This post contains a list of some Sacred Harp articles that can be found online.
Free access:
Black Sacred Harp Singing in East Texas, by Donald R. Ross
Death in the Sacred Harp, by Jessica Tilley (Master of Arts thesis 2007, Georgia State University)
John Wyeth and the Development of Southern Folk Hymnody, by David Warren Steel
Mississippi's African American Shape Note Tradition, by Chiquita Walls
"Stormy Banks and Sweet Rivers: A Sacred Harp Geography", by James B. Wallace, from Southern Spaces.
The Alto Parts in the "True Dispersed Harmony" of The Sacred Harp Revisions, by Wallace McKenzie, (1989. Musical Quarterly 73:153-71)
The Performance of History: Motivations for Revivalist Participation in Sacred Harp of the Chesapeake Bay Area, by Brigita Lee Sebald, (Master of Arts thesis 2005; University of Maryland)
The Sacred Harp in Northeast Mississippi, by John Quincy Wolf (Mississippi Folklore Register, Volume IV, Number 2. Summer, 1970)
Limited or Paid access:
Anthems of the Sacred Harp Tunesmiths, by Wallace McKenzie (American Music 6(3):247-263. 1989)
Daddy Sang Lead: the History and Performance Practice of White Southern Gospel Music, by Stanley Heard Brobston
"First Sing the Notes": Oral and Written Traditions in Sacred Harp Transmission, by Kiri Miller
"First Sing the Notes": Oral and Written Traditions in Sacred Harp Transmission, by Kiri Miller
"Old Can Be Used Instead of New": Shape-Note Singing and the Crisis of Modernity in the New South, 1880-1920, by Gavin James Campbell (The Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 110, No. 436. Spring, 1997)
The Alto Parts in the "True Dispersed Harmony" of The Sacred Harp Revisions, by Wallace McKenzie
To purchase “Blessed be the tie that binds”: community and spirituality among Sacred Harp singers, by Laura Clawson (Poetics, Volume 32, Issues 3-4, June-August 2004)
Limited preview on Google Books of The Sacred Harp: A Tradition and Its Music by Buell E. Cobb.
Several articles are on JSTOR. JSTOR is an online journal archive. It is available through participating libraries and institutions.
Bonus, some links to images of pages from:
William Hauser's Hesperian Harp
The Sacred Harp 1859/60
Selected tunes from Jeremiah Ingalls' Christian Harmony
William Walker's The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
This day in 1850
On December 17, 1850, Wilson Marion Cooper was born in Henry County, Alabama. Cooper might have lived and died in relative obscurity, had he not become inextricably entwined with the history of a popular southern tune book -- The Sacred Harp.
In 1844 Benjamin Franklin White and Elisha J. King published a song book titled The Sacred Harp. King died shortly after the book was published. This left B. F. White as the guiding force behind the book and the upbuilding of its cause. During White's lifetime, the book went through three editions -- 1850, 1859, and 1869/70. The 1850 and 1859 editions added new songs to the back of the book. In the 1869/70 edition some songs were removed new ones added in their places. B. F. White died in 1879.
1902 -- enter Marion Cooper. Some call him songwriter and revisionist; some call him interloper*. Whatever one's musical opinion of Cooper, it seems that we must admit that Cooper knew the old book and its tradition needed a shot in the arm -- particularly alto parts added to the songs -- if it was to weather the wintry onslaught of "contemporary" music. "To boldly go when no man had gone before," Cooper -- with a cadre of Sacred Harp singers and composers in tow -- undertook an all out revision of The Sacred Harp. The majority of the songs in the old Sacred Harp were written with three vocal lines -- treble, tenor, and bass. When Cooper and company turned out their revision in 1902, all the songs were fitted with a fourth harmonic part. The revision also added new tunes to include another music "style" not found in the original compilation -- the late 19th century gospel song.
For his trouble, Cooper brought the awe of some and the ire of others. Whether agreeing or disagreeing, they could not ignore him. Whatever might be said about him, Cooper was bold enough to take on the project while others dawdled. Others would also revise The Sacred Harp to their own tastes. Only Marion Cooper would ever be the first to do so.
