Philip Mauro

Philip Mauro 1859-1952

I am in process of reading "The Number of Man-The Climax of Civilisation," by Philip Mauro. Now that I am well through the book I realise that I have not read it before as I

believed.

               It is very interesting, and I feel, of some spiritual profit. One drawback is its constant repetition, and lengthy quotations, some of which are justified though, I admit. A considerable shock for me was how much credence Mauro gives to the "Encyclical" of Pope (self-styled) Pius X!

                                                                      In his earlier writings Mauro was a great proponent of dispensationalism, pre-millennism  having found his fellowship among the Assemblies of the Lords' people; (That is not to suggest they alone held these truths, or that all of them did so, my words are intended to be much more general.) But in his later writings from 1922  onwards, Mauro made it absolutely clear that he repudiated these things categorically and vehemently. He became an arch-adversary, a vociferous opponent of the faith he once proclaimed with equal zeal. 

                                                                                                 I would encourage my fellow brethren and sisters to read his earlier works, but to studiously avoid his latter writings. To assist in this exercise I have listed below Philip Mauros' later volumes.

Life in the Word

Reason to Revelation

The Number of Man

Gods' Pilgrims

Eugenics: A New Movement

The path of the Just

The Lords' Supper

After This or The Church, The Kingdom and the Glory

The House of God

The only title I have apart from "The Number of Man" id "Gods' Pilgrims," but although my knowledge of Mauros' writings is so limited, I am certain of the above facts regarding his rejection of the truths he once held tenaciously, and the nature of his later writings. My purpose here is just to assist my fellow believers who may be interested in this servant of God.



Disappointments

Disappointments!

In a previous "Post" I referred to the sad decline in the Assemblies in connection with the introduction of shorter meetings. This gives those who serve in the Gospel and in ministry less opportunity to express what the Spirit of God has laid upon their hearts; and it is frustrating! When contention is the "short attention span" of visitor to the various gatherings. This is invariably a reference to the "lost" who attend a Gospel service. But it appears to me more often than not that it is the saints who want to shorten the meetings! Latterly I was asked to speak for a shorter time as there was to be a cup of tea after the meeting! This is not an isolated case in my experience; at least five Assemblies where I have the privilege to preach/teach have cut the length of their meetings, particularly in connection with the Gospel preaching.

                                                                                                                                       But this is not all that disappoints. I received a reminder from a "corresponding" brother that I am responsible for the preaching of the Gospel on an approaching Lords' Day. Please allow me to quote, "the temporary ban on the prodigal son, good Samaritan and serpents on poles has not yet been lifted," his exact words!

                                                                                                      Thirdly and finally, at least for now D.V., it breaks my heart to hear of the closure of more of the Assemblies, and with it the absence of any assembly testimony in various districts, some covering huge areas saturated with lost souls and needy saints. In addition, so many who maintained by the grace of God,a witness for the Lord Jesus as gathered to His name alone, have resorted to changing their peculiar character; opting for an evangelical church stance, with a paid pastor! How a believer who has enjoyed days of heaven on earth as "calling Him to mind" Lords' Day by Lords' Day, can give up this infinite privilege and portion is beyond the limits of my understanding. I know that in past times, both latterly and recently, saints have confessed their great loss at having abandoned the position that once occupied.

                                                                                         It is of little account to disappoint a mere believer like me; perhaps a little more grievous to disappoint many of the saints; but how much more is it a grief to the One who requested "this do in remembrance of ME!"

Germany Beware!

GERMANY BEWARE!!

It seems that Germany has joined the growing ranks of those nations who stand in bold refusal of the counsels of God regarding the abomination of homosexuality! Make no mistake, God is not mocked, and those who are "in authority," the "powers that be are appointed by God," and directly answerable to Him for their administration in the affairs of their fellow citizens. God will surely and perhaps speedily bring judgement to bear upon your nation.

                                                                                        My fellow-believers in that favoured land, beseech the Lord to have mercy, repent on behalf of the nation, and throw yourselves, and cause those whom you love, to cast themselves upon the grace of God. Plead His lovely Son as overshadowing you, a remnant company in the midst of that nation.

                                        May the "Father of compassions" (mercies) prove Himself                                     merciful to the people of Germany!

"This Mystery is Great"

"This Mystery is Great"

Ephesians 5:32 [J.N.D. trans.]

"This mystery is great, but I speak as to Christ, and as to the assembly."





Quite a little while ago I contacted a "Brethren" author for information about the condition of Assembly testimony is his native country. He replied briefly and I thought honestly, when he told me he had no idea as to the state of "Brethren" there as he had left the local assembly for a "denominational" (my wording,) church.

                                                                                       Last year a sister from his natal country visited the local Assembly here in the U.K. and in conversation his name came up. This sister told me that he had left the "Brethren" as he was a practising homosexual. I felt that he had deceived me, and thereby implied he knew his way of life was shameful, why else would he withhold the full truth?

                                                                                                              Sadly and tragically there are many, many calling the Name of Christ upon themselves, professing allegiance to Him, yet engaging in that which is abhorrent to Him, and to God the Father and to the Holy Spirit!

