Mansuetude

MANSUETUDE

(Pronounced MAN-swi-tood)

I realise that his may seem a strange "post," but I love words and was intrigued by this particular word completely new to me. I will just tell you what I have learnt concerning it and leave you to judge its merits.

It is a noun meaning "mildness, gentleness: the mansuetude of Christian love." A quotation of interest appears noteworthy : "For indeed  it is possible to attain a state of divine mansuetude that nothing dismays and nothing surprises, just as one in love might, after many years, arrive at a sublime tranquillity of the sentiments, sure of their force and durability, through constant experience of their pleasures and pains." This in no way rises to the supreme heights of Gods' wonderful Word, but does echo something of the settled relations of the saint with the Saviour, whilst basking in the realised sunshine of His love.

I think that the quotation comes from one who was "outside" of Christ, hence its way of expression; but I felt it deserving of our attention; another word in our tongue speaking of things divine.



The Death Penalty

THE DEATH PENALTY

I fully appreciate that the above subject is immensely emotive. For some time I have had it upon my heart to simply set forth my thoughts as to it in connection with the Scriptures.

Having found a number of well instructed saints holding a view which conflicts with the Word of God, based rather upon sentiment, I feel the time has come to speak out.

I have no knowledge as to which nations have abolished the death penalty, nor of those who continue to apply it for certain crimes. Whether one "side" has a clear majority or not is of no significance. But I fully expect that a perusal of the increase in crimes against the person, acts of violence, and cases of murder, have increased significantly in those places where its abolition has been implemented.

I would just like to add that the argument that the death penalty is NOT a deterrent is unworthy of discussion! Furthermore, the U.K. having abolished it, I do not know when, and I do not have the desire to find out, recently in the wake of so called "Brexit," I learned that no nation may join or remain in the E.U. if it has retained the death penalty. So, when a referendum in regard to its restoration was mooted a while back, but denied to those who vote on these issues, [NOT me,] it was actually deceptive, as the restoration could never have taken place even if the entire population wanted it! 
One has commented thus, "The first post-diluvian age opened, however, with a further delegation of authority. Noah and his sons after him were responsible to maintain God's rights in man, especially as regards the sacredness of human life. (See Gen. 9:5 and 6). God hereby delegated to certain men authority over men even to the execution of capital punishment. Patriarchal authority was thus established."
It was recorded o another of the Lords' servants:-
"At a time when there was a great deal said about the abolition of Capital Punishment, he felt very strongly against such a measure, because, as he said, when the government of the earth was committed to Noah, the command was clear — "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed;" He rightly concluded "it had never been abrogated."
And from the pen of another, "For wilful murder there was no release from the penalty, even though the murderer might have fled for protection to God's altar. (See 1 Kings 2:28-32.) He must die. There is no countenance in the word of God for the modern philanthropic movement for the abolition of capital punishment. It substitutes indeed human ideas in the place of God's primeval law. In fact, it exalts man over God." Finally, I carefully submit, that Christ could not, (humanly speaking,) have died a judicial death if capital punishment had been divinely abrogated!



Philip Henry Gosse

Philip Henry Gosse

Some years ago I read the "classic" "Father and Son," authored by Edmund Gosse, the only son of Philip and Emily Gosse.

The first time I read it, I found it strangely poignant, and quite an enjoyable exercise. A few years later I re-read it and found little delight at all!

The book now appeared to be somewhat inaccurate and biased. I felt for Philip and spent some time and effort searching for works by him as well as about him. From what I learnt it seems apparent that Edmund maligned him most dreadfully!

Books by Philip Gosse, certainly early print-runs are scarce and expensive. I managed to buy four modern re-prints.

This morning I dipped into his book titled "The Mysteries of God: A Series of Expositions of Holy Scripture;" first published in 1884.

I turned to one of his papers on the "Rapture." On reading the article it became clear to me that I would find little help there as I was unable to follow his argument and had no idea what some of the expressions meant!

