Vol 20 Issue 04

When the Scriptures speak of a “son” then it often refers to the male offspring of another person. This reference to a male offspring is not always the meaning however of the term “son”, simply because the term “perdition,” refers not to a person, but to a condition or state. In fact it is well to bear in mind that the term “son” is often used differently than merely meaning the male offspring of another person. Often Scripture for instance used the term “son” to denote membership in a certain class or group of persons, as in the common phrase...

One of the labors expected from the ministers of the Word, according to his call letter, is to visit the sick and afflicted. Naturally, this does not free the elders from this obligation even though many in small congregations seem to think so. The duty of this work rests upon the shoulders of the elders (the minister also being an elder). From history it is evident that this work has been done throughout the centuries. Not only did our Reformed Fathers manifest this in their writings, but Scripture itself speaks of it. Of Job we read that his friends, brethren...

This article of our Belgic Confession has suffered from the hands of critics more than any article of our Confessions. When one is questioned whether he is in agreement with our forms of unity, there is always, the exception made to this article of the Belgic Confession. Although the subject of the article has been discussed and debated often in the history of Reformed churches there is yet no unity of opinion about the meaning of the article nor is there a positive stand taken after negative criticism. Everyone admits there is something wrong with the article. But wherein the...

The eighty-four years from the accession of Nerva to the death of Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 96—A.D. 160) forms a period, as we have seen, in which the pagan civilization and culture of the Graeco-Roman world was at the height of its glory. It was the golden age of literature. The far-flung empire stood under a well-ordained jurisdiction. The seas had been swept free from piracy. Commerce flourished on the Mediterranean Sea. There was protection of life and property. Improved methods of farming had increased the yield of the soil. The great cities were renowned for their swimming pools and magnificent...

The work of crushing the armies of the five kings, who had encamped before Gibeon to make war against it, was but half done and the day was far spent. As was said, the enemy might still escape before being completely destroyed. Then there formed in Joshua’s soul the passionate desire that the day might be prolonged “until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies.” The desire crystallized into a prayer of faith, which is quoted in the sacred text from the “Book of Jasher” i.e., “Book of the Upright.” “Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day...

Esteemed Editor: I have read your articles on the Christian Reformed Synod on the Labor Unions and because of the tremendous threat that unionism holds for the Christian I want to raise a question and a suggestion. 1. In your criticism it is assumed that a neutral union is impossible, and yet do we not in practice countenance the neutral farm union, businessmen’s union, professional-men’s union? Does only the laborer fall under the principle “He that is not with Me is against Me”? Or is it after all the constitution and the conduct by which we must judge an organization....

Very properly and beautifully the Heidelberg Catechism, speaking of God’s fatherhood with respect to all things, as the Creator of heaven and earth, mentions God’s eternal counsel. It is true that, it introduces this counsel here, strictly speaking, not in connection with creation, but as the power whereby God still upholds and governs all things; but this necessarily implies that the same universe that is thus upheld by God’s counsel was also created according to and by the same eternal decree. And let it be understood from the very outset that it is of utmost importance to speak of this...

The editor of The Christian Labor Herald reflects upon our article on the Union question in The Standard Bearer of Oct. 1, and expresses the opinion that “the editor (of the SB) is hardly justified in concluding that the Synod by that expression also declared that the existing so-called neutral labor organizations (CIO and AFL) do not necessarily give constitutional warrant to sin, nor show in their regular activities that they champion sin.” The editor states that he is under the impression that I quote from a “press report on the decisions of Synod,” and later in the editorial that...

(Continued from Issue 2, p. 26) 2. It appears rather clear from the “principles” adopted by the Synod of the Christian Reformed Synod in “neutral organizations” that Synod, although it ostensibly adopted the principle of corporate responsibility, does not consider mere corporate responsibility without personal participation in the sinful practices of a union sufficient as a basis for ecclesiastical censure. This seems to be the implication of conclusion 3, although it must be admitted that here too the language of the resolutions is ambiguous, and in need of commentary by Synod itself. However, it seems rather plain that this third...

Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Ps. 119:37 Turn away mine eyes! In the way of Jehovah’s precepts the psalmist longs to walk. For the statutes of the Lord are his delight, and to order his life according to them, and to observe them with all his heart, and mind, and soul, and strength, he considers a great good. To the very end he would persevere in the way of His statutes, so that he may be faithful and fight the good fight, even though the enemy persecute him, and make the...