The Orthodox Presbyterian Church lmost a generation has passed since the birth of the A Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Of course its heri­ tage stretches far back of 1936: for that year was a continuation as well as a beginning. This month is but a milepost on the road ahead. The perspective of 1966 increases our appreciation for the stalwarts in the faith who saw the urgent necessity of the stand taken thirty years ago. How accurately they read the signs of decadence in the church they were forced to leave! The incipient apos­ tasy of those years has come to tragic fruition in the sixties. The false principles of the Auburn Affirmation have been written into the Confession of 1967 of the United Presbyterian Church. In 1936 denials of the faith were tolerated in the boards and agencies and by official ac­ tion of the General Assembly. In 1966 both liberals and conservatives have come to terms with a confes­ sional concept that toys with truth, abandons Presby­ terianism, and gives constitutional status to a false gospel. This is nothing less than deliberate apostasy from historic Christianity. Never has the Orthodox Presbyterian Church had more reason not only to exist but to move forward. It is not enough merely to sound the trumpet of warning. A new generation must catch the vision of the whole Word for the whole world. The hand of fellowship must be offered to all who would unite with a church committed to Jesus Christ. Let the church continue to strive for a revival of true Presbyterianism in the land. May it take more initiative in the direction of biblical unity with others of like faith. It needs to pray daily for the working of the Holy Spirit in its midst. May the opportunities ahead both challenge and humble the Orthodox Presbyterian Church under the mighty hand of our sovereign God. Aleditations on the Gospel of Luke cerning Jesus had been dashed to pieces-although certain women had astonished them that very day with a report that he was alive, they ad­ mitted. Jesus Alive Forever Now it was Jesus' turn to speak (for unknown to them it was the EDWARD WYBENGA Lord): "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things The Empty Tomb This is the concluding meditation in concerning himself." When they a series that began on this page in Luke 24:1-12 reached their destination, it seemed the issue of October 1960. Although hile it was yet dark on the first that their companion intended to go the author went to be with Lord just Wday of the week - the day that on, but since the shades of night were over a year ago, we are happy to have came to be known as the Lord's Day falling they persuaded him to tarry been able to complete the series which J -a group of women left their homes with them. he had put in almost final form. "He and passed through the streets of Jeru­ While they were having supper the being dead yet speaketh." salem, hurrying to Joseph's tomb. They stranger, acting the part of a host, had brought precious spices with took bread, blessed it, broke and gave which to complete the burial of Jesus' who deny the fact have resorted to all some to them. A most marvelous thing body. So filled were they with a sense kinds of weak and implausible theories occurred as they were watching him of loving duty that the problem of re­ in a vain effort to support their un­ carefully: "their eyes were opened and moving the great stone never occurred belief. But they can never get around they knew him." And with the shock to them until later-but when they ar­ the stubborn historical fact of the of recognition suddenly he vanished, rived they found the stone had al­ empty tomb. and they exclaimed to one another: ready been rolled away. Surprised, the Ours is a living Savior. Hear his "Did not our heart burn within us, women entered the rock tomb, but the words to the apostle John in a later while he talked with us by the way, body of their Master was not there. vision on the isle of Patmos: "I am and while he opened to us the Scrip­ Suddenly they became aware of the he that liveth, and was dead; and be­ tures?" Leaving the table, they has­ presence of "two men in shining gar­ hold, I am alive forevermore" (Rev. tened back to Jerusalem, eager to tell ments"-angels assuming human form 1: 18). He who once died for the sins the eleven that they had seen their for the time being. The angels gently of his people now lives, never to die risen Master. rebuked the women, saying, "Why again. That is the glorious consolation Other Appearances seek ye the living among the dead? for all believers. Our trust for eternal He is not here but is risen: remember salvation is in a Christ who has con­ Luke 24 :44-53 how he spake unto you when he was quered death. They found all the disciples and yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of others gathered together (except for Man must be delivered into the hands The Emmaus Travellers Thomas) excitedly talking about how of sinful men, and be crucified, and Luke 24:13-35 the Lord had appeared to Simon Peter. the third day rise again." In the afternoon of that resurrection Suddenly Jesus himself appeared Christ had said more than once that day two disciples, Cleopas (and per­ among them, saying, "Peace be unto he would rise again, but they had for­ haps Luke), were journeying to the you." Since the doors were closed, his gotten until just now when the angels village of Emmaus about seven or mysterious appearance terrified them, reminded them of his words. If they eight miles from Jerusalem. They were and they thought they had seen a had believed and remembered, they talking about the events of recent days, ghost. But Jesus quieted their fears as would not now be looking for their debating the question of Jesus' Mes­ he had often done before as he spoke Lord in a burial garden. siahship. Could he have been the further words of assurance. He showed The wondrous fact of the resurrec­ Christ prophesied in their Scriptures­ them his hands and feet, asked them tion: this his disciples could not un­ and yet have come to such an end on to touch him-"a spirit hath not flesh derstand; they could not believe it; the cross at the hands of his enemies? and bones, as ye see me have"-and they did not expect it. But their un­ As they walked along a stranger ate fish and honey before their eyes. belief, under the providence of God, joined himself to their company and In every possible way he demon­ contributed all the more to the verac­ questioned them about their sad looks strated that it was a real body that he ity of their testimony to the truth of and anxious words. Surprised at his had, that he was truly alive from the the resurrection when later, by the ap­ apparent ignorance, Cleopas asked, dead. pearances of Christ, the disciples were "Art thou only a stranger in Jeru­ Their joy knew no bounds-they compelled to believe what they saw. salem, and hast not known the things could scarcely believe for the wonder No fact in all human history is bet­ which are come to pass there in these of it. Jesus reminded them of the ter established than the bodily resur­ days?" Then in reply to his further words which he had before spoken of rection of our Lord. The empty tomb query, they reviewed briefly the recent the fulfillment of prophecy in his suf- is an unanswerable argument. Those happenings and how their hopes con- (continued on page 75)

The Presbyterian Guardian is published manthly (except combined in July-August) by the Presbyterian Guardian Publishing Corp., 7401 Old York Rd., Phila., Pa. 19126, at the following rates, payable in advance in any part of the world, postage prepaid: $3.00 per year ($2.50 in Clubs of ten or more); $1.00 for four months; 25c per single copy. Second Class mail privileges authorized at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa. 66 The Presbyterian Guardian

L June 1966 - Thirtieth Anniversary of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Thirty-third General Assembly

JOHN J. MITCHELL

oW does one summarize a General days of this Assembly, we were re­ of furnishing secretarial assistance to H Assembly? In past years there minded again of the great debt we the clerk was continued, a service of have been certain issues that seemed owe to the sovereign Lord who gives benefit to all. to dominate the church's interests and gifts to his church. Not least among The commissioners were called to served to distinguish one assembly those gifts enjoyed by Orthodox Pres­ order at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday by the from another. There was no lack of byterians has been the faithful service Moderator of the 32nd General As­ important business when the 33rd and effective teaching ministry of Pro­ sembly, the Rev. Robert Eckardt. The General Assembly of the Orthodox fessor Murray. Assembly was constituted by a worship Presbyterian Church met at Oostburg, On Monday evening, we gathered service in which Mr. Eckardt preached Wisconsin, during the last week of with members from the Oostburg and on the subject "A Good Servant of April, 1966. Still, no single concern Cedar Grove churches to worship and Jesus Christ." With I Timothy 4: 16 pre-empted the major attention. commune with our Lord. The Rev. as his text, Mr. Eckardt urged the con­ Certainly this Assembly was a busi­ Donald Stanton and the Session of the gregation of commissioners to develop ness-like one. Sessions began on Tues­ Bethel Church, Oostburg, conducted the characteristics of "good servants," day morning, April 26, and all busi­ the service. Mr. Murray opened to us as teachers of sound doctrine, exhort­ ness was concluded by Thursday eve­ the Word of God in Isaiah 53. We ers unto eternal life, and examples of ning, April 28, a full day ahead of were brought face to face with the spiritual growth. Pastors were re­ schedule! Debate was orderly - at Lord's obedient Servant, the Christ minded that they minister not only to least until it became obvious that ev­ who gave himself to do his Father's a congregation but to their own spir­ eryone could go home a day early. will even unto bearing our iniquities itual needs, that "in doing this thou Perhaps two areas of action and de­ in his death, that he might be exalted shalt both save thyself, and them that bate will turn out to have been the and so "justify many." In the com­ hear thee." most important. The greatest interest munion that followed, the bread and and diversity of feeling was seen dur­ wine visibly confirmed that gracious Assembly Roll ing the discussions of our relations love of the Father and humble obedi­ Following the worship service, the WIth other churches. Nothing new or ience of the Son that enables us to formal business of the Assembly began startling was decided, but certainly a enjoy communion with the triune God. with the calling of the roll. There greater understanding of the meaning were 76 ministerial members present TUESDAY, APRIL 26 of these "ecumenical relations" was during the sessions. Twenty-two gained. Though little debate was any of the commissioners had ar­ churches were represented by ruling heard, one of the Assembly's most im­ M rived in Milwaukee on Monday elders with seven alternates present. portant actions was the approval of to be greeted by bright sunshine and The total of 98 commissioners was the combined budget of the three brisk breezes. They had also been seven higher than last year's. major standing committees. In looking greeted by a most efficient transporta­ Attendance by presbyteries was toward "brother" churches at our side tion system organized by the host fairly well balanced, reflecting the ad­ and in setting a course forward for church to bring us to our respective vantages of a central geographical lo­ the work of the church, the Assembly places. Tuesday dawned cold, wet, and cation. The Presbytery of the Dakotas was made aware again that its founda­ blustery. But the warm hospitality of had 10 ministers present, and one tions are in Christ, its guide is his the homes in Oostburg and Cedar elder: Kamroth. From New Jersey Word, and its future is dependent on Grove was fully appreciated and con­ there were 12 ministers and three his continued blessings. tributed greatly to a most pleasant elders: Barker, Keenan, and Neel. The Yet if this Assembly is to be re­ week. Many kindnesses were extended Presbytery of New York and New membered as "the one when ...," it to commissioners, and the "tradition" England had 10 ministers present and will surely be as the Farewell-to-Mr. one elder: K. Elder. The Presbytery Murray Assembly. For many of the of Ohio had the most remarkable commissioners, this was the last op­ With the editor absent on account record with four of its five ministers portunity for them to bid God-speed of illness, the Rev. John Mitchell, present (the fifth had to supervise the to a beloved brother and teacher. Pro­ well-known writer for the Committee beginning of construction on a new fessor John Murray expects to com­ 011 Christian Education, graciously COIl­ church), and all churches represented plete his teaching duties at Westmin­ sellted to be reporter for the Presby­ by ruling elders: Armour, Bailey, Boer­ ster Theological Seminary by January terian Guardian this year. Weare in­ mans, Copeland, and J. Smith. of 1967 and hopes to return to his debted to him for this excellent inter­ From Philadelphia Presbytery there native Scotland soon after. During the pretioe account of tbc Assembly. were 16 ministers present and six rul-