Philip Gosse excelled in a number of disciplines not least Marine Biology; he appears to be the "inventor" of the "aquarium." But I think I will look elsewhere for the teaching of the Scriptures! But I do love him in the Lord, or at least the memory of him.    



Three Score Years and Ten

"THREE SCORE YEARS AND TEN."

By the grace of God I reached this milestone along this pilgrim pathway last Wednesday, 28th September. Some eleven years earlier I stood on the brink of eternity. I had to undergo a triple-heart bypass; I was very ill indeed, described by my Consultant as "a walking time-bomb!"

Having come under deserved chastisement at the hand of the one who gave up His lovely Son to death on my part, I did not know how he would answer me. Cast upon Him I spoke as Hezekiah did those many centuries ago, but without any claims to righteousness in order to expect anything of His favour.

I am still "in the body" and relatively very well. But of much greater moment is the fact that I have learned to love Him so much more, feebly though that is of course. He taught me a lesson divine that has changed my life. He glorified Himself in healing me, and He has given me the opportunity to worship and serve Him, and that should it please Him, that more glory will attach to Him thereby. 

"Three score years and ten" Psalm 90 v.10 now gives me extra food for thought. I trust it will do the same for you as for the first time you consider the reality of your own mortality, and the grace of God that has brought you thus far.



Oneness of Heart and Soul

ONENESS OF HEART AND SOUL

Just a moment ago I came out from the "sanctuary" where I had been enjoying the good Word of God. One of my "readings" was in Acts 4, reminiscent as it appeared to me, of the close up of the second chapter.

I quote: "And all that believed were together, and had all things common, and sold their possessions and substance, and distributed them to all, according as any one might have need." Acts 2:44 & 45.

"And the heart and soul [both singular!] of the multitude of those that had believed were one, and not one said that anything of what he possessed was his own, but all things were common to them; and with great power did the apostles give witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. For neither was there any one in want among them! [my punctuation] for as many as were owners of lands or houses, selling them, brought the price of what was sold and laid it at the feet of the apostles; and distribution was made to each according as any one might have need." Acts 4:32-35.

A very godly saint commented thus: "Without pretending to return to this happy beginning, let us strive to put into effect the spirit of it in laying aside our selfishness and in seizing every opportunity to sacrifice ourselves for our brethren."

I fully appreciate what he is saying, and I do not wish to denigrate him in any way.

By why should it be a pretence? Do we not long for halcyon days, days of "heaven on earth?" Is our spiritual bankruptcy and low condition of heart and soul attributable in some degree to our failure to "return to that happy beginning?"

Ah, brethren, do we think it is impractical, impossible or just too imposing upon us now? If so is this not a reflection upon our poverty-stricken appreciation of our God and His only-begotten Son?

Finally, were the blessings enjoyed then the response of heaven, and commensurate with the display of their oneness of heart and soul! 



The Hid Treasure

The Treasure Hid in a Field

Matthew 13:44.

A few weeks ago a well-taught brother took responsibility for a Gospel Service and preached very acceptably on the "Parable of the Pearl," Matthew 13:45&46. As an aside he suggested that the "Treasure" in the preceding parable was Israel. Realising that this interpretation is "held" by many of my fellow brethren, I mused upon it again; I had never been comfortable with, or convinced by, this particular view.

While I am able to see merit in the suggestion, I personally feel there are sufficient short-comings in such an interpretation. Nevertheless I would never dare to be dogmatic, but would just like to present some difficulties, as I, and only I, see things. I am not speaking on behalf of anyone else, the responsibility for my judgement rests with me.

Accepting unequivocally that the "Pearl" represents the Church [Assembly] the sum of the saints of this present dispensation, from Pentecost to the Rapture, what then does the "Treasure" set forth?

