XXVII. Of Baptism
Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby Christian men are discerned from others that be not christened, but it is also a sign of Regeneration or New-Birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church; the promises of the forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed; Faith is confirmed, and Grace increased by virtue of prayer unto God.
The Baptism of young Children is in any wise to be retained in the Church, as most agreeable with the institution of Christ.
He that believes and is baptized
shall see the Lord's salvation;
baptized into the death of Christ,
he is a new creation.
through Christ's redemption he shall stand
among the glorious heavenly band
of every tribe and nation.With one accord, O God, we pray:
grant us thy Holy Spirit;
look thou on our infirmity
through Jesus' blood and merit.
Grant us to grow in grace each day
that by this sacrament we may
eternal life inherit.Thomas Hansen Kingo, 1689; tr. George Alfred Taylor Rygh, 1909
The original version of Hymn 298 in The Hymnal 1982
Previously: I've covered all the articles to this point, including Articles I, II, VII, XII, XVII, XXII & XXVI
Labels: hymn
XXVI. Of the Unworthiness of the Ministers, which hinders not the effect of the Sacraments.
Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments, yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christ's, and do minister by his commission and authority, we may use their Ministry, both in hearing the Word of God, and in receiving the Sacraments. Neither is the effect of Christ's ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of God's gifts diminished from such as by faith, and rightly, do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them; which be effectual, because of Christ's institution and promise, although they be ministered by evil men.
Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the discipline of the Church, that inquiry be made of evil Ministers, and that they be accused by those that have knowledge of their offences; and finally, being found guilty, by just judgment be deposed.
Therefore we, before him bending,
this great Sacrament revere;
types and shadows have their ending,
for the newer rite is here;
faith, our outward sense befriending,
makes our inward vision clear.Thomas Aquinas
Previously: I've covered all the articles to this point, including Articles I, VI, XI, XVI, XXI & XXV
"Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious."Peter Ustinov
It's been one year since the untimely death of comedian Mitch Hedberg.
While he may never be raised to sainthood, I believe his incredible observations about the world around us point us to an understanding about where we are as human beings in God's kingdom. To me, Mitch is more than just a funny guy. He points us to God.
His death also says something about God. Comedians -- those people whose job it is to always make people laugh at the absurdities of the world -- can get awfully depressed some times, more so than typical non-funny people. I guess it's their attempt to lift themselves out of absurd human fallenness through humor that can be so personally destructive. If they find themselves unable to laugh, they could be in trouble.
Humor is important to human life, and I would wager it's a part of who God is. But just like the other gifts of God's creation, humor can be taken to excess.
It's not our job to lift ourselves up. Only God can offer salvation.
A provisional collect for the Feast of Mitch Hedberg:
O Radiant God, Laughing Light of all creation, shine down on the laughter of your children and show us the true Joy of each other's company, that we may begin to understand on earth the realm you have prepared for us in heaven, where you abide with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
XXV. Of the Sacraments.
Sacraments ordained of Christ be not only badges or tokens of Christian men's profession, but rather they be certain sure witnesses, and effectual signs of grace, and God's good will towards us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our Faith in him.
There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord.
Those five commonly called Sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction, are not to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have grown partly of the corrupt following of the Apostles, partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures; but yet have not like nature of Sacraments with Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, for that they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of God.
The Sacraments are not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about, but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same, they have a wholesome effect or operation:but they that receive them unworthily, purchase to themselves damnation, as Saint Paul saith.
Morning glory, starlit sky,
soaring music, scholar’s truth,
flight of swallows, autumn leaves,
memory’s treasure, grace of youth.
W. H. Vanstone (b. 1923)
see Hymn 585 in the Hymnal 1982
Previously: I've covered all the articles to this point, including Articles I, II, III, IV, V, X, XV, XX & XXIV
Labels: hymn
XXIV. Of Speaking in the Congregation in such a Tongue as the people understandeth.
It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the Primitive Church, to have public Prayer in the Church, or to minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not understanded of the people.
When they heard the Word, some demurred, some mocked,
some were shocked: but many were stirred and the Word spread.
