Transcript
The Lord is near to all of them to call, to all who call in truth, hearing the petitions of those in distress and attending to the voice of those in need. Let us worship God.
[congregational singing]
Let us pray. The eternal God, the hope of those who seek, and the strength of those who find. We praise you for the host of faithful witnesses, from whose perseverance we take courage, By whose stewardship we are sustained, And upon whose journey of faith we daily strive to embark. We pray for ourselves a portion of the spirit by which they lived and fought, Felt joy and sorrow, and at last returned to you from whence they came, Trusting in the abiding security of your love and care through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen. Let us confess our sins before our Almighty God. Lord of our lives, who has summoned us to be a holy people, A light upon a lampstand, a messenger of renewal and of peace, We confess to have treated lightly your commandments, To have squandered the freedom of the gospel, And by our lives to have commended unbelief. Like uncalled prophets, we have sown the seeds of discord and distrust, And have not bound the wounds of
the broken. O Lord, upon whose investment we return so little, And whose love we so dimly reflect, Instill in us such a knowledge of sin as may restrain us from a shameful life, And such a sense of mercy as may let us stand upright, Reverently to be heralds of your righteous kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord. The word is steadfast and sure. God, who brought from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, Is able to save, fulfilling
in us the promise of redeeming grace, Cleansing us from iniquity, and leading us anew to a holy life. O Lord, upon whose investment we return so little, Reverently to be heralds of your righteous kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord. God, who brought from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, Is able to save, fulfilling in us the promise of redeeming grace, Cleansing us from iniquity, and leading us anew to a holy life.
[congregational singing; harp solo]
Listen now to the reading of the Word of God from Psalm 139. Oh Lord, you have searched me and known me. You
know when I sit down and when I rise up, you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, oh Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in behind and before and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go
from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me. And your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night, even the darkness
is not dark to you. The night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. For it was you who formed my inward parts. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes
beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God. How vast is the sum of them. I try to count them. They are more than the sand. I come to the end. I am still with you. And from Paul's letter to the Romans, the eighth chapter reading from the 31st verse. What then are we
to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? As it is written, for your sake we are being killed all day long. We are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come
nor powers nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. And from the Gospel according to John, the 14th chapter from the first verse. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare
a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself so that where I am there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going. Thomas said to him, Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. It is my privilege to speak first in tribute to Edward H. Rian. Members of his family will speak more broadly of his life than I am able to. But I would like to say a word about personal impressions.
They say first impressions are often lasting ones, and that was certainly true with regard to my experience with Ed Rian. I had heard of him long before I met him. But one day, Dr. Cassel announced that Bill Harris had arranged for a luncheon to occur with the two of them and me and Dr. Rian as guests at the Nassau Club. Now, I did know that Dr. Rian had a long career in higher education. I knew that
he had graduated from Princeton Seminary in 1927, that he had won a prized fellowship, and had gone to Berlin to study with Adolf von Harnack and Hans Lietzmann. That he had been vice president of two universities, that he had been the president of Jamestown University, that he had been the president of the old Biblical Theological Seminary in New York City, now known as New York Theological Seminary. That he had served here at Princeton Seminary. I knew
he had given his life to Christian higher education. But honestly, I thought that a man well into his 80s would be interested in sharing with us young bucks how it was in the good old days gone by. And I looked forward to this luncheon because Ed Rian knew J. Gresham Machen. Ed Rian had been a student here during what is euphemistically called on this campus, the time of the troubles. He had lived through the split of
the Princeton faculty, the founding of Westminster Theological Seminary. There was so much about that period of history that I wanted to know about firsthand. And I went to the luncheon expecting to find out all these juicy morsels about these people who had lived at a very important time and lived through a very important time in the life of this institution. And every time I would try to direct the conversation to the past, he would redirect it
to the present. He had absolutely no interest in telling us how it was in the good old days, which he knew were never as good as we always thought they were. He wanted to know from us what's going on right now. What's happening on the campus? Who's writing the important books? What books should I be reading at 84? It was impressive. It was impressive. I came away from that luncheon not knowing one more thing about the
