Posted by: rcottrill | January 27, 2012

Blessed Quietness

Words: Manie Payne Ferguson (b. _____, 1850; d. June 8, 1932)
Music: William S. Marshall (late 19th century)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: “Mother Ferguson,” as she was called, was born in Ireland. With her husband Theodore she founded the Peniel Rescue Missions, eventually developing several of these along the west coast of the United States. The Fergusons were holiness in doctrine, teaching salvation, holy living, and Christian perfectionism. They used many of the techniques introduced by the Salvation Army in their ministry to reach people. Hymn writer Haldor Lillenas (Wonderful Grace of Jesus), was converted at a Peniel Mission in Astoria, Oregon, in 1906.

CH-1) Joys are flowing like a river,
Since the Comforter has come;
He abides with us forever,
Makes the trusting heart His home.

Blessèd quietness, holy quietness,
What assurance in my soul!
On the stormy sea, He speaks peace to me,
How the billows cease to roll!

The doctrine of perfectionism or entire sanctification is associated with what is called the second blessing. It is believed that there is a second crisis experience to be sought after salvation, in which the Christian, infused with power by the Spirit of God, is able to live a life of sinlessness and total love. Some teach the total eradication of the sin nature in the individual. Others don’t go quite that far, but the practical result in terms of behaviour is supposed to be much the same.

While there are some parts of this hymn which I appreciate, I am not holiness in doctrine, parting company with the Ferguson’s there. This is a subject deserving of a long article all on its own. However, I will make a few comments on this erroneous teaching.

The Bible states quite clearly that is wrong to say that we have no sin nature (I Jn. 1:8), or that we do not sin (I Jn. 1:10). While Christians live out this mortal life, there will be an ongoing conflict between the indwelling Holy Spirit and “the flesh” (our inborn sin nature) (Gal. 5:17).

Experience confirms this truth. Apparently, even John Wesley, who espoused perfectionist teaching, had to admit on his deathbed that he hadn’t achieved it. But years ago, I knew a man who stated that he hadn’t committed a single sin in seventeen years. “That’s right,” his wife said. He has never sinned in all that time.

Setting aside the arrogance the man’s claim, it revealed a very narrow understanding of what is sin and what is not. I knew him. He could be angry and vengeful, and I was shocked one day to hear him use vulgar language. Further, focusing on those sins that we don’t commit often misses all the things we should be doing. Besides the sins of commission are the many sins of omission. Who could say he perfectly demonstrates the love of Christ in all situations? Who could say he invariably seizes every opportunity to serve the Lord?

As to the false notion of the eradication of the sin nature. It seems totally at odds with what happens to the other two foes we face. Hindering a holy Christian walk are the world, the flesh, and the devil. And in this life, the Lord does not eradicate the world, or the devil. Neither does He instantly remove the sin nature within.

When an individual becomes a Christian, he or she is fully sanctified positionally–that is, in the legal record of the books of heaven. This is accomplished when God, in grace, credits the righteousness of Christ to our heavenly account (II Cor. 5:21). We are “complete in Him” (Col. 2:10). On that basis we’re delivered forever from the penalty of our sin.

As to our conduct, we are called to walk in newness of life. This is a matter of practical sanctification, holy living. Positional sanctification remains eternally constant, since it is based on Christ’s righteousness, not our own. But practical (or progressive) sanctification may well be a different story. We’re to live in victory over the power of sin, but sometimes we fail. It depends on our obedience to God’s Word (Jn. 17:17; Eph. 5:26), our yieldedness to the Spirit of God and reliance on His power (Gal. 5:16, 25; cf. I Jn. 1:9).

Our perfect (or permanent) sanctification, full deliverance from the very presence of sin, will only take place when we go to be with Christ. Then, Christlikeness will be perfected in us (Phil. 3:20-21; I Jn. 3:1-2; Rev. 22:11). That is when the full richness of Mannie Ferguson’s descriptive words will be accomplished.

CH-2) Bringing life and health and gladness,
All around this heav’nly Guest,
Banished unbelief and sadness,
Changed our weariness to rest.