Lives long dead were quickened to life;
the sick were healed by the Truth revealed;
released into peace from the gin of old sin,
men forgot themselves in the glory of the story told by the Twelve.
from "The Twelve" by W.H. Auden
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: I've covered all the articles to this point, including Articles I, II, III, IV, IX, XIII, XIX & XXIII
XXIII. Of Ministering in the Congregation
It is not lawful for any man to take upon him the office of public preaching, or ministering the Sacraments in the Congregation, before he be lawfully called, and sent to execute the same. And those we ought to judge lawfully called and sent, which be chosen and called to this work by men who have public authority given unto them in the Congregation, to call and send Ministers into the Lord's vineyard.
These are getting tricky. I can't think of a hymn to match with the lawfulness of a "man" preaching and ministering the Sacraments. Nor would I want to.
It seems the "rules" have loosened considerably since we have female priests and occasional lay preaching.
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: I've covered all the articles to this point, including Articles I, II, III, VIII, XIII, XVIII & XXII
Labels: hymn
You might want to read the eloquence of the Archbishop on creationism, or see the loquaciousness of Shrub's nephew [mov].
XXII. Of Purgatory. The Romish Doctrine concerning Purgatory, Pardons, Worshipping and Adoration, as well of Images as of Relics, and also Invocation of Saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warranty of Scripture, but rather repugnant to the Word of God.
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: I've covered all the articles to this point, including Articles I, II, VII, XII, XVII & XXI
XXI. Of the Authority of General Councils.
[The Twenty-first of the former Articles is omitted; because it is partly of a local and civil nature, and is provided for, as to the remaining parts of it, in other Articles.]
The original 1571, 1662 text of this Article, omitted in the version of 1801, reads as follows: "General Councils may not be gathered together without the commandment and will of Princes. And when they be gathered together, (forasmuch as they be an assembly of men, whereof all be not governed with the Spirit and Word of God,) they may err, and sometimes have erred, even in things pertaining unto God. Wherefore things ordained by them as necessary to salvation have neither strength nor authority, unless it may be declared that they be taken out of holy Scripture."
Wait a minute. So, this means there are how many articles, 39? 38?
What's that? You don't care?
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: I've covered all the articles to this point, including Articles I, VI, XI, XVI & XX
XX. Of the Authority of the Church.
The Church hath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies, and authority in Controversies of Faith: and yet it is not lawful for the Church to ordain anything that is contrary to God's Word written, neither may it so expound one place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another. Wherefore, although the Church be a witness and a keeper of Holy Writ, yet, as it ought not to decree any thing against the same, so besides the same ought not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of Salvation.
Though with a scornful wonder
men see her sore oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder,
by heresies distressed;
yet saints their watch are keeping,
their cry goes up, "How long?"
and soon the night of weeping
shall be the morn of song.Samuel John Stone, 1868
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: I've covered all the articles to this point, including Articles I, II, III, IV, V, X, XV & XIX
XIX. Of the Church.
The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ's ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same.
As the Church of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch, have erred; so also the Church of Rome hath erred, not only in their living and manner of Ceremonies, but also in matters of Faith.
The Church's one foundation
is Jesus Christ her Lord;
she is his new creation,
by water and the word:
from heaven he came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her,
and for her life he died.Samuel John Stone, 1868
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: I've covered all the articles to this point, including Articles I, II, III, IV, IX, XIV & XVIII
XVIII. Of obtaining eternal Salvation only by the Name of Christ.
They also are to be had accursed that presume to say, That every man shall be saved by the Law or Sect which he professeth, so that he be diligent to frame his life according to that Law, and the light of Nature. For Holy Scripture doth set out unto us only the Name of Jesus Christ, whereby men must be saved.
