may learn from him when Current textbooks quote Turretin, but faith, or of works? Or, on the contrary, to speak and to be silent. The abuses he would be more appreciated if his from the mere grace of God?" He that lead to license of despair are not pages were in the hands of pastors who acknowledges that the merit of Christ, due to the doctrine, but the perversity value the Word of God. Turretin de­ faith and works, are necessary condi­ of those who wrest doctrines to their votes over a hundred pages to the topic tions of salvation, but not the cause of own destruction. The mystery of Pre­ of the Decrees of God, particularly, God's decree; He has reasons for that, destination is too sublime for us to Predestination, which in English might not revealed to us. comprehend why it is, but we can firmly make seventy thousand words. This hold to the fact of it, as taught in Scrip­ This is the principal hinge of the topic is developed in eighteen questions, ture. Two things must be distinguished, ancient controversy between Augustine three of which, abbreviated in a free "The secret things belong unto the Lord and Pelagius. The same division oc­ use of Professor Giger's translation may our God: but those things which are re­ curred in the Council of Trent, after­ convey some idea of his reasoning. vealed belong unto us and to our wards between Dominicans and Francis­ children forever," Deut. 29 :29. It is in­ cans, and between J ansenists and I gratitude, to neglect things revealed; it Jesuits. But some even among the Jesuits, for instance the celebrated Turretin's sixth Question is, "Should is pride, to search into things concealed. As Augustine says, "We must not there­ Cardinal Bellarmine, have agreed with Predestination be publicly taught and Augustine, that God's Election is gra­ preached?" This is an ancient question, fore deny what is plain, because we can­ tuitous. He said, "No reason on our asked by brethren in Gaul, since Augus­ not comprehend what is hidden." part of the divine predestination can be tine wrote much about predestination And Turretin concludes with sensible assigned,"-in order to exclude merit. when he refuted Pelagius. In later suggestions. There is great need of Luther defended Augustine's doctrine of times some have thought it objection­ sobriety and prudence, to keep in the gratuitous Election, but some Lutheran able, leading to desperation or to carnal bounds of Scripture, not to be wise above authorities drifted away from it. While security; yet it can be of great profit, what is written, having regard for per­ Arminians, according to Turretin, "who when taught seriously, out of the Word sons, places and times, to set forth prop­ call Popery and Pelagianism in by the of God. Two dangerous rocks are to be ositions, not all at once, but gradually, back door, have struck against the same avoided, an affectation of ignorance, and not to emphasize every part of the rock." But the Reformed, "by the also an unwarrantable curiosity. Here doctrine equally, but with a sense of unanimous consent of the Church, are reasons:-(l) Christ in the Gospels, proportion. Again, not to descend from they maintain Election to be purely Paul, Peter, James and John taught it. causes to effects, but to ascend from gratuitous." Then, are we not to learn? And are we effects to causes; not to unroll the book .. to be more prudent than God, or pre­ of life with a curiosity that is forbidden, Note his arguments:-(l) Faith and scribe rules to Him? (2) It is a doc­ but to consult the book of conscience, obedience are the fruit and effect of trine of first importance, and it would to find whether the seal of God is Election. Eph. 1 :4, He hath chosen us be an injury to the Church to ignore it, stamped upon our hearts, and whether that we should be holy, therefore not August, 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 5 because we were; and verse 5, having the Lord signifies, saying, Ye have not lives by the spiritual life of the sons of . predestinated us unto adoption, there­ chosen me but I have chosen you, nor God can know that he lives by the Spirit fore unto faith, by which that adoption does faith itself precede. For he did which works in him. (2) God inscribes is secured unto us. Acts 13: 48, as not elect us because we believed, but the names of the elect in the book of many as were ordained to eternal life that we might believe, that we might life; inscribes promises in Scripture; and believed. It is the faith of the elect, Tit. not be said to have first chosen him." inscribes His grace and law on the book 1:1, because given to the elect alone. (5) If Election is from foreseen faith, of conscience, "in fleshy tables of the Hence Augustine says, "We understand no place will be found for the objections heart" 2 Cor. 3: 3, like the white stone vocation, by which they become the elect, against it which Paul answers. Add with the new name, Rev. 2:17. (3) This not who are elected because they be­ another remark by Turretin:-the phy­ is confirmed by the testimony of the lieved, but are elected that they might sician intends the healing of the sick Holy Spirit who seals us, Eph. 4:30; and believe. For if on that account they man before he thinks of the remedies, I John 3:24, Hereby we know that he were elected, since they believed, they but in the execution he applies the abideth in us by the Spirit which He assuredly had elected him first, by be­ remedies before he heals. "Although hath given us. This light, joy, consola­ lieving in him, so that they deserved to therefore, God in executing gives faith tion is not fallacious or uncertain. (4) be elected." (2) Election was made before salvation, yet it cannot thence be The example of the saints who were cer­ from good pleasure alone, and not from inferred that God in electing considered tain of their Election and salvation, for any works. Rom. 9: 11, that the pur­ faith before salvation." instance, Abraham, Rom. 4:18, 19, 21; pose of God according to election might David, Ps. 16:8 and 23:6; also Paul, stand, not of works, but of him that Rom. 8:38-9. (5) The effects of faith III calleth,-and verse 16, "It is not of him demand it, such as confidence, Eph. 3: 12, that willeth, nor of him that runneth, Blessed Assurance full assurance, Heb. 10: 22, boasting, but of God that sheweth mercy." Also, Rom. 5:2, unspeakable joy, I Pet. 1:8. In discussing the Decrees, Turretin's in 11 :5, it is called the election of grace. "Question XIII" is, "Can the believer In further explanation, Turretin says Thus, Mt. 11:25, Christ speaking of the be certain of his Election, with a cer­ that although the certainty of Goq.'s revelation of the mysteries of salvation, tainty, not only conjectural and moral, grace cannot be gathered from prosper­ depending on Election, attributes it to but infallible, and of faith?" ous or adverse or external circum­ good pleasure alone, "Even so, Father, stances, faith can have it from the Word for so it seemed good in thy sight." So Here he opposes the Council of Trent of God and the Spirit's testimony. We also Paul, 2 Tim. 1 :9, "God hath saved (especially the Jesuits) which denies are uncertain on our part, but certain us, arid called us, not according to our that anyone can know with the certainty on the part of God. Fear and trembling, works, but according to his own purpose of faith, not admitting anything false, anxiety as to the means, may leave one and grace, which was given us in Christ that he has obtained the grace of God. tranquil as to the end, based on God's before the world began." And Rom. Also the Arminians deny that there is decree. And God restores the joy of 4:16 That "it is of faith that it might be given any sense of Election in this life salvation, and ma.kes broken bones re­ by grace," because faith alone can con­ except a conditional one, always uncer­ joice, Ps. 51 :8, 12. It is not the testi­ sist with grace in the matter of Justifica­ tain until death. Turretin states a prac­ mony of human reason, but that of the tion. He who speaks of grace alone, tical syllogism:-whoever truly believes Word and Spirit on which we depend. excludes all other causes out of God. and repents is elected; now I believe, The believer from his present state of And Rom. 9:11, 12, cannot be reconciled and therefore I am elected. This is not grace may see the link between the past with the foresight of faith or of works, by a revelation, nor is it free from fluc­ and future, Election and future glory. because it treats of twins, Esau and tuations, nor without the use of ap­ Moreover, there is no greater incentive Jacob, who had done nothing good or pointed means. to true piety than a vivid sense of the bad by which they might be distin­ So the elect can be certain of their sal­ love of God and his benefits. The state guished from each other; and in verses vation:-(l) Because believers know that of the believer is two fold, wrestling or 15, 16, Election is wholly ascribed to the victory; in conflict he fears, in triumph mercy of God alone. they are the sons of God, as the spirit witnesses, Rom. 8: 15, 16. "We believe he rejoices. David complained of being Again, (3) if this foreseen faith is an and are sure," said the apostles, John forsaken, Ps. 22:1, and cut off, 31:22, act of nature, we elected ourselves, con­ 6:69, and I John 2:3 "We do know that but is confident in the valley of the trary to Paul, 1 Cor. 4:7, ("what hast we know Him." Said Paul, "I know whom shadow of death, Ps. 23:4, and 118:5. thou that thou didst not receive?") and I have believed" 2 Tim. 1:12. Augustine See Paul's contrasts, Rom. 7:24, and Pelagius wins his contest. (4) If Elec~ said, "Whoever has it, may see his own 8:35. But repentance is indispensable, tion is from foreseen faith, God would faith in his heart, and hold it with the and the use of means; the desire of not have elected man, but rather man most certain knowledge and the convic­ sanctification is a necessary condition would have elected God, contrary to tion of conscience." As one knows that he of this certainty.· And the Christian is what Christ says, John 15: 16, which lives, from the vital actions which he to seek for this certainty in a growing Augustine often quotes, "which Election clearly perceives in himself; so, he who sanctification every day. 6 CHRISTIANITY TODAY Augustl 1932