Questions:
1) How much of this hymn could you sing with sincerity and confidence?

2) What potential dangers to you see in the teaching that we can reach perfection in this life? (Or that we have reached perfection, and never sin?)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted by: rcottrill | January 25, 2012

Close to Thee

Words: Frances Jane (“Fanny”) Crosby (b. Mar. 24, 1820; d. Feb. 12, 1915)
Music: Silas Jones Vail (b. Oct. 6, 1818; May 20, 1883)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (Silas Vail)
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: Silas Vail was a hatter by trade, but writing tunes for gospel songs was a steady avocation. There are two slightly different stories as to the origin of this lovely song. Ira Sankey, in his volume My Life and the Story of the Gospel Songs recalls:

“Silas J. Vail, having composed this tune, brought it to Fanny Crosby, and requested her to write the words for it. As he was playing it for her on the piano, she said, ‘That refrain says “Close to Thee, close to Thee.”’ Mr. Vail said that was true, and it was agreed that it should be a hymn entitled Close to Thee.”

But the author herself originally called the song “Christ, the Portion of His People.” And Fanny Crosby, in her book Memories of Eighty Years, says:

“Toward the close of a day in the year 1874, I was sitting in my room thinking of the nearness of God through Christ as the constant companion of my pilgrim journey, when my heart burst out with the words.”

It’s possible that there is a way these two stories are both correct to some degree. Then again, Fanny having written between 8,500 and 9,000 songs, sometimes even forgot that she’d written a particular piece. But that is not as important as the beautiful wedding of heartwarming words with a fitting tune.

CH-1) Thou my everlasting portion, more than friend or life to me,
All along my pilgrim journey, Saviour, let me walk with Thee.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee,
All along my pilgrim journey, Saviour, let me walk with Thee.

We commonly use the word “portion” to refer to how much food has been placed on our dinner plate. But in the Bible the word frequently has the connotation of a possession or an inheritance. Many times, the Lord Himself is described as the “portion” of His people. David says, “O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance” (Ps. 16:5). Another psalmist cries, “My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps. 73:26).

Such an intimate relationship stirs a desire to obey and please God: “You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words” (Ps. 119:57). The sense of weakness, and of dependance on God, is also expressed by still another psalm: “I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living” (Ps. 142:5).

Following the destruction of Jerusalem, Jeremiah wept over his beloved city, but encouraged himself with, “‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, therefore I hope in Him! The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him” (Lam. 3:24-25).

Think of how amazing that is–that the eternal and Almighty God should be described as our inheritance and possession! But there is another side of the coin as well. Repeatedly, the Lord describes those who belong to Him as His inheritance and possession. In Deuteronomy, Moses states, “The Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the place of His inheritance” (Deut. 32:9). Others express a similar thought (cf. Jer. 10:16; 51:19; Zech. 2:12).

For Christians it is the same. In the New Testament, Paul prays that, “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened…you may know…what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints [how gloriously rich God’s portion is in His people]” (Eph. 1:18).

On both sides, this is intended to be a “portion” that is not simply possessed, but enjoyed. It’s not like a treasure locked away in a vault and rarely displayed or put to use. As the word in Scripture describes our relationship with the Lord, and His with us, it refers to that which is earnestly sought, regularly appreciated, and generously shared.

CH-2) Not for ease or worldly pleasure, nor for fame my prayer shall be;
Gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with Thee.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee,
Gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with Thee.

Questions:
1) Is the intensity of devotion reflected in the Scriptures, and in Fanny Crosby’s song, a part of your own experience? If not, why not?

2) The Lord asks, “Can two walk together unless they are agreed” (Amos 3:3)? How does this relate to the above questions, and to your own life?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (Silas Vail)
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted by: rcottrill | January 23, 2012

Another Year Is Dawning

Words: Frances Ridley Havergal (b. Dec. 14, 1836; d. June 3, 1879)
Music: Aurelia, by Samuel Sebastian Wesley (b. Aug. 14, 1810; d. Apr. 19, 1876)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: Frances Havergal has given us two fine New Year’s hymns. You will find a link to the other at the Wordwise Hymns link. And if you’re looking for hymns for that occasion, consider also Fanny Crosby’s How Sweet the Hour, here. Samuel Wesley, the composer of this excellent tune, was the grandson of prominent hymn writer Charles Wesley.