If we answer "Israel," as did my esteemed brother in Christ, where then are the saints found who lived prior to the commencement of that nation? Adam, Abel, Noah for example, and all the others antecedent to Abraham. They were neither of Israel, nor of the Church! Furthermore, where are the saints who will be alive after the rapture and during the Millennial reign of Christ, to be found, as they too are in neither companies of the redeemed, of Israel, or the Church? And thirdly, where are those who are "sheltered" by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ in this dispensation; Those who are unable to avail themselves of Gospel blessings as not responsible due to tender age, i.e. those who died in infancy, or live without sufficient faculty to believe, and are thus not in the Church as not "having received the Spirit on believing?" Acts 19:2.

If these three "companies" are not included in the "Treasure" then is not Christ "robbed" of some for whom He sold all that He had in order to purchase them? It was the same infinite cost to Him to redeem EVERY believing one in every dispensation!
The "Treasure" then must be ALL the companies of the redeemed!

Political Parties

Political Parties

It seemed appropriate to me to copy an address so pertinent to these times of political unrest and the habit of some saints lending their time and support to the "parties" involved.

J.N. Darby wrote thus, "I need hardly assure you that I have no desire that they (saints) should meddle in politics; I do not so myself, nor do I think that a Christian ought. He believes that God governs, and governs with a view to the glory of Christ, and that He will infallibly bring about His purpose.

                                                                                      Parties are all alike to me; they are all alike guilty, and have all alike had their part in what is going on ... We must remember that politicians have no idea of principles, but only of existing influences to which they must be subject ... I take no side with any party-- I distrust them all...

                                                                                      God holds all the reins or loosens them. The Christian may walk in peace through it all, waiting for Gods' Son from heaven, and keeping the word of His patience; yea, having a specially blessed place of testimony in the midst of it, but a lowly one, content to be nothing in the world which has rejected Christ, and is ripening for His judgment. Their part is to keep His word and not deny His name." 

I trust that these words from one who ever championed the truths found in the Word of God, and with such faithfulness and energy, may be acceptable to any who read them. For the glory of our soon-coming "God and Saviour" the Lord Jesus Christ.



Edit Regarding "Referendum" Post

Edit regarding "Referendum" post.

If you have already read my Post entitled "Referendum," I would ask you to reread it as some of the lines were "displaced" and gave little sense, I fear!

Forgive the failing of an old saint, please!

G.V. Wigram --Psalms

G.V. Wigram--Psalms 

Many of my fellow brethren will be familiar with the name of George Vicesimus Wigram 1805-1879. He was one of the earliest "brethren" who gathered to the Name of the Lord Jesus with the saints in Plymouth U.K. He appears to have financed the production and printing of the "Englishmans' Greek and English Concordance to the New Testament" in 1839and in 1843 its' corresponding volume entitled the " Englishmans' Hebrew and Chaldee Concordance to the Old Testament." Both have proved invaluable to the scholarly believer.

G.V.W. also penned among many other very helpful works, "A Study of the Psalms." This is very well known too, I believe. But yesterday I discovered his "Translation of the Psalms," I have no idea how I have overlooked it in the past! Having just read one Psalm I already value you it greatly.

It is found in his "Memorials" volume 2, the second part, Critical. I have managed to purchase a second-hand copy, but I know "it" can be found on the Stem website. Please avail yourselves of it and feel free to comment.

I do hope and pray that this may be of benefit to some of the Lords' people seeking such help. 

Referendum

REFERENDUM

An exercise of heart caused me to telephone a brother to enquire as to how his wife was feeling having undergone an operation and therapy for cancer. I have know him for over 45 years and assisted him in open-air preaching, distributing tracts etc. for many of those years.

Having heard directly from his wife I was able to speak with him too. We talked about a number of spiritual things and our current service for the Lord and our experiencing fellowship with the saints.

Suddenly and unexpectedly he asked me regarding my "vote" in the imminent referendum. He has always liked being humorous and I really thought he  was jesting. But he was absolutely serious and I was astonished. He had "always voted," and his experience among "Brethren" had influenced his decision as they taught it to be "their democratic right," and the vast majority of them voted!