time of the troubles than I knew when I walked into the dining room. But I had met a man who exemplified that great line about taking every thought captive to Christ. I had met a man whose intellectual curiosity continued to sustain him well into his ninth and tenth decades. A man who was alive intellectually for the faith until the very end. It is so appropriate that the alumni lectures here at the seminary are named in honor
of Ed Rian. He advocated continuing education for ministers of the gospel. He lived what he believed in. I thank God for his life, his witness to Christ, his strong faith, and the fact that he was so alive until the very end. Thanks be to God. It is with profound gratitude to Princeton Seminary for holding this memorial service that our family pays tribute to our father Edwin Rian today. Your prayers and letters and words of support have
meant a great deal to all of us in this our time of loss. On learning that my father was gravely ill when I was in São Paulo, Brazil for a conference, I called the hospital and was connected to my father's room. I just got out the worried question, Pa, this is Abigail in Brazil. How are you? His first words literally in a frail but firm voice were, I am dying. And I want you and son Tom
and Gillespie and Jim Armstrong to do a memorial service at Princeton with oh for a thousand tongues to sing at the end. And this was so characteristic of our father, in charge, firm in his goal, and clear to the end. But it is not his death, but his life that we wish to celebrate today. We are here to honor Edwin Rian, Presbyterian minister, seminary and college president, professor, theologian, author, lecturer, fundraiser, and husband to our beloved
deceased mother Marion. And father to myself and my two sisters, Rowan and Marion. Father in law to John and Brian, grandfather to Claire and Gay and Brian and Kristen and Cameron. And here today, Stephen Edwin, Nato, Matthew, Thomas, and Morgan. And great grandfather to Eli, Johanna, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Erin. A goodly heritage. And what I would like to share with you for a few moments are just some highlights. Dr. Gillespie has said he didn't get to
hear about the past controversy, so maybe we can hear a little bit about some of those events. As you probably read, he was born of immigrant Norwegian parents in Minneapolis. And his parents instilled the values of hard work and love of country and an unshakable belief in God. His sister Gertrude was an accomplished organist who survives him. And his brother Clifford, a famous radio and TV personality who died at age 47. All of them helped to
form this loving and industrious family. As a young boy, Edwin became involved in the church, in fact the United Brethren Church, whose pastor encouraged him to go to Moody Bible Institute. For those of you who remember that. And he supported himself by working as a busboy in Marshall Field. As a student, he witnessed to Christ at street meetings, jails, missions, and hospitals. After Moody, he went to the University of Minnesota, and as he put it, pursued
a broad-based education in philosophy and history in order to challenge the ultra conservative views that he had picked up at Moody. And as Dr. Gillespie mentioned, he studied with Lietzmann and Hartz, but also with Bultmann, interestingly enough. And so steeped in these German scholars, he then was thrown in with the Neo-Orthodox of Kuyper, Murray, Stonehouse, and Machen at Westminster Seminary. And actually these experiences led him ultimately to embrace a moderate open view marked by
the much repeated phrase in our family, no one has a corner on the truth. But I'm getting a little ahead of my story. And after he graduated from the University of Minnesota, then in his words, he said, I sought out the best theological education I could get. So we know where he came for that. And as has been referenced, the tumultuous years of Machen and those controversies formed very much a part of our father's life. He
left with Machen and helped form the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. He was defrocked, became president of Westminster Seminary. And then in those years from 1930 to 1947, our family life was one of financial struggle and missionary barrels of clothes. But ours was a happy life at our home in Philadelphia there in Sunset Road. And particularly my older sister and I, Rowan, remember the theological table talks that we had, the quizzes on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I was
named a child of the covenant. And Rowan and I were taught the tenets of Calvinism under the acronym of TULIP. While all this was going on, our mother very graciously was holding endless dinner parties for the Dowager Matrons who were to contribute to Westminster, playing the piano for our hymn sings and song fests of Gilbert and Sullivan, and providing a serene home for all of us. And to understand the triumphs and tragedies of Edwin Rian's life, the
greatness of who he was, one must remember Marion, his wife and our mother, whose tact and grace rescued many a relationship and situation which would have been disastrous from his outspoken and blunt remarks. She developed the phrase, oh, he's just being Norwegian to cover a multitude of sins. Well, much could be said about those 17 years at Westminster Seminary, but suffice it to say he recanted his departure from the Presbyterian Church and was re-ordained in 1948
at Philadelphia Presbytery. No small amount due to the then President Mackay, who spoke on behalf of my father, that he should be accepted back into the church. And his book, The Presbyterian Conflict, which talked about that breach in the church and later his article in Christian Century when he returned to the Presbyterian Church, emphasized the theme there is never a pure church, but only the true church, so that the judgmentalism that so often marks Christians should