At the Name of Jesus
every knee shall bow,
every tongue confess him
King of glory now;
'tis the Father's pleasure
we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning
was the mighty Word.Name him, brothers, name him,
with love as strong as death,
but with awe and wonder
and with bated breath;
he is God the Savior,
he is Christ the Lord,
ever to be worshiped,
trusted, and adored.At the name of Jesus, stanzas 1 & 5
Caroline M. Noel (1817-1877), 1870
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI & XVII
XVII. Of Predestination and Election.
Predestination to Life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his counsel secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvation, as vessels made to honour. Wherefore, they which be endued with so excellent a benefit of God, be called according to God's purpose by his Spirit working in due season: they through Grace obey the calling: they be justified freely: they be made sons of God by adoption: they be made like the image of his only- begotten Son Jesus Christ: they walk religiously in good works, and at length, by God's mercy, they attain to everlasting felicity.
As the godly consideration of Predestination, and our Election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons, and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly members, and drawing up their mind to high and heavenly things, as well because it doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal Salvation to be enjoyed through Christ, as because it doth fervently kindle their love towards God: So, for curious and carnal persons, lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes the sentence of God's Predestination, is a most dangerous downfall, whereby the Devil doth thrust them either into desperation, or into wrethchlessness of most unclean living, no less perilous than desperation.
Furthermore, we must receive God's promises in such wise, as they be generally set forth to us in Holy Scripture: and, in our doings, that Will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared unto us in the word of God.
Elect from every nation,
yet one o'er all the earth,
her charter of salvation,
one Lord, one faith, one birth;
one holy Name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with every grace endued.The Church's one foundation, stanza 2
Samuel John Stone, 1868
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV & XVI
The following are George Thalben-Ball's divisional pistons at the Temple Church, London in 1978.
Great (progressive addition)
- 8' Stopped Diapason
- 8' Geigen [Diapason]
- 8' Small Open Diapason
- 4' Octave
- 2' Super Octave
- 8' Hohl Flute
harmonics 18.20.22.23 - 2 2/3' Octave Quint
- 8' Tromba (Harmonic)*
4' Octave Tromba (Harmonic)*
not included on the pistons are
- 16' Double Geigen
- 16' Bourdon
- 8' Large Open Diapason
- 4' Wald Flute
*These ranks are in a solo swell box.
N.B. The source material lists the length of the Octave Quint as 2'8", a very pretentious way of notating 2 2/3'.
Swell (progressive addition)
- 8' Echo Salicional
8' Vox Angelica
Octave coupler - 8' Stopped Diapason [without Vox Angelica and Octave coupler]
- 8' Open Diapason
- 4' Principal [without Echo Salicional]
- 2' Fifteenth
- Mixture 12.19.22.26.29
- 8' Oboe [without Mixture]
16' Double Trumpet
Octave coupler - Mixture [without Octave coupler]
8' Trumpet (Harmonic trebles)
4' Clarion (Harmonic trebles)
not included on the pistons is
- 16' Quintalön
Pedal (progressive addition)
- 16' Bourdon
16' Dulciana - [as No. 1 which will accomodate the use of Pedal Pistons to Great Pistons]
- 16' Violone
- 16' Geigen [Diapason] [without Violne 16' or Dulciana 16']
8' Flute - 32' Sub Bourdon
16' Open Wood - 32' Double Open Wood
- 16' Ophicleide*
16' Orchestral Trumpet
8' Posaune* - 32' Double Ophicleide
not included on the pistons are:
- 8' Open Wood
- 4' Octave Flute
- 16' Basoon
*These ranks are in a solo swell box
It should be noted that Thalben-Ball chose to create crescendi using these three divisions. The Choir and Solo divisions were not a part of this progressive registration scheme.
