H. Hoeksema and C. VanTil

Rev. Herman Hoeksema was a theologian and a thinker of no small ability. His formation of the Protestant Reformed Churches after 1924 showed that he was, together with Rev. H. Danhof, a leader of men. The Protestant Reformed Churches have continued to exist, even though a storm of separation agonized them.

Rev. Hoeksema and Dr. Cornelius VanTil were mutual admirers. VanTil was a pastor in the Spring Lake CRC as his first charge.

When Professor VanTil attended worship services in Hoeksema’s church, he would always sit up close to the front. Invariably, when Rev. Hoeksema would see him after he ascended the pulpit, he would always bow to him. It was a slow and dignified curtsy.

In 1993, on the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Spring Lake congregation, VanTil attended and was a participant in the service.

G. VanderPloeg, my cousin, attended the celebrations. After the service, Dr. VanTil was accosted by VanderPloeg and was asked, “Do you still read the Standard Bearer?”

“Oh, yes,” cried VanTil, “I read it all the time. It’s the best theological journal around.”

(Rev.) Nicolas Vogelzang

Rehoboth, New Mexico

A Militant Meditation

The current issue of the Standard

Bearer (Nov. 15, 2001) throughout strikes powerful chords in the heart of the convinced, convicted child of God, but the first two articles (“Judgment over the Nations” and “Distress of Nations”) specially deserve the widest dissemination. Such a formidable setting forth of the gospel commands to all who hear that they must repent and believe not only causes the church to tremble and the world outside to seek shelter, but Satan must also quaver under such a barrage. On all hands he exults in evidence of apparent success as he deceives the nations, but quake he must when our Lord sends forth the cry of victory: “And when these things come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:26).

Mark Nutter

A thankful reader from Texas

P.S.”Judgment over the Nations” is placed under the “Meditation” rubric, but it is hardly a quiet, contemplative reflection. If a set sectional heading must be honored in order to include such an article in the Standard Bearer, at least call it “A Militant Meditation.”