HISTORICAL DIRECTORY OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA, by Peter N. Vanden Berge, 1978. 385 pages, 1978. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan, $15.00. Reviewed by John Vander Ploeg.

Even though the majority who read these lines are probably CRC in their denominational affiliation, nevertheless the volume under review can be of interest and value also to them for occasional, if not frequent, reference to glean information about the RCA.

The following reasons for this come to mind. First, in 1978 the RCA observed its 350th anniversary. As a denomination the RCA should be of more than ordinary interest because it is the oldest Protestant church in the U.S.A. Moreover, our own forebears who in 1857 founded what eventually came to be known as the CRC had for ten years been affiliated with and also aided by the RCA. Add to this our common Dutch origin, our historic commitment to the same doctrinal standards, the close proximity to each other in which so many churches of both denominations have lived and worshiped, also the current efforts to promote a growing rapprochement (regardless of what one’s evaluation of this may be) and it becomes abundantly evident that with good reason also the CRC constituency may have a special interest in this Historical Directory of the RCA.

Writing in tile Foreword, Arie R. Brouwer, General Secretary, RCA, states: “The first Historical Directory of the Reformed Church in America was published in 1966. It bridged a gap of forty-four years since the publication of the fifth edition of Corwin’s Manual in 1922 . . . This volume is the best single source of essential information about the Reformed Church’s ministers, missionaries, congregations, institutions, and judicatories. The names and dates are all recorded and easily accessible in some 8,000 individual entries”.

The author of this volume, Peter N. Vanden Berge, himself an RCA minister, is listed as serving at the Colgate Rochester Divinity School since 1967. The RCA, as well as all others interested in having access to the wealth of information about the 350 year–history of the RCA are indebted to him for all the painstaking labors this undertaking must have cost him.

A similar historical directory of the CRC would be very much in order. If the Lord tarries and if the CRC ie spared, the 150th anniversary of the denomination would be an appropriate occasion for its appearance. Although this is still several years in the future, the time to begin planning for an undertaking of this magnitude could very well be right now.

THE EVANGELICALS. What they believe. Who they are. Where they are changing. Edited by David F. Wells and John D. Woodbridge. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 325 pp., $4.95 paper. Reviewed by Fred Gunnink, pastor of the Coopersville, Michigan, Christian Reformed Church.

This revised edition of 1975 has chapter 2 added as well as many revisions to the original text.

Within this book one will find historical information concerning various traditions, their social involvement, philosophical outlook and political interests and activities.

If one reads only the first few pages of each chapter, it becomes clear that all want to jump on the “evangelical bandwagon”. It seems that the word evangelical has taken on new meaning for many people even though obedience to the “Evangel” is not always stressed.

There is no doubt a desire on the part of the editors to construct an umbrella large enough so that just about all traditions could be included in the term evangelical.

In reading the book one will gain an insight into certain traditions and their view of God, man and Christ. Recommended only for the discerning reader.

THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT by H. C. G. Moule. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications. 252 pp. 1977. $5.95. Reviewed by Rev. Henry Vanden Heuvel.

Handley Moule was Bishop in the Church of England about a hundred years ago. His purpose in this book is to present a “reverent review of some, and only some, of the main teachings of the Holy Scriptures concerning the ever-blessed Spirit of God.” Following this purpose, the author gives careful exposition of many of the prominent Scriptural passages dealing with the Holy Spirit. It is a warm, expository, and helpful outline of the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit. It is recommended reading for the pastor and the church member alike.

   

DISCIPLING THE NATIONS by Richard R. De Ridder. Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1975. 224 pp., paper, $4.95. Reviewed by Dr. Timothy Monsma.

There is an increasing awareness nowadays of the missionary implications of many Old Testament passages. Dr. Richard De Ridder has heightened this awareness, and has made a solid contribution to our understanding of the New Testament by examining its background, using many extra-biblical sources.

This book was originally written as a doctoral dissertation and published in a limited edition by J. H. Kok of the Netherlands. The original title was, The Dispersion of the People of God.

Baker Book House has now made this book available under a new title on a wider basis here in North America. Although most doctoral dissertations tend to concentrate on minutiae in order to satisfy certain academic requirements, this book can be read with profit by many pastors and others interested in theology or missions. For example, it is being used as a textbook in the Theology of Mission classes at Fuller Theological Seminary.