Come on. Join this scheme. You will get a lot of satisfaction out of it. Confessions of a Miser And think of this! Mirabile dictu!! It By R. C. Tillinghast does not involve a committee. There is no "Secretary"!-?, no office, and no ex­ (The Editors are glad to publish this article because they believe it offers an oppor­ pense. You will save more on storage tunity by which many may shdre in a true Christian ministry. Mr.Tillinghast may be addressed dt 256 BroadwdY, New York, N. Y.) and insurance than the trifle which you will pay for postage. You can send an HE realization that I was a miser and foreign, having very small incomes ordinary book to the "jumping-off T once sharply disturbed my indolent and with no public library near, lacking place" for ten to twenty cents. complacency and the breaking of my even periodicals, right here in our home The whole matter being personal you selfish habit caused me some pangs like states as well as abroad; of shut-ins, will benefit more than the other parties. the removing of a tight shoe, but the mannes, lumber-jacks ;-How' the list I am coming to. believe Acts 20:35. subsequent experiences have been so grows! The thoughtful choice of a book to stimulating that I am moved to relate A missionary just going to a foreign help the recipient tests and develops some of them. field for her third term of service said both the head and the heart of the donor. In my miserly days I was influenced to me earnestly, "liVe get book-hungry." Do you know what will become of by the tradition that the possession of a Another wrote me from China, "I your books if you do not pass them on private library was something of which haven't had money to buy books for yourself? Let me tell' you something. to be proud, as indicating the superior three years." (And I complain of hard A clerical friend recently died after culture of the owner, and as being times although I haven't finished read­ several years of disability during which particularly impressive to casual visi­ ing my Christmas presents, yet!) he paid $54.00 per year storage on his tors. Of course I knew that more than books. Two weeks ago his widow re­ ninety percent of such books stand un­ I quote from a letter just at hand from Korea,-"If we do not read weare done ceived $25.00 for his library,-about used year after year, having to be in­ 3,000 books,-less than one cent each, sured, stored, and perhaps dusted, and for. We must take in if we are to give out." -from a large and reputable dealer. it required but little thought to realize Some of them will go to the paper-mill; that a book standing on the shelf is im­ A pastor in the Black Hills, S. D., others will go on the sidewalk stand, mured and that its contents are deteri­ says,-"Books, magazines, (I included labeled, "Your choice 15c." orating,-those published only a few some trade journals) all are so welcome. There is a present and definite appeal years ago being largely out of date,­ We utilize them and they do a great deal to Clergymen as follows:- and that in most cases a private library of good." is not a "Lyceum" but a "Mausoleum." "The College" (Reformed) , Papa, A native and very earnest worker in Hungary, survived the great war with Please do not speak too quickly. You a far country was being unsettled by "the buildings are left," but scanty know I am not talking about 'books of propaganda re Daniel's vision, "666 equipment. Its good standing is easily reference,'-if used,-nor to one's favor­ years," the "last days," etc. Two good verified. Regent Horthy attended its ite poet. Also I may safely say that, books relieved his perplexity. 400th anniversary last October. They in this connection, we can disregard all have expressed great gratitude for the novels since "Ben Hur" and a mass Having sent an assortment--a real books, quarterlies, etc., for the library of other ephemeral trash. However, variety,-to a man who is eking out a and reading-room. Professor Pongracz counting only such as are worth while scanty living in the Australian "Bush," now writes me re "the many-sided at­ and of general interest, there are enough I received an acknowledgment in twelve tacks of the Jesuits on the Reformed idle books within ten miles of where I pages of long hand, informing and Faith" and says, "We must use our own sit to load-a truck?-Yes, a freight interesting. weapons in defence." Dr. Bohatec of car.-Yes, a five masted schooner! The chaplain of a penitentiary on one Vienna, recently made Honorary Profes­ Please note that a "Miser" is one who of "the islands of the sea," in acknowl­ sor, lectured on "Calvin's Importance in accumulates and keeps more of any­ edging receipt of what I sent for the the History of Culture," and they want thing than he needs, or who hoards what prisoners, follows his signature with the books, pamphlets, etc., on Calvin and he does not use. When I realized how letters "S. J." You might be amused Calvinism. New books are not expected closely that definition fitted me and my by the assortment that I sent, including and the date is immaterial. I will gladly "shelf of books" my pride was shattered "Nation's Business" as well as "The take all the trouble or they can be and I sought a way to "bring forth Complete Sayings of Jesus." He mailed to Professor Joseph PongTacz, books meet for repentance." Then I thanked me in behalf of "the poor fel­ The College, I'apa, Hungary. The post­ thought of the many people who have lows"-as he calls them,- to whom he age is 1112 cents for each 2 ounces. No few books or none; of rural pastors and ministers and he gave me his blessing. writing other than possibly, a name on teachers as well as missionaries, home I'd like to know that Jesuit. the fly leaf is pennitted. August/ 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 7

Dr. Coffin, president of Union Semin­ ary suggested the slow method of hav­ Syncretism ing two or three denominations unite here and there. The Congregational By the Rev. C. L. Richards and Universalist churches united in Poynette/ Wisconsin Illinois, and the pastor of the Congre­ gational church at Madison advised HE word "Syncretism" has lain men pressed it in 1917-18, and spent union with the Universalists in Madison. T asleep in the dictionary for many much time and money in advocating Have two or three German Denomina­ years, but like Rip Van Winkle, recently organic union with all denominations. tions join and The Episcopalians join roused, springs up desiring to be up with Because this writer alone refused to the Presbyterians! the times and have an important part sign up and make Madison Presbytery We now have before us the plan for in the drama of these modern days. It unanimous for that overture large doses ours to join the "United Pre'sbyterian is an old word, coined seventeen or of sarcasm came his way. Several Pres­ Church of North America." Shall the eighteen centuries ago. You might read byteries responded and the Assembly at rebellion which broke out October 15, its record in 200 kD. when Gnosticism Columbus, Ohio, approved. It looked 1892 and prefers Centralization of and other pagan ideas tried to central­ like a complete victory. Three run-down Power over all protestant denominations ize and control all the religions of the churches in New York City, where in the United States come soon? world and thereby emasculate the Gos­ Modernism was and is strong, combined pel of Jesus Christ. and had a Baptist preacher to fill a Possibly in tropical Ainerica a Boa united platform, pulpit and pews. Then Constrictor can develop its full length Syncretism is "an effort to reconcile they had a TOWER! But a confusion and power in 30 years, but in thi:s more and unite various systems of philosophy of tongues followed. Craze for bigness! northern country it may take 50 years or religious opinions on the basis of to crush all denominations into one. tenets common to all and against a .com­ "As denominations grow larger they The coil of the "serpent more subtil mon opponent," and it would cultivate develop politics, place hunting, salary the "spirit or practice of indifference, grabbing, autocratic rule; complicated than any beast of the field" would em­ of false or undue tolerance." organization increases beyond proper brace the United Presbyterians with proportions ..." ours next Mayor June. It was "a movement in the 17th cen­ tury proposing to bring the Protestant sects into a nearer accord with one another, especially to bring the Lutheran Loneliness and Reformed churches into a union; advocated by George Calixtus and Op­ By the Rev. J. W. Robb posed by Abraham Calovius; later, in Lancing/ Tenn. the Lutheran Church, the principle of moderation and development, as opposed s God ever lonely? We think that Carlyle's works there is an enlightening to strict orthodoxy." I He is-for man. And, likewise, man sentence stating that a man never comes Syncretism woke up again before 1900 for God. Why did the Creator place to the best that is in him unless he has and in that year the "National Com­ mankind on the earth? What was His periods of isolation. Henry Drummond mittee on the Federation of Churches" purpose? Was it not that His people said, "There is an experience which be­ was formed. In 1903 it was "Closer should come to know Him in His Son, comes more and more familiar to every cooperation or union with sister denomi­ whom to know is life eternal? Was it one who is trying to follow Christ-;:t nations" introduced by Union Seminary not that we should worship Him, do His feeling to the growing loneliness of. this men. In 1904 "Executive Board of the will, enjoy His blessed fellowship, and Christian life." The fact that God has National Federation of Churches and that He might have delight in His chil­ chosen us from the foundation of the Christian Workers." In 1905 they dren now and throughout eternity? world, that He has a commission and a boomed that wonderful Convention in Everlasting life is not just to live for­ far destiny for each person, brings us Carnegie Hall, New York, when you ever, but to grow in knowledge of the to this realization. could read in large words-"Inter­ Lord, and later to be like Him, to see A drawing apart is a portion of every Church Conference on Federation." By Him as He is and to reign wi.th Him. life, but especially of God's servants. 1908 thirty Denominations were in "The We are His; He has made us for Him­ Leaving our homes or a dear friend, at Federal Council of the Churches of self. Then our neglect must bereave a fearful cost, is not seldom a crucifixion Christ in America." Union Seminary Him. And our hearts' are restless till of the soul; and one needs a martyr ministers in various Presbyteries were they rest in Him. spirit for courage to carryon. For the prominent in the game. But Syncretism The sense of aloneness is a universal Kingdom's sake our Lord left His place was not yet fully satisfied and Union experience with the human family .. In in glory and endured such a separation 8 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1932