Many churches I know–at least in years gone by–have held a Watchnight Service to welcome in each new year. A time for testimonies and for prayer, and perhaps including a devotional challenge from the pastor. Failing this, the last Sunday of the old year, or the first of the new, is often designated as New Year’s Sunday, with a similar emphasis. This hymn provides a beautiful prayer for the occasion.

What kinds of things do you pray for as the new year approaches? In Miss Havergal’s hymn there is a long list of great things Christians should be seeking, focusing particularly on spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Let’s look at it stanza by stanza.

CH-1) Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

What would our lives be like in the coming days if our priorities were:

Living consciously each day in the presence of God (Ps. 23:4)
“Proving” His presence by trust and obedience, and seeing Him work
Progressing and growing in our Christian lives.
Living and serving to His praise and glory?

CH-2) Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

What would it be like to consistently experience:

A year of God’s mercies, faithfulness and grace
The joy found in knowing Him and serving Him
The intimacy of close fellowship with Him (cf. Jn. 13:23)
The restful security of trusting Him, day by day?

CH-3) Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven, another year for Thee.

What would it be like to be committed to:

Active service, according to the gifts and opportunities He gives (I Pet. 4:10)
More instruction from the Word, and training in His service?

What would it be like if you and a number of Christians in your local church made a similar commitment? We don’t know how much time the Lord will give us? Whether He will call us home individually within the next twelve months, or whether the time will come for the whole church to be caught up into His presence (I Thess. 4:16-17). Can we say with the Apostle Paul, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21)? Will it be, in the words of our hymn, “On earth, or else in heaven, another year with Thee”?

Sadly, it can be said of many professing Christians, “All seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:21). But if our churches are to make an impact on our communities, we will need more believers with the kind of dedication expressed by Frances Havergal.

Questions:
1) What “New Year’s Resolutions” have you made (or will you make) for this year?

2) What are one or two mentioned in the hymn that you can ask the Lord for grace to fulfil in your life in the coming days?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted by: rcottrill | January 22, 2012

How to Promote Hymn Singing

It’s been some time since I called attention to the article “30 Ideas for Promoting Hymn Singing.” As you can see, the list of ideas continues to grow, well past the original “30.”

I encourage you to pick out a few that suit your congregation and give them a try. It will refresh your people, adding to the enjoyment and enrichment of singing together. Even if your church sings mostly contemporary songs now (a sad state of affairs), you’ll still find some useful ideas here.

And if you’ve tried something not on the list, and it’s proven worthwhile, please write me about it. Perhaps it can be added to the growing list and be of help to others.

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Posted by: rcottrill | January 20, 2012

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Words: Unknown author
Music: Unknown composer

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: The author of this carol is unknown. It may have originated some five centuries ago. The song was published by William B. Sandys (pronounced Sands), an English solicitor, in his 1833 volume, Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern. Sandys’ book contributed to the mid-Victorian revival of the Christmas holiday, and the practice of singing carols, of which Queen Victoria herself was an enthusiastic supporter. The traditional tune is excellent, and it apparently originated in Cornwall, although we don’t know the composer.

There are several things to say about the lyrics of this carol. What is given in the Cyber Hymnal seems to be a mix of Sandys’ version, and that which became traditional in London in the mid-1870′s. The former version had seven stanzas, the latter had eight. Of these, most today use only CH-1, 3, 4, and 7.

It is difficult to find a definitive or original version of this carol, as many alterations have been made over the years. I have made slight changes of my own in what is posted on the Cyber Hymnal. For example, I’ve never liked the use of “deface” in CH-7:

This holy tide of Christmas
All others doth deface.