June, 1966 67 ing elders: De Haas, De Moss, C. and the fund still had a balance of Duggan, W. Ferguson, Meeker, and $895.06 for next year. The churches Roberts. The Presbytery of the South are to be commended for making it had five ministers present, but no possible for commissioners to attend elders. Southern Calitornia showed up the Assembly without undue personal in force with 10 ministers present and expense to themselves. The budget for one elder: Flores. But the West Coast the General Assembly and Travel Presbytery could only muster two min­ Funds was again set at the rate of 75¢ isters and no elders. Of course, the and $1.25 per communicant member Presbytery of Wisconsin was well rep­ respectively. resented with seven ministers, five The Statistician (a new office begun elders: E. DeMaster, Horne, Mentink, last year) reported several encouraging H. Roskamp, and L. Voskuil, and figures. Total contributions exceeded seven alternate elders: Bayze, Le $1,609,000, and for the first time gen­ Mahieu, Veldhorst, H. Lemmenes, A. eral receipts went above the million­ Lemmenes, E. Claerbout, Risseeuw and dollar mark. The rate of increasedur­ two more who never had the oppor­ ing 1965 was 7.9 percent, and the tunity to serve since the Assembly average per communicant member has finished a day early! increased during the past ten years During the course of the Assembly, from $108 to $194. Thanks should be two fraternal delegates were enrolled given to God for his blessing us with as corresponding members: the Rev. prosperity and a spirit of liberal Elder Richard Barker presides as John Olthoff, pastor of the Oostburg giving. Moderator. The Rev. Robley Johnston Christian Reformed Church, was re­ is Stated Clerk. ceived as his Synod's fraternal dele­ Statistics gate; and the Rev. Max Belz of Corio, One interesting aspect of this in­ case. It was also suggested that next Iowa, was seated as the delegate from crease came from the Presbytery of the year's Committee on Arrangements en­ the Reformed Presbyterian Church, South where total contributions rose by deavor to secure local elders and dea­ Evangelical Synod. (The Rev. Theo­ 58.7 percent to an average $303 per cons to serve as regular tellers. Adop­ dore Engstrom was also enrolled as an communicant member! This remark­ tion of both these suggestions would alternate delegate for the Reformed able record, in the Statistician's words, greatly accelerate business in future Presbyterians. ) Both fraternal dele­ was due to' the "high giving level" assemblies.) gates addressed the Assembly during (or, as described in another place, to Having already shown his abilities the "high level giving") of the new the course of the discussions concern­ in the job, Mr. R. Johnston was the congregation in Harriman, Tennesee. ing relations with their respective only nominee for Stated Clerk and was churches. Not only do these people give so declared elected. freely, but they have actively corre­ Preliminary Reports Messrs. Peterson, Ahlfeldt, Barker, sponded with hundreds of other true Fikkert, and Ellis were nominated for Following a pleasant recess at 10 :00 Presbyterians throughout the South. Moderator. Mr. Barker, who had come a.m. (the first of many such inter­ May many more such groups be led of to the Assembly expecting to present ludes of refreshment and fellowship), God to seek a sounder fellowship a report and otherwise enjoy himself, the Assembly heard the report of the within the Orthodox Presbyterian found that he had been elected on the Stated Clerk, Mr. R. Johnston. Eighty­ Church in the days ahead! second ballot. Mr. Hodgson escorted seven churches (14 more than last Some figures in the Statistical Re­ him to the chair and Mr. Eckardt, with year) contributed a total of $4826.48 port were not so encouraging, how­ no sign of reluctance whatever, turned to the General Assembly Fund (the ever. Membership has increased by 2.5 over the Moderator's job. Mr. Barker operational expense fund). Expenses percent, slightly faster than the na­ is the second ruling elder to moderate during the past year totaled $4699.97. tional population growth rate. But a General Assembly. Including income from sales of the most of this growth was due to the Mr. Elliott was nominated for the minutes and a previous balance, the additions of the Harriman church and office of Assistant Clerk and, with Fund has a balance on hand of a new congregation in Campbell, Cali­ no other nominations, was declared $763.81. fornia. More serious is the report that elected. Later in the morning Mr. Makar 40 churches suffered a decline in Sun­ Mr. Edward Haug, the incumbent presented the first report from the day school enrollment during 1965. Statistician, was similarly returned to Travel Fund Committee. As finally Surely we need to pray the Lord to that post. The Assembly approved summarized, total contributions were give us increased zeal and abilities changes in the Standing Rules to make $7984.98 (almost exactly $1000 more both to sow the Word and to reap the this a permanent office of theGeneral than last year) with 84 churches con­ harvest. Assembly. tributing (6 less than last year!). For Officers for the General Assembly perhaps the first time in General As­ were nominated and elected in a Overtures and Communications sembly history, there was no debate prompt business-like way. (Mr. Adams With elections so speedily con­ over how to disburse the fund! Every proposed a punched-hole ballot that cluded, the Assembly moved on to commissioner requesting it was paid would enable tellers to make the count hear the overtures sent from 'presby­ 4.5¢ per mile for el'ery mile traveled, in much less time than is now the teries and various other comrnunica-

68 The Presbyterian Guardian tions. There were communications A Committee on Necrology was will soon be found in that area. from the Gereformeerde Kerken in the established to prepare memorial trib­ In connection with the report of the Netherlands, the Free Church of Scot­ utes for the Rev. R. B. Kuiper and Committee on Foreign Missions, the land, the Reformed Church (Eureka the Rev. Glenn R. Coie. Messrs. Gal­ Assembly was informed of the Mis­ Classis), and a letter asking for con­ braith and Clowney were appointed sions Conference to be held in 1968 versations on closer fellowship from to this committee. in the Netherlands just before the the Canadian Reformed Churches (a Most of the reports having been meeting of the Reformed Ecumenical group of so-called "Article 31" printed and mailed to commissioners Synod. It was recognized that our churches who trace their origin to the beforehand, the most common motion church should be represented at both work of Schilder in the Netherlands). heard all week was that of the Stated of these meetings, and the Assembly Greetings were also read from all four Clerk asking that the successive reports voted to budget one-half the cost of Orthodox Presbyterian Missions. (The be printed in the minutes without attendance now, with the other half overtures presented will be noted later being read orally. With this much expected to be approved at next year's in this report.) time saved, the Assembly was ready to Assembly. The selection of delegates The docket was adopted as pre­ consider the Standing Committee re­ was postponed until next year. sented by the Stated Clerk, and expec­ ports early on Tuesday afternoon. Missionary John Johnston spoke tations were that the Assembly would Compared with previous years, there about the strategic importance of Tai­ certainly be over by Friday evening, seemed to be little discussion of the wan in reaching all of Asia with the at the latest. Changes to the Standing details of these reports. Judging by the gospel. Mr. Arnold Kress, missionary­ Rules were then considered. As already comments made, there was general sat­ appointee to Japan, spoke briefly and noted, the office of Statistician was ap­ isfaction and approval of the work enthusiastically as he looked forward proved. But a proposal to set a per­ of the three major standing commit­ to departure for the field later this manent regular date for General As­ tees. year. Several commissioners expressed sembly met with much less agreement. To the Committee on Home Mis­ particular thanks for the ministry of Debate was postponed until later, and sions and Church Extension were Missionary Conn during the past few the proposal itself was finally lost. elected Messrs. Thompson, Knight, months. Messrs. Dunn, Ellis, Fikkert Too early a date interferes with pre­ Marston, and elders Bellis and Roeber. and elders Width and Bacon were paration of reports by the Standing The election of the Rev. John Thomp­ elected to the class of 1969, Mr. Olson Committees; too late a date upsets son, pastor in Harriman, Tennessee, to the class of 1968, and Mr. Phillips plans for the rest of the year; much reflected the Assembly's interest in the to the class of 1967 of the Foreign of the time in between conflicts with contacts made by that church with Missions Committee. the schedule of Westminster Semi­ many concerned Presbyterians in the Discussion of the report of the nary. The insoluble problem! South. There seems to be good reason Committee on Christian Education Temporary and to hope that other new congregations soon centered on its Sunday school Standing Committees Even with this much business al­ AS SEEN FOR THE FIRST TIME ready completed, it was only now time The Rev. John Thompson, [r., pastor of the Conservative Presby­ for the lunch recess. For the sake of terian Church, Harriman, Tennessee, which was received by the Presbytery certain waistlines, it's a good thing of the South last summer, made the following observations after attending business did proceed so rapidly. A few his first Orthodox Presbyterian General Assembly: more exposures to the bounty of the table at Bethel Church might have he perpetuation of a church's fidelity to the Scriptures and to its been disastrous! And those folks had Tdoctrinal standards rests in the calibre of the heart subscription of all coffee for us at every meal and recess office bearers. The safeguards which preserve and protect this heart sub­ -real Dutch hospitality! scription in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, it seems to me, are the After lunch, the Moderator pro­ unfeigned love and trust of its members for one another, the constant ceeded with the appointment of tem­ appeal to the Scriptures in all deliberations and debate before action is porary committees. Messrs. Haney and taken, and the singular absence of complicated structure in the practical Tavares were named to the Committee operations of the denomination. on Date and Place of the 34th Gen­ There are no boards, all work is carried on by committees of the eral Assembly. Messrs. Ediger, Dunn, General Assembly with no divisions or subdivisions and minimal staff. Eckardt, Graham (later replaced by These committees are elected by the General Assembly on nomination Clough), and Phillips were appointed from the floor of the Assembly-there is no nominating committee. Every to the Committee on Overtures and minister is a member of the Assembly and every church is entitled to Communications. To the Committee elder representation. There is no commission on the minister and his on Presbyterial Records, the Moderator work - each presbytery exercises immediate observation, control, and named Messrs. Albright, Hodgson, correction over every minister. The principle of congregational ownership and Armour; and to the Committee of property is fixed in the constitution. There are no dissipating ties with on Standing Committee Records, he questionable church councils. There is studied pre-occupation with spiritual named Messrs. Voorhoees, Valentine, affairs and broad liberty, with no official pronouncements, in social matters. and E. DeMaster. Elder Neel was Our prayer is that we may be increasingly faithful to the ideas and named to replace Mr. Black on the ideals of this fine fellowship. Travel Fund Committee.

