1902
To the best comes the time when their very good is evil spoken of. It takes goodness to understand goodness. The pure in heart see God, and only such can recognize the life of God when manifested in the saints. Few trials are more keen than the misrepresentation of goodness. An evil motive imputed to a saintly deed is as the sting of a serpent. The clouds of defamation lower at some time over every saintly heart. The life of the saint is hidden and cannot be understood by the worldling. "Sitting still" is the only possibility. Time exerts a remedial influence, and such remedy that it cannot exert the One to whom the saints are dead will. He will bring out our goodness as the light and our righteousness as the noonday. — Episcopal Recorder.
Showing posts with label time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label time. Show all posts
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, July 19, 2007
God Alone Permanent
1905
How hard it is to keep our footing firm amid the ebb and flow of things! To-day is not yesterday. New things have come to claim attention; many cherished things have gone. An unseen hand is shaking this kaleidoscope of a world, and nothing can last that depends merely upon the present aspect of things. The great problem, therefore, is to seek God with a thirst which will persist through all changes.
Test of Truth of Doctrine
The truth makes free, brings joy, hope, encouragement. The truth of a doctrine may consist in this, does it cause the mind to rejoice? If a doctrine does this, it may be set down as true, as coming from God. If a doctrine casts a shadow over the soul, if it is destructive of calm delight, if it causes faith to halt, trust to doubt, hope to falter, it is surely not of God and His gospel; it is an error of human origin.
Character
Character is great and worthy in itself and not because of the greater or less fame of a deed through which it manifests itself. The sad sacrifice of Gordon at Khartoum, for the sake of England and of Egypt, is of the same heroic quality as the sacrifice of the missionary among the Arabs or the Chinese, of whose name and fame the world hears but little. It is not the kind of thing through which we show ourselves, but the kind of self we have to show, that counts with God.
How hard it is to keep our footing firm amid the ebb and flow of things! To-day is not yesterday. New things have come to claim attention; many cherished things have gone. An unseen hand is shaking this kaleidoscope of a world, and nothing can last that depends merely upon the present aspect of things. The great problem, therefore, is to seek God with a thirst which will persist through all changes.
Test of Truth of Doctrine
The truth makes free, brings joy, hope, encouragement. The truth of a doctrine may consist in this, does it cause the mind to rejoice? If a doctrine does this, it may be set down as true, as coming from God. If a doctrine casts a shadow over the soul, if it is destructive of calm delight, if it causes faith to halt, trust to doubt, hope to falter, it is surely not of God and His gospel; it is an error of human origin.
Character
Character is great and worthy in itself and not because of the greater or less fame of a deed through which it manifests itself. The sad sacrifice of Gordon at Khartoum, for the sake of England and of Egypt, is of the same heroic quality as the sacrifice of the missionary among the Arabs or the Chinese, of whose name and fame the world hears but little. It is not the kind of thing through which we show ourselves, but the kind of self we have to show, that counts with God.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Twentieth Century
Nov. 1900
A Proposition For a Universal Religious Celebration of Its Incoming
The century will end on the Monday following the Sunday after Christmas. Why may we not by general consent and mutual understanding mark that day out from common time — aye, even from "kalendared" days — by lifting a wave of united Christian worship that will roll around the world, which "he hath called from the rising up of the sun even unto the going down of the same?"
I would have on that day a celebration of the holy communion in every church and chapel and meeting house throughout all Christian lands, with the use of such special prayers and lessons as the ecclesiastical authorities may see fit to "set forth," and a special collection for missions, writes the Rev. William N. Dunnell in The Churchman. And I would that at midnight of that last day of the century, in every place of worship, the people gather, "young men and maidens, old men and children," to praise the name of the Lord, and as the new century came in I would have every voice and heart and soul, every chime and organ, swell "the great Creator's praise."
Where it is possible I would have the holy places illuminated. Where there is lack of clerical supply I would have some faithful layman lead the devotions of the people. Let no one, in city or country, on plain or mountain, in bondage or free, aship or ashore, be without the opportunity of joining publicly in Christianity's twentieth century "birth hymn."
Saw Nine Generations
Harriet Williams Brand, who died recently in Brooklyn in her ninety-second year, had the rare good fortune to see representatives of nine generations of her family, extending from her great-great-grandfather to her great-great- grandson.
A Proposition For a Universal Religious Celebration of Its Incoming
The century will end on the Monday following the Sunday after Christmas. Why may we not by general consent and mutual understanding mark that day out from common time — aye, even from "kalendared" days — by lifting a wave of united Christian worship that will roll around the world, which "he hath called from the rising up of the sun even unto the going down of the same?"