*Word of the day: One that intrudes into some field of trade without a proper license; one that interferes with the affairs of others; a meddler.
In 1844 Benjamin Franklin White and Elisha J. King published a song book titled The Sacred Harp. King died shortly after the book was published. This left B. F. White as the guiding force behind the book and the upbuilding of its cause. During White's lifetime, the book went through three editions -- 1850, 1859, and 1869/70. The 1850 and 1859 editions added new songs to the back of the book. In the 1869/70 edition some songs were removed new ones added in their places. B. F. White died in 1879.
1902 -- enter Marion Cooper. Some call him songwriter and revisionist; some call him interloper*. Whatever one's musical opinion of Cooper, it seems that we must admit that Cooper knew the old book and its tradition needed a shot in the arm -- particularly alto parts added to the songs -- if it was to weather the wintry onslaught of "contemporary" music. "To boldly go when no man had gone before," Cooper -- with a cadre of Sacred Harp singers and composers in tow -- undertook an all out revision of The Sacred Harp. The majority of the songs in the old Sacred Harp were written with three vocal lines -- treble, tenor, and bass. When Cooper and company turned out their revision in 1902, all the songs were fitted with a fourth harmonic part. The revision also added new tunes to include another music "style" not found in the original compilation -- the late 19th century gospel song.
For his trouble, Cooper brought the awe of some and the ire of others. Whether agreeing or disagreeing, they could not ignore him. Whatever might be said about him, Cooper was bold enough to take on the project while others dawdled. Others would also revise The Sacred Harp to their own tastes. Only Marion Cooper would ever be the first to do so.
*Word of the day: One that intrudes into some field of trade without a proper license; one that interferes with the affairs of others; a meddler.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Man mortal and God eternal
Man mortal and God eternal, Psalm 90
1. Through every age, eternal God,
Thou art our rest, our safe abode;
High was thy throne ere heav'n was made,
Or earth thy humble footstool laid.
2. Long hadst thou reigned ere time began,
Or dust was fashioned to a man;
And long thy kingdom shall endure
When earth and time shall be no more.
3. But man, weak man, is born to die,
Made up of guilt and vanity;
Thy dreadful sentence, Lord, was just,
Return, ye sinners, to your dust.
4. A thousand of our years amount
Scarce to a day in thine account;
Like yesterday's departed light,
Or the last watch of ending night.
5. Death, like an overflowing stream,
Sweeps us away; our life's a dream,
An empty tale, a morning flower,
Cut down and withered in an hour.
6. Our age to seventy years is set;
How short the time! how frail the state!
And if to eighty we arrive,
We rather sigh and groan than live.
7. But O how oft thy wrath appears,
And cuts off our expected years!
Thy wrath awakes our humble dread;
We fear the power that strikes us dead.
8. Teach us, O Lord, how frail is man;
And kindly lengthen out our span,
Till a wise care of piety
Fit us to die, and dwell with thee.
-- Isaac Watts
1. Through every age, eternal God,
Thou art our rest, our safe abode;
High was thy throne ere heav'n was made,
Or earth thy humble footstool laid.
2. Long hadst thou reigned ere time began,
Or dust was fashioned to a man;
And long thy kingdom shall endure
When earth and time shall be no more.
3. But man, weak man, is born to die,
Made up of guilt and vanity;
Thy dreadful sentence, Lord, was just,
Return, ye sinners, to your dust.
4. A thousand of our years amount
Scarce to a day in thine account;
Like yesterday's departed light,
Or the last watch of ending night.
5. Death, like an overflowing stream,
Sweeps us away; our life's a dream,
An empty tale, a morning flower,
Cut down and withered in an hour.
6. Our age to seventy years is set;
How short the time! how frail the state!
And if to eighty we arrive,
We rather sigh and groan than live.
7. But O how oft thy wrath appears,
And cuts off our expected years!
Thy wrath awakes our humble dread;
We fear the power that strikes us dead.
8. Teach us, O Lord, how frail is man;
And kindly lengthen out our span,
Till a wise care of piety
Fit us to die, and dwell with thee.