on the earth, as did the Baptist and with loved ones! Because of our as­ Surely our sense of loneliness when Paul. Every age has its rugged souls sociations the moments of life are apart from others is not wholly unlike who have only the fear of God in their freighted with tremendous issues. Oh, that of our God, who has created man in hearts and in undertaking some high the pathos, the tender pathos of the His image and after whose likeness we adventure in God's Name forget them­ here and the hereafter! Now we have a are made, who imparts to the highest selves into immortality. In all the 'foretaste of the endless pleasures which of His creatures many of His attributes world there is no finer adventure than shall ravish our souls when we depart -as, a spirit, eternal existence, wisdom, this. Upon such exacting decisions the this life; and the privations of this' pres­ power, holiness, justice, goodness and world lives, is lifted and moves forward. ent time are not worthy to be compared truth. He desires our prayers not merely Solitude is the motherland of these with the glory which shall be revealed that we may make our wants and wishes great souls. One of the benefits is the in us. Our light affliction, which is but known, but because He is lonesome privilege of communing with God. The for a moment, worketh for us a far more without us. The Father loves His own. Lord, the Angel Gabriel, and God's exceeding and eternal weight of glory. He has surprises for His heirs. There people regarded John the Baptist as This is a teaching of the Scriptures, of are unfathomed treasures in His store­ greatest among the sons of men. He Christian song, it is a fond hope, and it house for all who believe that He is, lacked our advantages of education and finds expression in our prayers. This and who come to Him and diligently culture, but found time, in the silence promise is an unfailing source of true seek Him out; and no one has yet of the wilderness, to conform to the joy and steadfastness all our days. sounded the depths of His mercy and command "Be still, and know that I am gifts. 0 the depth of the riches both of "0 Christ, He is the Fountain, God." After his conversion, St. Paul The deep sweet Well of Love! the wisdom and knOWledge of God! How spent a decade following The streams on earth I've tasted unsearchable are His judgments, and "That iare track made by great ones, lone More deep I'll drink above." His ways past finding out! and beaten, Through solitary hours, Climbing past fear and hate and sin, iron­ eaten, To godlier powers." The Triumph and Fragrance of True and There is no lonesomeness, wherever our FaithFul Preaching lot is cast, so poignant as the awareness of being separated from our Heavenly A Sermon Father. The consciousness of sin causes the Rev. T. S. Armentrout this. But are we not tempted, tried and By proven that we might be drawn nearer Wilmington, Delaware to Him, and treasure through the ages "But thanks be unto God who a~ways verted. But little interest is manifested the joy of His presence? Man's grief leadeth us in triumph in Christ] and in his message. Spiritual desolation and solitariness is but his grandeur in maketh manifest the savour of his prevails. Despair grips him as it did disguise, and discontent woos us from knowledge by us in every place. For we Elijah when the fear of wicked Jezebel earth to heaven. We thus learn to com­ are a sweet savour of Christ unto God, triumphed over him and he prayed that prehend something of God's holiness, in them that are being saved, and in his life be taken away. The average our proneness to disobey, and His long­ them that are perishing; to the one a minister, the faithful minister in the hard ing for our obedience and companionship. savour of death unto death; to the other and unresponsive fields, if you please, All things work together for good to a saVOllr of life unto life. And who is as he looks at the little success that at­ them that love God, to them who are sufficient for these things? For we are tends his labors, compared with the great called according to His purpose. not as the many corrupting the word of things that he wants to do for the souls When we must spend hours of labour God: but as of sincerity but as of God] of men, cries out instinctively, Who is without dear ones and their sympathy, in the sight of God] speak we in Christ." sufficient for these things? One speaker we should realize that it is for our good, (II Cor. 2:14-17) at a Foreign Missions conference in as we are best disciplined in this Philadelphia said that the Missionaries manner: that our labors are but for a MINISTER is often depressed, in China, as they faced that mighty little while, the rewards will be the A discouraged and has no rest in his Continent that unbroken wall of un­ greater because of them, and in the fu­ spirit, because his ministrations in the belief and stubborn opposition of ture life there will be the blissful and Gospel seem barren and unfruitful. Like prejudice and false religion, despaired happy abiding with the Father, His his Lord, "all day long he holds out his of winning that Continent of Christ, to holy angels and the spirits of just men hands to a disobedient and gainsaying Christ by their efforts, and looked for made perfect. How sacred and precious people. The seed he sows falls upon the Christ's coming in person to do it. But to us are the counsels of His .presence, hard trodden road-bed. Or on stony, or the speaker said that he took the op­ angels' visits, the moments we spend thorny ground. Few if any are con- posite view, that Christ's coming would Augustr 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 9 be delayed hundreds and perhaps a where." When a man is wholly sub­ them; but the transgressors shall fall thousand years, until the Gospel won dued, body, soul and spirit, heart, mind therein." And Provo 10:29 "The ways that Continent. He had no doubt of its and strength, to the will of God, God of the Lord is strength to the upright; final triumph, nor had the Missionaries. leads him, as it were, in triumph and but destruction to the workers of But the contrast between what they causes the sweet savour of his knowledge iniquity," a passage with which, the were able to accomplish and what is still in or through Christ to be manifested in Prince of Orange closed his celebrated to be done appalled them. This is the his life and ministrations. He also re­ proclamation to the people of the view of the effect as we look out man­ joices in the victory of his triumphing Netherlands, the 31st of August 1568, ward. When we look up God-ward we Lord. opening the momentous struggle against are reassured. We have been subdued the blood-thirsty duke of Alva and the The faithful preaching and loving by God's grace. We are His ambas­ Spanish tyrrany, in which the word of service of a heart so subdued and under sadors. We have been put in trust with God was made a savour of death unto the power of God is an unfailing fra­ the Gospel. Weare led in triumph always death to many, but a savour of life unto gl'ance and success in the sight of God, and everywhere by God; in Christ we life to multitudes, and is still a sweet whether men are saved or perish, participate in the triumph. The Roman savour unto God. The gospel sets before whether they will hear or forbear, Senate decreed their great general, men the alternatives of life and death. whether men believe the things spoken Marius, a triumph, when he had ended From these there is no escape. "Who is or believe them not, whether they receive the Numidian war. In that grand pro­ sufficient for the calling of the Gospel Christ and are saved from their sins, or cession from the Campus Martius ministry," asks Dr. James De=ey, reject Him and die in their sins. The through the streets of the city to the "when such are the alternatives involved very proclamation of the Gospel, the Capitol, Jugurtha the King of the in it? Who is sufficient, in love, in wis­ bringing of the kingdom of God nigh Numidians was led in triumph, in dom, in humility, in awful earnestness, unto sinners, the upholding of Christ chains. From a thousand altars the for the duties of a calling the issues of crucified before a perishing world, mani­ sweet-smelling savour of burning incense which are life or death for ever?" Paul fests the glory of God, and is a savor arose a grateful tribute to the conquer­ answers, our sufficiency is of God. For well-pleasing to him. It proves the ing hero. J ugurtha the able and re­ we are not as the many, who corrupt deadness, the insensibility of the human sourceful enemy of Rome, had been the word of God. Who corrupt it either heart that it remains unsubdued by captured and delivered into the power of by taking from or by adding to it. By such a display of divine mercy and love Sylla the young lieutenant of Marius, by annulling it by opinions or traditions of as is exhibited in his unspeakable gift. the treachery and base betrayal of his men. By rejecting or ignoring its author­ That it is hardened against the victor­ ally the king of Mauretania. But we ity. By compromising its inescapable ious Son of God and refuses to have have been won and subdued by the facts and its supernatural origin and Him reign over it, proves that it is "a mercy and forgiveness of God in Christ, miraculous abutments. By taking refuge vessel of wrath fitted to destruction;" and are led in triumph by his love. The in an agnostic attitude of "neither that it progresses from death, spiritual love of Christ constraineth us. What­ affirming nor denying" the plainly re­ hardness and impenitence here, to ever may be the effect of our preaching corded truths of the Gospel history. By eternal and irremediable death. The upon the hearts and consciences of men, soft-pedalling or silently acquiescing same glorious Gospel, the same pure, God maketh manifest the savor of the when the honor of Christ or the veracity loyal and bold preaching of God's word Knowledge of Christ through us in every of God is insidiously attacked. When results in opposite effects. I t issues in place, where we minister. The transla­ the outstanding doctrines of the Gospel life to some