INTRODUCTION
For the benefit of those who do not know, we wish to say that PROF.
DR. H. BAVINCK, of the Free University of Amsterdam, was born on the 13th of December, 1854, at Hoogeveen; graduated at Leiden on the 3d of April, 1878, and at Kampen on the 20th of July, 1880, receiving his degree D. D., at Leiden on the 10th of June, 1880.
Received and accepted a call as pastor of the then Christian Reformed Church at Franeker, which he served from March 13, 1881Oct. 8, 1882, when he accepted the appointment as Professor of Theology in the Theological School at Kampen, where he began his labors on January 10, 1883. On the 17th of December, 1902, he delivered his inaugural address as Professor of Theology in the Free
University of Amsterdam.
In our translating we have attempted, as near as possible, to retain the original, sometimes sacrificing the smoothness of language and style for the sake of the distinctive original expression. We have but one desire, hope and prayer, and that is, that these meditations may be as helpful and instructive to those who read them in the English language as they have been to us in the language of our fathers.
THE TRANSLATOR.
INTRODUCTION
In less than a year's time three staunch defenders and scholarly interpreters of Calvinism have passed into the great beyond. Kuyper,
Warfield, and Bavinck have finished their earthly course in rapid succession. Their noble work done, they have entered into their rest.
Though the broad expanse of waters separated the American theologian from his esteemed colleagues on the continent, these
three were one in hope and doctrine, one in charity. Calvinism is not limited to any one nation or tongue. In the death of those men, who were filled with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Church has sustained a severe and almost irreparable loss. When stars of the first magnitude cease to shine, the heavens are less bright and it is but natural that a dread of approaching darkness 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 heritage 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. The necessity of translating choice Dutch literature into the English language is very evident in view of the present generation of young people in our churches. The 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 Warfield's "The Savior of the World" have been read by thousands of believers. In like manner Dr. Bavinck's "The Sacrifice of Praise," as translated by the Rev. John Dolfin of the Christian Reformed Church, met with 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 happy task to commend "The Sacrifice of Praise" in its second and carefully revised edition to our churches, especially to the Reformed Church in America. We can do this most cheerfully because it is our personal conviction that Dr. H. Bavinck was, by the grace of God, the Prince of recent Reformed theologians.
Among the three, above named, he 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? What does it mean to confess Christ? What is the relation between Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper? Does 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 the Church and to members in full communion. Because of its unique character, consistories would do well to procure this book in quantities 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