June, 1966 69 curriculum program. The Committee in the pension program. The assests of conversations. The Committee on Ecu­ proposed to complete the curriculum the Pension Fund now require the menicity, Etc., was directed to seek (through the Senior High depart­ Committee to incorporate itself in correction of this misrepresentation if ment) in the next five years. That this order legally to handle its affairs, and it had originated with officials of the would require considerable capital this incorporation was approved. Conversations. General relief seemed funds was obvious, and the figure may Messrs. Hodgson, Hoogerhyde, and to be the attitude of many that we well exceed half-a-million dollars. The Keenan were elected to the class of were no longer involved in this dis­ Assembly seemed ready to procede on 1969, and Mr. Eckardt to the class of cussion. such a development program. 1967 of this committee. Continuing interest in the Reformed A strong desire was expressed for Ecumenical Synod was evident. The an "official" printing of the Westmin­ Ecumenical Relations Assembly voted to pay its propor­ ster Confession of Faith and the Cate­ This area of our church's affairs tionate share of RES operational ex­ chisms, a desire quite relevant in this generated the most spirited and per­ penses. The Regional Conference be­ day of confessional changes and ecu­ haps fruitful discussions during the ing held by the Synod in Grand Rap­ menical discussions. The Christian Ed­ sessions of the Assembly. One special ids on July 26-28, 1966 was noted. ucation Committee was directed to committee, the Committee to Confer Participation in the RES seems gen­ publish such an edition, and to pre­ with Representatives of the Christian uinely to be an advantage, and its pare "prooftexts" for it to be pre­ Reformed Church, has been engaged world-wide witness has been effective. sented at a later General Assembly. in conversations with that denomina­ (Some work on prooftexts has been tion for some years. A standing com­ CRC and RPC, ES done in the past, but the Orthodox mittee, the Committee on Ecumenicity But the most concern in this area Presbyterian Church has never for­ and Interchurch Relations, handles all had to do with our relationships to mally adopted any.) other ecumenical concerns including the Christian Reformed Church and Messrs. Knudsen, Young, Groten­ conversations begun this year with the the Reformed Presbyterian Church, huis, and elders LeGro and Sandberg Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evan­ Evangelical Synod. No doubt this is were elected to the Committee on gelical Synod. true simply because it is with these Christian Education. By the end of The subject of ecumenical relations two churches that we are now most that first afternoon, the Assembly had was appropriately introduced by the seriously discussing possible organic completed its consideration of the re­ address of the Rev. Max Belz, speak­ unity. During the discussions of the ports of the three major standing com­ ing in behalf of the Reformed Presby­ reports of the two "ecumenical com­ mittees. At 5: 30 p.m. the Assembly terian Church, Evangelical Synod. mittees," all the problem areas in­ recessed for supper, with temporary Though plainly aware of difficulties volved with the CRS and RPC, ES committees scheduled to meet that eve­ involved, Mr. Belz declared that Re­ were mentioned. Several commission­ ning in various classrooms of the formed Presbyterians "reach out after ers seemed to feel that our church was Oostburg Christian School. you in love," and urged us to find a rushing headlong into marriage, or at common rallying point around the con­ least into an engagement to be mar­ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 fessional standards that both our ried, with partners whose suitability ollowing a devotional service led churches defend and maintain. could be questioned. F by Mr. Hall, the Assembly re­ In addition to the two churches al­ In answer to such attitudes it was convened at 8:00 Wednesday morn­ ready mentioned, the Orthodox Pres­ noted that we have a Christ-given duty ing. The previous day's minutes were byterian Church was represented by to seek visible unity with believers read and approved, and the Assembly fraternal delegates during 1965 at the wherever possible, a position that the turned to the report of the Committee Synod of the Gereformeerde Kerken Orthodox Presbyterian Church for­ on General Benevolence. in Nederland, the Presbyterian Church mally acknowledged in 1961. We must It was noted that the receipts for (Hap Dong) and the Presbyterian be willing to talk with our brethren, this committee had fallen off. Since Church (Ko Sin) in Korea, the Re­ correct them if need be, be corrected the Committee's work is in the min­ formed Church of Japan, the Re­ by them if that need be, and endeavor istry of mercy, it is no longer a part formed Presbyterian Church of North to make a sound spiritual unity ap­ of the combined budget. Support for America ("Covenanter"), and the Re­ parent to the world through visible its work is sought primarily from Dea­ formed Church in the United States organic unity. con's Funds and local offerings for (Classis Eureka). Fraternal relations On the other hand, there was con­ diaconal causes. The Committee's total are also maintained with several other siderable apprehension expressed that budget, including both the Aged and Presbyterian and Reformed churches our church might simply drift into Infirm Minister's Fund and its more throughout the world. these "marriages" at the expense of general benevolent activities, was ap­ It was noted that Dr. Van Til had the truth. Though Christ does expect proved at slightly over $10,000. It been released from further obligation us to seek visible unity, he expects us was noted that an average of $1.25 to attend sessions of the Reformed­ to establish that unity for the sake of per communicant member would be Lutheran Conversations (a talking the truth in the sight of the world. needed. Mr. Bachman and elder John over of issues by churches, both liberal To this reporter, some of the appre­ Tolsma were reelected to this com­ and conservative, with Lutheran and hension seems due to a lack of infor­ mittee. Reformed backgrounds). The public mation on the drift of these conversa­ The report of the Committee on press in certain cases had listed the tions both with the CRC and RPC, ES. Pensions was presented. Concern was Orthodox Presbyterian Church as We know the discussions are being expressed for those ministers not yet agreeing with the conclusions of these held, but we have little information