I am fully aware that teaching regarding these things is almost unheard of today, but I can barely take in the thought of previous generations teaching such blatant error!

Can any "brother" provide information as to this practice? Was it generally "received" that dabbling in the politics of men was not only a Right," but a duty for the Lords' heavenly people?

Endeavouring to "prevent" what may "appear" to be in the prophetic Word, no matter how persuasive or plausible this argument may seem, is contrary to the Scriptures and thus the mind of God!

We are exhorted to pray for those in authority over us, remembering that the powers that be are ordained of God! We must realise that His will MUST be done, and He needs no help from us to accomplish it! 

Once again I am distraught at the ignorance of professing believers, both in the denominations and the Assemblies, alike. And frustrated that teaching on these things is non-existent or wilfully ignored or rejected.

It nevertheless quietens my fears, and banishes my disappointments, to know that God rules in the Kingdoms and affairs of men; He is STILL on the Throne!



Mercy

MERCY

Mercy, or loving-kindness, appear to be entwined together and all Gods' believing people will have experienced and enjoyed this precious attribute of a Saviour-God.

I simply want to testify concerning His mercy toward me. Having come under chastisement as a son, I cried out to Him taking up something of the sentiments of Hezekiah when he knew he was to die.

I too stood on the brink of eternity, eleven years ago today! My Consultant had described my condition as a "walking time-bomb!" I desperately needed a triple heart-bypass operation. A terrifying prospect, I cast myself upon the mercy of my God and implored Him for the sake of the Name of His lovely Son that He would bring me safely through the procedure. HE DID!

I have enjoyed quite good health ever since, and not a single pain or complication connected with my previous condition. Not only have these precious blessings been vouchsafed to me, but He has helped me to view more fully, all things in the light of eternity, to see them somewhat as He does; and He has permitted me to serve Him, though falteringly, ever since.

"For Thy mercy (loving-kindness) is great unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds;" "For great is Thy mercy (loving-kindness) toward me;" 

"Mercy glories over judgement;" "Ye have....seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is full of tender compassion (tender mercy) and pitiful."

Psalm 57:10 & Psalm 86:13; James 2:13; 5:11.

I allow the Scriptures of truth, Old and New Testaments alike, to speak for themselves, and thereby for Him!



Home-Calls

HOME-CALLS

In the last few weeks at least four brethren I have known were "called home." I realise that many saints "have fallen asleep through Jesus," from time to time, but I feel more than ever that this knowledge should have a singular bearing on our walk.

Quite some years ago a brother in his ministry disclosed to us a poignant moment in the life of a servant of God. He had apparently drunk some poison, I hasten to add, inadvertently! He realised immediately and fell on his knees and cried out to the Lord for His mercy. He told the Lord that he was "not afraid to die," but that "he was ashamed to die!" The Lord graciously spared him and he was a different servant from that moment and served the Lord very faithfully for many years.

This true anecdote is not repeated here for our comfort, although praise the Lord it surely does console us; I have "posted" it that we might be exhorted to view things in the love of Calvary, and in the light of eternity!

Perhaps for some this moment in their experience could be a new beginning wherein Christ may be further glorified. may it be so for His lovely Names' sake.



Pithy Sayings (5)

Pithy Sayings number 5.

If Christ COULD sin down here, He COULD sin up there! It is the same Man in glory in the realm above, as the Man in humiliation in this scene below!

What a blasphemous suggestion it is, and what a precarious eternity it would be!

Christ was IMPECCABLE in His humanity from conception, and throughout time, and He remains so for all the ages of a blissful eternity!

T.W.

Greater Love Hath No Man

"Greater LOVE hath no man...." John 15:13.

