Vol 39 Issue 09

Through sin man did not change essentially. He still is the same personal, rational, moral, psychological, material, earthly being. And from a natural point of view he still stands in the same relation to the world about him. Of course, even from a natural point of view he lost much, in fact, most, of his original power and of his natural gifts. He only retained, according to our confessions, a few and small remnants of them. This is especially evident in regard to his knowledge of earthly things. But that does not remove the fact that he still remains man....

January 4, 1963 Chandler, Minn. Rev. Herman Hoeksema Grand Rapids, Michigan Dear Rev. Hoeksema: May I first of all extend to you a happy and blessed New Year. As I was reading in the January, 1963, issue of the Standard Bearer, I came across this statement in the Meditation written by Rev. Vos, I think entitled THE DAYS OF THE YEARS OF OUR LIFE. The statement is found on page 146, as follows: “If you raise a doubt about that, think on the long days when you shall be dead and buried, always lying down and looking up at the cover...

Arminius and Arminianism We have very little disagreement with Arminius when he writes about the free will of man. According to him man in the state of righteousness could perform the true good; in the state of sin “man is not capable, of and by himself, either to think, to will, or to do that which is really good; but it is necessary for him to be regenerated and renewed in his intellect, affections or will, and in all his powers, by God in Christ through the Holy Spirit, that he may be qualified rightly to understand, esteem, consider, will,...

“. . . because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets.” Ecclesiastes 12:5 When we begin our ministry there are many “firsts.” The first time we meet with and lead the consistory meeting; our first house visitation; sick visitation; Lord’s Supper; baptism; wedding ceremony; various society meetings; the first time you visit the happy mother and her child in the hospital, etc. And then there is also the first time we lead a funeral! All the other meetings and visits are nerve wrecking, scary affairs, causing much trembling and embarrassment, but the first funeral...