February 2017

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February 8: Samuel G. Craig [1874-1960]

8 February, 2017 in February 2017 by archivist | No comments

More of our content from an older blog and not tied to today’s date.

Under the Sun: “When We Must Economize” (1931)

When Samuel G. Craig was editor of The Presbyterian in the late 1920’s, he began to use his position to speak out against the changes going on at Princeton Seminary, as modernists were put in place on the Seminary’s Board of Trustees.  For that vocal opposition, “Management” let him go.  Craig then turned around and formed The Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing Company in 1930 right at the start of the Great Depression.  J. Gresham Machen provided some of the start-up capital.  Craig’s first publication was a bi-weekly magazine called Christianity Today and it ran consistently through the Depression era.  From a conservative Presbyterian viewpoint, Christianity Today and The Christian Beacon were the two publications of record covering the modernist controversy in the Church. Thus the importance of these publications.  Later, as Craig’s attention turned more to publishing books, Christianity Today was slowly put to rest, and the last issue appeared in 1949.  [note: the same name was picked up by a different publishing group in 1956 and that publication continues to this day].

So much for background.  But my point here today is how striking it is, when looking through old issues of Craig’s magazine, that there are so very few references to hard times.  The bulk of the magazine was published from May of 1930 until May of 1940, effectively coinciding with the full duration of the Great Depression.  And yet there are few references to economic disaster.  How should we explain this?  Anyway, here is one of the few such items to appear on the pages of Christianity Today that spoke to the economic situation in those years, an editorial which Craig excerpted from another publication. Good words for the Church when times are tight. And good words even now when the Church so often comes in conflict with the wider culture :—

When We Must Economize
Editorial in Grace and Truth.

When we must economize, where do we start?  The answer to this question is a good test of our love for our Lord.  If our first step in the hour of financial stringency is to discontinue our offerings to our Lord’s work, can we truly say that He has the pre-eminence in our lives?  Does such a step not betray that our love for Him has waxed cold?  Does it not show that we are depending upon ourselves for the supply of our needs rather than trusting His gracious providence?

The spirit of the Macedonian believers was in striking contrast to this.  Of them the apostle Paul testifies that “in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (II Cor. 8:2).  Such a spirit shows that souls are responding in a scriptural manner to the testings which God permits.  But any other spirit shows that our souls are missing the blessing which God designs for us in adversity.

Our gifts should be an expression of the worship of our hearts.  It is poor economy through reducing our gifts to try to make up for shortage of funds caused by expenditures for luxuries.  Such a policy indicates that we are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.  God’s Word teaches giving proportionate to our means, and when our income is reduced it may be His pleasure for us to reduce our offerings; but most certainly He would have us start with other things first, and it may even be that in the face of reduced income He would have us increase our giving.

February 7: Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyle

7 February, 2017 in February 2017 by archivist | 3 comments

His Blood Baptized the Cause of Freedom, Conscience, and Pure Religion

marquis_argyleEarls, barons, lords and marquis — these titles are foreign to countless Americans.  Yet to those in Scotland and England, they are the stuff of ancient times, with some left over to the modern age.   We are interested in the last title, but only as it referred to the Marquis of Argyle, Archibald Campbell.  From an early period in Scottish history, his ancestors played a prominent part.  Vast domains were under their rule, with great power exhibited by this house.  It was said, for example, that today’s subject, Archibald Campbell, could have fielded an army of twenty thousand soldiers.  Well, you could imagine the gratitude of God’s people when Archibald Campbell joined the Covenanting Presbyterians at a General Assembly in 1638.

At the first and last coronation ceremony in which King Charles II was crowned in Scotland, which we developed for our readers on January 1, it was this Marquis himself who placed  the crown on the head of Charles the Second. We also saw that such early support would be repaid with years of persecution for Scottish Presbyterians, including the Marquis of Argyle himself.  When Charles finally ascended to the throne, Archibald Campbell traveled south to congratulate him. He never arrived in London, but was arrested on the journey there on February 7, 1661.  Clapped into the Tower of London, he lay in chains until the following winter. Then he was sent back to Scotland to be tried on everything from having signed the Solemn League and Covenant, to submission to Oliver Cromwell, to being acquainted with the plot to kill King Charles the First.

