“Old Paths, New Shoes” (The Westminster Conference 2008: Thu 10 Dec 08)

(Report on the first day.)

These and the other papers will be available in full by the middle of next year. For more information, contact the Secretary via the website.

Tradition – the Puritan and Reformed perspective
Robert Godfrey

I Tradition is a muddle. It is something handed down, but what, and by whom, and how, and for what purpose? Four views on tradition were explained, and the example of the use of images used to show how these views work.

II Tradition is necessary. Like it or lump it, we cannot reject tradition: we are all affected by it and inheritors to a degree. We looked at the necessity of tradition in matters of truth (e.g. the very Word of God canonised, and the creeds and confessions of the church); worship (with regard to the circumstances of worship – meeting at a certain time of day is a necessary tradition or people would not be able to gather together); and, life (here we focused on usefulness – we must ask if a given tradition is useful).

III Tradition is useful. Again, with regard to truth (the commentaries and theologies available to us are not strictly necessary but are useful); worship (e.g. patterns of private devotion and public worship); and, life (again, useful guidance).

IV Tradition is dangerous. It can become dead formalism, an imposition of something considered necessary by man that was never mandated by God. Christ’s resistance to the Pharisees in Matthew 15 is the model for Protestant resistance to this kind of empty, man-made, man-centred tradition. Only Christ can command his church, and those commands are found only in Scripture.

The discussion centred on the middle ground between the clear dictates of God’s Word and the scope for flexibility where Scripture does not plainly speak. To what extent can principles be drawn from special and also general revelation to direct the church of Christ? Where does the authority lie for making decisions when there is a degree of freedom? What sort of spirit is necessary in us when discussing these questions?

Spiritual conflict
Jonathan Watson

This paper considered Thomas Brooks’ Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices. After surveying the life of Brooks, Jonathan Watson reviewed the scope and thrust of the treatise, and then – quoting extensively from Brooks – focused on guidance and encouragement for believers in the fight of faith: know yourself; know your enemy; know your weapons; and, helpful directions for the fight. These were as follows:

• Walk according to God’s word.
• Be careful not to vex or grieve the Holy Spirit.
• Strive to gain more heavenly wisdom.
• Immediately resist the first motions of Satan against your soul.
• Endeavour to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Keep humble.
• Be on your guard at all times.
• Keep up your communion with God.
• Never engage Satan in your own strength, but every day draw fresh life and supplies from Christ.
• Be much in prayer.

He concluded on a note of thankfulness and praise drawn primarily from Psalm 124.

Discussion centred on the present activity of Satan, and our responses to it and remedies against it. Brooks takes us always back to the truth: “solemnly consider” or “seriously consider” or “dwell upon” are his constant advice to the distressed or tempted soul. The battle is in the heart of a man: has he grasped certain truths?

William Grimshaw
Faith Cook

Mrs Cook gave us a warm survey of the life and character of William Grimshaw. Far from being a mere re-hash of an excellent biography, she gave a brief and gripping review of his character and ministry. In some respects, it was the most accessible paper of the conference. Again, to attempt to review it would be merely to restate it, so I warmly recommend that you obtain the printed papers when they become available.