Choir
(enclosed)
- 8' Claribel Flute
8' Dulciana - 8' Claribel Flute
4' Flute Traverso - 8' Claribel Flute
8' Lieblich Gedeckt
4' Flute Traverso
2' Harmonic Piccolo - 8' Claribel Flute
8' Lieblich Gedeckt
8' Dulciana
4' Salicet
4' Flute Traverso - 4' Flute Traverso
(Dulciana Muxture 15.19.22 is sometimes included)
16' Cor Anglais - 16' Contra Dulciana
4' Flauto Traverso
Dulciana Mixture - 16' Contra Dulciana
8' Claribel Flute
2' Harmonic Piccolo - 8' Lieblich Gedeckt 8' Clarinet
(enclosed)
- 8' Viole d'Orchestre 8' Voix Céeleste 8' Harmonic Flute
- 8' Harmonic Flute
- 8' Harmonic Flute
4' Concert Flute - 8' Harmonic Flute
4' Concert Flute
Octave coupler - 16' Contra Viola
4' Concert Flute - 8' Horn (harmonic)
- 16' Double Orchestral Trumpet (Harmonic trebles)
Octave coupler
Unison off - 8' Tuba (Harmonic)
not included on the pistons are
- 8' Orchestral Hautboy
- Sub-octave coupler
This material was taken from The Organ Works of Herbert Howells (1892-1983) by John Nixon McMillan, his doctoral thesis for the University of Iowa, May 1997.
McMillan cites Jonathan Rennert, George Thalben-Ball (London: David & Charles, 1979), 159-61.
Labels: Howells
Americans in the pews must find Jesus either dull or boring (never judge a book by it's cover) because I don't think they understand What Jesus Meant (interview with author Gary Wills, mp3 26.4 MB).
Namely, they seem to think that Jesus is okay with war.
In general, the more frequently an American attends church, the less likely he or she is to say the war [in Iraq] was a mistake.-Frank Newport
quoted in Harper, Jennifer. "Go to church, back the war." The Washington Times 17 March 2006
In a not altogether unrelated development, I came across some infamous Anglicans/Episcopalians who aren't exactly pacifists:
- Betsy Braddock ("Psylocke"),
- Brian Braddock ("Captain Britain"),
- Jean Grey ("Phoenix"),
- Hank McCoy ("the Beast"),
- Rev. Dr. Christopher Syn ("Scarecrow of Romey Marsh;" an Anglican clergyman!),
- Bruce Wayne ("Batman;" possibly Catholic, but let's hope for the best),
- and Warren Worthington III ("Archangel;" I could be wrong, but isn't this the guy our vice president shot in the face?)
from The Religious Affiliation of Comic Book Characters, via memepool
XVI. Of Sin after Baptism.
Not every deadly sin willingly committed after Baptism is sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore the grant of repentance is not be denied to such as fall into sin after Baptism. After we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and by the grace of God we may arise again, and amend our lives. And therefore they are to be condemned, which say, they can no more sin as long as they live here, or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent.
He that believes and is baptized
shall see the Lord's salvation;
baptized into the death of Christ,
he is a new creation.
through Christ's redemption he shall stand
among the glorious heavenly band
of every tribe and nation.With one accord, O God, we pray: grant us thy Holy Spirit;
look thou on our infirmity
through Jesus' blood and merit.
Grant us to grow in grace each day
that by this sacrament we may
eternal life inherit.Thomas Hansen Kingo, 1689; tr. George Alfred Taylor Rygh, 1909
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV & XV
XV. Of Christ alone without Sin. Christ in the truth of our nature was made like unto us in all things, sin only except, from which he was clearly void, both in his flesh, and in his spirit. He came to be the Lamb without spot, who, by sacrifice of himself once made, should take away the sins of the world; and sin (as Saint John saith) was not in him. But all we the rest, although baptized, and born again in Christ, yet offend in many things; and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Christians, to the Paschal victim
offer your thankful praises!A lamb the sheep redeemeth:
Christ, who only is sinless,
reconcileth sinners to the Father."Christians to the Paschal Victim"
attr. Wipo (c. 1030); tr. The English Hymnal, 1906
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII & XIV
And now, a brief interruption for the commonly observed "St. Patrick's Day:"
Please note that the correct liturgical color for the Lenten Feast of St. Patrick is purple, not green.
Thank you for your consideration.
And now, if you'll please stand, we'll sing St. Patrick's great hymn:
I bind unto myself today
the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One, and One in Three.