-- Isaac Watts
Friday, December 14, 2007
Neat idea -- online library thing
Ever wanted to catalog the books you own, but didn't have the wherewithal? Check out LibraryThing. What is LibraryThing? According to the web site: "Enter what you're reading or your whole library—it's an easy, library-quality catalog. LibraryThing also connects you with people who read the same things." You can enter 200 books for free, or as many as you like for either $10 per year or $25 for life. One thing that makes this nice: you can search for, pull up and click on many common books, making it unnecessary to enter the information manually.
Thanks to Kevin Higgins for mentioning this on his blog, which is where I first heard about it.
Thanks to Kevin Higgins for mentioning this on his blog, which is where I first heard about it.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Good advice
The Plattsburg Manual, an American military handbook published in 1918, contained a section called "Some General Hints", which were words to the wise to be borne in mind on the battlefield. Among them was this bit of advice: "Don't get killed--unless necessary".
Pretty good advice, I suppose!!
Update: A 'little' more context: "Don't get killed unless necessary; your usefulness to the State comes to an end when that occurs." The text of the manual can be found here.
Pretty good advice, I suppose!!
Update: A 'little' more context: "Don't get killed unless necessary; your usefulness to the State comes to an end when that occurs." The text of the manual can be found here.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Dispersed Harmony
Some comments on dispersed harmony, arranged in chronological order:
"If the intervals of a four-part harmony lie as near as possible together in the three highest voices, it is called condensed harmony. If they lie at at greater distance from each other, it is called dispersed harmony." -- From The Pianist's Handbook, by Carl Engel. London: Hope and Co., Published 1853. p. 21
"When the four-part harmony is written so that the three upper parts are contained in an octave, and can be played with one hand, it is called CLOSE HARMONY. If the interval between the soprano and base is about equally divided by the tenor and alto, it is called DISPERSED HARMONY." -- From Palmer's Theory of Music: Being a Practical Guide to the Study Thorough-Bass, Harmony, Musical Composition, and Form, by Horatio Richmond Palmer, Cincinnati, OH: John Church & Co., 1876 p. 85
"Open, or dispersed, harmony requires the voices to be so separated that by transposing the soprano one octave lower it would come between the alto and tenor; and also by transposing the tenor one octave higher it would come between the alto and soprano, as at a (illustration, rlv). If only one of such transpositions is possible, the harmony is partially open, as a b (illustration, rlv). If neither is possible, or in other words, if the upper three voices are as near each other as they can be under a certain soprano, the harmony is close as at c (illustration, rlv). Any two voices lying next each other may often sing the same note; but, in elementary harmony, a lower voice should not sing above a higher, or the reverse." -- From Elements of Harmony, by Stephen Albert Emery, Boston, MA: Arthur P. Schmidt Co., 1890, pp. 13-14
"If the three upper voices of a chord -- soprano, alto, and tenor -- lie outside the compass of one octave, the harmony is usually said to be dispersed, or in open position." -- From Harmony: A Course of Study, by George Whitefield Chadwick, 1897, Boston, MA: B. F. Wood Music Co., p. 61
"Extended or scattered harmony: dispersed or extended harmony is that in which the notes composing a chord are so far apart that the upper three parts, treble, alto, and tenor, exceed an octave in compass; and between any two of the parts of a chord in dispersed harmony there is space for insertion of some one of the notes belonging to that chord." -- From Musical Dictionary, by W. L. Hubbard, New York, NY: Irving Squire, 1908. (2006 reprint) p. 164. This book also (p.576) calls it wide harmony, extended harmony, and open harmony.
"Dispersed harmony (Music), harmony in which the tones composing the chord are widely separated, as by an octave or more." -- From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
"25. When the alto is given the next member of the chord below the soprano, it forms what is called Close Harmony. When the alto skips the next member of the chord below the soprano and the tenor is given the one skipped, it forms what is called Dispersed Harmony.
"26. A low soprano should be written in close harmony and a high soprano should be written in dispersed harmony while a soprano on the third line or adjoining degrees, may be written in either close or dispersed harmony according to the surroundings." -- From Modern Harmony and Voice Leading, by Adger M. Pace, Cleveland, TN: James D. Vaughan Co., 1916, p. 9
J. S. James defines it as harmony in which “the notes forming the various chords [are] separated from each other by wide intervals.” -- From An Explanation of The Sacred Harp, 1920
"Harmony, close - A harmony whose tones are compact, the upper three voices lying within the compass of an octave.
