This is a reprint of the first article in the first issue of our magazine which came out as Torch and Trumpet, April–May 1951. Board members who fead it recently observed how well it described the situation that prompted our organization and printing venture and the objectives that they sought to achieve. After the lapse of 27 years the need for the promotion and defence of the Biblical Reformed faith appears greater than ever and our prayerful efforts, with God‘s help, have the same goal as did the efforts of those who began this venture. We still invite the cooperation and support of all who share our concern and cause. EDITOR
Why another magazine? That question is being asked by many. We wish to give a definite answer to that perfectly natural question.
A second question is being asked. Why are two magazines coming out at the same time? People are wondering if the birth of these two periodicals at the same time is evidence of a deep difference of opinion suddenly breaking into the open.
We can dispose of the second question first. The simultaneous announcement of Torch and Trumpet and The Reformed Journal was not planned that way. We, the sponsors of Torch and Trumpet, were completely surprised when we heard of the impending birth of The Reformed Journal. Torch and Trumpet is not being issued as the expression of one side in a debate, with the editors of The Reformed Journal on the other side.
The persistent questioner may then say, Why not merge the two e fforts, since both are intended to further the interests of the Refonned faith? Why two magazines? Is seems very clear to us, the sponsors of Torch and Trumpet, that the method to be followed in seeking to further the interests of the Reformed faith will be quite different in the two journals. We are certain that this difference will become increasingly apparent as the issues appear.
Why, then, Torch and Trumpet? We are frank to say that we are moved by a serious concern for the welfare of Zion. Alarmingly and increasingly persistent arc reports that there are so many in the Reformed churches who seem to be insensitive to the real meaning of a Reformed confession and life. Men and women with sharp Reformed “feelers” (Gereformeerde voel–horens) are becoming almost a curiosity.
Only the ignorant or the blind can dare hold to the comfortable opinion that the flood-tide of anti-doctrinal, man-centered modernism has graciously bypassed the Reformed churches. And in more recent days we have Barthianism, called “neo-orthodoxy” by many. We are persuaded that this new brand of theology is better called a “new modernism,” and that it jeopardizes the foundations of the faith with even greater subtlety than the older liberalism. Furthermore, we may not fail to take note of the influence upon the Reformed churches of that strange mixture of truth and error commonly called Fundamentalism in our day.
It is our purpose to arouse those of like mind with us to a more serious study of the Word and the Reformed heritage, that we may all put on the whole armor of God and be the better equipped to fight the good fight of faith. We believe the disease of religious and doctrinal indifference is making insidious progress among us, and we would indoctrinate our people with the truth of God. Then too, we who think and live under the mandate to subdue all things for God‘s glory must speak with greater clarity to a generation whose culture is decadent because the people stagger in drunkenness with man-centered ways of life and thought. If in God‘s good providence we can do only a little to help many give clearer expression to that voice in our time, we shall feel that our purpose is being realized.
Our method is simple. We shall try to speak in clear, forthright language to the average man in the church. We shall seek to inspire, instruct and edify the serious-minded man and woman in the pew. But every issue will also carry several worthwhile articles for the pastor, upon whom, more than any other leader, depends the spiritual welfare of the church. Most of the articles will appear serially and our magazine will be presented in such form that it can easily be filed into separate volumes, each year representing one volume. Because most of the material will appear serially, we trust that many societies will find the magazine useful for study purposes.
Most of the articles will be expository. But when necessity presents itself, we shall not hesitate to engage in controversy. The truth is intolerant though we would be gracious and speak the truth in love. We go forth in the spirit of those faithful servants of the Lord who “held the torches in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands” (Judges 7:20). Our earnest prayer is that God may graciously bless our Torch and Trumpet, just as He blessed the lamps and the trumpets of Gideon‘s day.
We invite you to join us in this crusade.
REFORMED FELLOWSHlP, INC.