The trial would last several months and finally ended with the sentence that “Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyle, is found guilty of high treason, and is adjudged to be executed to death as a traitor, his head to be severed from his body at the Cross of Edinburgh on Monday, the twenty-seventh instance, and to be fixed in the same place where the Marquis of Montrose’s head was formerly.”

One would think that such a sentence would be met with a grim spirit. But such was not the case with this Covenanting Christian. He commented upon hearing the news that “I had the honor to set the crown on the King’s head, and now he hastens me to a better crown than his own.” Ascending to the place of execution on the day, he “blessed the Lord,” adding “I pardon all men, as I desire to be pardoned myself.”  With that, and other expressions of the forgiveness granted from Calvary, he went forth to be with His Lord and Savior.

It is said that in life he had “piety for a Christian, sense for a counselor, courage for a martyr, and a soul for a king.” With all these characteristics, he was among the first of the Covenanters to lay down his life for the Covenanted Reformation.

Words to Live By:  Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:26, “not many [of you were considered to be] wise according to human estimates and standards, not many influential and powerful, not many of high and noble birth . . .”  The apostle did not say “not any” were called, but “not many were called.”  We have in the Marquis of Argyle one such wise, influential, powerful and high and noble individual, who was called to stand up for the faith.

February 6: Establish a Good Foundation

6 February, 2017 in February 2017 by archivist | No comments

We have a lot of excellent content from an older blog that we now plan to post here now on Mondays. These posts will not be synched to the calendar date : 

The Value of Memorizing Scripture and the Catechism in Childhood (1933)
by the Rev. E.E. Bigger

[excerpted from Christianity Today [old series], vol. 4, no. 5 (Mid-September 1933), page 6.]

Paul, in writing to Timothy charged him to “Hold fast to the form of sound words.” 2 Tim. 1:13. Dean Alford, in his Greek Testament, places the stress on the word “form” in this verse. His reason is, the rule that the position of the substantive (subject or object) in relation to the verb, before or after, determines whether the emphasis should be on the substantive or the verb. In this instance the object precedes the verb in the Greek text, hence the emphasis is on the object, “form,”–“The form of sound words,” doctrine. Paul tells us when and by whom Timothy came in possession of “the form of sound words,” viz. “from a child,” young child: “Continue thou in the things which thou has learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom (viz. thy mother Eunice and thy grandmother Lois, 2 Tim. 1:5) thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:14, 15. Timothy, with his mother and grandmother, was probably converted under Paul at Lystra. The Holy Spirit naturally used the Scriptures, in the new birth and conversion of Timothy,, which he had known from a child, as Paul says it was able to make him wise unto salvation. So, many parents have had the great joy of seeing the early conversion of their children, as the gracious reward of the faithful training of their children, in storing their minds with the Scriptures followed by prayer. Paul says, “Bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Peter says, “The milk of the word” is necessary to the growth of the babe in Christ. So, “the milk of the word” is necessary to lay the foundation of spiritual life and growth of the babe in the flesh. The greatest heritage to which a child can fall heir in this world, is that of godly parents, faithful in the responsibility for the destiny of their children. Prov. 22:6.