"Harmony, dispersed - A harmony in which the notes forming the different chords are separated by wide intervals." -- From Music Theory Dictionary: the Language of the Mechanics of Music, W. F. Lee, editor, New York: Charles Hansen Educational Music and Books, 1965, p. 29
Dispersed harmony "occurs whenever a chord exceeds two octaves or the alto goes above the soprano." Two essential characteristics of Sacred Harp dispersed harmony: "the upper members of a chord are often dispersed rather than closely grouped...[and]...the crossing of voices." -- The Sacred Harp: a Tradition and Its Music, Buell Cobb, 1978, p. 36
"I think dispersed harmony is created throughout a piece of music where it is composed as most Sacred Harp composers do -- as horizontal strands rather than vertical chords. Each part is written so as to make it a singable tune of its own and this leads to 'open chords'. (Open chords being defined as chords in which another note can be inserted between the upper voices.) Sacred Harp composers move from 'open' to 'closed' chords without regard to where the change takes place in the phrase. Add to this the frequent crossing of voices throughout the composition, especially between treble and tenor, and we have two essential points in the style known as 'dispersed harmony'." -- Raymond Hamrick (in a letter to Hugh McGraw, November 1981)
"In this style of composition (dispersed harmony)...each vocal part--treble, alto, tenor, and bass--contributes a sort of tune, occupying its own separate staff, with the parts freely crossing one another and the tenor, or third line, carrying the chief melody." -- From The Tradition, by Jim Carnes, January 1989
Joel Cohen's notes on the The Boston Camerata's An American Christmas speaks of "'dispersed harmony,' with the soprano and tenor lines each doubled at the octave." (1993)
"Each part (treble, alto, tenor or lead, and bass) retains a degree of melodic independence ("dispersed harmony")..." -- From Sacred Harp Singing: History and Tradition, by Steven Sabol, 2005
Dispersed Harmony "...the parts cross over each other rather than running parallel." -- From Stormy Banks and Sweet Rivers: a Sacred Harp Geography, by James B. Wallace, 2007
DISPERSED HARMONY on Sympathetic Vibratory Physics
Note: in some Sacred Harp comments it seems the thought is that music written on four separate staffs is dispersed harmony. For example, "The parts in shape-note singing are so distinct that traditional tune books like The Sacred Harp print them on separate staves, displaying what is called dispersed harmony." -- New Georgia Encyclopedia, 2005
"If the intervals of a four-part harmony lie as near as possible together in the three highest voices, it is called condensed harmony. If they lie at at greater distance from each other, it is called dispersed harmony." -- From The Pianist's Handbook, by Carl Engel. London: Hope and Co., Published 1853. p. 21
"When the four-part harmony is written so that the three upper parts are contained in an octave, and can be played with one hand, it is called CLOSE HARMONY. If the interval between the soprano and base is about equally divided by the tenor and alto, it is called DISPERSED HARMONY." -- From Palmer's Theory of Music: Being a Practical Guide to the Study Thorough-Bass, Harmony, Musical Composition, and Form, by Horatio Richmond Palmer, Cincinnati, OH: John Church & Co., 1876 p. 85
"Open, or dispersed, harmony requires the voices to be so separated that by transposing the soprano one octave lower it would come between the alto and tenor; and also by transposing the tenor one octave higher it would come between the alto and soprano, as at a (illustration, rlv). If only one of such transpositions is possible, the harmony is partially open, as a b (illustration, rlv). If neither is possible, or in other words, if the upper three voices are as near each other as they can be under a certain soprano, the harmony is close as at c (illustration, rlv). Any two voices lying next each other may often sing the same note; but, in elementary harmony, a lower voice should not sing above a higher, or the reverse." -- From Elements of Harmony, by Stephen Albert Emery, Boston, MA: Arthur P. Schmidt Co., 1890, pp. 13-14
"If the three upper voices of a chord -- soprano, alto, and tenor -- lie outside the compass of one octave, the harmony is usually said to be dispersed, or in open position." -- From Harmony: A Course of Study, by George Whitefield Chadwick, 1897, Boston, MA: B. F. Wood Music Co., p. 61
"Extended or scattered harmony: dispersed or extended harmony is that in which the notes composing a chord are so far apart that the upper three parts, treble, alto, and tenor, exceed an octave in compass; and between any two of the parts of a chord in dispersed harmony there is space for insertion of some one of the notes belonging to that chord." -- From Musical Dictionary, by W. L. Hubbard, New York, NY: Irving Squire, 1908. (2006 reprint) p. 164. This book also (p.576) calls it wide harmony, extended harmony, and open harmony.
