Vol 38 Issue 16

At their last congregational meeting, Loveland placed on trio the Revs. J.A. Heys, G. Lanting and B. Woudenberg. Rev. G. VanBaren, of Doon, has received the call from our Randolph congregation: Due to Rev. Van Baren’s absence from Doon because of Church Visitation and Classical appointments he has asked for a three week extension for the consideration of this call. The above news item from Randolph also listed their new clerk’s name and address—William Huizenga, Waupun, Wisconsin, and that of the treasurer—Donald DeVries; Randolph, Wis. It also contained this poignant statement: “Randolph feels a great need for a pastor, especially...

Report of Classis East, Hudsonville, April 11, 1962. Rev. H. Hanko led in opening devotions. All the churches were represented by two delegates each. After credentials were accepted Rev. Hanko declared Classis properly constituted. Rev. G. Lanting, following the order of rotation, then took the chair, while Rev. Hanko served as secretary. After the minutes of the January-February meetings were read and accepted, the Stated Clerk and the Classical Committee gave their reports; two committees were appointed, one to take care of the expenses of this session, and the other to arrange the schedule for classical appointments for Creston, Grand...

The spring meeting of the Ladies’ League of the Protestant Reformed Churches was held April 19, 1962 at Southwest Protestant Reformed Church. Miss Helen Vanden Engel played an organ prelude after which our meeting was opened with the singing of our theme song, Psalter No. 374 verses 1, 2, and 5.Psalm 118:11 was sung in the Holland language. Our president, Mrs. D. Jonker then read from Rev. 21:1-14, 22-27, after which she led us in prayer. A word of welcome was extended to all present. The first number on the program was a vocal duet entitled, “Each Step I Take.” It was...

THE FAITH OF A HERO Much has been made of the orbital flight of John H. Glenn Jr. And without question, from a scientific viewpoint, it was a tremendous accomplishment. Much has also been made of his faith. The nation and the Church have hailed him as an outstanding example of “quiet, steely courage” and humble Christian life. What is his faith? Recently John Glenn preached in his Presbyterian Church, the Little Falls United Presbyterian Church of Arlington, Virginia. His sermon was printed in Parade, a supplement of the Detroit Free Press. It is not necessary to quote the entire sermon; the...

It has been claimed that the whole question of “hymnology” does not involve a matter of principle. The argument is that as long as the hymns are doctrinally sound so that they do not conflict in any way with the Word of God, they may be sung in the churches. To this point in our writings on this subject we have conceded this argument because it was our first aim to show that even though the introduction of hymns into the worship services of our churches violates no principle, there are many practicalconsiderations that prove this innovation undesirable. It must be admitted, however,...

We are now ready to discuss the matter of the formation of the canon from a principal point of view. We have traced the history of the formation of both the Old and the New Testament canon. But the question remains: on what authority does the canon of Scripture rest? Who determined the canon? How do we know that this canon is correct? What moved the church in the past to declare that these books, and no others, constitute the canon? Does the authority of the canon rest simply upon the declaration of a church council? Concerning these questions there...

What Roman Catholicism means when it speaks of the holiness of the Church is evident from the articles or answers which we quoted from “Radio Replies by the Fathers Rumble and Carty.” The holiness of the Church refers to its holiness in its Founder, Christ Jesus, its teachings, sacramental system of grace, and in its members. Rome, of course, identifies with Protestantism also every sect that has its origin in Protestantism, regardless of the fact that that sect is completely unworthy to be called Protestant. True Protestantism, we understand, maintains the Word of God, the holy Scriptures, and does not...

It is characteristic of the creature that he is subject to laws. The Creator makes laws and creates His creatures according to laws. That creature is more important than the law according to which he is created, and therefore we may say that he is not created in order to keep laws but is created according to laws. Those laws are to his advantage. They serve him; and a wise man seeks to know the laws of his creation. The doctor, the scientist, the research technician in the laboratory or clinic seeks to learn the laws according to which the...

A good minister is a rare thing under the sun; it requires that one be thoroughly nourished in the Word. He must do and teach the things which pertain to godliness, the Mystery of godliness which is great. Besides, he must be a man who does not look for simply an earthly reward; he must look for the reward both for this life and the life to come. It is looked for in a steward of the Word that he be found faithful. And faithfulness is only nurtured in such who believe the very faithful Word of God concerning the...

“And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us. Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come....