I bind this day to me for ever,
by power of faith, Christ's Incarnation;
his baptism in Jordan river;
his death on cross for my salvation;
his bursting from the spicèd tomb;
his riding up the heavenly way;
his coming at the day of doom:
I bind unto myself today.I bind unto myself the power
of the great love of cherubim;
the sweet "Well done" in judgment hour;
the service of the seraphim;
confessors' faith, apostles' word,
the patriarchs' prayers, the prophets' scrolls;
all good deeds done unto the Lord,
and purity of virgin souls.I bind unto myself today
the virtues of the starlit heaven
the glorious sun's life-giving ray,
the whiteness of the moon at even,
the flashing of the lightning free,
the whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
the stable earth, the deep salt sea,
around the old eternal rocks.I bind unto myself today
the power of God to hold and lead,
his eye to watch, his might to stay,
his ear to hearken, to my need;
the wisdom of my God to teach,
his hand to guide, his shield to ward;
the word of God to give me speech,
his heavenly host to be my guard.Christ be with me,
Christ within me,
Christ behind me,
Christ before me,
Christ beside me,
Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort
and restore me.
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ in quiet,
Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of
all that love me,
Christ in mouth of
friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself today
the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One, and One in Three.
Of whom all nature hath creation,
eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
praise to the Lord of my salvation,
salvation is of Christ the Lord.attr. St. Patrick (372-466); tr. Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895), 1889
Labels: hymn
XIV. Of Works of Supererogation.
Voluntary Works besides, over and above, God's Commandments, which they call Works of Supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety: for by them men do declare, that they not only render unto God as much as they are bound to, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants.
TawLet my cry come before you, O LORD; *
give me understanding, according to your word.
Let my supplication come before you; *
deliver me, according to your promise.
My lips shall pour forth your praise, *
when you teach me your statutes.
My tongue shall sing of your promise, *
for all your commandments are righteous.
Let your hand be ready to help me, *
for I have chosen your commandments.
I long for your salvation, O LORD, *
and your law is my delight.
Let me live, and I will praise you, *
and let your judgments help me.
I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; *
search for your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.Psalm 119:169-176
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII & XIII
XIII. Of Works before Justification.
Works done before the grace of Christ, and the Inspiration of the Spirit, are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ; neither do they make men meet to receive grace, or (as the School-authors say) deserve grace of congruity: yea rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin.
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.John Newton (1725-1807)
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI & XII
XII. Of Good Works.
Albeit that Good Works, which are the fruits of Faith, and follow after Justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God's judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and lively Faith; insomuch that by them a lively Faith may be as evidently known as a tree discerned by the fruit.
The tree of life my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit and always green:
The tree of life my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit and always green:
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the apple tree.His beauty doth all things excel:
By faith I know, but ne’er can tell,
His beauty doth all things excel:
By faith I know, but ne’er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the apple tree.For happiness I long have sought,
And pleasure dearly I have bought:
For happiness I long have sought,
And pleasure dearly I have bought:
I missed of all; but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.
I’m weary with my former toil,
Here I will sit and rest a while:
I’m weary with my former toil,
Here I will sit and rest a while:
Under the shadow I will be,
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive:
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive:
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.Joshua Smith, New Hampshire, 1784
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X & XI
Labels: Apple
XI. Of the Justification of Man. We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by Faith, and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore, that we are justified by Faith only, is a most wholesome Doctrine, and very full of comfort, as more largely expressed in the Homily of Justification.
We walk by faith, and not by sight;
no gracious words we hear from him
who spoke as none e'er spoke;
but we believe him near.We may not touch his hands and side,
nor follow where he trod;
but in his promise we rejoice;
and cry, "My Lord and God!"Help then, O Lord, our unbelief;
and may our faith abound,
to call on you when you are near,
and seek where you are found:that, when our life of faith is done,
in realms of clearer light
we may behold you as you are,
with full and endless sight.Words: Henry Alford (1810-1871), alt.
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX & X
You might be wondering, "what are others saying about you, David Sinden?"
Well, I'll tell you:
He's my new heroStephen Van Dahm (source)
He's a hymn-naziTitus van den Heuvel (Titus actually said this!)
I cut off my ear for him!Vincent van Gogh (possibly spurious, but he would have said this in Dutch)
Isn't that nice? The rest of what's been said about me lately has been mostly name calling.