"Dispersed harmony (Music), harmony in which the tones composing the chord are widely separated, as by an octave or more." -- From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
"25. When the alto is given the next member of the chord below the soprano, it forms what is called Close Harmony. When the alto skips the next member of the chord below the soprano and the tenor is given the one skipped, it forms what is called Dispersed Harmony.
"26. A low soprano should be written in close harmony and a high soprano should be written in dispersed harmony while a soprano on the third line or adjoining degrees, may be written in either close or dispersed harmony according to the surroundings." -- From Modern Harmony and Voice Leading, by Adger M. Pace, Cleveland, TN: James D. Vaughan Co., 1916, p. 9
J. S. James defines it as harmony in which “the notes forming the various chords [are] separated from each other by wide intervals.” -- From An Explanation of The Sacred Harp, 1920
"Harmony, close - A harmony whose tones are compact, the upper three voices lying within the compass of an octave.
"Harmony, dispersed - A harmony in which the notes forming the different chords are separated by wide intervals." -- From Music Theory Dictionary: the Language of the Mechanics of Music, W. F. Lee, editor, New York: Charles Hansen Educational Music and Books, 1965, p. 29
Dispersed harmony "occurs whenever a chord exceeds two octaves or the alto goes above the soprano." Two essential characteristics of Sacred Harp dispersed harmony: "the upper members of a chord are often dispersed rather than closely grouped...[and]...the crossing of voices." -- The Sacred Harp: a Tradition and Its Music, Buell Cobb, 1978, p. 36
"I think dispersed harmony is created throughout a piece of music where it is composed as most Sacred Harp composers do -- as horizontal strands rather than vertical chords. Each part is written so as to make it a singable tune of its own and this leads to 'open chords'. (Open chords being defined as chords in which another note can be inserted between the upper voices.) Sacred Harp composers move from 'open' to 'closed' chords without regard to where the change takes place in the phrase. Add to this the frequent crossing of voices throughout the composition, especially between treble and tenor, and we have two essential points in the style known as 'dispersed harmony'." -- Raymond Hamrick (in a letter to Hugh McGraw, November 1981)
"In this style of composition (dispersed harmony)...each vocal part--treble, alto, tenor, and bass--contributes a sort of tune, occupying its own separate staff, with the parts freely crossing one another and the tenor, or third line, carrying the chief melody." -- From The Tradition, by Jim Carnes, January 1989
Joel Cohen's notes on the The Boston Camerata's An American Christmas speaks of "'dispersed harmony,' with the soprano and tenor lines each doubled at the octave." (1993)
"Each part (treble, alto, tenor or lead, and bass) retains a degree of melodic independence ("dispersed harmony")..." -- From Sacred Harp Singing: History and Tradition, by Steven Sabol, 2005
Dispersed Harmony "...the parts cross over each other rather than running parallel." -- From Stormy Banks and Sweet Rivers: a Sacred Harp Geography, by James B. Wallace, 2007
DISPERSED HARMONY on Sympathetic Vibratory Physics
Note: in some Sacred Harp comments it seems the thought is that music written on four separate staffs is dispersed harmony. For example, "The parts in shape-note singing are so distinct that traditional tune books like The Sacred Harp print them on separate staves, displaying what is called dispersed harmony." -- New Georgia Encyclopedia, 2005
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Eldon “Punk” Hues
According to Texas EquuSearch, Eldon Hues, "age 79, was last seen on Monday, November 26, 2007 around 6:45 p.m. at Lake Tejas in Shepherd, Texas and has not been seen or heard from since. Eldon was last seen wearing blue jeans overalls and a red plaid shirt. He is driving a 1995 Toyota T100 maroon in color, license plate TX 9LT M67." As of 5 Dec 2007, his vehicle had been located but not him. A reward is being offered.