To “deface” means to disfigure, as graffiti mars a wall. Surely the intended meaning is, as some modern editors have it, “efface,” meaning to eclipse, as the glory of Christmas overshadows other festive times.

The opening line has frequently suffered from the careless removal of the comma after “merry.” The text does not refer to merry gentlemen, as though it were telling some giddy revelers to have a nice holiday. Nor is the word “rest” used as we would do, today. Five centuries ago it meant make, or keep. A modern paraphrase of the words might read: “May God keep you joyful, gentlemen. May He fill your hearts with gladness!”

This sentiment perfectly reflects the message of the angel on that first Christmas night: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy” (Lk. 2:10). And the reason for great rejoicing follows: “For there is born to you…a Saviour” (vs. 11). One “to save us all from Satan’s power,” as the carol puts it (CH-1), and, “To free all those who trust in Him from Satan’s power and might,” (CH-4; cf. Heb. 2:14-15).

Various Scriptures, both prophetic and reflecting on the event afterward, have this note of joyful celebration in the “glad tidings” delivered by the angels.

“O Zion, you who bring good tidings, get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, you who bring good tidings, lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’” (Isa. 40:9).

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (Isa. 61:1; cf. Lk. 4:16-21).

“And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (Rom. 10:15).

In the words of John, in the incarnation “the Word [God the Son] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14). Truly, “this holy tide of Christmas all others doth efface.”

CH-1) God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Saviour
Was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray.

O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Questions:
1) In your view, what is the essence of Christmas?

2) Though many of modern Christmas traditions and fantasies are not wrong in themselves, they have tended to obscure the true meaning of the day? How have you and your family dealt with all the extras that have been added to the holiday?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (none)
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted by: rcottrill | January 18, 2012

Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

Words: John of Damascus (b. _____, 675; d. Dec. 4, c. 749)
Music: St. Kevin, by Arthur Seymour Sullivan (b. May 13, 1842; d. Nov. 22, 1900)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (John Neale, Arthur Sullivan)
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: John of Damascus (or John Damascene) was the last of the Greek Church Fathers. Little is known of his personal history. He was born in Damascus of Christian parents, he became a gifted theologian, and wrote extensively. His book The Fount of Knowledge was a summation of the theology of the Eastern Church, as Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologie summed up Latin theology five centuries later. John is also considered a great early hymn writer.

Two prominent English hymnists of the nineteenth century gave us our hymn. John Neale translated the words in 1859, and Arthur Sullivan wrote the tune commonly used with it in 1872. Dr. Neale’s rendering of the Greek original is as close to a precise translation as he could come. He confessed the difficulty of the task. The ancient Greek hymns were written in prose, with no poetical metre, so he had to create this to suit the style of our English hymns.

The hymn skillfully weaves together two great events, Israel’s miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea, and Christ’s triumph over death and the grave. The most dramatic and transforming event in human history could well be the resurrection of Christ (rivaled only by the incarnation and the death of Christ, with which it is inseparably linked). The dramatic announcement of the angel on Easter morning has echoed down the centuries: “I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said” (Matt. 28:5-6). So, how is that connected with events in Exodus?

Under Moses, the Israelites came out of Egypt and began their journey to the Promised Land (Exod. 12–14). Soon afterward Pharaoh, believing they’d foolishly trapped themselves at the Red Sea, sent the Egyptian army after them, with 600 chariots. But the Lord told Moses to lift his rod over the sea. As he did so, the waters rolled back, to the left and to the right, revealing a smooth path through the sea. At God’s command, the Israelites crossed over to safety. When the Egyptian chariots pursued, the waters closed in upon them and they were all drowned.

CH-1) Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought His Israel into joy from sadness;
Loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke Jacob’s sons and daughters,
Led them with unmoistened foot through the Red Sea waters.

Appropriately, the miraculous path through the sea has been used as a picture of the second great event, the death and resurrection of Christ, by which our salvation was provided. Think of the parallels.