This morning I was perusing a book I had just recently acquired, [it was given to me,] when I discovered in its pages a "tear off" from a calendar. I am sure it dates back many years, but the Word of Truth never changes, as it is the Word of the immutable God and its central theme is "Jesus Christ the Same yesterday, and today and for ever." Hebrews 13:8.

The Scripture quotation above and that used in the "header" were not those on the calendar; they came to me when I read the poem at the close of the address on the page. It is beautiful; I have no idea who wrote it or anything more about it, and I felt I must share it with any of the Lords' people who come across this "Post."

To objects who deserve Thy wrath,

Thy boundless love extends;

Thou'rt tenderer to Thine enemies,

Than men are to their friends.

Perhaps the same line of a choice hymn will spring into your minds as it did into my own:

No man of greater love can boast
Than for his friend to die;
Thou for Thine enemies was slain;
What love with Thine can vie?

Psalms And Hymns And Spiritual Songs
number 88
J. Stennett 1663-1713






A Closure and a Conversion

A Closure and a Conversion.

It is sad to report the closure of another meeting place where saints gathered to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ alone. After recent closures in England, at least three come to mind, another Assembly in South Wales has ceased to maintain a testimony; I am not seeking to apportion blame or reveal any details, I have no knowledge of these things. But the meeting in Fairwater has "closed."

On a much lovelier note I heard only today that a lady who had been invited to the Gospel Meeting at Dursley, and had attended regularly, came into salvation blessing last Lords' Day evening! She was much in our prayers and we felt she was under exercise of soul. How gracious of the Lord Jesus to hear our intercession for her and answer with eternal blessings for her.

The Assembly at Dursley in Gloucestershire U.K. is numerically weak, but has remained faithful for many years. Their struggle to witness for the Saviour has been recompensed, with this addition of a sister, and the attendance for some while now of a brother from the denominations.

News of this character should furnish us with encouragement and thanksgiving. Please pray that Kath might grow in grace and be kept in the love of Christ; and that she may enjoy all the privileges of Assembly fellowship.  

Spiritual Bankruptcy of the Population of Britain

Spiritual Bankruptcy of the population of Britain

The findings of this very recent poll are staggering, and must horrify every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, living in this country. 

British people are more likely to believe in ghosts than a Creator – and self-identified Christians are more likely to believe in aliens than the devil

Most British people say Britain is – and should be – a Christian country, and self-identified Christians make up around half of the population. But it's partly a cultural term – last year we found only 55% of self-identified Christians believe there is a God; the year before we found only 23% of the total population say they are very (3%) or fairly (20%) religious.

A new analysis from YouGov Profiles of nearly 12,000 people who affiliate with Christianity and a control set of 39,000 British people representative of the whole population reveals some startling juxtapositions in belief. Asked to say which of 14 spiritual or paranormal phenomena they definitely do or do not believe in, only 41% of Christians say they definitely believe in a Creator while 18% say they do not.

Christians are more likely to believe in fate or destiny (46% definitely believe, 18% do not), not necessarily a tenet of Christianity, than either heaven (44% believe, 19% do not) or an everlasting soul (36% believe, 19% do not).

And there is a tendency to believe in the friendlier parts of faith than those which are difficult to contemplate. People who say they are Christian are more likely to definitely believe in heaven (44%) than hell (27%), and more likely to definitely believe in angels (35%) than the devil (24%).

British people as a whole are most likely to believe in fate (36%) and alien life (30%), while in net terms belief in ghosts (-9) and karma (-11) is more prevalent than belief in a Creator (-21) or heaven (-21).

In 1983 only 31% of British people said they had no religion, which has now risen to just under half of all adults. In 1983 only 2% said they belonged to a non-Christian religion and this figure has now risen to 8%.

I feel totally inadequate to express my profound sorrow and despair when I read these findings. Brethren and sisters in Christ, "tabernacling" in this land, this should bring us to our knees! We need to cry out to our God for His mercy to us-ward; praying for those in authority over us, as we remind our hearts that the powers that be are appointed by God. We need to flood this nation with the Word of God, redeeming the time. May our gracious God deal kindly with us, tempering His righteous indignation with His grace, for the sake of His Name, and His Son.