In his treatment of the New Testament data, De Ridder maintains that Jesus Christ does His work as God’s apostle. That is, He was sent by God into the world and was responsible to Him for the work He did. He still works as God’s apostle with authority from heaven. In the New Testament age God makes a universal covenant with men. Matthew 28:18–20 is the enthronement speech of Jesus Christ given at the time of His enthronement. It is the guide and the reason for the existence of the New Testament people of God.

De Ridder demonstrates that he has read widely in this field of study, including the German theologians. One wonders, however, if at times De Ridder has not accepted too uncritically some of their ideas. For example, tie designates that which is generally called the New Testament Covenant of Grace, “the Universal Covenant” (p. 139ff), and links Matthew 28:18–20 to this covenant. In the N. T. age God offers His covenant to all men universally (Acts 2:39), but is it helpful for this reason to call it a universal covenant? Does not Christ the King rule only in the hearts of those who recognize His suzerainty, and is not baptism reserved for those who have entered the Kingdom by pledging allegiance to the King? What advantage is gained by calling the New Testament Covenant “universal”? Greater clarity at this point, and some others, would be helpful.

ln a section on “Reformation Definitions of the Church” ( pp. 2l2ff.). De Ridder refers to the marks of the Church and finds a significant deficiency in Reformation definitions. But one may ask whether the marks of the Church mentioned in Article 29 of the Belgic Confessions were ever intended to define the Church. Is not the Church defined in Article 27 of the Confession and Question 54 of the Heidelberg Catechism? And do not Article 21 and Question 54 provide precisely the broad perspective that De Ridder and others would like to see?

In spite of these reservations, this is a useful and stimulating book. It would be even more useful if the American publishers had retained the larger print that was used in the Dutch edition.

SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN, Book One, by Gertrude Hoeksema. Reformed Free Publishing Association, Grand Rapids, 1977. 339 pp., $8.95. Reviewed by Rev. Jerome Julien, pastor of the First CRC of Pella, Iowa.

This is the first in a series of Bible textbooks produced under the direction of the Federation of Protestant Reformed School Boards primarily, for use in their schools. It is a book of 125 lessons on the Old Testament events from creation to the death of Saul, meant to be used on the first grade level. Each lesson is introduced, outlined, and applied in a thorough yet concise manner. There are additional exercises suggested to help make the “facts” clear in the minds of the students—an emphasis Mrs. Hoeksema rightly suggests is essential in teaching children. Application to the grade level is not omitted however.

The book is introduced by a discussion of the nature of the inspiration of Scripture and then how this is applied in teaching. Finally, there is a section which gives suggestions on the “how-to” of teaching these lessons. There are many practical suggestions which would be valuable for any teacher.

I wish, however, that thought had been given to making this volume more valuable for a broader audience. For instance, other than a brief introductory bibliography the largest segment of source material listed lesson by lesson is from the Standad Bearer. For non-Protestant Reformed users this would be an almost non-existent source. Furthermore, some of the discussion in the first part of the introduction might be offensive to others who are in agreement with the basic position taken therein on the inspiration of Scripture. For instance, “As Protestant Reformed teachers, standing in the long line of the Reformed tradition, we have the benefits of the heritage of diligent study of the Scriptures by dedicated men of God, also men of our own denomination. Through the use of many of our Protestant Reformed resources on this doctrine, we have a wealth of scholarly material on the subject. As a result, we have what may be the most fully developed and soundly Scriptural understanding of the answer to the question: what is Scripture?” (p. 2).

Despite this limitation this book will certainly help to give the reader a new appreciation for the Old Testament. It can be of great value as a source-book for teachers of children.

I understand that the second book in the series is now available, thus completing the material on the Old Testament.

EXPOSITIONS OF ST. PAUL (7 vol. published 1862–1864) by Richard Sibbes (1577–1635). Volume 5, republished November 1977 by Banner of Truth, Carlisle Pa, at $11.95. Reviewed by Dr. R. 0. De Groot.