The Israelites were in bondage in Egypt, as the sinner is in bondage to sin and Satan. The crossing of the Red Sea is an apt picture of death and resurrection. For Israel, death to the old life, and deliverance from the Hebrews’ oppressors, after which a new life opened to them. Similarly, our participation, by faith, in Christ’s death and resurrection, opens the door to new life (Rom. 6:3-10; I Pet. 2:24). It should not be surprising that these two great liberating miracles are brought together (cf. Rev. 15:3).

CH-2) ’Tis the spring of souls today; Christ has burst His prison,
And from three days’ sleep in death as a sun hath risen;
All the winter of our sins, long and dark, is flying
From His light, to whom we give laud and praise undying.

CH-5) “Alleluia!” now we cry to our King Immortal,
Who, triumphant, burst the bars of the tomb’s dark portal;
“Alleluia!” with the Son, God the Father praising,
“Alleluia!” yet again to the Spirit raising.

Questions:
1) Moses says of God’s deliverance, “He brought us out from there [from Egyptian bondage] that He might bring us in, to give us the land which He swore to our fathers” (Deut. 6:23). How does this parallel salvation in Christ?

2) After their deliverance, the Israelites failed to trust God and refused to go in a possess what He had given them (Num. 13:26–14:38). How does this parallel the experience of some Christians?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns (John Neale, Arthur Sullivan)
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted by: rcottrill | January 16, 2012

Nothing but the Blood

Words: Robert Lowry (b. Mar. 12, 1826; d. Nov. 25, 1899)
Music: Robert Lowry

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: The Cyber Hymnal gives us all six stanzas of this gospel song. Most hymnals I know of use only CH-1 to 4, though the others are worth a look too. In 1887, this song by Robert Lowry inspired Richard Slater to write a song for the Salvation Army which begins:

Jesus, see me at Thy feet,
Nothing by Thy blood can save me.

Nothing but the blood of Jesus–we’re told that eighteen times in Lowry’s song (counting the repeated refrain). As I’ve noted before in this blog, some gospel songs are simple and sometimes repetitious by design. They were taught quickly and remembered easily, and by this means they helped people to recall key Bible truths. And is this truth important enough to impress by repetition? Yes! There is no other way to be saved.

CH-3) Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Cleansing and forgiveness by the shed blood of an innocent sacrifice was typified in the Old Testament offerings, and these all foreshadowed the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (Lev. 17:11).’“Without shedding of blood there is no remission [no forgiveness of sins]” (Heb. 9:22).

“In Him [Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). “Having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20). “Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Rev. 1:5).

CH-1) What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Numerous blessings are listed by Pastor Lowry that come to us through faith in the shed blood of the Saviour. In CH-2, there is pardon and cleansing (I Jn. 1:7). In CH-4 there is hope (Rom. 5:1-2; Tit. 2:13-14), and peace (Col. 1:2), and a righteous standing before God (Rom. 5:9). In CH-5 there is overcoming power (Rev. 12:11), and the assurance of a home in heaven.

CH-6) Glory! Glory! This I sing–
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring–
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Questions:
1) How many hymns can you think of that praise God for the shed blood of Christ, or speak of its value to us? (Are these songs sung by your own church?)

2) Though there are many cults and “isms,” it is sometimes said that they all amount to much the same thing when it comes to proposing a means of salvation other than what Scripture teaches. What is meant by this?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted by: rcottrill | January 15, 2012

Advantages of Hymn Books

Lindsay Smith, of New Zealand, is the editor of the new hymn book Redemption Hymns. I encourage you to take a look at it. An attempt has been made to include only hymns that are rich in biblical truth. A brief look at the Table of Contents (available on the website) shows this could be a valuable compilation for a pastor or worship leader’s library. It would also be an asset for devotional use by any Christian.

Below are are some advantages Lindsay sees in using hymn books, rather than words projected on the wall. (Thanks, Lindsay, for giving me permission to share these.) I have slightly abridged his article, and added a few comments of my own in squared brackets.