Update: according to information I have found online, Mr. Hues suffers from Alzheimers.
LOCATED DECEASED: 4/23/2008
LOCATED DECEASED: 4/23/2008
Friday, December 07, 2007
Random quotes again
"New Testament Christianity is humble, selfless and authentic. And those who carry the truth don’t preach for selfish gain or to meet an emotional need for attention." -- The Deadly Virus of Celebrity Christianity, by J. Lee Grady
"Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans." -- A. J. Marshall
"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"There are always people around you to help you if you just let them help you." –- Jake Keeling in “For Jake’s Sake” by Coshandra Dillard, Henderson Daily News, p. 2, Sept. 12, 2007
And since I noticed it is December 7: "Yesterday, December 7, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." -- from a speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to a joint session of the U. S. Congress on December 8, 1941.
"Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans." -- A. J. Marshall
"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"There are always people around you to help you if you just let them help you." –- Jake Keeling in “For Jake’s Sake” by Coshandra Dillard, Henderson Daily News, p. 2, Sept. 12, 2007
And since I noticed it is December 7: "Yesterday, December 7, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." -- from a speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to a joint session of the U. S. Congress on December 8, 1941.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Tis Finished
Tis finished! The Messiah dies!
Cut off for sins, but not His own;
Accomplished is the sacrifice;
The great redeeming work is done.
Finished our vile transgression is,
And purged the guilt of all our sin;
And everlasting righteousness
Is brought, for all His people, in.
Tis finished, all my guilt and pain,
I want no sacrifice beside,
For me, for me the Lamb was slain,
And I’m forever justified.
Accepted in the Well-beloved,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
I see the bar to heaven removed;
And all Thy merits, Lord, are mine.
Sin, death, and hell are now subdued;
All grace is now to sinners given;
I only plead His precious blood,
For pardon, holiness, and heaven.
Charles Wesley, Short Hymns, 1762. (This perhaps may be an edited version. For example of another version, see The Cyber Hymnal.)
Cut off for sins, but not His own;
Accomplished is the sacrifice;
The great redeeming work is done.
Finished our vile transgression is,
And purged the guilt of all our sin;
And everlasting righteousness
Is brought, for all His people, in.
Tis finished, all my guilt and pain,
I want no sacrifice beside,
For me, for me the Lamb was slain,
And I’m forever justified.
Accepted in the Well-beloved,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
I see the bar to heaven removed;
And all Thy merits, Lord, are mine.
Sin, death, and hell are now subdued;
All grace is now to sinners given;
I only plead His precious blood,
For pardon, holiness, and heaven.
Charles Wesley, Short Hymns, 1762. (This perhaps may be an edited version. For example of another version, see The Cyber Hymnal.)
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Words of the day
Aphorist -- a person who makes or uses aphorisms (a brief statement of a principle, truth or opinion)
"James Carville, political consultant and aphorist, says: Nothing validates a candidate to voters as much as other voters." -- George Will, Romney and Obama not out of the race, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel, Thurs 15 Nov 2007
'Ard' and 'moa' are words you won't come across that often -- unless you work crossword puzzles. Ard (an ox-drawn earth-turning implement introduced in Europe to replace the hand hoe) is a synonym for plow. A moa was a giant, flightless bird in New Zealand.
Kohl -- a powder, as finely powdered antimony sulfide, used as a cosmetic to darken the eyelids, eyebrows, etc. - answer to 19 across, Crossword Puzzle, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel, 15 Nov 2007,
Attar -- a perfume or essential oil obtained from flowers or petals. - answer to 50 across, Crossword Puzzle, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel, 15 Nov 2007
"James Carville, political consultant and aphorist, says: Nothing validates a candidate to voters as much as other voters." -- George Will, Romney and Obama not out of the race, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel, Thurs 15 Nov 2007
'Ard' and 'moa' are words you won't come across that often -- unless you work crossword puzzles. Ard (an ox-drawn earth-turning implement introduced in Europe to replace the hand hoe) is a synonym for plow. A moa was a giant, flightless bird in New Zealand.