This reprint is edited by A. B. Grosart who provides helpful explanatory notes on the old English manner of speech. “The volume contains in short works, some of finest of Sibbes’ expositions of Paul, and was chosen by the publishers to provide the characteristically rich Puritan handling of many of the most important areas of ‘practical divinity,’” says Mr. Grosart.

The first 200 pages of the volume are devoted to the exposition of the Philippian Epistle under the titles: “Christian work”; “Providence of God”; “Rejoice in the Lord” and “Redemption of Bodies” (through chapter 3). In chapter 4 Sibbes expounds “The Art of Contentment.” In this section the author is very detailed on every verse but C. H. Spurgeon, another great London preacher, says he found “pearls and diamonds scattered with both hands” in these works of that older Puritan, Richard Sibbes.

Then, in a series of sermons Sibbes deals with: “Power of Christ’s Resurrection” (Col. 3:1). “The Hidden Life” (Col. 3:3). Romans 8:12 Sibbes calls our “Spiritual Jubilee”—we are freed from the law of sin and death! “The Privileges of the Faithful” the author finds in Romans 8:28, that beloved text on believer—assurance. Thirty-five pages are then given to five brief sermons on Romans 14:7–8. All five have the Title: “The Believer’s End,” on, “Whether we live therefore or die we are the Lord’s.”

The opening table of contents provides a long and detailed outline of the sermons on “Christ‘s Exaltation Purchased by His Humiliation” (Rom. 4:9). Also a long outline is given on “A Fountain Sealed” and “A Fountain Opened” The first happens when Christians grieve the Holy Spirit of God .(Eph. 4:33).

Then the old Puritan master indicates in a Ion)! sermon how the “Fountain is Opened.” The mystery of Godliness being revealed: “God manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen of angels, Preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up to Glory” (I Tim. 3:16). The six statements. about Christ in this text are treated in great detail. The sermon takes up to 80 pages of close print. The Puritan listeners must indeed have shown wonderful patience in hearing it out. What jewels of Reformed interpretation of Scriptures are found in this fine reprint.

THE ABUSERS by Gary Fisher with Robert L . McGrath, Published by Mott Media, Box 236, Milford, Mich. 48042; price $2.95, paper back. Reviewed by Bert Bratt. The subjects of child-abuse and self-abuse with alcohol or controlled substances have much current publicity. Rightly so, for they comprise growing social problems as well as tearing apart the sacred gift of life itself.

One cannot doubt the day of miracles as he reads this autobiography of Gary Fisher. That he lived to chronicle his disastrous experience is one miracle; that God lifted him from the very bottom of depravity to a place of Christian service is a second.

Fisher’s life began and ran in hopelessness. His father, mother and stepfather, themselves alcoholics, abused and neglected him sorely. He received no love, care, nor training and was thrown unrooted to fend for himself into an alien world.

The first two–thirds of the book is a sordid talc of debauchery, an aimless drift between Los Angeles and Seattle. His daily companion was his bottle of intoxicant and his “fix” of drugs, which sapped his vitality, shattered his body and stripped his mind and spirit of purpose and hope.

The pad of a buddy or two was his occasional refuge. More often he walked the street aimlessly. As society noted his doings he alternated among the police lockup, the jail with padded cell and the insane asylum It is most pathetic to note that none of these agencies seriously addressed itself to his need. In fact, more abuse was the common sequel. Fisher was being confirmed daily in his deeply-felt worthlessness. He was even unsuccessful in several suicide attempts—something which he later assessed to be God’s signal that other things lay ahead.

The latter segment of the book comes as happy relief. Fisher came under the care of an organization named Teen Challenge which aims its evangelical effort at persons needing rescue from the despair of drunkenness, drugs and dispossesion. It was a long, tortured experience for him to shed his addiction and try to live within the discipline and restraint of the new life, but the grace of God was at work remolding him for a new calling.

Finally came the amazing transformation of the born-again soul. With the help of many dedicated Christians and his new wife, Gary Fisher, once derelict, now became counsellor, evangelist and ordained minister. Since 1969 he has been regularly engaged in various ministries to other addicted to alcohol and drugs in the California area. He ascribes his newness of life totally to God and the testimony of his latter days flows with a total confidence in his Redeemer who called him to be a co-worker in the Kingdom.