In addition to his list, I personally feel it is worthwhile having a book because it provides music notation to encourage parts singing. But he tells me this is impossible with Redemption Hymns. The music edition is large and expensive, and intended mainly for accompanists. Books for the congregation have words only.

I would also add that a good hymn book contains a distillation of church history, and reflects life experiences of great saints of bygone days. When some of this history is shared before a hymn is sung, it provides a wonderful teaching tool. And using books usually places more of the hymn (i.e. more stanzas) before the reader, as well as providing information about author and composer.

One more thought. There can be more spontaneity possible with the use of hymnals. Video projectors must be programed in advance, and stanzas chosen. But if the pastor or worship leader wants to repeat a stanza sung earlier, or add another one, or feels led to call for a hymn that wasn’t planned for, he cannot do so as easily with a video system. Only hymn books provide this kind of flexibility.

With these added thoughts, here are more advantages from Lindsay Smith.

1)  When a church uses hymn books instead of a projector, there’s no annual copyright charge – and no need to keep weekly records of songs used for the copyright agency.

2) Hymn books are good for people who have difficulty seeing the words on a screen due to eyesight problems — or because they’re behind a tall person. [As far as helping people with poor eyesight, this is only true if the lighting is good, and print in the hymnal is good.]

3) Hymn books can be used when the projector bulb blows.

4) Hymn books can be used when people are sitting around the room facing the centre – they don’t all need to be facing a screen.

5) If God speaks to you through a hymn, you might want to re-read the words after it has been sung. This is easy with a hymn book, but a projected song disappears as soon as it has been sung.  Sometimes, only one verse is visible at a time.

6) People can purchase their own hymn books and take them home – to learn songs, to prepare for the service, or for devotional reading. They can mark or highlight the songs they like.

7) People get to know and love hymn books – but this is not possible [or less likely] with ever-changing collections of projected songs.

8) Hymn books are great for song-times in homes.  They are suitable for families, home groups and other small groups.

9) Although there is a cost associated with the purchase of hymn books, there is also a cost (sometimes a very large one) associated with the purchase and maintenance of projection equipment. Projector bulbs especially are very expensive.

10) Operators of projection equipment must be recruited, trained and scheduled. There will inevitably be hitches with operator absences, equipment problems, and selecting songs on the computer.

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Posted by: rcottrill | January 13, 2012

This Is My Father’s World

Words: Maltbie Davenport Babcock (b. Aug. 3, 1858; d. May 18,1901)
Music: Terra Beata, by Franklin Lawrence Sheppard (b. Aug. 7, 1852; d. Feb. 15, 1930)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: The author and the composer, Franklin Sheppard, were friends for many years. A singularly handsome man, and athletic, Maltbie Babcock died at the age of forty-three of brucellosis (a highly contagious fever sometimes carried by domestic animals).

The Cyber Hymnal gives six stanzas of Pastor Babcock’s sixteen-stanza poem. It is customary to use only CH-1 through 3 for the hymn, though there are some interesting thoughts in the remainder. For example, the idea that the earth holds a special place in the heart of God because His holy Son walked upon it. It is the presence of God that renders the path beneath our feet “holy ground” (cf. Exod. 3:5).

For dear to God is the earth Christ trod.
No place but is holy ground.

Edward Young, a fifteenth century English poet, said, “An undevout astronomer is mad.” To deny that the spangled heavens have a Creator and Designer is simply foolishness (cf. Ps. 14:1). The same can be said, of course, of all creation. Not only what is probed by the telescope, but what can be placed on the viewing stage of a microscope, these are all incredible wonders, showing the infinite wisdom of God. This is indeed “my Father’s world,” and all of nature proclaims His glory.

CH-1) This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

But Maltbie Babcock’s poem is more than simply a paean to the beauties of nature. He sees all of this in the context of the power and purposes of a sovereign God. And the wonders of nature are one thing, but there is a moral dimension to life on earth as well. The natural world around us may be beautiful to behold, but the wickedness of human beings is all around us too. We are warned, in Scripture, that as the day approaches for Christ’s return, the evils in society will grow worse and worse (I Tim. 4:1-3; II Tim. 3:1-5, 12-13).

