Vol 31 Issue 18

The spring meeting of the Ladies League of the Protestant Reformed Churches was held on the evening of May 11, 1955. The meeting was opened by singing Psalter number 194 and Psalm 98, verse 1 and 8, after which our president, Mrs. F. Harbin read I Corinthians 12 and led us in prayer.

No doubt many, if not all, of our Protestant Reformed people have, by this time, received a copy of the “new” Reformed Guardian, distributed by the schismatic leaders and their adherents. 

In the editorial column of the Banner of June 10th we came upon an item which is appearing on the agenda of the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church which at the time of this writing is still in, session. The item referred to is: Principles of Education. 

In former installments we wrote that it is not the task of the consistory to establish, maintain and supervise the Christian school. Even though she may and, also, should be greatly interested in and deeply concerned about the school, she has no right to exercise any ruling authority in an institution such as the school which stands outside of the domain of her rule. The establishment of the Christian school is the sole responsibility of the parents. Theirs is the mandate to maintain it with or through proper supervision.

To those who murmur at the free grace of election, and just severity of reprobation, we answer with the apostle: “Nay, but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?” Rom. 9:20, and quote the language of our Savior: “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?” Matt. 20:15.

 We were busy in our preceding article with the question relative the importance of membership in the true church, as advocated in the second period of the Church, 300-750 A.D. We noted that it was generally held that membership in this Catholic Church (not to be confused with the Roman Catholic. Church) was strictly necessary unto salvation. And, in connection with this question, we were busy with presenting a few quotations of Augustine which he wrote in his struggle with the Donatists. We will now continue with a few more of his quotations. 

We live in a time when there is so much that passes for the fear of the Lord and yet, because it denies the power thereof, is actually in the service of the Antichrist. Today it is fashionable to be a “Christian.”  Few in numbers are those who in our land would not be offended if you would tell them that they are not Christians. Few there are who would not consider that an insult! 

In this essay we will not write on those texts quoted by “Classis West” in their defense of the Statements of Rev. H. De Wolf. It seems to the undersigned that in our treatment of the passages which we have treated sufficient attention has been paid to this matter; those who are not convinced by what we have written will refuse to be convinced anyway should we write more, and those who read our articles with approval need no more proof.  So we will simply let this matter rest for the time being. 

In answer to the question, “Should small children be allowed to participate in the Lord’s Supper?”, the Reformed position has always been that this is impossible. But then we understand by small children those who have not yet reached the years of discretion. The reason is evident. The sacrament of baptism was instituted for infants as well as for adults, but the Lord’s Supper was instituted for conscious believers. In baptism we are passive, We are baptized.

Chapter 1: God’s Holy Name