in eternal death to others. tion of the Greek word, thriambeuonti, are held up to ridicule. When public If it be hid, it is hid to them that are given in the Authorised Version, "causeth preaching consists in sneering at dogmas lost: "In whom the god of this world hath us to triumph," though seemingly and venerable creeds, and fundamental blinded the minds of them which believe suitable and natural in this context, and doctrines of grace and salvation are not lest the light of the glorious gospel though it is still defended by able of Christ, who is the image of God, scorned. "And the scorners delight in scholars like Schmiedel, and, has the should shine unto them." The sunlight their scorning, and fools hate knowl­ authority of Liddell and Scott, yetis is reflected from hard surfaces, yet it edge." The Greek word here used by shown to be the wrong meaning of the reveals their hardness. "This is the the Apostle, kapaleuo was used of those word by Bishop J. B, Lightfoot in his condemnation, that light is come into who retailed wares for profit, especially comments upon the same word in his the world, and men loved darkness the wine merchants who adulterated Colossians Ch. II, 15, where "it is" says rather than light, b~cause their deeds their wine and sold the solution at great he, "the defeated powers of evil," but ,yere evil. For everyone that doeth profit, hence by metaphor it meant to in our passage in II Cor. "the subjugated evil hateth the light, neither cometh to adulterate or to corrupt in an ignoble persons of men, who are led in public, the light, lest his deeds should be re­ and mean way. It is used by Plato in chained to the triumphal car of Christ." proved." This is the meaning of the the sense "To higgle or chaffer in philos­ "This is the proper meaning and con­ prophet Hosea, "The ways of the Lord ophy." It is exactly suited to express the struction of the word as found else- are right, and the just shall walk in work of ' the "bootleggers" in the church 10 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1932 who mix the poison of their opinions and "despise dominion and speak evil of With their tongues they use deceit, and unbelief with the pure Word of God, dignities" consider sacred symbols and the poison of asps is under their lips. and industriously peddle it out to a solemn vows as "scraps of paper." A But the true minister who is like the credulo1!-s and unsuspecting public. fitting name for these corrupters and Apostle led in triumph by God, does not Bolshevists who unlawfully attack the rationalists Kapaelons might be coined corrupt the Word of God, but as of foundations of the Faith, and poison because they weaken and corrupt and sincerity, .as of God, that is as though the souls of men in the very citadel of debase the pure Word of God, and God were speaking by him, in the sight religion. Who defy all church authority thereby overthrow the faith of many. of God, speaks in Christ.

Notes on Biblical Exposition By J. Gresham Machen, D.O., litt.D. Professor of New Testament in Westminster Theological Seminary XX. THE PERIL OF INCONSISTENCY

"But if in seeking to be justified in law; we became just as much 'sinners' Christ is not a helper in sin." If, then, Christ we were found, ourselves also, (in the old Jewish sense of the word, the "for" clause gives a reason for that sinners, is Christ a minister of sin? God which divided humanity into the two negative assertion, we get the following: forbid? For if the things which I tare classes of (1) Jews and (2) sinners), as "Christ is not a helper in sin; for if I dawn, these things again I build up, I the Gentiles. But it was Christ who led build up the things which I tore down 8haw myself to. be a transgressar. For us to take that step. If so, if Christ led I show myself to be a transgressor." I thraugh the law died to the law that I us to become 'sinners,' how shall we But that hardly seems to make sense. might live to God" (Gal. 2:17-19a, in a avoid the conclusion that Christ was one It is very difficult to see how the sentence literal translatian). who led us into sin? Only by recognising introduced by "for," so understood, gives that that Jewish distinction between any reason for, or has any logical con­ The General Sense 'sinners' and Jews is invalid. We must nection with, the preceding clause. not set it up again. If we do set it up The connection could, indeed, be N the last two articles in this series again, then we do charge Christ with established if we could introduce the I we have been considering the speech being a helper in sin. Christ led us to word "only" into the clause introduced which Paul made to Peter at Antioch. become 'sinners' in that Jewish sense of by "for." Then we should have the "You and I," said Paul to Peter, "were the word. If that sense is right, then, thought: "Christ is not a helper in sin; Jews by nature; we had all the ad­ since Christ led us to become 'sinners,' for only if I build up what I tore down vantages which the law could give. Yet He led us into sin." do I show myself to be a transgressor we relinquished our confidence in all and thus show Christ to have led me those advantages, so far as the attain­ A Difficult Connection into transgression by leading me to tear ment of salvation was concerned, by it down, whereas, on the other hand if I seeking our salvation in exactly the So much for the general thought. We stand by the step which I have taken I same way as that in which it is to be must now consider briefly one or two do not confess that it was wrong for sought by despised Gentile 'sinners'­ details. me to take it and so do not confess that namely, by the free grace of Christ re­ The first difficulty concerns the con­ Christ led me into sin when He led me ceived by faith alone." nection of the sentence, "For if I build to take it." At that point, an objection might arise up the things which I tore down I show. This interpretation yields a perfectly from the Jewish point of view; and the myself up as a transgressor." That good thought. But the trouble with it objection is taken up incidentally and by sentence is introduced by "for"; it gives is that in order to adopt it we have to implication at the beginning of the pas­ thus a reason for something that pre­ insert the all-important word "only," sage which we study this.month. cedes. But the words immediately pre­ the word upon which the whole inter­ It is rather a difficult passage. But ceding are "God forbid" (literally, "May p'etation hangs. difficult though it is in certain details, it not be"). Our first impulse would be, the general thought of it does seem to be then, to regard the "for" clause as giving How Vacillation Dishonors Christ fairly clear. That general thought may a reason for the "God forbid." The perhaps be paraphrased as follows: sense of the "God forbid," when it is It seems better therefore, to say that "'N e Jews, when we became Christians, taken together with the question which the sentence introduced by "for" does gave lIP seeking justification through the it answers in the negative, is: "No, not give a reason for the "God forbid"- August, 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 11 does not give a reason for Paul's nega­ paradoxically enough, the building up. what Christ led us to do, we build the tive reply to the question, "Is Christ a Let us consider the second of these law up." helper in sin ?"-but rather explains how views first. According to this second Paul came to raise that blasphemous view, Paul is expressing the paradoxical The Right View About the "Transgression" question. No doubt it would have been thought that in this particular case, un­ Despite the advantages of this inter­ more coldly logical to postpone the nega­ like what usually prevails, it is a trans­ pretation, despite the close logical con­ tive answer to the question-to post­ gression to build a thing up. That nection which, unlike the other inter­ pone, that is, the "God forbid"-until paradoxical thought becomes clear, say pretation, it shows between every.clause the question itself has been thoroughly the advocates of this interpretation, and the immediately preceding clause, explained. But the Apostle Paul, though w hen verse 18 is taken in close connec­ it must probably be rejected. The always logical, is not coldly or pedanti­ tion with the words "through the law" trouble is that verse 18--"For if the cally logical; and so here, when he raises in verse 19. "In this particular case," things which I tore down these things the blasphemou!S question, "Is Christ a Paul would be saying, "1 would become again I build up, I show myself to be a minister of sin?", he prefers first to a transgressor of the law in building up transgressor"-is worded as though it brush that blasphemous question aside the law as a means of salvation, because were a general and obvious proposition, with his indignant "God forbid," be­ it was through the law that 1 died to and most emphatically not as though it fore he explains how that question ever the law; since the law commanded me to were meant to express a paradoxical could arise.' We get, then, the following tear the law down as a means of salva­ exception to that general proposition. "If sense for the passage: in giving up tion, I would become a transgressor of If Paul had meant that in. this particular the law as a means of salvation we be­ the law-paradoxical though it may case that general proposition does not came 'sinners,' is Christ a helper in sin? seem-in going back upon that initial hold, but on the contraryit is the build­ You will agree with me, Peter, in reject­ act by building the law up again." ing up and not the tearing down that is. ing any conclusion so blasphemous and This interpretation has the advantage the "transgression," why did he not absurd; you will agree with me in brush­ that it exhibits a good and close connec­ make clear in some way-in verse 18 ing that conclusion aside with an tion between verse 18 and verse 19; ac­ itself-that he is talking about the emphatic 'God forbid.' But let us look cording to it, the "for" at the beginning particular case and not about the general at that matter a little more closely. of verse 19 is made to introduce a rea­ proposition? As a matter of fact, verse That blasphemous conclusion does fol­ son for what immediately precedes. 