In fact, it turns out the only people who say nice things about me have "van" in their name.
Part of the fallout from a recent article I wrote was that someone called me a "Sexagesima." I didn't think this was very nice. I also didn't really know what it meant.
That is, I didn't know what it meant before I stumbled upon Lectionary Central. And lo, there it is: the traditional western lectionary for all to behold.
Tangent: I like the phrase "western lectionary" a lot. As in "Yee-haw, pardner! Let's giddeyup dem Preer Bucks and say us'n Eve'nin-Song! Whoopee!"
I was all set to behold my favorite TV show last week, but the one week I didn't have a Thursday night choir rehearsal, Fox wasn't showing The O.C.. It was preempted by Skating with Celebrities. I guess God decided it best to remove this temptation from me.
Full disclosure: On average, I probably watch about 20 minutes of network TV a month. I don't have cable, so in order to pull in a staticky Fox from Indianapolis I have to do some pretty fancy antennawork.
Speaking of fancy antennawork, you might remember that back on Christ the King Sunday when I pulled in an Anglican Use Gradual. Well, it turns out that the adapter of said Gradual maintains a website: C. David Burt's Weblog. This is just further proof that conservative Anglicans are generally older white men with beards and blogs.
Another (likely bearded) Anglican has created another online Anglican Gradual and Sacramentary. Well, to clarify, another Gradual, but the first Sacramentary I've found. The website is not attractive, but the downloadable documents are.
I think biodiesel is attractive (though not downloadable), which naturally led me to the announcement that the world's largest biodiesel plant will be built in Claypool, Indiana, a mere four-hour drive from my home. The company building the plant is Louis Dreyfus Agriculture Industries LLC. You probably recognize that company's name from an actress on Seinfeld. (Her dad owns the company.)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus appeared in Christmas Vacation (1998) with Keith MacKechnie. MacKechnie appeared in We Married Margo (2000) with Kevin Bacon.
Kevin Bacon, in case you don't know, is the center of the universe.
Tangent: TV and movie stars often have strange powers. Did David Hasselhoff help end the cold war?
Bacon appeared in Where the Truth Lies (2005) with Colin Firth. Firth starred in The Importance of Being Earnest with Reese Witherspoon.
My spies tell me that Witherspoon has attended Mass at All Saints', Beverly Hills, California which, if nothing else, means she's heard good organ music.
Speaking of good organ music, I heard Yoon-Mi Lim in recital on Friday at First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Indiana
I reviewed her recital on this prayer request card:
During intermission I flipped through a paperback "Worship Resource Book" that the church had produced, and found a hand-written Gloria Patri:
I noticed that this Gloria Patri was written for someone named "Laws."
Wandering around after the recital, I noticed there was a whole room named for these "Laws."
For being highly legalistic Presbyterians, the church sure doesn't pay attention to the Laws of Liturgy, for what did I find upon opening last week's bulletin?
Immediately After Anne McLaren concluded the "Call to Worship" by inviting the congregation to "observe a holy Lent" the congregation sang "Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven," which, like the original hymn by Henry Francis Lyte, contains no fewer than eight A-words. You know, the four-syllable ones that are forbidden in Lent and should be reserved for Easter.
So that Holy Lent liturgically lasted like, what, less than a minute?
All*luia's aside, here's an Inclusive Language Quibble: I'm not normally one to fuss over such things, but let's take a look at the title of that hymn: "The God of Heaven" means what exactly? Is this supposed to distinguish Him from the God of Earth? from the God of Biscuits? I think "King of Heaven" is supposed to be a metaphor for God. I don't think that "God of Heaven" is a metaphor for God, at least, not a very good one.
You can't use the thing that you're metaphoring in the actual metaphor, it just doesn't work. It's one thing to call David Sinden a hymn-nazi. It's another thing to call Adolph Hitler a hymn-nazi.
It would be far more appropriate, though very difficult, to sing of the "Prime Minister of Heaven." Actually, those of you in the UK might consider this as a possibility. Especially feminist Presbyterian hymnal editors.
