All Articles For Veldman R.

Disappointment. I was disappointed in the articles of the Rev. Zwier under the general caption “Gods Algemeene Goedheid.” I am disappointed in the contents of the articles. From the Rev. Zwier one might expect wholesome, consistent exposition. Instead, the exegesis on the passages in dispute is decidedly superficial and arbitrary. This is written despite the fact that the author of the articles is very confident that his explanations are irrefutable while the exegesis of his opponents is largely prejudicial and frequently “inlegkunde van de eerste sort.” The adversaries of the doctrine of common grace do not exegete honestly, implies the...

A timely admonition. God’s church exists in a world that glorifies and practices the lie. As never before the truth is trampled under foot. True, since that terrible moment when man inclined his ear to the lie of the devil this was the case. Yet, there is development in sin. As life itself deepens and develops the lie develops, until the latter shall have reached its acme in the kingdom of the man of sin. The godless world worships the lie. It is her life, her sphere, her delight. Maliciously men hold the truth in unrighteousness. Facts, which men gather...

The social structure is an exceedingly complex one,—complex as life itself. In fact, the question of society is that of human life itself with all its numerous relationships. For man, by virtue of his creation, is a social being, like unto Him Who formed him from the dust of the ground. God, three Persons in unity of divine essence, is a social God and His life is a social life. That is precisely what is meant when we think of God as a “covenant” God. In the image of that God and after His likeness man was created. Thus man...

Spoken at the meeting of the Men’s League, Thursday, October 20. Topic assigned by the Board. Into this form my subject has at last evolved. When the “Church News” announced the subject the first time it read: “Should we use our Christian Influence in Civic Affairs?” This was too vague. Certainly, we must always use our Christian influence, in all affairs, also in civic affairs. Formulated thus, the subject does not demand an answer to the question: In how far, in which way, to what extent should we use our influence in civic affairs? Therefore the subject was altered to...

In the recent article of Rev. L. Vermeer entitled “News from our Western Churches,” in the paragraph inquiring “as to the welfare of our church in Sioux Center” (cf. Standard Bearer of Sept. 1), there are statements that are apt to leave unfavorable impressions of my pastorate in Sioux Center. My reply to these statements should not be construed as an attack or counter-attack on the author of the article in question. I accept his assurance that he in no way intended to reflect on the labors of the undersigned in his former field. I appreciate, too, the readiness of...

A Dangerous Principle. The exegetic trend revealed in the article of the Rev. Zwier in “De Wachter” of May 10, must be considered positively dangerous. That Scripture need not at all times be harmonized, that the question need and may not always be asked, “How do you reconcile those teachings?” that it is rationalistic to seek to explain Scripture in the light of Scripture, is a principle that must and shall lead to corruption of God’s Word and ultimately to a denial of all that is Reformed. Any doctrine can be corrupted without much difficulty if such methods are employed....

“Whether You Promise— and intend to see these children, when come to the years of discretion, instructed and brought up in the aforesaid doctrine, or help or cause them to be instructed therein, to the utmost of your power?” What is your answer? “Yes!!” This promise all, who have received children of the Lord, have made at one time or another. It is the pledge elicited from Reformed parents when a child is presented for baptism. The “Yes” is the inevitable reply. How easily this pledge is given! Who answers anything but “Yes.” The child must be baptized! And if...

“My father and mother were none too religious, and you know what that means for the children.” Thus, not many weeks ago, spoke an aged brother of more than fourscore years in explaining the comparative indifference of his teens and early twenties. Yes, we know both from Scripture and experience what it means for the child when the home fails in its God-given calling and the parent is negligent with respect to the instruction of the covenant seed. Here especially it is true: what men sow men must expect to reap. Always the home instructs. It is not a matter...

There comes a time in the life of every person when he or she must choose a vocation. For various reasons this is necessary. A living must be earned and a settled occupation is simply the accepted manner of doing this. Besides, definite and steady employment, whether in or outside the home, is essential to man’s happiness. Without the former the latter would be impossible for one who has been created an active creature. Therefore a prisoner invariably prefers to pound rocks day by day in the prison yard to being placed in solitary confinement, where he is deprived of...

That Protestant Reformed instruction for our Protestant Reformed children by Protestant Reformed teachers, sincerely dedicated to and thoroughly equipped for that task, in Protestant Reformed Schools would be ideal no Protestant Reformed person, it seems to me, would care or dare to gainsay. How could this be disputed in view of what is promised when our children are presented for baptism? The question is asked: “Whether you promise and intend to see these children, when come to the years of discretion, instructed and brought up in the aforesaid doctrine, or help or cause them to be instructed therein, to (the...