70 The Presbyterian Guardian COMMISSIONERS AT THE THIRTY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HELD AT BETHEL CHURCH, OOSTBURG, WISCONSIN. on the topics discussed or conclusions at 7 :00 p.m. to begin its consideration church with this increased emphasis on reached. of the report of the Stewardship Com­ Christian Education. Several recommendations urging mittee. This committee, composed of Elder Metzger was reelected to the greater cooperation with the Christian ex 0 fJicio representatives and appointed Stewardship Committee, and Mr. Bar­ Reformed Church and its agencies representatives from the three major ker was reappointed as its chairman. were adopted. In regard both to this standing committees, the committees' The Committee on Revisions to the denomination and the Reformed Pres­ business manager, and three members Form of Government and Book of byterian Church, Evangelical Synod, elected by the Assembly, is authorized Discipline continues to make progress similar basic recommendations were to approve and present to the Assem­ in its work, and expects to have com­ adopted to state our position on pos­ bly a combined budget for the three pleted work on the Form of Govern­ sible unity. Both of the committees major standing committees. ment by the next Assembly. Proposed holding conversations with these two revisions were presented and sent to churches were directed to "work to­ The Combined Budget presbyteries for study. Steps to adopt ward the ultimate goal of organic As presented and approved by the these revisions will presumably be be­ union between the Orthodox Presby­ General Assembly, the combined bud­ gun at next year's Assembly. terian Church and (both) the Re­ get amounts to a total of $497,639, Two special committees have been formed Presbyterian Church, Evangel­ of which our churches are urged to erected in recent years to provide ical Synod (and) the Christian Re­ provide a minimum of $335,550. guidelines for the Assembly's review formed Church on a scriptural basis." (About $55,000 is expected from of presbyterial and standing committee Both committees were also directed to other sources, and over $100,000 from records. Both committees have nearly include in their reports to future Gen­ sales.) These amounts are in line with completed their work, and this task eral Assemblies a summary of their past giving by our churches and an of the Assembly is much better organ­ increase based on the past rate of discussions with these churches and an ized now than it used to be. evaluation of the results. growth in giving. These two recommendations seem to Particular attention was given to the THURSDAY, APRIL 28 place our ecumenical conversations on budget of the Committee on Christian devotional service was conducted a sound footing, with adequate infor­ Education. Its share of the combined A by the Rev. Wilson Rinker, pastor mation being made available, and budget "would have to rise from 19.7 of the Campbell, California, church. unity being sought "on a scriptural percent of the present (1966) budget, Following this, the Assembly recon­ basis." to 23.5 percent of the 1970 combined vened at 8:00 a.m., and it soon be­ The consideration of these ecumen­ budget." This increase would be nec­ came obvious that its work would be ical relations was concluded with the essary to enable the Committee to carry completed in that day. address of the Rev. John Olthoff, out its proposed completion of the The Committee to Study the Doc­ speaking for the Synod of the Chris­ Sunday school curriculum. It should trine of Guidance, Etc. (erected to tian Reformed Church. Declaring that be noted that, great as this increased consider some of the problems that he desired to see organic unity, Mr. expenditure is, it is not anticipated arose in connection with the Penicl Olthoff in effect urged both our that the other two committees will Bible Conference) presented a rough churches to ask themselves "just how have their budgets cut. The increase to draft on "The Communion of the sincere is our desire for merger." This the Christian Education Committee is Holy Spirit." The Committee asked is a question that will face the Ortho­ expected to come from the normal in­ that this preliminary draft be studied dox Presbyterian Church for years to crease in giving by the church as a and comments on it be sent back to come! whole. Still the church should be the Committee. After a hearty supper on Wednes­ aware of the fact that this combined Two matters of particular interest day evening, the Assembly reconvened budget sets a new course for the to the Presbytery of the West Coast

June, 1966 71 were considered. The question of ad­ naries." Various amendments and sub­ Date and Place of the 34th stitutions were proposed, but the pro­ mitting to church membership "those After the usual proposal, counter­ who can?ot in good conscience present posal finally lost by a narrow vote. proposals, rebuttals, and arguments, their children for baptism" was de­ A protest was drawn up noting the the Assembly accepted the original clared to be a "matter for judgment Assem?ly's refusal to take any action proposal of its Committee on Date by: sessions." The Assembly deter­ at all In the matter. Later in the day, and Place of the 34th General Assem­ mined to send to the sessions for study the matter was reintroduced in a dif­ bly, and agree.d to meet at Long the full report of its special committee ferent form with a committee estab­ Beach, California, on Tuesday, April that had "considered" this question. lished to "co~sider methods whereby 25, 1967. (The report will appear in a later the Church might be able to aid and tssue. - Ed.) advise 'presbyteries with regard to" Supper with Mr. Murray The West Coast Presbytery had also ministerial training and to consider the . . On Thursday evening, the commis­ sought the Assembly's advice in regard relationship of the Church to theo­ ) stoners gathered to eat supper in the to receiving a minister from another logical seminaries. This committee is basement of the Bethel Church. The denomination without requiring him to report to the next Assembly. meal was delicious, as had been the to pass an examination in Hebrew. Concluding Business case throughout the week. Everyone The A~sembly advised the Presbytery By now it was evident that the As­ was aware that the work of the As­ that this requirement "may be waived, sembly's work would be done that sembly was practically over. And ev­ if it j~dge that such a requirement day, and some horseplay was noted eryone was waiting for the after-sup­ would Involve hardship" on the pro­ h~re and th~re.. A secret group of ad­ per program. spective candidate. mirers (?) on writing in the insisted As soon as the dessert had been fin­ Theological Education name of one commissioner on every ished, Mr. Eyres rose to announce the ballot being taken, an embarrassment From the Presbytery of Philadelphia program. Nearly a hundred commis­ there had come an overture asking the to. that commissioner perhaps and cer­ sioners knew what it was, but one had Assembly to establish a standing com­ tamly a delay to the tellers counting not. Speeches of appreciation by for­ ~he mittee on theological education to ad­ ballots. Henry Coray's enlighten­ mer students, all emphasizing the vise presbyteries and candidates for the Ing reports were also heard, as well sound training in the study of God's as other remarks of a mock-serious ministry as to the suitability of train­ Word, made it clear enough how this nature. ing given in various theological semi­ one had affected those present. naries. The sharpest debate of the Another overture from Philadel­ Together with an engraving of a week came on this proposal. phia Presbytery found smoother sail­ notable American (one this reporter Those who supported the request ing. It requested the Assembly to set up a committee to consider ways of doesn't see very often!) to serve as a saw it as a means whereby the General token of love from those present and Assembly would carry out its respon­ helping churches without pastors and candidates seeking pulpits. The As­ as an invitation to return in the future sibilities to "superintend the concerns a scroll had been drawn up and signed of the whole church," which concerns sembly passed this request and elected Messrs. Eyres, Kellogg, Coray, Nei­ by all the commissioners. The conclud­ could well be understood to include ing paragraph summed up our feelings that of the preparation of men for the lands, and Bellis (with a "geographi­ cal bias" beyond all doubt!). as we bid God-speed to a beloved ministry. Those who opposed the re­ friend: quest did so mainly on the grounds Memorials for the Rev. Glenn R. that it would tend to establish a list Coie and the Rev. R. B. Kuiper were We honour you in our hearts. We of "approved and disapproved semi- presented and adopted by the Assem­ respect you for your scholarship and bly. Mr. DeVelde was called on to wisdom. Weare grateful to our God for you, Professor Murray. But we Professor John Murray (right) in lead the Assembly in prayer for the conversation with the Rev. Edward blessings of God given to us through are compelled to say more: We love Kellogg of San Diego. these two faithful servants. you dearly, and it is with deep sorrow The records of all the Standin a that it appears that we may not see Committees were approved. The r:' your face or hear your voice in future cords of the Presbyteries were ap­ Assemblies. We pray God that He proved with various exceptions noted; may lay His hand on you for a most only the Presbytery of New Jersey useful and happy ministry during your managed to have its minutes approved retirement years in your native land. without exception of any kind. We "thank God on every remem­ During the course of the Assembly, brance of you." several representatives of various or­ ganizations were present and addressed Adjournment the brethren. The Inter-Varsity Chris­ Soon after that farewell supper, the tian Fellowship, the World Home Assembly concluded its business and Bible League, Covenant College, Trin­ adjourned. God has blessed our church ity Christian College, and Westminster in many ways during our first thirty Theological Seminary were all pre­ years. May He continue to give us sented to the commissioners and their such blessings in the years that lie respective activities noted. ahead until our Lord's return.

72 The Presbyterian Guardian Fraternal Greetings '/L, ~letimL- GUARDIAN John H. Olthoff sire for merger. Do we really want to Christian Reformed Church proceed toward organic union and thus make a worthwhile contribution to the o say that I am delighted to bring realization of the ideal of visible the greetings of my church to your T unity? I suppose much depends on to EDITOR church is to say it tritely but truth­ what extent we consider organity unity Robert E. Nicholas fully. Why shouldn't I be happy to to be a solemn duty. do so? We have so much in common; May the Spirit lead you in this as we are so similar in our interpretation of the Word. in all your deliberations. Thank you. All correspondence should be ad­ dressed to The Presbyterian Guardian, We accept the Bible, in all of its 7401 Old York Hoad, Phila., Pa. 19126 parts, as God's infallible revelation. We are agreed on such basic teachings Max Belz as: the Holy Trinity, the eternal Son­ Reformed Presbyterian Church, ship of Christ, the deity and person­ Evangelical Synod We reach out after you in love, as ality of the Holy Spirit, vicarious have been asked to convey fraternal you have boldly reache:d out after us. atonement, salvation by grace, the vis­ I greetings to this 33rd General As­ We reach out after you in truth, and ible, personal return of the Lord Jesus, sembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian so have you, toward us. Let us honor as well as the resurrection of the body Church. I come to this hour with pro­ our founding fathers by uniting now and the everlasting separation of be­ found feeling of privilege and re­ upon the very standards they fought lievers and unbelievers. sponsibility. bravely to uphold. Let us repair to No one will contradict the statement We reach out after you in Chris­ this beloved, beleaguered banner in that we are living in the ecumenical tian love. We reach out after you, simplicity, sincerity, and humility. age. Mergers already a fact and dis­ moreover, in Christian truth, for cur May the grace of our Lord Jesus cussions of potential union between Confession of Faith is practically iden­ Christ and the guidance of the Holy denominations are accelerating. One is tical to yours. In the large, we need Spirit be your portion as you pursue reminded of Wendell Willkie's best go back only to 1936 to find ourselves your study of the peace, unity, and seller One World, in which he made united on confessional standards. They purity of the church. an impassioned plea for the harmon­ were printed and bound then by our ious cooperation of all nations. He cer­ ecclesiastical predecessor, the Presby­ tainly had a luadable aim. But human terian Church in the U.S.A. Because Westminster Seminary nature being what it is, and Com­ that church had departed from sincere munism being what it is, the world adherence to these standards, our own Commencement is far from one. And it will never be founding fathers, after seeking correc­ wenty-nine degrees were awarded one until God has established the new tion, withdrew from their unequal T at the 37th commencement exer­ earth, yoke with unbelievers. cises of Westminster Theological Semi­ The condition of the church seems The thirty years plssing since 1936 nary on May 18. In addition to 23 almost as sad as that of the world. It have seen the apostasy deepen until bachelor of divinity degrees (includ­ too is a house divided against itself. now a grave confessional crisis is upon ing four Canadians and four from the Yet, unbelievable as it may seem, the the church from which we separated. Orient) four master of theology de­ church of Christ is one. The Scripture The standards of 1936, which our grees were granted to Richard Hodg­ teaches the unity of the church: one founding fathers loved and sought to son, Myung Hyuk Kim, Jelle Tuininga, Head, one Spirit, one foundation, one maintain, are now about to be shame­ and Andrew Zwart. faith and baptism, one body. Nothing fully abandoned. This confessional The degree of doctor of theology can destroy it - not even the appar­ crisis in the apostate church makes was given to Dirk H. Odendaal of ently hopeless division of the church. more necessary than ever a confes­ South Africa, who had returned in However, it must be admitted that the sional clarity in our own separated and mid-year to his teaching in a mission­ present division does hide, does ob­ splintered communions. ary school there; and to Theophilus J. scure its unity. Isn't the church duty­ The hour is upon us to close ranks Herter of Broomall, Pa. Dr. Herter bound to remedy this situation? in our confession and in our corpora­ was recently named a bishop of the More relevantly, what about a union tion, if we are to minister convincingly Reformed Episcopal Church, with his between our two denominations? Well, to confused Presbyterian churchgoers installation set for June 15. of course, we've been working on that. in our land. The hour is come to pro­ Dr. David W. Baker, assistant pro­ Our respective committees have been ceed with dispatch to ecclesiastical re­ fessor of religion in Ursinus College meeting and conversing. For some union. We are creedal communions. as well as a medical doctor and a radio years each of us has been hearing re­ We are confessional churches. Because preacher, delivered the commence­ ports at our General Assembly and of this, it is likely that our best pos­ ment address. The speaker at the an­ Synodical gatherings. Perhaps we've sible plan of union for 1966 is that nual banquet on the preceding evening come to the point now at which to ask set of standards which our founding was Dr. Alexander De Jong, new ourselves just how sincere is our de- fathers defended in 1936. president of Trinity Christian College.