Now hopefully some Presbyterians will read this, and instigate a sweeping liturgical reform movement while extolling me as their new hero. The Prime Minister of Liturgy, if you will.
Perhaps that Presbyterian will be Kevin Bacon?
Labels: hymn
X. Of Free Will. The condition of Man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and good works, to faith, and calling upon God. Wherefore we have no power to do good works pleasant and acceptable to God, without the grace of God by Christ preventing us, that we may have a good will, and working with us, when we have that good will.
I'm getting a little bored with the 39 articles as are my readers, apparently. Traffic to Sinden.org has dwindled rapidly. (I'd just like to make a shout out to my faithful visitor from Mongolia: hey Nambaryn!)
Sunday preview: Part of the problem was I had lots of fun stuff to put up on Sunday, but I didn't do it, and now I have even more fun stuff for this Sunday.
Buck up, friends; only 29 more Articles to go!
No one said Lent is supposed to be easy. Not even on the web. So if you don't want to see any more of the Articles, you're out of luck.
But hey, you have Free Will.
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
IX. Of Original or Birth Sin.
Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam, (as the Pelagians do vainly talk;) but it is the fault and corruption of the Nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam; whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the Spirit; and therefore in every person born into this world, it deserveth God's wrath and damnation. And this infection of nature doth remain, yea in them that are regenerated; whereby the lust of the flesh, called in Greek, Φρόυημα σαρκός, (which some do expound the wisdom, some sensuality, some the affection, some the desire, of the flesh), is not subject to the Law of God. And although there is no condemnation for them that believe and are baptized; yet the Apostle doth confess, that concupiscence and lust hath of itself the nature of sin.
In Adam's fall falls every man,
with every gift the Father gave;
the crown of all creation's plan
becomes a rebel and a slave.Timothy Dudley-Smith (b. 1926) Stanza 2, "The Lord Made Man, the Scriptures Tell"
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
VIII. Of the Creeds.
The Nicene Creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles' Creed, ought thoroughly to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture.
The original Article given Royal assent in 1571 and reaffirmed in 1662, was entitled, "Of the Three Creeds; and began as follows, "The Three Creeds, Nicene Creed, Athanasius's Creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles' Creed . . ."
Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem coeli et terrae, visibilium omnium, et invisibilium. Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum. Et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero. Genitum, non factum, consubstantialem Patri: per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines, et propter nostram salutem descendit de coelis. Et incarnatus est de spiritu sancto ex Maria Virgine: et homo factus est. Crucifixus etiam pro nobis, sub Pontio Pilato passus, et sepultus est. Et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas. Et ascendit in coelum: sedet ad dexteram Patris. Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, judicare vivos et mortuos: cujus regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem: qui ex Patre Filioque procedit. Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas. Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum. + Et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.The Nicene Creed in Latin
(set by countless composers)
VII. Of the Old Testament.
The Old Testament is not contrary to the New: for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to Mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and Man, being both God and Man. Wherefore they are not to be heard, which feign that the old Fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the Law given from God by Moses, as touching Ceremonies and Rites, do not bind Christian men, nor the Civil precepts thereof ought of necessity to be received in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the Commandments which are called Moral.
Through the Red Sea brought at last, All*luia!
Egypt's chains behind we cast, All*luia!
Deep and wide flows the tide
Severing us from bondage past, All*luia!Like the cloud that overhead, All*luia!
Through the billows Israel led, All*luia!
By his tomb Christ makes room,
Souls restoring from the dead, All*luia!In that cloud and in that sea, All*luia!
Buried and baptized were we, All*luia!
Earthly night brought us light
Which is ours eternally, All*luia!Ronald A. Knox (1888-1957)
Hymn 187, Hymnal 1982
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III, IV, V & VI
Labels: hymn
VI. Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation.
Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.