                                                                                          The Scripture quoted above took hold upon me of late. By the Spirit of God through the apostle Paul, God has made clear how wonderful and holy the marriage between a man and wife is in His purposes. And further, that He should use that sanctified union to express this "great mystery" to unfold in fullest disclosure the "the marriage of the Lamb,"of the heavenly Bridegroom to His heavenly bride, the assembly is profoundly beautiful!

                                                                                                                   Any other "relationship" in which love is to be expressed as "becoming one," is a flagrant denial, act of rebellion, and gross disobedience to the revealed Word of God; it is an abominable caricature of "Christ and the church!" This being so, no practising homosexual can be "received" into any form of fellowship, and the permitting and/or promoting of such a heinous sin in a company of the Lords' people, will only serve to leaven the whole lump! 

Throughout the world this sin is being paraded as something of which to be proud! What defiant effrontery to God and His Word! No wonder that over, and over again, the nations allowing these things, and defending the perpetrators of such ungodly deeds, are coming under the judgement of God! And be reminded brethren and sisters in Christ, "for the time of having the judgement begin from the house of God is come; but if first from us, what shall be the end of those who obey not the glad tidings of God? " 1 Peter 4:17.



Brethren Authors

Brethren Authors

I have managed to purchase two books at very low prices in the last few days, both written by "Brethren," neither of whom I have read before. It is a delight because it is proving more difficult and considerably more expensive to find and purchase such works. The two writers are F.A. Perigo and J.C.M. Dawson; their books are "The Story of the Cross," and "Present Day Problems," respectively.

                                                                                                 Perhaps I will be able to furnish an intelligent review of them in the near future, if the Lord will. If you have read either or indeed both books, would you be kind enough to advise me of your own opinion please? You may email directly if you prefer. Many thanks in anticipation and my love in the Lord to any and all of His own who kindly take time to read my humble attempts at fellowshipping, (is that a word?) with them in Him.

A Rebuke To The Nations

A REBUKE TO THE NATIONS

If ever there was a pertinent Scripture for the state of the nations, perhaps this is it! View it in the light of that which is being promoted in almost every country in the world! Vileness, that which is an abomination to the Lord flourishes unchecked and without repentance.                                     

Psalm 12:8.

"The WICKED walk about on every side, when

 VILENESS is EXALTED among the children of men."

In addition the headship of man is flouted in every walk of life, contrary to the plain teaching of the Word of God! Women have places of authority in Governments, Police Forces, Political Parties, Education and Legal Services, etc. Men are thus subject to them, and the purposes of God inverted.

The first of these rejections and refusals to obey the Scriptures, are defended by the attempt to silence anyone morally or spiritually opposed to it. The accusation is levelled at them as being "homophobic." This word is NOT found in the English Dictionary! Its parts are formed by "homo" and "phobia". "Homo," i.e. man, the genus of which man is the only species (Latin); or, same, noting likeness or sameness, (Greek). "Phobia" i.e. fear.

Cobbled together the words literally would mean having a fear of men, i.e. mankind! But corrupted it is used to promote and defend homosexuality by pressurising legislators and media into making it a title of a criminal offence. 

I do not agree with any government but a Theocratic one, in a coming day to be realised universally. But this Nation purports to democracy, which includes freedom of religious belief and of speech. But I am in some fear of repercussions regarding this "Post." That does not equate with the spirit of democracy!!

As to the latter question of headship, the flagrant disobedience to it uses the "equality of the sexes" as an in alienable right!

I have NO political opinions or affiliations, and have never voted in any election or referendum. My understanding of these things are founded upon the inerrant, unchangeable and sacred Scriptures.

Remember, the foundation of our National legislative was based upon the same Word of God.







Founded or Floundering?

Founded or Floundering?

A dear departed brother in Christ, (French, I believe has proved most helpful over many years of reading his Bible notes. I had a problem with one statement from his note on Psalm 8. Much of what he had penned was really beautiful and Christ-exalting. But I was arrested by these words, "Yes, the Creator has taken upon Himself the body He had created." (Italics are mine.)

I felt there lurked under the surface, a suggestion that the Son had become a creature! Perhaps thereby affording a handhold to some of the cults who deny Christs' intrinsic deity!Although I feel certain our brother never meant to convey such a thought. 

Both Darbys' version and the R.V. agree with the A.V. rendering "prepared." So I went a little further and traced it in Strongs' concordance, noting any derivatives within the meaning of the word, and found NO suggestion of "creating!"  

My purpose was not to make my brother an offender for a word, but to satisfy my concern in regard to the truth of the Person of Christ.

At the close of Romans chapter nine, I was recently struck by thoughts conveyed by the "stone of stumbling," and "Rock of offence." Without detailing my apprehension of this verse, I nevertheless felt compelled to coin a truism, I mean a self-evident truth.

The entire written Word of God, His recorded revelation to man, stands or falls upon the reception or rejection of the truths concerning Christ! One is either "Founded upon" or "Floundering upon" these revealed truths. The Person of the Son is pivotal regarding all, and everything, of any divine and eternal worth. If one is wrong about Christ, he is wrong about all and everything of ant moment, for time and eternity!