18 is put in the most studiedly general low by an inevitable logic, Peter, from What is perhaps even more important, form, and no ordinary reader would talse your vacillating conduct. If, by your it relieves us of our previous difficulty it in any other way than simply as ex­ example in refusing table-companion­ regarding the "for" sentence in verse 18; pressing the obvious thought that if just ship to Gentile Christians, you build up it makes it possible for us to take that after tearing a thing down 1 proceed to that view of the law as a means oLsalva­ "for" sentence, after all, as a reason for build it up again, 1 confess thereby that tion which when you trusted in Christ the immediately preceding "God forbid," 1 did wrong in tearing it down; 1 con­ you tore down, you confess that you and relieves us from the necessity, which fess that my tearing it down was a did wrong in tearing it down; and, since we had previously felt ourselves to be transgression. Christ led you to tear it down, you con­ under, of making the "for" of verse 18 We, therefore, despite the temptation fess that He did wrong, you confess that jump back of the "God forbid" to the offered by the view just discussed, are He was your helper in an act of sin." question with which the "God forbid" inclined to stick to our previous inter­ is an answer. Thus, if we can adopt this· pretation of the connection between verse identification of the "transgression" Tearing Down and Building Up 17 and verse 18. The "for" in verse 18 with the building up, even what we have So much for the question regarding does, we still hold, go back of the "God already said about verses 17 and 18 the connection of the sentence introduced forbid;" it does not give a reason for will have to be abandoned, and the by "for" with what precedes. Another this negative answer to the question, whole passage will be understood as question has been asked about this pas­ "Is Christ a minister of sin?", but it follows: "If we became 'sinners' when we sage. 'What is meant by the "trans­ explains how that question came to be gave up the law as a means of salvation, gression" which is referred to in verse raised. is Christ, who led us to take that step, 18? Two opposite views have been a helper in sin? No, He is not a helper What, then, on this view of verse 18, held. in sin; for in this particular case, unlike is the meaning of the "for" at the begin­ According to one view, the "trans­ ordinary cases, it was not a sin to tear ning of verse 19? We have rejected the gression" is the initial act Qf Paul and the thing down; the law. itself com­ close connection between this verse and Peter and other Jewish Christians in manded us to tear it down, so that the immediately preceding verse. What turning their backs upon any thought Christ, in leading us to tear it down, did shall we put in place of that connection? of the law as a means of salvation. Ac­ not lead us to be transgressors of the For what does the "for" at the beginning cording to the other view, the "trans­ law; on the contrary, we became trans­ of verse 19 introduce a reason? We gression" is not the tearing down, but, gressors of the law if, going back upon answer that it introduces a reason for 12 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1932 the general thought of verses 17 and 18. If we merely go back upon what we have and "Away," says Paul, "with all this incon­ done, well and good. vVe are but weak Editorial Notes Comments sistency which confesses that we did and fallible men, and often we make mis­ (Concluded) wrong in giving up the law as a means takes. But if we go back upon what that it has been the prevailing view, espe­ of salvation and which thereby confesses Christ led us to do, if we go back upon cially when it is added that it has been that Christ did wrong in leading us to some decision of principle which we held in opposition to "the common view." do it. I for my part will have nothing made for Christ's sake, then we are It is also an overstatement to imply that the Reformers held to the premillennial to do with such inconsistency; I broke falling into a very dreadful sin. view. As a matter of fact the Reformers with the law (as a means of salvation) How common that sin is in the modern as a class were amillennialists. "The Re­ not temporarily but for ever; I died to Church; how common it is, in particular, formers in general," to quote Dr. HEAGLE, it, that I might live to God." "did not believe in any millennium; con­ in our Presbyterian Church in the sidering the church to be the proper king­ If there is any proposition in what U.S.A.! A man decides to take a stand dom of GOD on earth, and the whole matter precedes which we must single out as for the gospel of Christ against that of the thousand years to be one of those "other gospel" of doctrinal indifferentism 'Jewish opinions' which have often appeared being that for which the "for" of verse in history." How little the Reformation was 19 introduces a reason, it must be, we which now dominates our Church. Then a premillennial movement is indicated by suppose, the "God forbid" of verse 17. comes flattery from the ecclesiastical the fact that Dr. SHEDD writes: "In the "Christ is not a minister of sin," says authorities; then comes Satan's VOIce period of the Reformation, millenarianism Paul; "for, in opposition to all vacillat­ about "peace and work" and about made its appearance in connection with the avoidance of contention, and about fanatical and heterodox tendencies that ing policy which would make Him a sprang up along with the' great religious minister of sin, I for my part stand propagation versus defence and about awakening. Hence, the symbols when they firmly by the decision which He led me making our message positive and not notice the doctrine at all do so in terms of to make; I for my part died to the law, negative and about not alienating the condemnation" (Vol. II. p. 396). If the amillennial view originated since Dr. as He led me to do, in order that I might support of moderate and peace-loving men in the Church and about teaching HODGE'S Theology was written, as Dr. Hop­ live to God." KINS apparently thinks, and if "pbstmillen­ the truth and letting Church politics go. nialism originated only about two centuries At first sight, this might seem to be At first, the man resists the Tempter's ago," as he expressly states, it would seem an artificial and unnatural treatment of voice. But as these shibboleths of un­ clear that the premillennial view must have the passage. The passage' falls into belief continue to make their impact been the prevailing view throughout the history of the Church. But apart from the four divisions, of which the last two are upon his soul, his evangelical ardor be­ causal clauses introduced by "for": (1) question whether it is the true Christian gins to wane. He begins to fear the view, it is hardly open to doubt that the vast "Is Christ a minister of sin ?", (2) "God ecclesiastical machinery; he begins to majority of those who have called them­ forbid!"; (3) "For if I build up what I consider consequences rather than prin­ selves Christians have not been premillen­ tore down I show myself to be a trans­ ciple; he begins to withdraw and sepa­ nialists. gressor"; (4) "For I through the law rate himself from those who bear the re­ It mayor may not be true that postmil­ died to the law." According to our in­ proach of Christ. lennialism has "obscured the blessed hope terpretation, (3) refers not to (2) but of the appearing of the glory of our great Such vacillation is one of the greatest to (1), and (4) refers not to (3) but to GOD and SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST," but, be enemies of the evangelical cause today. that as it may, it seems to us that Dr. Hop­ (2) . At first sight, this business of One wobbly evangelical often does more ICINS is skating on thin ice when he de­ making causal clauses give the reason, clares that "it is psychologically impossible harm to the cause of the gospel, and in each case, not for what immediately for people to have much interest in an event leads more of Christ's little ones astray, precedes but for something further back that is removed from them by at least a than do a dozen Modernists. God send thousand years"-in view 6f the fact that would seem to be unwarranted. The us men of a different type, no matter two thousand years have come and gone answer to the objection will be found if how few they may be! God send us since the words were spoken: "Ye men of a man will just read the passage over Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? foursquare men, who give the cause their again and take it as a whole. When he this JESUS, who was received up from you all! God send us men who will say, 'does that, he will see, we think, that the into heaven, shall so come in like manner as as over against the "other gospel" now ye beheld Him going into heaven." If it interpretation proposed does bring out dominant in the Presbyterian Church: was psychologically possible in the days of the sense of what Paul was intending "I for my part will never go back upon the Apostles, why not now? to say. a decision which Christ led me to take; But while we think that some of Dr. I will never dishonor Him by confessing HOPKINS' statements are of doubtful validity, The Sin of Vacillation we are in hearty agreement with what that what I did for His sake was sin; we regard as the core of his contention, At any rate, the difficulties of the pas­ I have broken once and for all with that viz. that "Fundamentalism should be broad sage do not' obscure its profound mean­ other gospel, which now dominates the enough to include all who believe in the ing for the modern Church. Whatever Church, and I will never make common real second coming of CHRIST, whether they be premillennial or postmillennial or amil­ interpretation be adopted as to details, cause for one moment, in presbytery, lel1nial." Our agreements, we believe, the passage does set forth the danger­ General Assembly or th.eological semi­ have to do with what is fundamental, our nay, the terrible sin-of inconsistency. nary, with those who proclaim it." differences with what is non-fundamental. Augustl 1932 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 13 News of the Church Synod of California Decides humanism, some by name and others with­ The Presbyterian Church in Canada out actual reference," he said. "After all, Against Mr. Jamison the essence of humanism is the encourage­ F ACETIOUS comment upon what was ACCORDING to a United Press dispatch, ment to its followers to think for them­ A known as the whirlwind campaign of fi "The action of