This life account is not pleasant rending; in fact, the dreary sameness of the first part wearies the spirit. If, however, you need confirmation of God’s ultimate love and power to redeem the chief of sinners, here is an evidence.

CALLED TO THE MINISTRY by Edmund P. Clowney. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., 1976. 90 pp., paper. $1.95. Reviewed by Rev. Jerome M. Julien, pastor of the First CRC of Pella, Iowa.

Calling—a subject seldom discussed today—and calling to the ministry are subjects of this little book. Dr. Clowney makes clear the Christian’s vocation, for, of course, not all are called to the ministry. Some have made the mistake of confusing the call to Christ as a call to the work of preaching or missions. This is shown to be erroneous. Then, Dr. Clowney shows the two aspects of the call to the ministry: 1. the personal aspects and 2. the ecclesiastical aspect. A minister must know that the work of ministry is the only work he can do—though he may be eminently qualified for other posts of responsibility. But more, he must wait on the Church for their guidance in the whole matter: will they call him? Where will they send him?

The beauty of this short book is that it is Scripturally based. One would not expect any other kind.

Every young man who has any question in his mind about the ministry should read this book. It will set him thinking.

THOUGHTS ON PREACHING, J. W. Alexander. First published in 1864, The Banner of Truth, Reprint, 1975; $6.95. Reviewed by Rev. Elco H. Oostendorp, Hudsonville, Mich.

“In an area of Christian literature already well endowed, Alexander‘s work makes a particular contribution in a number of ways. Firstly, it stimulates thought as well as informs, and thus meets an important need in the preacher’s life. Secondly, it contains a variety of material, and therefore is helpful to the novice and the experienced preacher alike. Thirdly, it instructs the mind and heart to sec the preaching of the Gospel as the most important and heroic task in the world, and one which demands the consecration of the whole man of God.” This evaluation of the publisher is true. This is a good book and will reward the minister who reads it with stimulating thoughts and ideals.

James W. Alexander was the son of the first professor in Princeton Seminary and stood in the tradition that gave birth lo that school as a bulwark of Presbyterianism. Although himself a teacher at Princeton for a couple years, he preferred the ministry and excelled as a preacher. This book gives evidence of his scholarship, but also of his ministerial heart.

There are really three books in one in this volume of 318 pages of fine print. The first is a series of thoughts gathered by the editor from notes the author had kept for some time with a view to writing a book on homiletics. They cover a wide variety of topics and include a few poems. Alexander had a gift for poetry and wrote the English translation of “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” as found in the CRC Psalter Hymnal, number 355. These paragraphs occupy the first 100 pages. The second section of the book is a series of ten letters to young ministers that had appeared as articles in The Presbyterian. These treat such subjects as the minister‘s attitude toward his work, his study habits, and especially (the last four letters) advice on extempore preaching, of which the author is a strong advocate. The third part consists of five articles written for the Princeton Review, one of which on “The Matter of Preaching,” is by Professor Atwater, but fits in very well with the style and emphasis of the others.

The author stresses the fact that preaching is the main business of the minister, and that meaningful preaching must have good content. The minister must he a man who studies, and above all knows the Word of God. At the same time he must know his people and therefore extemporaneous speaking which maintains personal contact is advised. The chapter by Professor Atwater on the matter, or content, of preaching is very good in pointing out that sermons must present Christ. The article on Expository Preaching advocates preaching on longer passages and through books of the Bible and shows how this has been done in the past by such men as Augustine and Calvin, etc.

While there is much in the book that is of contemporary value, especially the remarks about expository preaching and extempore delivery, the fact that it is more than one hundred years old will detract from its interest for modern readers. Many of the men mentioned in the chapters on preachers and preaching will be unknown. The chapter on the eloquence of the French pulpit, containing excerpts from sermons of Bossuet, Bomdalque and Massillon is interesting, but of limited value for most men who will not be able to read these pulpit masterd in their original French. Also from its nature as a compilation of notes, letters and articles which did not benefit from revision by the author, the book suffers from some repetition.

The above strictures, however, do not detract from the real value of this work as an inspiring description of some aspects of sermon making and delivery, and the work of the ministry in general which is very much worth reading especially by young ministers whose ministry could be richly blessed by putting its advice into practice.