Of the Names and Number of the Canonical Books
- Genesis,
- Exodus,
- Leviticus,
- Numbers,
- Deuteronomy,
- Joshua,
- Judges,
- Ruth,
- The First Book of Samuel,
- The Second Book of Samuel,
- The First Book of Kings,
- The Second Book of Kings,
- The First Book of Chronicles,
- The Second Book of Chronicles,
- The First Book of Esdras,
- The Second Book of Esdras,
- The Book of Esther,
- The Book of Job,
- The Psalms,
- The Proverbs,
- Ecclesiastes or Preacher,
- Cantica, or Songs of Solomon,
- Four Prophets the greater,
- Twelve Prophets the less.
And the other Books (as Hierome saith) the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine; such are these following:
- The Third Book of Esdras,
- The Fourth Book of Esdras,
- The Book of Tobias,
- The Book of Judith
- The Song of the Three Children,
- The Story of Susanna,
- Of Bel and the Dragon,
- The rest of the Book of Esther,
- The Book of Wisdom,
- Jesus the Son of Sirach,
- Baruch the Prophet,
- The Prayer of Manasses,
- The First Book of Maccabees,
- The Second Book of Maccabees.
All the Books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive, and account them Canonical.
We limit not the truth of God
to our poor reach of mind,
by notions of our day and sect,
crude, partial, and confined.
no, let a new and better hope
within our hearts be stirred:
The Lord hath yet more light and truth
to break forth from his word.Who dares to bind to one's own sense
the oracles of heaven,
for all the nations, tongues and climes
and all the ages given?
That universe, how much unknown!
The ocean unexplored!
The Lord hath yet more light and truth
to break forth from his word.O Father, Son, and Spirit, send
us increase from above;
enlarge, expand all Christian souls
to comprehend thy love,
and make us to go on, to know
with nobler powers conferred:
The Lord hath yet more light and truth
to break forth from his word.George Rawson (1807-1889)
Hymn 629, Hymnal 1982
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III, IV & V
Labels: hymn
V. Of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.
O Holy Spirit, Lord of grace,
eternal Fount of love,
inflame, we pray, our inmost hearts
with fire from heaven above.As thou in bond of love dost join
the Father and the Son,
so fill us all with mutual love,
and knit our hearts in one.All glory to the Father be,
all glory to the Son,
all glory, Holy Ghost, to thee,
while endless ages run.Words: Charles Coffin, 1736; tr. John Chandler, 1837
Hymn 152, Hymns Ancient & Modern Abridged
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II, III & IV
Labels: hymn
IV. Of the Resurrection of Christ.
Christ did truly rise again from death, and took again his body, with flesh, bones, and all things appertaining to the perfection of Man's nature; wherewith he ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all Men at the last day.
All praise be thine, O risen Lord,
from death to endless life restored;
all praise to God the Father be
and Holy Ghost eternally.Latin, 7th-8th cent.; tr. John Mason Neale (1818-1866), and others
Hymn 202, Stanza 5, Hymnal 1982
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Articles I, II & III
Labels: hymn
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
As Christ died for us, and was buried; so also it is to be believed, that he went down into Hell.
He whose path no records tell,
who descended into hell,
who the strong man armed hath bound,
now in highest heaven crowned.
All*luia.Michael Weisse (c. 1480-1534); tr. Catherine winkworth (1827-1878)
Hymn 79, Stanza 41, Hymns Ancient & Modern Abridged
Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, All*luia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, All*luia!
Death in vain forbids his rise, All*luia!
Christ hath opened Paradise, All*luia!stanza 32 of Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Incidentally: Today is the Feast of John and Charles Wesley
1 Stanza 4 is the only stanza is starred in the eight stanzas of this hymn. This mark "denotes that the verse may be omitted if desired." Interesting.
2 Not normally printed in hymnals. Interesting.
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Labels: hymn
II. Of the Word or Son of God, which was made very Man.
The Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and eternal God, and of one substance with the Father, took Man's nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two whole and perfect Natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one Person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God, and very Man; who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men.
Of the Father's love begotten,
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega,
he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see,
evermore and evermore!Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-410?); tr. John Mason Neale (1818-1866) and Henry Williams Baker (1821-1877), alt.
Hymn 82, Hymnal 1982
This is part of 39 Articles of Religion in the 40 Days of Lent, Sinden.org's Lenten devotion.
Previously: Article I
Labels: hymn
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