June, 1966 73 J Training for Laymen A reuzew article ore than four hundred graduates M of the Reformed Bible Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, are serving Symbols, Structures, in the many ways open to unordained workers in God's kingdom, An equal and Scripture number have studied at the Institute for shorter periods, This year's day Christ and Architecture, Donald J. The book was reviewed jointly b.1 school enrollment is 125, with 200 Bruggink and Carl H. Droppers, Dr. Meredith G. Kline, Professor of more in evening clases, Among the Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1965. ix, 708 pp, $20.00. Old T estamennt at Gordon Dioinit: 22 graduates this spring is Mr. Ros­ School, and Meredith M. Kline, stu­ wel Kamrath, Orthodox Presbyterian o the extent that passing observers dent of architecture at j~fassachtlseftj from Leith, N, D, One graduate is T derive their image of our church's Institute of T ecbnolo gy. from Nigeria and a half-dozen are life from its architecture they must Canadians. often see us as unimaginative souls Miss Mary Magee (whose late cccupied in dull doings. And for that "sanctuary" for the worship auditorium father was an Orthodox Presbyterian kind of advertising our congregations that Bruggink promotes the common pastor) joined the staff as director of are paying heavily, in more ways than fallacy. That usage might be dismissed Christian service last fall, and will one. Applause is, therefore, an appro­ as merely a popular, if misleading, serve as Dean of Women next year. priate greeting for the effort ot this convention, similar to calling the She acted as accompanist for the choir superbly executed volume to create building as a whole a "church." It is on a spring tour to the Pacific North­ awareness of the need for a worthy rather that he seems to assume that west. Miss Magee points out that church architecture. It has been jointly the configuration of furnishings in the R.B.I. students are available for sum­ prepared by theologian Bruggink and worship center necessarily possesses mer assignments as pastor's assistants, architect Droppers, both of them men a particular symbolical significance. for visitation evangelism, VBS teach­ of Reformed convictions. Hence his insistence that church archi­ ing and other tasks. In Part I, Bruggink seeks to deduce tecture is burdened with its own pe­ It is of interest that the Reformed from the nature of New Testament culiar set of theological imperatives. Bible Institute was founded in the worship certain architectural norms. He says, for example: "Because we same year that saw the beginning of His special concern is with the ar­ preach and celebrate the Sacraments the Back to God Hour and the World rangement of the furnishings in the at the command of our Lord, the Home Bible League, and they have all worship center. The basic and per­ furniture which we use to obey his recently celebrated their 25th anniver­ vasive fault in his discussion is that command inevitably becomes a re­ saries. R.B.!. alumni are found in thir­ he aids and abets the "sanctuary" minder, a symbol, of that Christ-com­ teen foreign countries, and present stu­ heresy that befogs much popular think­ manded action" (p. 457). "To set dents come from a half dozen outside ing about church buildings. forth the God-ordained means by the United States. The Rev. Rolf According to the Scriptures, the which Christ comes to his people, the Veenstra has taught Missions since his old, earthly and symbolic sanctuary Reformed must give visual expression return from Nigeria two years ago. of the Mosaic age has made way in to the importance of both Word and The Institute is a fully accredited this Messianic age for the heavenly Sacraments. Because the Word is in­ member of the Accrediting Association and true sanctuary, an invisible sanc­ dispensable, the pulpit, as the archi­ of Bible Colleges. tuary that cannot be localized in any tectural manifestation of the Word, In addition to its day and evening man-made structure, no matter how must make its indispensability archi­ classes, the Institute offers several cor­ solemnly "dedicated." The great high tecturally clear" (p. 80, all capitals respondence courses in doctrine, evan­ priest of the New Covenant has passed in original). And succinctly, "Both gelism, and various Bible books. The into the heavens beyond the gaze of architecture and litury must be deter­ most recent is a text on Ephesians by men and, because priest and sanctuary mined by theology" (p. 23). the Rev. John Schaal. It consists of belong inseparably together, it is there Expediency, Not Principles ten lessons with outlines and com­ in that realm invisible that the true The plain fact is that church wor­ ment, together with a separate pamph­ sanctuary of the New Covenant is to ship has no necessary connection with let of worksheets to be sent in, and be found. Roman Catholicism is at an architectural structure of any kind may be used for either individual or least consistent in its anachronism of or with any furniture, whether pulpits, group study. continuing both human priesthood and tables, or fonts. Judgments on matters earthly, altar-focussed sanctuary. But of church architecture, as on all other what shall we say of the sons of the Distinctive: Different! cultural adjuncts of Christian worship, Reformation who confess Christ alone properly proceed from the recognition THE REFORMED as priest and recognize that earthly that what the Scripture has not pro­ BIBLE INSTITUTE altars have no proper role in Christian hibited is lawful, though not always Write for catalog to worship and yet are prone to a "sanc­ expedient. Decisions will then turn 1869 Robinson Road, S.E. tuary" mentality with respect to their around such general considerations as Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506 church buildings? functional efficiency and aesthetic ap­ It is not simply by using the word peal, ample leeway being thus afforded