What is true about memorizing Scripture in childhood is equally true of memorizing the Catechism. True, the Catechism is not so vital as the Scripture. But the Catechism provides definitions of the truths of Scripture essential to the understanding of Scripture. It also provides a system of Bible principles, showing the order and relation of the truths to each other, thus fixing in the mind the plan of salvation, and establishing and fortifying mind and heart against the false isms which would deceive, if possible, the very elect. Dr. John Hall, late pastor of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York, speaking of the importance of memorizing the Catechism, said, “Having no anchor in definite religious knowledge, it is no wonder that a speculation cannot be propounded among us so silly that it shall not find followers.” Considering the great value of this system of Bible truth, there are two reasons why it should be memorized in childhood: First, because it is a much easier task for the child than in later years; and second, because if it is not memorized in childhood, it is one in a thousand that it never will be. Some think it is a useless task to impose on the child, since he can have little or no understanding of the meaning of the words. But the meaning will come in later years when the reasoning powers of the mind are developed, and the need and importance of the truths embodied are realized. The late Dr. John Cumming, of London, tells his experience: “When I learned that Scriptural and extremely abstruse work, the Shorter Catechism, I did not understand it. But my memory was stored with the truths of that precious document. And when I grew up I found those truths, which had been laid aside in its cells as propositions which I could neither understand nor make use of, became illumined by the sunshine of after years, and, like some hidden and mysterious writing, reveal in all beauty and fullness, those precious truths which I had never seen nor understood before.”

The Catechism was drilled into me Sunday afternoons, and the answer to “What is sin?” I rattled off without even a thought of its meaning, until in the maturity of manhood, its meaning flashed upon me, that there are two classes of sin, viz., sins of omission and sins of commission, shall I not say, equally heinous in God’s sight, according to their equal “aggravations”? Q. 83. There never was a day when the mind of youth should be so charged and fortified against the insidious and bold attacks of error and infidelity as the present. As parents are awake to the life and destiny of their children, will they use these effective agencies for their safety and salvation?

[excerpted from Christianity Today 4.5 (Mid-September 1933): 6.]

February 5: Van Horn on Westminster Doctrines

5 February, 2017 in February 2017 by archivist | No comments

“To God’s Glory” : A Practical Study of a Doctrine of the Westminster Standards
by Rev. Leonard T. Van Horn

THE SUBJECT : The Primary Concern of Man

THE BIBLE VERSES TO READ : I Cor. 10:31; Psalm 73:24-26; John 17:22, 24; Psalm 42:1-2a; Romans 11:36.

REFERENCE TO THE STANDARDS : Confession : Chap. I.1; Larger Catechism : Q. 1; Shorter Catechism :  Q. 1.

It is a fact to be much regretted that the average believer who gives allegiance to the Westminster Standards is a believer that many times ignores the living of these Standards in the daily pursuits of life. These people would attest to the fact that it is good to believe, and it is good to have a creed in which to believe. But too many times there is not the urgency to make use of the beliefs in the day by day living.

There is much harm that can result from believing in a creed and not living it out in the life. From such an existence there comes a low standard of Biblical living and the professing believer becomes cold, formal, and without spiritual power.

It should be recognized that the first lesson to be learned from the Shorter Catechism is that the primary concern of the person saved by God is that of being of service to the Sovereign God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism does not begin with the salvation of man. It does not begin with God’s promises to His children. It begins with placing the believer in the right relationship with the Sovereign God. James Benjamin Green said years ago that the answer to the first question of the Catechism asserts two things :
“The duty of man, ‘to glorify God,’ The destiny of man, ‘to enjoy Him.'”

A sad commentary on our times is that many of those committed to the principles of the Reformed Faith, who have made much of their inheritance of the Creeds of their forefathers, have failed to inherit the desire of those same forefathers to make use of their faith in their daily living. The glorification of God in the daily life is the only possible proof of a living belief of the Reformed Faith.

Our forefathers understood this and daily were striving to make use of it in their lives. John Owen said in his writings, “But to separate more in the holiness of our lives and conversations, to keep more from the uncleanness and vanities of the world, all the abominations of it;—God’s call is upon us all for this.” (The Works of John Owen, Vol. 9, page 295).

Of course, many today will attempt to excuse themselves by stating that we live in a different age, that the temptations and pressures of today’s world tend to divert us from spiritual things. Again and again the barrier is raised by many professing believers against separation from evil unto holiness. There is very little desire to pay whatever costs might be involved in order to live wholly to the glory of God.