the Los Angeles Pres­ selves." a leading Canadian politician was that it bytery in withholding a pastorate near the The following Unitarian ministers also was one part whirl and three parts wind. University of California at Los Angeles from were announced as members of the advisory The Moderator of the General Assembly of Rev. Milo F. Jamison was approved by the group: 1931, Rev. W. G. Brown, conducted a whirl­ wind campaign but it is not subject to the judicial commission in a report which was Henry J. Adlard, of Duluth; George I. same criticism as launched against the adopted by the Synod. No reflection is Ashley, of Hollywood; Burdette E. Backus, politician. It was a steady campaign of cast upon the good name of Rev. Jamison, of Los Angeles; Warren P. Blodgett, of Pitts­ speaking every day and sometimes several however, it was added. burgh; Ernest Caldecott, of Schenectady; times a day, for many months. The Modera­ "Liberal members of the Los Angeles Eugene M. Cosgrove, of Hinsdale, Ill.; Dale tor in every address laid a foundation of Presbytery had caused the pastorate to be De Witt, of Hollis, N. Y.; Charles J. Dutton, strong doctrine, set forth the opportunity withheld from Rev. Jamison because they of Des Moines; William R. Holloway, of and the responsibility of the Church, dis­ felt that he, a fundamentalist, should not Madison; Gordon Kent, of Sioux City; John closed in particular the open doors for serv­ OCc.upy the university pulpit." G. MacKinnon, of Wichita; Harold P. Mar­ ice in the great Canadian west, among the It is regarded as likely that the case will ley, of Ann Arbor; R. Lester Mondale, of foreigners in Canada, in the mining and be carried to the Assembly. It will be Evanston; Homer L. Sheffer, of Oklahoma agricultural areas in other sections of the watched with interest. City; Eugene W. Sutherland, of Louisville; land, and in the Orient,-and all this with Clarence M. Vickland, of Stockton, Calif.; a passion that has greatly moved his hearers Frank S. C. Wicks, of Indianapolis; Kenneth World Humanist Move Organized everywhere. One result is that in response C. Walker, of Boston, and Robert Weston, to his appeal over $70,000, in addition to REATION of an international associa­ of Trenton, N. J. C tion to centralize activities of the contributions to the Budget, was forwarded humanist movement in religion was an­ to the Church Treasurer. nounced from Minneapolis, Minn. late in Dr. Machen in liverpool Relief from the extraordinary strain to July, by John H. Deitrich, pastor of the which he has subjected himself was found First Unitarian Society. ROFESSOR J. Gresham Machen visited in a measure by his being sent, at the re­ Headquarters of the organization, the PLiverpool, England last month and ad­ quest of the General Board of Missions, to Humanist Extension Bureau, will open in dressed three meetings at St. Silas Church, participate in the Diamond Jubilee celebra­ Minneapolis with control vested in an Ad­ Toxteth, for the Liverpool and Merseyside tion of the Presbyterian mission in north visory Committee, which will have general Fundamentals Fellowship. The Rev. H. Formosa, and this without drawing upon supervision. Its members include: Siviter, vicar, presided at the afternoon the funds of the Church. Friends con­ Harry Elmer Barnes, New York author meeting. Professor Machen said there was tributed the necessary amount to meet the and educator; A. Eustace Haydon, professor much talk today about religious education: expense of sending the Moderator and Mrs. of comparative religions, University of The current idea was that a fixed body of Brown on this happy errand. Chicago; Curtis W. Reese, dean of Abraham truth was ,not to be put into a child's mind. The Mission is one of the great enterprises Lincoln Center,. Chicago; L. M. Birkhead, This was thoroughly unscientific. The aim of modern Christian endeavor and its Minister of the Liberal Center, Kansas City; should be to impart a fixed body of Divine founder will stand out in history as one of Roy Wood Sellars, professor of philosophy, truth not mercy to "train the religious the great heroes of missionary effort for UniverSity of Michigan; Prof. Eldred C. faculty." "We are in very great need not courage, endurance, and sagacity. Vanderlaan, University of California; George only of a new Reformation but of a new On the evening of September 19th, 1871, R. Martin, vice president of the Great Renaissance. We are facing today far more George Leslie Mackay was ordained and set Northern Railroad, and M. N. Levine, pathol­ than an attack upon this doctrine or that; apart for foreign mission work in what was ogist, University of Minnesota, both of we are facing an attack upon the possibility then known as Gould St. Church, Toronto. Minneapolis. of truth itself. That is what non-doctrinal One month later he was on his way into "The bureau should not be construed as Modernism means-not an attack upon this the unknown for he had nothing more an effort to establish a new religion or cult," truth or that but an attack upon truth. Men explicit in mind than that he should find a said Howard G. Kraus, director. "Rather have become interested in religion because sphere of labor in China. The evening of it is a means of extending to the present they have ceased to believe in God." April 10th, 1872, found him in full posses­ church structure the cooperation of human­ Alderman J. G. Paris presided over the sion of a house in Tamsui, North Formosa, ist groups. We hope to stress the readjust­ evening meeting. Professor Machen founded and so assured of God's guidance as to his ment of religion to modern civilization and an interesting address on the hymn, "There destination as to warrant this entry in his science." is a green hill far away," which, he said, set diary: Mr. Kraus said a large percentage of forth in a theologically accurate and won­ active humanists now are contained in the derfully comprehensive way the great Chris­ "Here I am in this house, having been liberal element of the Unitarian Church, tian teaching about the Cross of Christ­ led all the way from the homestead in but that "there are many thousands the truth which particularly needed emphasis Zorra by Jesus, as direct as though my world over who are humanists without ever today because it was particularly denied. boxes were labeled, 'Tamsui, Formosa, having heard the term, including many of Never was there a time when the truth was China.' Oh, the glorious privilege to lay the so-called reformed rabbis in Judaism." being so attacked-by Secularists without the foundation of Christ's Church in un­ "There are leaders in most denominations and Modernists within the Church-as broken heathenism! God help me to do and creeds who practice the principles of today. this with the open Bible! Again I swear 14 CHRISTIANITY TODAY Aug\,st, 1932

allegiance to Thee, 0 King Jesus, my last week, a four-day old baby. There isn't ¥r. Morehouse was the dean of Religious Captain. So help me God!" an ordained minister within many miles nor Editors in America, and his periodical The Thus began a missionary career which for a graveyard of any description, so we burled -Living Church is regarded by many as the faith, courage, consecretion to the work of that much-wanted and sorely-grieyed-for best made-up and edited religious journal preaching the Gospel, energy, enterprise, baby on a lonely knoll overlooking the in the country. endurance, and signal success has given our White Mud River." A man of brilliant intelleCtual and spirit­ Church occasion for thanksgiving to God, ual power, Mr. Morehouse had been known and just pride in the memory of a noble son. Shanghai University for many years as the acknowledged leader of the Anglo-Catholic movement in the A very important service rendered through Resuming Work American Episcopal Church. He was a the medium of the Board of Missions, at its HE tense war situation in Shanghai member of every General Convention of the recent meeting, was the relief for the made it necessary to postpone the open­ Church since 1910. areas in the west that suffered so severely, ingT of Shanghai University for the spring Even by those who opposed his views he not for one year but .several years in suc­ term_ The presence of the Japanese mili­ was universally recognized as one of the Gession, from. drought. This relief effort tary and air forces next to the campus made best-informed laymen in the Episcopal was. carried out in a very comprehensive, it seem unwise to attempt to open classes, Church. On the floor of Generai Convention orderly fashion· and in happiest coopera­ or to bring any considerable number of stu­ and in the columns of The Living Church he tion with the Federal and Provincial dents to the campus, until the situation waged ·many a vigorous battle for the recog­ Governments. The Secretary of the Board cleared up. The University depeuds upon nition of the Catholic character of the was able to announce that all requests for the contributions from friends and the tui­ Church that he loved and served faithfully. food, clothing, and money had been met, tion received from students, to a large ex­ Sometimes he won and sometimes he lost, the last being devoted to compensate mini­ tent, to carryon the work, so it faced a but he was never known to lose his temper sters and missionaries for loss of income. serious financial crisis. It was necessary to in the heat of conflict, 0'1' to take unfair In this way stipends of ministers affected take drastic steps to keep the institution advantage of his opponents, with the result by the distress are provided for until the from going heavily in debt_ It was neces­ that he was held in universal esteem by his end of next harvest. In this work the sary to suspend the regular budget for the fellow-Churchmen. women had a very large share and the balance of the fiscal year and adopt an Mr. Morehouse was for many years·a mem­ railways and cartage companies co-operated emergency budget on a minimum basis_ ber of the National Council. He had also by carrying goods free. Although the guns were booming, the served on various committees and commis­ The Board of Sabbath Schools and Young Downtown School of Commerce was opened sions, perhaps the most notable being the People's Societies met at the same time and on March 4th. The camp:1ign for the build­ Evaluation Commission, which made a thor~ reviewed the work of the past year as well ing fund was completed, and more than ough study of the national administration of as laying