"If God is sovereign, then his lordship must extend over all of life, and it cannot be restricted to the walls of the church or within the Christian orbit." Abraham Kuyper Common Grace 1.1.
A provisional translation from "Verslag van een korte inleiding naar aanleiding van Spreuken 4:1–13, uitgesproken op de Algemene Vergadering van het Verband tussen Gereformeerde Scholen in Nederland." De School met den Bijbel (5 August 1915).
MINUTES of the General Meeting of the "Association of Reformed Schools in the Netherlands," held on Wednesday, May 12, 1915, at the Arts and Sciences Building in Utrecht.
Opening.
The Chairman, Prof. Dr. H. Bavinck, opens the meeting shortly after eleven o'clock.
According to the attendance list, there are 40 persons present.
After singing Psalm 119:8, the Chairman leads the assembly in prayer, reads Proverbs 4:1-13, and adds the following remarks:
The reading provides us with a complete program of education; all principles of education are encompassed within it. The aim of education as indicated here is the formation of the mind, not merely as a faculty but as the understanding acquired through education, synonymous with wisdom. In Proverbs, wisdom is not only discussed as intellectual understanding but also as moral insight. It is both theoretical and practical in nature. It is wisdom also in relation to our conduct. Secondly, the means are indicated: instruction, teaching, law, and oral instruction. It is the subject matter derived from all laws, firstly from God's Law, but also from all His ordinances. Above all, from His Word, but also as far as it is known from history and nature. Through tradition, it has come down to us. We have to expand it and pass it on to future generations. Thirdly, there is mention of the way: discipline. The Hebrew word for discipline means, in a broader sense, instruction, admonition. The essence of discipline does not lie in punishment; that is merely incidental. Discipline is instruction, as opposed to teaching; it is encouragement, and motivation, and thus encompasses not only intellectual but also moral guidance. Discipline comes from the teacher, but the son must grasp it, and keep it. Thus, there must also be action on the part of the child. The child must be attentive with heart and soul. Fourthly, the reading points out the high significance of wisdom. It is called an ornament, a crown, a pleasant addition. It is a "wreath". Thus, it also has an aesthetic side; it refines, it truly beautifies; it also governs form. Finally, the fruit is mentioned. Wisdom guards against error. It gives life, a long life on earth. According to the Old Testament meaning, this is not merely existence but even more, joy in life. Wisdom brings happiness. Thus, this passage from Proverbs gives us a comprehensive program for education.
Regarding the state of the Reformed School Association, there is no reason to boast, yet given the circumstances, there is cause for gratitude.
Our agenda does not offer a particularly extensive program. Nonetheless, it allows for enjoyable discussion. I warmly welcome you all.
Herman Bavinck