The question needs to be asked, How do we glorify God? What are some characteristics we can look for in our lives?

1. A daily desire to glorify Him. (I Cor. 10:31)

2. A Biblical view of sin in that we show true repentance and a burden to hate sin as sin against a Holy God. (Isa. 55:7)

3. A constant examination of our lives to be certain we are showing forth the fruits of the Spirit. (John 15:8)

4. A conviction that God’s providence is at work in our lives and letting God work it out in His way. (Rom. 8:28)

5. An urgency within us to live holy lives. (II Peter 3:11)

6. A willingness to be persecuted for righteousness sake, to accept it with joy. (Heb. 11:25)

7. A burden to share the Christ of the Scriptures with all those with whom we come in contact. (Mark 16:15)

8. A love of praising God for His Son and all He means to us. (Psalm 50:23)

There could be many others to be added to such a list. However, if all of us would strive to be consistent with the above eight characteristics God would be glorified in our lives, all to His glory.

Augustine once said, “Thou hast created us for Thyself, O God, and our heart is restless until it finds repose in Thee.” We can only find our contentment, satisfaction, and joy when we find it in glorifying Him. We can glorify Him by believing in Him, by confessing Him before men, by praising Him, by defending His truth, by showing fruit, by worshiping Him.

Our primary purpose in life is to glorify God. It is good for us to have knowledge of doctrine. But our knowledge of doctrine should be a motivator for us to glorify God. For such we were made by Him. Let us say with the Psalmist, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:1-2a)

February 4: Robert Dick Wilson [1856-1930]

4 February, 2017 in February 2017 by archivist | No comments

Remembrances of Robert Dick Wilson
by David T. Myers

We have written before in these posts of Dr. Robert Dick Wilson, who was born on this day, February 4, in 1856, (see February 2014 and October 11, 2016), but there is enough in the life and ministry of this Christian scholar at both Princeton Seminary and Westminster Seminary to write many more posts on him. This author has the inestimable privilege of being the youngest son of my father, the Rev David K. Myers, who studied under Dr. Wilson at Princeton Seminary in the years of 1927 – 1929. Read carefully the following description of Dr. Wilson, taken from my father’s autobiography on page 72 – 73, entitled “Preaching on the Plains.”

“It was a feast to attend Dr. Wilson’s classes in Old Testament Introduction. He was a favorite with the students. When he would arrive at the door of the classroom, all the students would be sitting down. But often, one of the students would be on the alert as a ‘lookout’ to see when he would approach the door. He was usually just slightly late. But by this time, the students would be cheering, whistling and clapping with all their might so that his arrival would be a great to-do.

“His teaching style was unique. He would teach like an evangelist, as indeed he was when a young man in his native western Pennsylvania. His subject was ever the demonstrable historicity and truth of the Bible. He would weave back and forth, or from side to side on the platform, or walk up and down the aisle, pat students on the side of the head, speak confidentially to them. They all loved him earnestly. His purpose: to vanquish the opponents of God’s Word, and show how silly they were. For example, he might shout, ‘Driver’ (the late critic of Oxford University). ‘Who is Driver?’ Then he’d whisper in a hushed tone, confidentially, ‘Driver is dead!’

“Dr Wilson said he was unable to keep to his life program of reserving the last fifteen years simply to give his results to the world, for he said that the critics changed their positions so often, he had to keep researching the evidence to answer them!

“Our class in Advanced Hebrew met in his study. It was different! Piles of ear-marked books were on the floor. One had to wend his way carefully between piles of research. A most handy way of study, I was told. He remarked at one time his wife tidied up his study and destroyed six months of research at hand.”

Then my father, now with the Lord, summed up his paragraph by writing, “Dr. Robert Dick Wilson, scholar, linguist, and defender of the faith.” And he was all that!

Words to Live By:
In Jude 3, 4, the inspired writer commands all of God’s people to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (NASB)

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