be avoided at all cost. His public declaration of his wrongdoing in disrupting the unity of the church by forming a new denomination and his re-ordination showed the strength of his character to repent and to look forward with hope instead of living with remorse in the past. This inner spiritual strength and future orientation marked his whole life. And then he went on, a ministry that spans six decades, Trinity University, Beaver College, and then Jamestown College. And perhaps
most noteworthy in those years was the growth of the student body at each one of these institutions and his providing what he called a Christian philosophy of education. His skills as a preacher without notes, an orator with terminal facilities, and a visionary enriched all the institutions that he served. The next phase of his life saw him returning to his first love theological education when he became the president of biblical seminary in 1960. This, however, returned him
again to the midst of church debates between those who wanted to see the seminary more of a conservative Bible Institute and others siding with Paul for a full-fledged theological seminary. And during these times and at other periods of his life, his favorite phrase was, I can live with my enemies, deliver me from my friends. He then came to Princeton Seminary and worked with the then president, Jim McCord, preaching at many of the churches and presbyteries
in this area. And he spent quite a bit of time in the campus center, talking with students, finding out what the latest theological controversies were. Leaving Princeton at age 79, he came to Alexandria, Virginia, where myself and my four sons and my parents formed a three-generation household. At 80, however, my father was not ready to retire, and he was on as a consultant for National Capital Presbytery. And then subsequently, my parents moved to San Diego,
California, where my sisters now live, and they remember his ongoing consulting projects and theological luncheons. In closing, I would like to share about his last visit here to Princeton Seminary. As I mentioned earlier, Princeton was at the center of his life, not only his alma mater, but also that of six members of our extended family. And in his final trip last May of 95, he came to the alumni lectureships to hear Professors Metzger and Sakenfeld and
Stackhouse. I remember especially, I must mention that, he said, I am looking forward particularly to hear Professor Sakenfeld. I always thought she was one of the most creative thinkers on our faculty. And this last visit of my father's in May was a final hurrah, and what a hurrah it was. He had 18 of his friends for a luncheon at our house, and then followed by a celebration of his graduation from Princeton University, which was concurrent with
his degree here at the seminary. And Brian, my sister Marion's husband, is the class of '70 at the university. And then Pa, one of the oldest living alums of the university, went on a parade as the custom at the university, waving at the people. They were riding in a golf cart and cheering as they went by, and it was a wonderful time. Our father's favorite hymn, Oh for a Thousand Tongues to Sing, My Dear Redeemer's Praise,
sums up what his life was about. A song of praise to the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter the crises or against-goings or betrayals and heartaches and struggles of life, his faith never wavered. As the Vikings of old, he set his course to the wind and took on life's storms, never faltering, and now he is safe at last on the final shore. United with his beloved wife Marion and our dearest mother, who died last July. In
the words of one of the texts from which Pa preached so often, Philippians 3, In the midst of our deep sorrow and irreparable loss, we claim the promise of Jesus Christ, of our eternal life, where one day the circle will be unbroken and we will be united with those we love in the Lord. You have been painting a picture of a man of many years of experience and hardships and great wisdom. I'll start off by sharing
with you a few words of his wisdom from his unpublished memoirs. My grandfather Edwin Rian wrote down the following words. First, keep your mind on the goal. Only look back to see what errors you have made and try to avoid those errors in the future. Live today with your eye on the future. The scripture passage describes this principle, Philippians 3:13. Forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I
press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God and Jesus Christ. Second, always seek forgiveness publicly for those mistakes that have affected public organizations or persons of reputation. It has been my experience that most everyone who has been wrong will forgive and sometimes become your good friend. 1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins. Next, it is important to learn to adjust oneself
to the circumstances we encounter through our mistakes and events over which we have no control. This circumstance calls for great effort, the apostle Paul confessed. I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. Next, avoid becoming bitter, which erodes us both physically and mentally. Bitterness can actually cause chemical reactions resulting in ailments, especially stomach disorders. As the writer of Proverbs 15:13 counsels, a merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow spirit is
broken. In other words, be positive, not negative. Fifth, patience is a wonderful virtue. Impatience is my besetting sin. I want everything now if not yesterday. This is failing to wait upon the Lord and be of good courage, Psalm 27:14. Sixth, two honors awarded me by Princeton Theological Seminary have made my life full to overflowing. And all this has been possible by my loving, supportive wife, Marion of 65 years. How could it be possible without her?