plans for the year to come. This $51,000 was raised, There were more than the Church in 1925, and the Commission on society supports two workers in the .foreign 300 applicants, in spite of the unsettled con­ Evangelism, which inaugurated. the field, .one in Manchuria, and one in Poland. ditions in Shanghai, and 212 student3 were "Bishops' Crusade" a few years later. Great enthusiasm marked the announcement enrolled and are now attending classes in In 1927 Mr. Morehouse was a representa­ of the editorial committee that it had the evening. The most urgent need of the tive of the Episcopal Church at the World achieved the re'establishment of Presby­ school at present is for library facilities. Conference on Faith and Order, held at terian Publications under the editorial and It is now attempting to build up a library Lausanne, Switzerland. At this conference business management of Rev. N. A. Mac­ of commerce and industry. The Economic he took a firm stand for the frank recogni­ Eachern, and that the enterprise was now Society of China has pledged to contribute tion of the differences among various Chris­ on a paying basis. The Church therefore $10,000, and the Foreign Trade Association tian groups, as. well. as the points of agree­ once more became independent in the of China is cooperating in this project. The ment, and oPl;iosed hasty schemes of reunion matter of Sunday School publications. China Committee of the International based upon the ignoring of conflicts in fun­ Chamber of Commerce has affiliated its li­ damental doctrines. This stand won him In the person of Dr. E. Margaret Strang brary with the library of the school. A the opposition of a considerable group in the the Church has a unique representative and number of leading citizens and firms of the conference, but it ultimately prevailed, with worker in the home field. Last year she community have presented publications to the result that such conservative groups as was appointed by the General Board of the library. the Eastern Orthodox Churches, which had Missions ·for work on the frontier and she On account of the war, the work of the threatened to withdraw, were enabled to is now engaged among the settlers in a sec­ continue iu the conference. tion of the wide Peace River area. She is Yangtzepoo Social Center was suspended for In the summer of 1928 Mr. Morehouse un­ a graduate in Arts and in Medicine and a time, because many of the factories were derwent a serious operation, from which he left !L lucrative practice to undertake this closed and the workers in that district were never fully recovered. In November of that work. She occupies alog house built by the away. Director D. Y. Tsien and his staff year he was able to attend the General Con­ community and furnished by the Presby­ started the work again March 15th, and all vention held in Washington, and received a teriap ladies of Edmonton and both for her the activities have been resumed. There are tremendous ovation from the members when distinctive missionary work and medical about 350 students enrolled in the labor he rose to speak, but he was unable to take serYice· she is a most welcome member of school. his usual vigorous part in convention de­ the community. bates. Although he was elected to represent "I have a great field," she writes, "and Death of Dr. F. C. Morehouse the diocese of Milwaukee at the next tri­ wish I could multiply myself by forty more ennial convention, held in Denver in 1931, he or less th~t I might accomplish all the work REDERIC COOK MOREHOUSE, editor was unable to attend, though he was keenly that is to be done. Medical calls are fre­ of The Living Church since 1899, died F dJsappointed at missing General Convention quent enough to keep me moving rather fast at his home in Milwaukee on the evening of for the first time in twenty-one years. at times. The weather lately has been very June 25th. On the previous day, the forty­ cold which makes travel by horseback not first anniversary of their wedding, his wife, The death of Mr. Morehouse removes one very comfortable and sometimes a bit risky Lilias E. Morehouse, had succumbed after a of the most picturesque and. vigorous figures . : .. I conducted my first funeral service lingering illness of more than a year . in any American Church. August, 1932 C H R 1ST I A N r T Y r 0"0 A Y is

Death of Lord Brentford of the circumstances of the cOnflIct must no actual change in the Church's basis of surely lead every Protestant Churchman to faith was desired. The only thing wanted HE Evangelical and Protestant element thank God for the consistency and courage was the power of making such a change. As in the Church of England has sustained of those who stood in the breach and won an actual fact, a memorial was at that time Ta severe loss in the recent death of one of the hard-fought fight. ... before the Committee on Temporal Economy its outstanding leaders, Lord Brentford, "In our present conflict, we must pray seeking to abolish the doctrinal basis of perhaps better known under the name of that leaders who will similarly take the Methodism altogether. But in spite of this Sir William Joynson Hicks. He had prac­ Word as their one guide maybe raised up apparent beclouding of the issue, and the in­ ticed law in London since 1888. In politics and strengthened for the task before them. herent power of the appeal to a body to he was a Conservative. He was Home Secre­ It is a task of tremendous difficulty but of assert its own freedom, the effort failed. tary in the Conservative government of splendid opportunity; a task in which, be­ The General Conference refused to do any­ 1924. Speaking editorially of his life, The cause of its fidelity to the Scriptures of thing that even might look like a disturbing English Churchman says, in part: Truth, those who engage in it may do so in of the Church's doctrinal basis; and, if the "His value to the Church of England con­ the confldent assurance that God will never preachers showed a Slight majority favorable sisted not merely in the fact that he was a fail those whose most trusted weapon is the to the beclouded motion for change, the laity layman of position and influence who had Sword of the Spirit-the Word of God." showed an almost equal majority against it. won his way to the front rank of British The amendment could only have been car­ ried by a two-thirds majority of both orders, statesmen and who took also a leading part so it doubly failed, not gaining such a ma­ in the affairs of the National Church. Nor did it consist in the possession of any Christian School Convention jority of either order. extraordinary intellectual gifts-his chief HE annual convention of the National It is claimed by conservative Methodist assets in this direction were common-sense Union of Christian Schools will be held leaders that this vote is evidence that the and mother wit. It lay rather in the two­ Tin Holland, Michigan, during the 17th and General Conference sent for.th to the world fold characteristic which 'The Times,' with 18th of August. As has been the case in the declaration that Methodism is a part of a true instinct, recognised when it headed former years, the Convention will begin in the historic Christianity of the centuries, its obituary notice of Lord Brentford with the evening and will be continued during and will remain so; its doctrinal basis in­ the two words 'Consistency and Courage.' the next day, closing with an evening ses­ violate. It was the possession of these two virtues sion. that gave value to his career and, especially, to his work as an upholder of that Ref­ The speaker of the opening evening ses­ Evangelicals Win Legal Victory ormation Settlement. The two qualities sion will be Dr. Clarence Bouma. The are not always found in double harness. topic of his address is, "The Test of our in South Africa Christian School Faith." For lack of consistency the courage of many HE famous "Capetown Church Dis­ a prominent member of the human race has During the day session two addresses will T pute" in South Africa has resulted in been rendered barren. Sacred and profane be given. The first is entitled "The Anti­ a legal victory for evangelicals who opposed history alike abound in examples of the thesis in Education." This subject will be the "Anglo-Catholic" majority in the South failure. But where the two qualities have treated by Dr. C. Van Til of Westminster African Church. The case turned upon the flourished side by side, they have always Theological Seminary. technical point whether the present Arch­ had their reward in the tribute of public "Maintaining Our Christian Schools on a bishop of Capetown is the legal successor esteem and in the strengthening of the cause Distinctive Basis" is the title of the second of the Lord Bishop of Capetown created by on behalf of which they have been exerted. address to be given during the day. Letters Patent of the British Crown in 1847. "It was so in the case of Lord Brentford. The latter person was appointed as trustee The closing evening address will be given Led to see the real value of the Reforma­ of Trinity Church, Capetown. Since that by Dr. H. Meeter. His subject being, "Cal­ tion and to understand its fundamental time the Church in South Africa separated vinism As a Vital Force." principles, he became a willing and watchful from the Church of England, and now defender of the Reformed Church of England .elects its own bishops. The present Arch­ and a fearless exponent of its Protestant bishop, Dr. Phelps, claimed to be the legal position. It needed courage to stand up Methodist Conference Refuses to trustee. The congregation, however, which against the official influence of a Bench of Alter Doctrinal Basis had remained evangelical, had refused to Bishops who for many years have thrown recogniie the sacerdotalist Phelps as trustee, the weight of their privileges into the sacer­ HE recent General Conference of the They also claimed to be still part of the dotal scale, and who, by ordaining and pro~ Methodist Episcopal Church (North) at Church of England, hence no part of the moting the enemies of Protestanism, have Tits recent meeting in Atlantic City solidly Church of the Province, and not subject to flooded the Church of England with teachers resisted the determined effort of a consider­ the Bishop's authority. of error and superstition. Lord Brentford's able group within its body to modify the In deciding the case, the South African courage stood the test and carried him into Church's doctrinal