I would have on that day a celebration of the holy communion in every church and chapel and meeting house throughout all Christian lands, with the use of such special prayers and lessons as the ecclesiastical authorities may see fit to "set forth," and a special collection for missions, writes the Rev. William N. Dunnell in The Churchman. And I would that at midnight of that last day of the century, in every place of worship, the people gather, "young men and maidens, old men and children," to praise the name of the Lord, and as the new century came in I would have every voice and heart and soul, every chime and organ, swell "the great Creator's praise."
Where it is possible I would have the holy places illuminated. Where there is lack of clerical supply I would have some faithful layman lead the devotions of the people. Let no one, in city or country, on plain or mountain, in bondage or free, aship or ashore, be without the opportunity of joining publicly in Christianity's twentieth century "birth hymn."
Saw Nine Generations
Harriet Williams Brand, who died recently in Brooklyn in her ninety-second year, had the rare good fortune to see representatives of nine generations of her family, extending from her great-great-grandfather to her great-great- grandson.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Eccentric Minister Lengthens Services if Weather Bad
1913
Unconventional Minister
A Missouri man tells of a somewhat eccentric minister in that state who is most unconventional in conducting the services of his church.
It appears that, from his pulpit, this clergyman can, through an open window on his right, command a clear view of the fields stretching off in the distance. One morning instead of beginning the service as usual he announced: "As I observe Sister Anna Morgan, somewhat late, approaching the church, I shall postpone the commencement of the service until her arrival."
On one occasion he made this announcement to his congregation: "As the weather is still so inclement, I will, my dear friends, lengthen my discourse somewhat in the hope that it may clear later."
Unconventional Minister
A Missouri man tells of a somewhat eccentric minister in that state who is most unconventional in conducting the services of his church.
It appears that, from his pulpit, this clergyman can, through an open window on his right, command a clear view of the fields stretching off in the distance. One morning instead of beginning the service as usual he announced: "As I observe Sister Anna Morgan, somewhat late, approaching the church, I shall postpone the commencement of the service until her arrival."
On one occasion he made this announcement to his congregation: "As the weather is still so inclement, I will, my dear friends, lengthen my discourse somewhat in the hope that it may clear later."
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Death Merely a Transition is "Word" of Dead Boston Pastor
1921
While the experiences of Dr. Elliott and the Braintree business man have been advanced by British spiritists as valid physical proof of the existence of another world (involving a guardian angel and visions of the crucified Christ), psychic manifestations are still being reported in the United States as competent evidence.
In Boston, Mass., a series of lectures are being delivered by what is represented as the personalities of various men and women who have died, through the body of the Rev. F. A. Wiggin, pastor of Unity Church. The first of these lectures was given recently when Dr. George C. Lorimer, late pastor of Tremont Temple, who died in 1904, supposedly spoke.
There was nothing uncanny about this service. After congregational singing and a prayer, Rev. Mr. Wiggin stepped forward, closed his eyes and announced his text from the seventeenth verse of the seventh chapter of Corinthians — "As the Lord hath called every one so let him walk."
It was Rev. Dr. Lorimer who was now talking through Mr. Wiggin. As Dr. Wiggin lifted his head the whole gesture was undeniably reminiscent of Rev. Dr. Lorimer, according to those who knew that well known pastor.
But "Dr. Lorimer" made no reference to the unusual fact that he was addressing a Boston audience for the first time since he had died in 1904, nor that he found anything new and strange in the Boston of 1921, nor to the fact that the world had been through one of the greatest wars of all times. He "spoke" as he might have spoken in 1900, using such references and analogies in the application of his text and the development of his theme as were common at that time.
"Dr. Lorimer" did assure his hearers that death meant nothing except a sort of transition into another world, in which men continue the work of this world in much the same way as they had worked and lived here. And Christ was just as much of a force for good and just as much of a mystery there as here.
—Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jan. 1, 1922, section 4, page 2.
Comment: That's a very interesting statement right at the end, that after the transition into another world Christ is just as much a mystery there as here.
While the experiences of Dr. Elliott and the Braintree business man have been advanced by British spiritists as valid physical proof of the existence of another world (involving a guardian angel and visions of the crucified Christ), psychic manifestations are still being reported in the United States as competent evidence.
In Boston, Mass., a series of lectures are being delivered by what is represented as the personalities of various men and women who have died, through the body of the Rev. F. A. Wiggin, pastor of Unity Church. The first of these lectures was given recently when Dr. George C. Lorimer, late pastor of Tremont Temple, who died in 1904, supposedly spoke.
There was nothing uncanny about this service. After congregational singing and a prayer, Rev. Mr. Wiggin stepped forward, closed his eyes and announced his text from the seventeenth verse of the seventh chapter of Corinthians — "As the Lord hath called every one so let him walk."
It was Rev. Dr. Lorimer who was now talking through Mr. Wiggin. As Dr. Wiggin lifted his head the whole gesture was undeniably reminiscent of Rev. Dr. Lorimer, according to those who knew that well known pastor.
But "Dr. Lorimer" made no reference to the unusual fact that he was addressing a Boston audience for the first time since he had died in 1904, nor that he found anything new and strange in the Boston of 1921, nor to the fact that the world had been through one of the greatest wars of all times. He "spoke" as he might have spoken in 1900, using such references and analogies in the application of his text and the development of his theme as were common at that time.
"Dr. Lorimer" did assure his hearers that death meant nothing except a sort of transition into another world, in which men continue the work of this world in much the same way as they had worked and lived here. And Christ was just as much of a force for good and just as much of a mystery there as here.
—Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jan. 1, 1922, section 4, page 2.
Comment: That's a very interesting statement right at the end, that after the transition into another world Christ is just as much a mystery there as here.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Gems of Thought — "Patience is Sorrow's Slave"
1877
Gems
Gathered by Mrs. Felix Van Wyke
Patience is sorrow's slave.
Every path has its puddle.
Time passed never returns.
Talkers are no good doers.
There is no joy without alloy.
The more law the less justice.
Great bargains empty the purse.
Strew not roses before swine.
A good fellow is a costly name.
The little alms are the good alms.
He that is down needs fear no fall.
Saving is a greater art than gaining.
The cock is lord on his own dunghill.
Think to-day, and speak to-morrow.
An idle brain is the devil's workshop.
Quick believers need broad shoulders.
Every one is the son of his own works.
Pin not your faith on another's sleeve.
Though a lie be swift truth overtakes it.
Virtue is but dryly praised, and starves.
— The Reynolds Herald.
Gems
Gathered by Mrs. Felix Van Wyke
Patience is sorrow's slave.
Every path has its puddle.
Time passed never returns.
Talkers are no good doers.
There is no joy without alloy.
The more law the less justice.
Great bargains empty the purse.
Strew not roses before swine.
A good fellow is a costly name.
The little alms are the good alms.
He that is down needs fear no fall.
Saving is a greater art than gaining.
The cock is lord on his own dunghill.
Think to-day, and speak to-morrow.
An idle brain is the devil's workshop.
Quick believers need broad shoulders.
Every one is the son of his own works.
Pin not your faith on another's sleeve.
Though a lie be swift truth overtakes it.
Virtue is but dryly praised, and starves.
— The Reynolds Herald.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Widespread Notion the World Will Last Only 6,000 Years
1911
LIFE OF THE WORLD
That It Will Last Only Six Thousand Years
Then is a general and widespread notion, which the curious investigator will find scattered throughout both medieval and modern literature, that the world will last 6,000 years from the date of its creation. An inscription in one of Martin Luther's books reads as follows: "Elijah, the prophet, said that the world had existed 2,000 years before the law was given (from Adam to Moses), would exist 2,000 years under the Mosaic law (from Moses to Christ) and 2,000 years under the Christian dispensation, and then it would be burned."
In the Etrurian account of the creation (by Suidas) there is a similar tradition. "The Creator spent 6,000 years in creation, and 6,000 more are allotted to the earth."
In the black letter edition of Foxe's "Acts and Monuments" (1632) there is a whole sermon given with the 6,000 year limit of the earth's duration as a text.
Some writers contend that the "six days" referred to in Holy Writ really mean 6,000 years and that the "seventh day" is a type of the coming millennium, or "Sabbath of a thousand years." The psalmist says, "For a thousand years are in thy sight as yesterday" (Psalm xc, 4; See also II Peter iii, 8).
—Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1911, page 4.
LIFE OF THE WORLD
That It Will Last Only Six Thousand Years
Then is a general and widespread notion, which the curious investigator will find scattered throughout both medieval and modern literature, that the world will last 6,000 years from the date of its creation. An inscription in one of Martin Luther's books reads as follows: "Elijah, the prophet, said that the world had existed 2,000 years before the law was given (from Adam to Moses), would exist 2,000 years under the Mosaic law (from Moses to Christ) and 2,000 years under the Christian dispensation, and then it would be burned."
In the Etrurian account of the creation (by Suidas) there is a similar tradition. "The Creator spent 6,000 years in creation, and 6,000 more are allotted to the earth."
In the black letter edition of Foxe's "Acts and Monuments" (1632) there is a whole sermon given with the 6,000 year limit of the earth's duration as a text.
Some writers contend that the "six days" referred to in Holy Writ really mean 6,000 years and that the "seventh day" is a type of the coming millennium, or "Sabbath of a thousand years." The psalmist says, "For a thousand years are in thy sight as yesterday" (Psalm xc, 4; See also II Peter iii, 8).
—Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1911, page 4.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
