The Sacrifice of Praise

In less than a year's time three staunch defenders and scholarly interi^reters of Calvinism have passed into the great beyond. Kiiyper, Wartield, and Bavinck have iinished tlieir earthly course in rapid succession. Their noble work done, they liave entered into their rest. Though the broad expanse of waters separated the American theologian from his esteemed colleagues on the continent, these three Avere one in liope and doctriri(% one in charity. Calvinism is not limited to any one nation or tongue. In the death of those men, who were tilled with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Church has sustained a severe and almost irreparable loss. Wlien stars of tlie first magnitude cease to shine, the heavens are less bright and it is but natural that a dread of approaching dai'kness will creep over us. But this apprehension of gloom must not prevail. We have the Word of God which shall not pass away. We may depend on the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church of Jesus Christ. And besides, the men of God who wrought so mightily have left us a lieritage of unspeakable value. They, though dead, still speak. Their records produce the familiar sound of their own voices and is music to all who love the faith of the fathers. The preservation of the priceless productions of those intellectual giants is our first duty to God and men. In the kind providence of God the works of our great theologians are not only preserved, but also translated. Tlie necessity of translatino: choice Dutch literature into the English language is very evident in view of tlie present generation of young I)eople in our churches. Tlie present situation reveals the fact — in a way deplorable — that only a small percentage of our youth can appreciate a book written in our old mother tongue. It is imperative, however, that the fundamentals of the Reformed Faith receive a permanent place in their hearts and lives. Hence, the need of translating the grand old truths into the language which they do understand.

How gratifying it is to note that eminent theologians have not confined themselves exclusively to the production of technical books for the use of the ministry, but have also left us little jewels which appeal directly to the laymen of our congregations. Kuyper's ''To Be Near Unto God" and WarfiekVs "The Savior of the World'' have been read by thousands of believers. In like manner Dr. Ravinck's ''Tlie Sacrifice of Praise," as translated by the Rev. John Dolfin of the Christian Reformed Cliiirch, 111(4 Avith a favorable reception. It does not surprise us that there is a demand just now for a second edition. A book of this nature will be needed so long- as young- people confess Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is our humble and liappy task to command ''The Sacrilice of Praise" in its second and carefully revised edition to our churches, especially to tlie Reformed Church in America. We can do this most cheerfully liecause it is our personal conviction that Dr. H. Bavinck was, by the grace of God, tlu^ Prince of recent Reformed theologians. Among the three, al)Ove named, lie easily holds first place for depth of thought and accurate research. His scholarly attainments were indeed rare, as abundantly shown by the copious quotations and references in his ''Reformed Dogmatics" and other works. This book is of an intensely practical nature. The subject, as the headings of the twelve chapters indicate, is "Confession." We do not hesitate to say that in practical church life there is still considerable misunderstanding as to confessing Christ. Ministers and elders frequently hear such questions as these: Is it really necessary to make public confession? Why should I take that step? AVhat does it mean to confess Christ? What is the relation between Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper? Doejs God demand that one should unite with the Church? What rewards may the sincere confessor expect? These and other questions are answered by the author in plain and Scriptural language. Throughout the book the fundamental significance of the Covenant of Grace with its attendant promises, conditions, and blessings is clearly set forth. In a word, ''The Sacrifice of Praise'' is a masterpiece on the subject of confessing Christ, both for instruction and comfort to those who intend to unite with tlie Church and to members in full communion. Because of its unique character, consistories would do well to ])rocure this book in (|uantiti(\s and present a copy to every person who appears before them to make confession of faith. May the Holy Spirit accompany this book on its journey to the intent that our baptized young men and maidens may ''offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually."

Hie Basis or Foundation of Confession. And I will estahlish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a • God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Genesis 17:7. The coveuant of grace lies immovably firm and fast in God's eternal mercies. In the first covenant which was established prior to the fall, God came to man demanding and requiring obedience, and promised him eternal life and heavenly salvation only after perfect fulfillment of the law. This first covenant therefore reckoned witli the will and with the loork of man, it rested for a part in his hand and hence was uncertain- and breakable. But the covenant of grace, which was announced for the first time in the maternal promise, has its basis and security only in the divine counsel of grace. Although the word covenant does not appear in this promise, still the matter represented by this w^ord is fully contained in it. For, before man through transgression has made a covenant of friendship with Satan, God intervenes, puts enmity in the room of the effected friendship and in the seed of the Avoman once more brings man over to his side. The covenant of grace therefore has proceeded entirely from God, He himself brings it about; therefore it does not rest in man nor is it in any way dependent upon his will and work. It is eternal, unchangeable, immovable, even as God himself. For the mountains shall depart and the liills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. In this covenant, God is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega. In the most beautiful way it maintains the absolute sovereignty of God in the whole work of salvation. For from the very beginning to the very end nothing of man is added or introduced. Redemption is specifically a divine work, the work of the Father, the Son, and tlie Holy Spirit. All boasting is excluded, the honor and glory is entirely and only due unto God, who is not only the Creator but also the Recreator of all things.