• New, more frequent publication schedule

• New, interesting features

• New, more convenient size

       

         

Frankly, it was not without considerable hesitation and regret that the publishers of Torch and Trumpet faced the fact that it was time for this magazine to get some new clothes.

We have always been very proud of the appearance of our publication. And we appreciate the fact· that many have taken the trouble to tell us that our pride was justifiable. To abandon something which has given so much satisfaction is not easy.

But, the harsh realities of the inflationary spiral are merciless, especially for publishers of non-profit, religious magazines. Clamoring for solution, this question persistently troubled us: Is it more desirable to retain the present, costly format and raise the subscription price accordingly, or will the purposes of this journal be better served by adopting some less costly makeup, enabling us to remain with the present subscription price?

We have decided, as you have noticed, for the latter alternative. And now that we have done so, we are so pleased with the possibilities our revised magazine plans present that we are taking space to tell you about them.

First of all, we are happy to announce that Torch and Trumpet will now appear ten times each year rather than as a bi-monthly. This ought to enable us to be more “up to date” with respect to the rapidly changing affairs of church and kingdom, and the present world in which we must witness and do battIe.

With this issue you will discover the appearance of some of the new features Torch and Trumpet editors are projecting in an attempt to increase reader interest. The single page feature, “Fathers and Brethren,” will continue each issue under the direction of Dr. Peter Y. De Jong. This column will direct itself to a consideration of the several aspects and problems of the office-bearer—both elders and deacons—in today’s church situation. Having authored two books in this field in addition to his ‘“The Church at Worship” feature which ran for some years in the Christian Reformed Banner, we feel that Dr. De Jong brings valuable experience and real competence to this department.

Mr. Walter A. De Jong, superintendent of Unity Christian High School, Hudsonville, Michigan, has graciously consented to give us the benefit of his insights as teacher and school administrator through regular contributions. Mr. De Jong will address himself particularly to the task and problems of the Christian parent. There is no need to say that this is a very significant territory of Christian responsibility anytime—and especially today!

Alternating with this feature will be a columnized. treatment of outstanding religious and theological opinion. “What They are Thinking” has been contributed to this issue by the Rev. Edward Heerema, now pastor of the Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids. We are hopeful that this effort will help you to gain additional awareness as to what is being said by religious leaders these days, and stimulate your own reflection on such opinions as they are cast into the critical perspective of our editorial position.

‘”‘Under Church Spires” has been assigned to the Rev. John H. Piersma, pastor of the Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. This column will attempt to note interesting and outstanding events happening on today’s ecclesiastical and religious scene. Prof. Henry R. VanTil of Calvin College continues his valuable service as book review editor. Publishers are invited to continue sending books for review to him. The Rev. William Kok’s helpful series on the meaning of the various details of Reformed church worship will be continued, many readers will be happy to know.

These features are in addition to the type of regular articles Torch and Trumpet readers have come to expect. With this issue we are especially eager to call your attention to Dr. H. Evan Runner’s paper entitled, ‘“The Christian and the World.” To be published serially, Prof. Runner will here show the Significance of Dr. Abraham Kuyper’s monumental work, De Gemeene Gratie (Common Grace), in the light of the history of this problem.

A reduced over-all size (with increased number of pages!) will mean, we are sure, greater ease in handling and reading. May it serve to encourage all of us to use Torch and Trumpet to the full!

It is no secret, of course, that publications of this type need nothing more than a steadily increasing subscriber list. Help us by sending the names of your friends who might be interested in seeing a sample copy of Torch and Trumpet. And if you have someone in mind whose spiritual needs can be helped by this magazine, send us name, address and two dollars and we’ll indicate (if you so desire) that Torch and Trumpet is coming as a gift from you.

Whenever we write directly to you as readers we feel the need of expressing our gratitude to all of you whose interest in our paper is an expression of that unity which links together all those who would be loyal to the Reformed Faith, God bless you all!

THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE