“The office of a true and faithful minister is not only publicly to teach the people over whom he is ordained to pastor, but, so far as may be, to admonish, exhort, rebuke, and console each one in particular.” – From “Visitation of the Sick”, contained in John Calvin: Tracts and Letters, vol. 2, ed. …
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This is a great quote on the work of teaching our children the faith. I saw this in Patrick McGill’s work on a catechism for his church. It comes from the original introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism. “For from the beginning of the Christian church all the godly have been diligent to instruct their children …
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The Princess and the Goblin, George Macdonald Reprint by Wordsworth Classics pb. 221 pp. Ages 7+ This was our first Macdonald story to read together. That fact, combined with the estimation by many that this is his best children’s story, led to high expectations- perhaps too high. Even though C. S. Lewis and J. R. …
A friend who is preparing to serve as a pastor recently sent me some of his reflections on pastoral ministry drawn from his work on his farm. I thought I would pass them on. As I told you, I have cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, and yes, dogs and cats on our farm. The sheep have …
This past Sunday my friend, Ross Guthrie, gave the following homily preceding the baptism of three children at his church. I sought permission to post this here for two main reasons. First, the age at which children should be allowed to be baptized is an issue of significant discussion and debate. While this is not …
Here is a great quote from Louis F. Benson, The Hymnody of the Christian Church (1927), preface, vi-vii: “A good Providence has committed to the hands of every pastor, for such use as he can make of them, the three arts that lie nearest the human heart, – speech, poetry and music. The mission of …
I am currently reading and enjoying Kevin J. Hayes’ recent book, The Mind of a Patriot: Patrick Henry and the World of Ideas (Univ. of Virginia Press, 2008). I like Patrick Henry, and there are many fascinating aspects to the book. One aspect just jumped out to me the other day. In discussing Patrick Henry’s …
Continue reading ‘Greek Among Laymen in 18th Century America’ »
Eric Smith has posted today a great quote from Jack Collins’ notes on the Psalms in the ESV Study Bible and his own contemplation. I agree heartily. We need these inspired songs and prayers to teach us to worship appropriately. From “The Psalms as Scripture” in the introductory material about the Psalms in the ESV …
2 Timothy 2:23 -“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.” (ESV) This is an important though oft neglected admonition from the Apostle Paul. It is clear and forceful. There are certain types of controversies which we are to avoid all together. This means there will be certain “hot” …
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In the latest newsletter from the John Newton Project, I appreciated this quote from Newton: “Through mercy, we and our family are in tolerable health, and peace. I never was better. I preached four times this week, since Sunday, and seem as stout and strong for tomorrow, as if I had not preached at all. …