And last, 2 Corinthians 5:19. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. This is the wonderful message of the gospel, of the reconciling of the whole world unto God. There are many anecdotes that I could tell you about my grandfather, Edwin H. Rian. However, some of them are not appropriate for this setting. We have before us a memorial service, a witness to the resurrection. And in front of us, Edwin H. Rian is a foreboding
man. Six foot two, 220 or so pounds, never in the hospital the first 90 years of his life, and always, always, always in command of the situation. One story I'd like to recount to you is the last time I saw my grandfather. I was with two of my cousins, Morgan and Cameron. We went there to see him and he was lying down in bed. He was fading in and out. His strength had gone from him. The
once foreboding man was now down to 150 pounds and to about 5 feet 10 inches. He was just a shadow of his former self, looking helpless. And even me and my cousins did not have the strength to bring him back from the shadowy existence his mind was slipping into. The man who I had known for over 20 years to always be in control of the situation seemed to be losing some of that control. I searched for
something to say. Grandpa, do you remember that home on Snowden where you and grandma lived? Nothing registered. I said, Grandpa, how about that soup, that wonderful soup that grandma always made and that homemade bread? It was so delicious. Fond memories of mine, still nothing from my grandfather. I didn't know what to say. I was beginning to crumble. Since my childhood, my grandfather had represented stateliness and power. I never saw him without a tie the first 25
years of my life. And I was about to give up hope of connecting with him. I wanted to try once more. I saw a few candies by his bed and knew he had a fond sweetness for sweets. I said, Grandpa, how about some of these candies? Still no response. Well, as I was getting ready to leave, I had recently conducted a funeral service at my church in Idaho Falls where I was associate pastor. I mentioned to
him offhand that I read Romans 8 as the scripture for that funeral service. And then I heard him say, the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us. He said, Tom, it's true. What's happening to me now will only magnify God's glory. As clear as a bell, these words came from my grandfather. He was back once again, his commanding self, and he went on. And
we know all things shall work together for good for those that love God. Those are words of hope, Tom. It's been true my whole life as I look back on the blessings God has given me. And then yet another verse from Romans 8. What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Tom, nothing. Nothing shall separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. My grandfather was dying and I could not
bring him back. I could not make him fit into my neat little category of the way the universe was supposed to be. With him shining forth as the eternal strength. Despite how many images I tried to conjure up. But the word of the Lord has power. Power that can only come from God. Know that in this man's life it made a great difference. And it gave him strength even to the end. Not merely strength of encouragement.
But I saw on him at that time the Holy Spirit pulsing through his veins once again. My grandfather was not a great man. He merely had a great God. Amen.
[music]
Let us pray. God of all grace who sent your son, our Savior Jesus Christ. To bring life and immortality to light. Most humbly and heartily we give you thanks that by Christ's death he destroyed the power of death and
by his glorious resurrection opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Grant us assuredly to know that because Jesus lives we shall live also. And that neither death nor life nor things present nor things to come shall be able to separate us from the love which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Who has taught us to pray together saying our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
[congregational singing]
We are all invited by the Rian family to the private dining room immediately following the service for a reception an opportunity to greet them and one another. And now go in peace and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. [music]