basis. For a decade and Supreme Court has held that Dr. Phelps is and through the memorable battle of the a half that Church has opened its mind to not trustee. The Court said, in its judgment, Prayer Book controversy. The wonderful a criticism of its baSis of faith. The Gen­ in part: and deeply signiflcant rejection of the eral Conference just past received the shock Deposited Books by the House of Commons of that whole discussion. They definitely UNow there are certain principles which should guide the Court in the choice of a trustee. In was in no small measure the result of his faced the question of changing the Church's the first place, it is clear that the persons bene­ fiCially interested in a trust are the persons strong and courageous stand. During the basis, and answered it. The vote was 392 whose interests are mainly to be considered in progress of the conflict, many opportunities to 402. The proponents of change had a making such an appointment. Consequently the trustee must be a person who will administer of weak and unworthy compromise pre­ slight majority, but they needed a two­ the trust for their benefit and in sympathy with sented themselves, but consistency came to thirds majority. The slight majority actu­ their requirements. "In the present case, the trust to be admin­ the support of courage, with the result that ally recorded, however, was only gained, it istered is a trust 'for ecclesiastical purposes in the Church of England has still the priceless is claimed by conservative Methodists, by connection with the Church of England in this Colony.' The building upon the trust property possession of her reformed and Truth-up­ the use of misleading arguments. The Gen­ is a church and the congregation of the church holding Book of Common Prayer. A review are the persons for whose benefit the church was eral Conference was told over and over that built and was intended to be used. They are 16 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1932 members of the, Church of England accepting, as far as possible, the whole of the faith and Electric Power in the Jordan Valley doctrine and discipline of the Church of Eng­ land. The interests and wishes of the congre­ WE WILL APPRECIATE gation are therefore entitled to great weight in ABOUT ten years ago a Jew named Pin­ this matter. The courtesy if our subscribers will fi has Rutenberg obtained a concession "The congregation has consistently refused to join the Church of the Province of South kindly look at their expiration labels from the British authorities in Palestine for Africa, and has declined to recognise it as the an Electric Corporation. This company is equivalent of the Church of England in South and send in renewals if they are due, Africa. They claim to be part of the Church of now supplying light and power to Palestine England in South Africa. Whether or not that or past due. To send out notices and claim can be substantiated in its fullest sense and Transjordan from a hydro-electric is a matter I need not decide. return envelopes is an expense which plant in the Jordan Valley, just south of the "This congregation follows the evangelical our readers will understand our wish Sea of Galilee, where the little Yarmuk school of thought, and regards certain rites and ceremonies countenanced and practised in the to avoid, in the interest of every pos­ River has been dammed, prodUCing a lovely Church of the Province of South Africa as illegal practices. sible economy. We solicit the prayers lake, through which most of the waters of Jordan must flow, on their way to the Dead 'i,It, therefore, regards the Church of the of Christian people for the continuance Province of South Africa as not only legally dis­ Sea. Only one of four turbines is now in connected from the Church of England, but also of the ministry of this paper. as severed from it in matters of faith and doc­ use, but it is expected that the increased trine. consumption of power will soon draw on "The Church of the Province of South Africa, on the other hand, does not regard the views the reserve. Long lines of electric transmis­ of this congregation with sympathy; in fact, it "The practice must, therefore, cease. The sion towers now stalk across the historic is opposed to their views and has refused to ac­ plains of Esdraelon and Sharon. Jaffa, knowledge the existence of a congregation of the candle stands are to be removed, even when Church of England in South Africa which was Tiberias and other towns are served, but not part of the Church of the Province of South they are of intrinsic or of artistic value. No not Jerusalem, which has a power plant of Africa. tapers or candles may be sold in churches, its own. An interesting irrigation prospect "In the past, frequent difficulties have arisen oratories, sacristies, porches, or in adjacent between this congregation and former arch­ is opened by the developm.ent. The Jordan, bishops of Cape Town. For example. 'previous buildings." archbishops have endeavoured to compel the whose bed lies so far below the surrounding ministers of Trinity Church to acknowledge the canons of the Church of the Province of South The "Record" (British) says, in comment: terrain that its waters are not available for Africa before granting them a licence to offi­ "It will be interesting to observe how Angto­ ciate at Trinity Church, and one of them refused irrigation, will now be able to lift itself and to ordain candidates for the ministry unless they Catholics react to this ordinance. They have irrigate the surrounding desert. It is said joined the Church of the Province of South Africa. been impervious to charges of superstition that when Doctor Weizman, the Zionist, was "Again, the Archbishops of Cape Town have from Protestant quarters, but to find the questioned some years ago, by an eminent claimed the right to nominate the incumbent of Pope himself using the same language is Trinity Church, and this has led to differences geographer as to the possibility of main­ between them and the congregation. The pres­ 'the most unkindest cut of all.' To crown taining a large population in so arid a land, ent Archbishop claims that right. all, he adds that 'a single Communion de­ he answered that Jewish genius would so "It seems to me, therefore, that, although Archbishop Phelps is the person most nearly voutly received will bring down more enormously increase the fertility of the corresponding to the successor in title of the heavenly blessings and favors than thou­ Lord Bishop of Cape Town, it would not be Promised Land that it would support more right for me to appoint him trustee. sands of candles burned for days on end.' inhabitants than ever. Mr. Rutenberg's "He is the head of the Church of the Province Already one ardent Anglo-Catholic writer in company seems to be fulfilling his prophecy. of South Africa, which does not regard the views of the congregation of this church with the daily press has taken the line th'lt sympathy, and such an apPointment could only candles are an old custom and that the ha ve the effect of giving the 9hurch of the Province of South Africa, through Archbishop Pope's ban applies only to 'the Diocese of Phelps, control over his congregation, and effec­ Rome.' Fancy! Defying the Pope about tually preventing them from making use of Sunday "Cinemas" in England Trinity Church in accordance with the views candles!" which they held.... " HE Sunday Cinemas Bill last month This is regarded as a great blow to those Tbefore the British Parliament was over­ who, departing from the old Protestant tnrown in Committee. To tjJ.e surprise of standards, have sought to force evangelicals Roger Babson Declares Need almost everyone, the Government thereupon to go 'along with them. for Revival introduced a measure of its own in the House. This is regarded as without doubt OGER BABSON, president of the Bab­ one of the most extraordinary develop· ,R son Statistical Organization, recently ments in the history of Parliamentary pro­ The Pope Condemns Votive Candles addressing representatives of a score ot cedure. The former Bill was defeated be­ HE Pope recently gave a shock to the denominations assembled at East Northfield, cause it was left to a free vote of the House, T whole Roman Catholic Church by the Massachusetts, said: "For churches to close that is to say, every member yoted according following edict issued through the Vicar­ this summer is like hospitals closing during to the light that was in him, without regard General of Rome, Cardinal Marchetti an epidemic. I say this because an epidemic to party ties_ Now it has been decided that Selvaggiani: of fear, such as is raging today, is as dan­ this free Yoting must stop, and that members gerous as an epidemic of 'fiu' such as raged of the Government must cease to have re­ "The custom prevailing in many Churches in 1918. The need of the hour is not more gard to the dictates of their conscience and of placing at the disposal of the public wax money, more real estate, or more stocks tapers known as votive candles, to be lighted must obey, instead, the behests of the p'lrty and bonds, but more self· control, more un· whips. It is said by many to be a shameless before statues and sacred pictures in ex­ selfishness, more faith and more courage. abuse of the rights of political leadership change for money offerings by the faithful, Self-control, unselfishness, faith and cour­ and a gross invasion of the freedom of con­ is open to serious objections. It might easily age are spiritual qualities which cannot be science. The Bill itself has been described become what appears to be a superstitious secured from bankers or stores, but only as a measure to "leg'llise illegality." It usage, beSides giving the impression that it from vital religion. In behalf of the dis­ is permitted for the sake of the mon.ey which couraged business men, the unemployed was vigorously fought in Committee but it brings in. wage-workers and the millions of others in finally passed, and found its way to the "Moreover, the practice detracts from the trouble today, I beg of ministers to minister Statute Book the day Parliament adjourned. decorum and cleanliness of sacred bUild­ to the wants of these people at this critical In the House of Lords the Archbishop of ings, bespatters the floor, impregnates the hour. An economic recovery is only await· Canterbury, Primate of all England, sup· hangings with smoke, and consumes the air, ing a spiritual revivaL" ported the bill.

BENJ, F. EMERY co .. PHILA