Vol 31 Issue 06

This is the title which Mr. Albert Huisjen placed over his article in the latest issue of the Reformed Journal of November, 1954. Mr. Huisjen, according to a footnote in the article, has been for many years, and is now, a missionary to the Jews from the Christian Reformed Churches. 

To the functions of the minister of the word belong also the task of instructing the covenant seed catechetically in the word of God according to the faith (belief) of the church. Although this function is not specifically mentioned in Article 16 of the Church Order, it is certainly included in “the ministry of the word.” Catechism instruction is that spiritual labor of the church, bestowed upon the children of the covenant performed through the minister or elders, in which the word of God is officially ministered unto their needs.

With the above general observations in mind we may well profit from the stipulations set forth in this article. In the first place, we are told that the spirit of discretion must characterize our preaching of election. Discretion is prudence, or the practical application of wisdom. It takes into consideration reality. And in this case, discretion takes into consideration the reality of the earthly existence and manifestation of the church for which the truth of election “was peculiarly designed.” That church is, of course, essentially the gathering, the assembly, of the elect.

Constantine’s influence upon the Church. 

The Rev. J. Howerzyl is busying himself with the consideration of the question of “Our Right of Separate Existence.” It is time for a little searching of the heart. That Rev. Howerzyl had to come to this as a spokesman for the many brethren and sisters, who took ecclesiastical position with him, I had long ago foreseen to happen. And that the term the “right of separate existence” would become a “certain justification” of their existence I could too have prognosticated.

Isaiah 40:21 Have ye not known? Have ye not heard? Hath it not been told you from the beginning? Have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?

LORD’S DAY 43  In II Sam. 19:27 Mephibosheth complains to the king that his servant had slandered him. Of the wicked among the people of Judah Jeremiah complains: “They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters.” Jer. 6:28. And in chapter 9, vss.

It is high time that I remind our readers of the rule which, years ago, the staff of the Standard Bearer laid down for contributions.  That rule is that contributions must observe the limit of three hundred words.  Perhaps, most of our contributors and readers are not even aware of the fact that such a rule exists. 

De Levensgang van Gerben Gervaas, (The Life-Course of Gerben Gervaas) by Go Verburg. Published by J.H. Kok, N.V., Kampen, The Netherlands. Price f 5.40.