74 The Presbyterian Guardian for wide variety of taste and charitable latter the architect requires a well copy of the book in its present ex­ differences of opinion. If, for example, thought out and thorough statement of pensive form. It must be added, how­ as an altogether indifferent choice the church's program. This should be ever, that much of the value of the based on expediency we decide to a description of functions, not sug­ volume consists in the inspiration of make use of a pulpit, there is patently gestions for specific spatial solutions. the abundant excellent photographs no sound basis for scruples that this It is the architect's task to translate (largely of European churches) dis­ pulpit must by theological necessity these programmatic objectives into a tributed throughout both parts of the be located here or there, or somehow design and building. However, Drop­ book and instructively located in con­ made to dominate its setting. Heresy pers does provide basic information junction with relevant passages in the in this matter does not consist in concerning structural possibilities and text. placing the pulpit in an inconspicuous problems of the construction process. MEREDITH G. KLINE and corner rather than in some central Architect's Role MEREDITH M. KLINE spot. The heresy is insisting that there Wenham, Massachusetts is any particular spot where the pulpit Priority in the determination of the must be placed. architectural solution is given to sim­ plicity of structural system. The sample Near the end of Bruggink's discus­ model of a church on which Droppers sion the following summation is given: himself collaborated is a perfect ex­ Wybenga (from page 66) "Christ's commands concerning the pression of this approach - and of its ferings, death, and resurrection. "And Word and the Sacraments inevitably serious inadequacies. This box type of ye are witnesses of these things," he involves (sic) pulpits, fonts, and building may keep a short-sighted tables which become symbols of those church treasurer happy, but it betrays said. He also instructed them to re­ functions. Pulpit, font, and table are indifference to major architectural con­ main in the city until the promised thus the basic symbols of the Chris­ cerns. Pure geometric shapes fail to gift of the Spirit when they should be "endued with power from on high." tian faith" (p. 4S 7, original all capi­ provide a readable index to the com­ tals) . Clearly evident here are the plex variety of functions that are Not long afterwards the time of his senous consequences of approaching carried on within a church building. ascension drew near. The Great Shep­ questions of church architecture in They do not possess the variety of herd led his little flock out to Bethany terms of inevitable symbolism and scale implicit In the vastly divergent at the mount called Olivet where he thus of mandatory theological answers, space requirements posed by those was visibly taken from them and "car­ rather than in terms at expediency. functions and consequently do not ried up into heaven," his hands up­ The divine ordinances of worship be­ challenge the architect to cope with lifted in blessing upon them. "Be ye come overlaid with superstitious hu­ the important contemporary architec­ lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the man scruples. A new system of liturgi­ tural problem of achieving satisfac­ King of Glory shall come in!" cal symbolism is invented, the unique tory relationships among differing Though our ascended Lord is in validity of the -divinely appointed scales within a larger unity. Moreover, sacramental symbols-the water, bread, heaven, this does not mean that we the premium placed on simple forms have lost contact with him. We are and wine-is circumvented, and their indicates a lack of appreciation for the simplicity confounded. And notice reminded of a little boy flying his claims made by the individual site kite so high that he could not see it. further how the infusion of symbolic upon a building. Such forms stand significance into the pulpit, as "the "How do you know your kite is up complete in themselves, unrelated to there?" asked a passer-by; "I do not architectural manifestation of the natural surroundings or other environ­ Word," obscures the formal difference see anything of it." "Neither do I," mental factors. They do not participate replied the lad, "but I know it's there between the sacraments and the Word in their particular setting but only as respectively symbolic and non-sym­ because I can feel it tugging at the violate it, perhaps disguising their de­ string in my hand." bolic means of grace. fiance with decoration. Our quarrel at this point is not Nevertheless, church building com­ The line of faith reaches out to our with the particular arrangements of mittees will find the kind of orientation High Priest at the right hand of God the furnishings recommended by Brug­ they are looking for in the convenient and we sense the tug at our hearts. gink, as such. Some of them are quite collection of useful information that In a mystical union we "sit together Interesting and attractive, and if fol­ Droppers provides - much of it in in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" lowed would improve the general the form of effective charts - about (Eph. 2 :6). And where the Head has architectural quality of the worship all sorts of details confronting them, gone the body one day must follow. centers in many of our church build­ from soil and trees and parking, to in­ Jesus prayed, "Father, I will that they ings. Our contention is, however, that terior features like pews and organs, also whom thou hast given me, be such recommendations ought to be pre­ heating and acoustics. It might not be with me where I am" (John 17 :24) . sented not as Sinaitic models but as a bad idea to publish an economy ver­ He will come again to receive us advantageous options to be judged sion of Part II by itself. It is less than unto himself. As the disciples were according to considerations of expedi­ a third of the whole and contains a gazing skyward at his ascension the ency within a context of liberty and condensation of the major observations angels spoke: "This same Jesus, which without any pretext of special sanctity. of Part 1. Interested groups might is taken up from you into heaven, shall In Part II, Droppers defines the then secure several copies of this for so come in like manner as ye have seen role of the architect in relation to the committee members, whereas they him go" (Acts 1: 11 ). "Even so, come, church's building committee. From the might hesitate to purchase even one Lord Jesus. Amen," (Rev. 22 :20).

June, 1966 75 A Tenth Anniversary Message - for the Thirtieth What's Right with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church

R. B. KUIPER

was asked to deliver an historical The question arises at once whether I address on this occasion. It is clear the term narrow can be used in a good that a sermon is not expected. It is sense and whether the term broad can also clear that, while in a general way be used in any but a good sense. Now­ my subject has been assigned, its for­ adays hardly anybody wants to be mulation was left to me. narrow, almost everybody wants to be For just a moment-no more than broad. A great many folk regard nar­ a moment-I thought of speaking on rowness as an unmitigated evil, broad­ the question, What's Wrong with the ness as an unqualified good. It occurs Orthodox Presbyterian Church? That to me, however, that Jesus once spoke theme would have proved easy to de­ of a narrow way and a broad way, and velop because much is wrong with our said that the narrow way leads to life, church, but it is exceedingly trite. Our the broad way to destruction. Surely, enemies have worked overtime at it, it follows that narrowness is not always and some of us have worked at it al­ an evil, nor is broadness always a good. most as hard. Besides, while a measure And so I am on solid ground when I of introspection is good, and even speak of both narrowness and broad­ necessary, for both an individual and a ness in the good sense of these terms. church, concentration on one's faults I and weaknesses can be overdone. I OUR CHURCH IS NARROW IN THE have known persons who overdid it to and born in doctrinal controversy? GOOD SENSE OF THAT TERM the point of morbidity and even in­ Doctrinal issues were the occasion of sanity. May God forbid that our When saying that our church is its origination. church should head in that direction. narrow in the good sense of that term I have reference especially to the Historically our church has opposed I have chosen rather to discuss the matter of doctrine. Was not the Or­ doctrinal error. It has refused even to question, What's Right with our thodox Presbyterian Church conceived compromise with error. How Dr. Church? And since, as I said, this is to Machen used to din into our ears the be an historical address, my precise behest never to compromise with error. theme is: "What Is Historically Right On June 12, 1946, Professor R. B. Compromising truth was to his mind with the Orthodox Presbyterian Kuiper delivered an address in the equivalent to denying truth. He him­ Church?" New Century Club of Philadelphia, self consistently refused to compromise A great many things are right with commemorating the tenth anniversary even a little. A certain character has our church, so many that I cannot of the founding of the Orthodox Pres­ gone down in the history of our coun­ possibly enumerate all of them. It is byterian Church. try as 'The Great Compromiser." Dr. a foregone conclusion that, when I In the month which marks the thir­ Machen may well go down in the his­ have finished, some of you-perhaps tieth anniversary of that church it tory of o.ur church as the great non­ all of you-will think of things that I seemed fitting to reprint that address compromIser. might have said, and perhaps should (slightly abridged). It first appeared Positively expressed, our church has have said, but did not actually say. I in these pages and later in tract form. historically striven hard to exemplify have two excuses to offer: first, I can­ Not only is it of historical interest in the biblical description of Christ's not think of everything; second, I relation to the origin of the denomina­ church as "pillar and ground of truth." cannot say everything I think. tion, but the author' r insights are still What is the meaning of that ex­ The right things about our church pertinent twenty years later. pression? What is the function of a that I propose to name may con­ The Rev. R. B. Kuiper, who died pillar and of the ground? Obviously, veniently be brought under two heads: in April at the age of 80, was a min­ to uphold things. Christ brought his I. Our Church is Narrow in the ister in the Orthodox Presbyterian church into being in order that it Good Sense of That Term. Church from 1937 to 1953 and served might uphold the truth. In this world II. Our Church is Broad in the as the moderator of its Fourth General so full of falsehood, that cannot be Good Sense of That Term. Assembly. . done without opposing error. There-

76 The Presbyterian Guardian fore our church has ever been militant of Holy Scripture as a "harmful" doc­ delphia. Westminster began with a in its defense and proclamation of the trine. It also stated as the conviction faculty of seven men, four of whom truth of God. It has declared the truth, of the signers that it was unnecessary had taught at Princeton. The four were both controversially and constructively. for a minister in the church to believe Dr. Robert Dick Wilson, Dr. Oswald It has made the truth in all its white­ in the virgin birth of Christ, his bodily T. Allis, Dr. J. Gresham Machen, and ness stand out boldly against the black resurrection, or the miracles of the Dr. Cornelius Van Til. This seminary background of error. Bible generally. The precious doctrine contributed incalculably to the found­ In a word, our church is intolerant that Christ's death on the cross was a ing of the Orthodox Presbyterian of error. Intolerance is frequently con­ sacrifice by which he expiated sin and Church in 1936. demned as a grave sin, while tolerance satisfied divine justice was further de­ For some time the Board of Foreign is advocated as a great virtue. The fact cried as but one of many theories of Missions of the Presbyterian Church is that the term tolerance is a neutral the atonement and non-essential to in the U.S.A. had been under fire be­ one. Whether tolerance is good or evil the faith. The church was now divided cause of modernism in the board and depends on that which is tolerated. To into three parties: the Modernists on among its missionaries. Pearl Buck, for tolerate sin is an evil. To tolerate error the one hand, the Conservatives on the instance, once served under this board is sin. But intolerance is usually re­ orher.. and between them the middle­ as missionary in China. It was she who garded as evidence of narrowness. It of-the-readers or indifferentists. The expressed the opinion that, if the may well be that. Only remember that last-named party was by far the most bodily resurrection of our Lord should intolerance of error is evidence of nar­ numerous, and more despicable even be definitely disproved, that would not rowness in the good sense of that term. than the first. matter, for the spiritual values of Deep Roots It was inevitable that this doctrinal Christianity would persist just the controversy in the church should affect same. When at last she resigned under Where did the Orthodox Presby­ its seminary at Princeton. And so in conservative fire, the board accepted terian Church originate? You say that the twenties a battle royal was waged her resignation with regret. Complaints it originated at this very place, in the at that institution. It has been said against the modernism of the Board New Century Club of Philadelphia, on that this battle concerned a mere were lodged with the courts of the the eleventh day of June in the year matter of administration. Princeton church. However these complaints fell of our Lord 1936. That is true in about Theological Seminary was controlled on deaf ears. Then conservatives in the the same sense in which it is true that by two boards: a Board of Directors church found themselves compelled to the Protestant Reformation began on and a Board of Trustees. There were organize the Independent Board for the thirty-first of October, 1517, when those who felt that in the interest of Presbyterian Foreign Missions. This Martin Luther nailed his famous efficient administration these two was in 1933. ninety-five these to the church door boards should be merged; others Foreign Missions in Wittenberg. But everybody knows thought otherwise. And that was all that the roots of the Reformation lie there was to it. A more misleading un­ Before long several members of this far back of that date. It is equally clear derstatement is hardly imaginable. board were brought to trial. I do not that the roots of the Orthodox Pres­ President J. Ross Stevenson had ad­ exaggerate when I assert that their byterian Church may be traced behind vocated an "inclusive" policy for the trials constituted one of. the greatest 1936. It is not amiss to say that the seminary. He wanted it to represent travesties of justice in ecclesiastical his­ Orthodox Presbyterian Church was not only the conservative wing of the tory. In 1934 the church made the conceived when the Presbyterian church, but the church as a whole. astounding declaration: "A church Church in the U.S.A. became tolerant Now the Board of Directors, which member or an individual church that of error. And that happened long ago. had much to say about the constitu­ will not give to promote the officially Let no one suppose that the church ency of the faculty, was conservative, authorized missionary program of the just named was relatively sound and while the Board of Trustees was not. Presbyterian Church, is in exactly the pure until a decade or two before 1936. Clearly, it was in the interest of Steven­ same position with reference to the He who thinks that betrays an utter son's policy of inclusiveness that the Constitution of the Church as a church lack of historical sense. The decadence former board should be swallowed up member or an individual church that of a church is a process, usually very by the latter. Precisely that happened. would refuse to take part in the cele­ slow~at slow-almost imperceptibly In a word, the issue was a doctrinal bration of the Lord's Supper" (Manual first and then gradually accelerated. To one. The conservatives went down to of Presbyterian Law for Church Offi­ name but one date, 1870 is significant defeat. Princeton Theological Semi­ cers and Members, published by the in this connection. In that year the nary, that erstwhile bulwark of Ameri­ Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. in Old and New School Presbyterians can orthodoxy, was taken over by 1936, p. 115). On that made-to-order were merged into one body, and that modernists and indifferentists. Ichabod and much worse than flimsy ground merger involved compromise with was written over its doors. the defendants were condemned. But error. never once were they permitted to say The doctrinal decadence of the Westminster Seminary in their defense why they had organ­ Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. Thus it came to pass that in 1929 ized the Independent Board. The issue came to a head in 1924 when some Westminster Theological Seminary was patently doctrinal, but every doc­ twelve hundred leaders in that de­ was founded as the continuation of old trinal reference was consistently ruled nomination affixed their names to the Princeton. In a very real sense the out by the court as irrelevant. Here let Auburn Affirmation. That infamous seminary which had been put to death me quote a significant statement by a document denounced the infallibility at Princeton was resurrected in Phila- Unitarian in the Boston Evening Tran-