The Maker of the Universe

The Maker of the Universe

Perhaps some of you are a little like me and enjoy "spiritual" poetry; well we all sing hymns and they are spiritual poems set to music.

The above phrase is the title of a beautiful example of the poetry I have in mind. I knew a few phrases from it, but not its' title or first line. but now I have "discovered" it I wondered if other believers who are not familiar with it would appreciate an opportunity to read it. If so, here it is:

The Maker of the Universe

The Maker of the universe

As Man, for men was made a curse.

The claims of law which He had made,

Unto the uttermost He paid.

His holy fingers made the bough

Which grew the thorns that crowned His brow.

The nails that pierced His hands were mined

In secret places He designed.

He made the forest whence there sprung

The tree on which His body hung.

He died upon a cross of wood,

Yet made the hill on which it stood.

The sky that darkened o'er His head

By Him above the earth was spread.

The sun that hid from Him its' face

By His decree was poised in space.

The spear which spilled His precious blood

Was tempered in the fires of God.

The grave in which His form was laid,

Was hewn in rocks His hands had made.

The throne on which He now appears

Was His from everlasting years.

But a new glory crowns His brow.

And every knee to Him shall bow.

Well has another penned, "See from His head, His hands, His feet." "Head, hands and feet of a Divine Person tabernacling amongst us for a little while. "His head as the most fine gold, His hands as gold rings, His legs pillars of marble set in bases of fine gold;" The thoughts of His holy mind, the labour of His tender hands and the pure pathway of His sacred feet all shine resplendent with the gold of Deity."

What a Creator-Redeemer! Hallelujah, what a Saviour!





Pithy Saying (4)

Pithy Saying number 4.

Worship:

                                          For us, a great privilege, from Him.

                                          For Him, a great pleasure, from us.

T.W.

Pithy Saying (3)

Pithy Saying number 3.

If you "accommodate," you will degenerate!

T.W.

Pithy Saying (2)

Pithy Saying number 2.

Fear of the world will weaken our testimony; friendship with the world will wreck it!



T.W.

Pithy Saying (1)

Pithy Saying number 1.

Cleansing, forgiveness, and justification, answer to defilement, offence and guilt correspondingly. 

T.W.

Commentaries: A Limited Help.

COMMENTARIES: LIMITED HELP

I am at present engaged in composing addresses for a "mini-series," just two meetings. Actually I have completed one address and have "delivered" it to a small company of the Lords' people gathered to His name.

When I began my study I all-unconsciously determined to seek for help from the least amount of available "sources." Having cast myself on the Lord for the help of His gracious Holy Spirit, I "armed" myself with the A.V., J.N.D.s' Translation; Strongs Concordance; a Bible Dictionary and a little book containing the meaning of many Biblical names. 

Some long hours later I ran into difficulty. I could not understand the next verse in the passage. I redoubled my prayer for help and read and re-read the verse. Within a short time I felt that I had grasped the meaning, that enlightenment had been graciously afforded to me. I really wanted confirmation, and readily found it in the meaning of two words as expansively given in the concordance. I was elated!

Now I am in the throes of completing my second ministry address for those dear saints. But early on I found myself floundering as to the truth contained in another verse! Of course I was dependent on the help of the Spirit of God, but I continued to be nonplussed. So, giving in I sought help from the written ministry of some of the most erudite and gifted servants of God.

I love and cherish the written ministry of many who so revered the Scriptures, particularly, but not exclusively, those brethren of the nineteenth century. Three commentaries were consulted to absolutely no avail! None of the three writers referred to the difficulty I had encountered!

Commentaries do have there limitations, but I would not be without them!

Finally, in His grace the Lord enlightened me once again, I believe, and my spirit was lifted up in thanksgiving.