Sometimes, we might almost think that evil is about to triumph completely. With tormented Job we’re tempted to cry, “My eye will never again see good” (Job 7:7). But God is still on the throne. One day, Christ will return in glory, “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God” (II Thess. 1:8), and He will reign forever as “King of kings and Lord of lords” (I Tim. 6:14-16; cf. Isa. 9:6-7). As believers, we have His promise that we’ll share in that reign (Rev. 5:9-10).

One day the Lord is going to create a new heaven and a new earth, and the heavenly city will descend, and God will dwell in the midst of His people forever. All evil will be put away, and all the suffering it has caused. Then it may be truly said, without reservation, “This is my Father’s world” (Rev. 21:1-5).

CH-3) This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heav’n be one.

Questions:
1) What can we learn about God from nature? And what are some things not revealed about Him there?

2) What is the fundamental and encouraging spiritual message of this hymn?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted in M2. Reflections: January12 | Tags: , , , , , ,

Posted by: rcottrill | January 11, 2012

Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling

Words: Daniel March (b. July 21, 1816; d. Mar. 2, 1909)
Music: Ellesdie, attributed to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (b. Jan. 27, 1756; d. Dec. 5:1791)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: Mozart’s impressive full name is actually Johann Chrysostom Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! As to the tune Ellesdie (also used with Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken), there is no direct evidence that Mozart is the composer. In a book called Winnowed Hymns (1873), it is identified as “Air, Mozart, Arr. by H.P.M.”–the latter likely referring to Hubert Platt Main. Hubert Main (1839-1925) was a music editor and publisher, and he wrote the music for over a thousand gospel songs. Some have speculated that the tune name Ellesdie may originated with an unknown composer with the initials L.S.D.

Daniel March’s hymn has six stanzas, as found in the Cyber Hymnal. The hymn book that I have on my desk at the moment uses only CH-1, 2, and 6. It is unfortunate that many congregations won’t be exposed to other parts of the song. Each stanza makes a valid (and, at times, singularly convicting!) point.

The inspiration for the song comes from the vision of Isaiah of the glory of God (the “Us” in the text seeming to represent a Trinitarian commission, coming from God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). Isaiah says:

“I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me’” (Isa. 6:8).

CH-1) Hark, the voice of Jesus calling,
“Who will go and work today?
Fields are ripe and harvests waiting,
Who will bear the sheaves away?”
Long and loud the Master calls us,
Rich reward He offers free;
Who will answer, gladly saying,
“Here am I, send me, send me”?

It is quite true that there is “rich reward” in serving the Lord. However, in the context in Isaiah, that is certainly not immediate! The prophet is called upon the proclaim the message of the Lord to a rebellious and unbelieving nation that will soon be devastated and taken into captivity (vs. 9-12)–though God graciously speaks of a future restoration (vs. 13). Jeremiah too, at the eleventh hour before the Babylonian Captivity of Israel, was sent to minister to a hardened people (Jer. 1:17-19).

I encourage you to take a look at the Cyber Hymnal link and read over all the stanzas. Perhaps they could be printed in your church bulletin in order for all to be blessed by them. They have something to say to us all. Here are a couple of examples:

CH-2) If you cannot cross the ocean,
And the distant lands explore,
You can find the lost around you,
You can help them at your door;
If you cannot give your thousands,
You can give the widow’s mite;
What you truly give for Jesus,
Will be precious in His sight.

CH3) If you cannot speak like angels,
If you cannot preach like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus,
You can say He died for all.
If you cannot rouse the wicked,
With the judgment’s dread alarms,
You can lead the little children
To the Saviour’s waiting arms.

Questions:
1) Do you know personally of faithful servants of God who have laboured in a difficult area, and experienced discouragements? (Please pray for them.)

2) How might we encourage others who feel there’s nothing they can do for the Lord, helping them to see some ministry they can take up for Him?

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
The Cyber Hymnal

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Posted in M2. Reflections: January12 | Tags: , , , , , ,

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