June, 1966 77 script of April 6, 1935. The reference Reformed, for the reason that of all sole purpose of choosing another name. was to the trial of Dr. Machen, the Christian systems of theology only After lengthy debate, our present name president of the Independent Board, Calvinism has consistently refused to ~the Orthodox Presbyterian Church which trial had just been concluded compromise with naturalism, and hence ~was adopted. How significant a and had resulted in an order for his Calvinism alone is in a position to name! Had our doctrinal consciousness suspension from the ministry. Said assail modernism all along the line. been less than strong at the time, we Albert C. Dieffenbach: "No matter It was nothing strange, therefore, that could hardly have chosen it. And by what may be said in slovenly contempt doctrinal differences already emerged choosing it, we committed ourselves to about doctrines-s-that they do not at the Second General Assembly of our the stnctest orthodoxy for the in­ count-s-the fact is that they are the church in the fall of 1936. definite future. Failure at any time to only things at last that do count. It That Assembly concerned itself with live up to that name will make our will always be so. Every great issue in adopting the doctrinal standards of our church a laughting-stock. To put it religion throughout history has been in church. Prominent among these stand­ popularly, we stuck out our necks in the realm of belief. The weakness, the ards, of course, is the Westminster 1939. I do not say that one should incoherency and the ineffectualness of Confession of Faith. But the question never stick his neck out, but surely, he any church can be attributed to its arose in what precise form the Con­ should never do so without being ready lack of great rooted ideas and convic­ fession was to be adopted. In the year to take the consequence, if need be, tions to give ultimate meaning to the 1903 the Presbyterian Church in the of having his head chopped off. As a life of man." How grave an indictment U.S.A. had, to put the case mildly, church, we solemnly vowed in 1939 by a Unitarian of an avowedly Presby­ watered it down. Negotiations had that we would be willing to be decapi­ terian church! And how just! been under way for union with the tated if we should not adhere strictly Those member of the Independent Cumberland Presbyterian Church. A to sound doctrine, or should become Board who had been adjudged guilty stumbling block was encountered. The indifferent to it. So long as we bear by the lower courts of the church ap­ Cumberlanders were Arminian in doc­ our present name, we shall remain pealed to the 1936 General Assembly, trine and therefore objected to the committed to that vow. which convened in Syracuse, N. Y. rigorous Calvinism of the Confession. Our willingness to debate doctrine, When their appeal was brushed aside In order to meet them, perhaps less and our unrelenting refusal to desist lightly, it was clear as broad daylight than halfway but nonetheless part of from doctrinal debate until truth and that the time for drastic action had the way, the Presbyterian Church in error have come clearly to light are arrived. The Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. adopted certain Arminian­ evidence that as a denomination we the U.S.A. had unmistakably come un­ izing amendments to the Confession. have not yet succumbed to the tempta­ der the control of modernism and in­ At our Second General Assembly the tion of doctrinal indifference and have differentism. By accepting that control question arose' whether the Confession not yet ceased being narrow in the it had denied the truth. This situation of Faith should be adopted with or good sense of that term. demanded drastic action. Any action without these amendments. The As­ II short of drastic would have betokened sembly was sharply divided. Lengthy compromise and cowardice. On the debate ensued, some of it a bit acri­ OUR CHURCH IS BROAD IN THE eleventh day of June, 1936, The Pres­ monious. But finally Dr. Machen made GOOD SENSE OF THAT TERM byterian Church of America was a ringing and convincing speech against When saying that our church is founded, the church which today is the Arminianizing amendments. This broad in the good sense of that term known as the Orthodox Presbyterian plea won the day. I have several things in mind. I shall select three. Church. Doctrinal Awareness How clear that the beginnings of It has been said that there are our church were doctrinal. it came into Another doctrinal matter that re­ present in the Orthodox Presbyterian existence because of the doctrinal col­ ceived attention at the Second General Church three traditions ~the Ameri­ lapse of the Presbyterian Church in Assembly was the dispensationalism of can Presbyterian tradition, the Scottish the U.S.A. Basically the one and only the Scofield Bible. While the Assem­ Presbyterian tradition, and the Dutch issue that gave rise to the Orthodox bly issued no official doctrinal pro­ Reformed tradition. Who will deny Presbyterian Church was the issue of nouncement on the subject, it is no the fact? doctnne. Its founders were intolerant exaggeration to say that modern dis­ But when it is intimated that the of doctrinal error. They were narrow pcnsationalism-i-rnind you, I did not presence of these three traditions in in the good sense of that term. say premillennialism-i-was discredited. one denomination constitutes a lia­ How clear that the Orthodox Pres­ bility to that denomination, I beg to Westminster Confession byterian Church in its early days was differ sharply. I rather consider it a The whole story has not been told. tremendously insistent on sound doc­ distinct potential asset. Does it not It cannot be doubted that some who trine and firmly refused to compromise present the opportunity to combine all united with our church in its early days with doctrinal error. It was narrow in that is best in these three traditions? expected it to be broadly evangelical. the good sense of that term. Surely, very few churches, if any, have It seems not to have occurred to them In 1936 our church named itself ever had such an opportunity. I do that this church would insist on being The Presbyterian Church of America. not hesitate to call it golden. specifically and strictly Reformed or Through the civil courts the Presbyte­ May I remind you that Dr. Machen Presbyterian. Nor did they realize that, rian Church in the U.S.A. compelled was responsible for the presence of in order to combat modernism effec­ us to change our name. In 1939 a these three traditions among us? He tively, it would have to be distinctively General Assembly was called for the took a leading part in choosing, among

78 The Presbyterian Guardian others, a true-blue Scot and three men clinging tenaciously to views and cus­ right. Our church is still seeking more of Dutch ancestry for the faculty of toms handed down to us by our elders, light. Obviously this type of Christian Westminster Theological Seminary. let us settle our differences in the liberty has nothing in common with And it was he who not only invited light of the Word of God, the only doctrinal indifference. these men into the Orthodox Pres­ infallible rule of faith and practice. Christian liberty also concerns the byterian Church, but urged them, Then we shall indeed be in a position Christian life. There are practices con­ pleaded with them, to come in. Will to combine all that is best in our cerning the propriety of which there you pardon a very brief personal differing traditions, and thus our have historically been differences of reference? One of the last things Dr. church will be greatly enriched. opinion among serious-minded Chris­ Machen told me before his lips were True Christian Liberty tians and, more specifically, among sealed in death was that I should enter Reformed moralists. In the field of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church The Orthodox Presbyterian Churcn Reformed ethics, as in that of Re­ without delay. When the overwhelm­ has repeatedly acknowledged the prin­ formed doctrine, there is an area in ingly sad news of his untimely decease ciple of Christian liberty and has thus which there is room for differences. reached me, I could no longer deny manifested itself to be broad in the To be sure, this area too has its his wish. good sense of that term. boundaries, but its existence must be The mere mention of Christian Cosmopolitan Calvinism recognized. I hardly need to name any liberty causes some of you to worry. practices that lie within that area. All And may I not remind you of the You see smoke and smell liquor, and of you are familiar with some, and no incomparably more significant fact you wonder whether I may not be doubt everyone of you engages in that Calvinism is cosmopolitan? It about to utter some awful indiscretion. some. The difference among us is not cannot help being, for it is consistent Forget it. Christian liberty is some­ that some of us engage in such prac­ Christianity, and Christ is the Savior thing big. It is truly broad. tices while others abstain, but that of the world. Calvinism partakes of It has reference to doctrine. Within some of us engage in some, others in Christian universalism. The earliest the Reformed faith there is an area other of such practices. history of Calvinism bears this out. In which has room for differences of Does this mean that we are tolerant the Reformation period Lutheranism opinion. To be sure, this area has its of so-called little sins? God forbid. remained confined by and large to boundaries, but its existence may not Calvinism is not a whit less insistent Germany and the Scandinavian coun­ be denied. For instance, infralapsarian­ on purity of life than on purity of tries, but Calvinism spread from ism and supralapsarianism have flour­ doctrine. But in such matters as were Switzerland through France to the ished alongside each other in the alluded to, we of the Orthodox Pres­ Low Countries, and across the channel Reformed churches, and their respec­ byterian Church respect each other's to Great Britain, and at the same time tive adherents have usually found it consciences, refrain from judging one it fanned out eastward through Ger­ possible to bear with one another. another, recognize that each of us many to Hungary and Bohemia. Calvin Much the same thing is true of pre­ stands or falls to his own master, take himself was born, neither in Holland, millenarianism, amillennialism, and heed not to use our liberty for an nor Scotland, nor yet in America, but supernaturalistic postmillennialism. occasion to the flesh, and aim so to in France, and most of his labors he Does this mean that, after all, the live in love as not to offend anyone. performed in Switzerland. Calvinism Reformed churches have been willing That too is broadness in the good tar transcends all national boundaries. to compromise a little with error, that sense of the term. It is supra-national. they have been tolerant of error pro­ What then shall we do about these vided error was not too serious? I say The Task of the Church traditions? Shall we fight each for his with all the emphasis at my command What is the function of the Chris­ own, and against the others? God for­ that it means nothing of the kind. All tian church? Some say: to bring the bid. Shall we tolerate one another's error is serious. To compromise with gospel to the unsaved. Others reply: peculiarities? I suppose so, but that any degree of error is sin. I have heard to build up its members in the faith. will not suffice for true unity. Nothing it said that the Orthodox Presbyterian If you give either of these answers to short of love will hold us together. Let Church tolerates premillenarians. Al­ the exclusion of the other, you are me remind you of pagan Cicero's dis­ though I am not myself a pre­ narrow in the evil sense of that term. tinction between friendship and love. millenarian, I resent that statement. If If you give both answers, you may be He defined friendship as a benevolent I were a premillenarian I should not credited with a measure of broadness attitude toward those who are like us, want to be tolerated in this church in the good sense of that term. love as a benevolent attitude toward nor in any other. A stigma attaches to The Orthodox Presbyterian Church those who differ from us. If that is a being tolerated. Would you know why has ever given both answers. correct description of the love which premillenarians, amillenarians, and su­ It is a sad but undeniable fact that flows from the common grace of God, pernaturalistic postmillenarians stand some who helped found our church what differences will not Christian love and labor shoulder to shoulder in our had little doctrinal background. The surmount? church? The reason is very simple. It reason was that they came from the Also, let us refuse to be traditional­ is not at all that we are willing to Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., ists. Traditions may be valuable-some condone a mild type of heresy, but which for many decades had almost are and some are not-but traditional­ that, whatever our individual convic­ completely neglected the indoctrina­ ism is an evil. Did not Jesus rebuke tions may be, as a church we have not tion of its members. To be sure, they the scribes and Pharisees of his day yet arrived at certainty that anyone were not so blind as to fail to recognize for their traditionalism? Instead of of these groups is a hundred per cent the blatant hersy pervading that

June, 1966 79 f THE PRESBYTERIAN GUARDIAN Mr. Kenneth Auotin 7401 Old York Road P.O. Box 4376 C~mpuo St~tion Philadelphia, Pa. 19126 Atheno, Georgia 30601 Second Class Postage Paid at Philadelphia, Pa. Return Requested Feb 66 67

church. Yet their doctrinal eyesight sense-of that term. mmister of the Back to God Hour. was not keen. Awareness of this situa­ What is right with our church? The Rev. John P. Galbraith will be tion prompted Dr. Machen to say that Much in every way. chairman for the meeting at which it was the solemn duty of our church The Glory of God Dr. John W. Sanderson of Covenant to educate a whole new generation of College is to speak. Christians. We have tried and are try­ But may we never forget that we Elevent other men from three other ing to perform this arduous task. Most are what we are by the grace of God denominations are also on the pro­ of our preachers do much doctrinal alone. All that we have, we have re­ gram. They come from four institu­ preaching. All of them should. And, ceived. Let us then give all the glory tions of higher learning and three by the way, there is no good reason to God and take none for ourselves. pastorates, and the editor of The why doctrinal preaching should be dry Soli Deo Gloria! Presbyterian Journal. Dr. Paul G. as dust and abstract. There is every May we also remember that we have Schrotenboer of Hamilton, Ontario, is good reason why it should be thor­ our God-given treasures in earthen General Secretary of the R.E.S. oughly practical and scintillatingly vessels. How earthen we are! Then we interesting. In most of our churches shall put our trust for the future solely there is not only a Sunday school, but in the almighty Head and King of the Sesquicentennial Year systematic doctrinal instruction is church at the right hand of God. shering in a one-year celebration given the children of the covenant in Again may we ever be mindful that U of its lSOth year, the American Catechism classes. That should be much will be required of those to Sunday-School Union held the first of whom much has been committed. Our done in all of our churches. At least a several banquets planned for key cities few of our pastors conduct classes in responsibility is exceedingly heavy. across the nation in Philadelphia, the doctrine for communicant members. 1 conclude with applying to our city of its founding on May 13, 1817. The rest of our pastors should follow church the exhortation which He The 43 Sundays schools organized in suit. As a denomination we are rapidly who walks among the seven golden that year were the first of thousands becoming conscious of the necessity candlesticks and holds the seven stars where the Bible was and is taught as of Christian day-schools for our chil­ in his right hand addressed to the the Word of God. In this century dren. Several of such schools have church of Philadelphia in Asia Minor, some 2,700 churches have been started already been established by voluntary which, like ours, had little strength on foundations laid by A.S.S.U. associations of Orthodox Presbyterian but had kept his word and had not schools, it is reported. parents, and more are in the imme­ denied his name: "Behold, I come A history of the Union entitled The diate offing. quickly: hold that fast which thou Torch and the Flag and written by That our church is strong for mis­ hast, that no man take thy crown." Dr. G. Hall Todd has just come off sions isa matter of common knowl­ the pless. Guests at the Philadelphia edge. As was already pointed out, zeal banquet witnessed the first showing of for truly Presbyterian missions became Orthodox Presbyterians at a film in color and sound called "This the immediate occasion ofthe found­ One's for Jesus." Principal speaker ing of our church. And ever since its R. E. S. Conference was the Rev. Mariano DiGangi, of founding it has conducted a full mis­ hree Orthodox Presbyterian min­ Tenth Presbyterian Church, a West­ sionary program. Right now we have T isters will participate in the Con­ minster Seminary graduate in 1946, mission fields on three continents: ference on Christian Thought and Life whose address was on the subject "It's America, Asia and Africa. Small and in Grand Rapids, Michigan from July Not Too Late." weak though we are, utterly insignifi­ 26 to 28. Sponsored by the churches cant in the eyes of almost all other of the North American region of the churches, we count the world as our Reformed Ecumenical Synod under Change of Address field. During the recent war those of the theme "Christ or Chaos," the ses­ Rev. Harvie M. Conn, 95-3 Yon­ our ministers who served as chaplains sions are expected to bring together heedong, Sub Dae Moon Gu, Seoul, in the armed forces-and many did­ ministers and layment from many Korea (first class only: APO, San encircled the globe. We are bending churches. Francisco, Calif. 96301) after Aug. 1. every effort to hasten the day when The Rev. Professor Edmund P. Rev, John J. Johnston, 84 Min Tsu the kingdom of this world will have Clowney will give an address' on Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan. become the Kingdom of our Lord and "Christ the Head of the Church" and Rev. Francis E. Mahaffy, 3010 N. his Christ, and when an innumerable participate in what should be a lively Olcott Ave., Chicago, IlL 60635 (on multitude will sing, Thou, 0 Lamb, discussion among five panelists on the furlough as of June 15). wast slain and hast redeemed us to topic, "Christ the Critic of His Church Dr. and Mrs. D. Clair Davis, 1249 God by thy blood out of every kindred -Testing our Differences by His Edge Hill Road, Abington, Pa. 19001. and tongue and people and nation." Word." The Rev, LeRoy B. Oliver is Rev. and Mrs. Dwight H. Pound­ That again is broadness in the good to be the chairman of a session ad­ stone, 9395 Paseo Orlando, Santa sense-may I not say, in the best dressed by Dr. Joel Nederhood, radio Barbara, Calif. 93105 (after July 1).

80 The Presbyterian Guardian