Kohl -- a powder, as finely powdered antimony sulfide, used as a cosmetic to darken the eyelids, eyebrows, etc. - answer to 19 across, Crossword Puzzle, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel, 15 Nov 2007,
Attar -- a perfume or essential oil obtained from flowers or petals. - answer to 50 across, Crossword Puzzle, Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel, 15 Nov 2007
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Studying and climbing
"Studying is like climbing a mountain - a hard struggle,but the view from the top is the worthy result." -- Hulan Bass, PB/MB Forum, 4 Oct. 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Two hymns by C. Wesley
Or at least parts of them...
Death, where is thy sting.
O death! where is thy sting? Where now
Thy boasted victory, O grave?
Who shall contend with God? or who
Can hurt whom God delights to save?
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1739.
Jesus died for me.
Let the world their virtue boast,
Their works of righteousness,
I, a wretch undone and lost,
Am freely saved by grace;
Other title I disclaim;
This, only this, is all my plea:
I the chief of sinners am,
But Jesus died for me.
Jesus, Thou for me hast died,
And Thou in me wilt live;
I shall feel Thy death applied,
I shall Thy life receive;
Yet, when melted in the flame
Of love, this shall be all my plea:
I the chief of sinners am,
But Jesus died for me.
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742.
Death, where is thy sting.
O death! where is thy sting? Where now
Thy boasted victory, O grave?
Who shall contend with God? or who
Can hurt whom God delights to save?
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1739.
Jesus died for me.
Let the world their virtue boast,
Their works of righteousness,
I, a wretch undone and lost,
Am freely saved by grace;
Other title I disclaim;
This, only this, is all my plea:
I the chief of sinners am,
But Jesus died for me.
Jesus, Thou for me hast died,
And Thou in me wilt live;
I shall feel Thy death applied,
I shall Thy life receive;
Yet, when melted in the flame
Of love, this shall be all my plea:
I the chief of sinners am,
But Jesus died for me.
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
All About...Baptists
Just found an interesting web site:
All About...Baptists
According to the web site's Statement of Purpose: "This web site is intended to assist all who visit to become more knowledgeable of Baptist history, faith, doctrines, distinctives, people, groups, issues, worship, ministries, Bible study, music, and any other related topic. The contents of this site represents the best attempt of the webmaster to be fair and honest regarding who Baptists are and what we believe."
The site contains information on Baptist history, Baptist groups, Baptist worship, Baptist this, and Baptist that. Yes, pretty much "All about Baptists".
All About...Baptists
According to the web site's Statement of Purpose: "This web site is intended to assist all who visit to become more knowledgeable of Baptist history, faith, doctrines, distinctives, people, groups, issues, worship, ministries, Bible study, music, and any other related topic. The contents of this site represents the best attempt of the webmaster to be fair and honest regarding who Baptists are and what we believe."
The site contains information on Baptist history, Baptist groups, Baptist worship, Baptist this, and Baptist that. Yes, pretty much "All about Baptists".
Friday, November 30, 2007
A Restoration Movement book
For those interested in studying the beliefs of the Stone-Campbell Restoration movement Church of Christ:
Introducing the Church of Christ, by various authors and published by Star Bible Publications. (© 1981)
Introducing the Church of Christ, by various authors and published by Star Bible Publications. (© 1981)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
New book on Sacred Harp
Traveling Home: Sacred Harp Singing and American Pluralism by Kiri Miller is now available from the University of Illinois Press (ISBN 0252032144). Kiri is an assistant professor of music at Brown University. In 2002 she edited The Chattahoochee Musical Convention, 1852-2002: A Sacred Harp Historical Sourcebook, and authored the American Music article "First Sing the Notes: Oral and Written Traditions in Sacred Harp Transmissions" (Volume 22, No. 4 Winter 2004 475-501). This new book is a version of her 2005 PhD dissertation (A Long Time Traveling: Song, Memory, and the Politics of Nostalgia in the Sacred Harp Diaspora) -- though Kiri says it is "shorter and a bit more user-friendly."
"A powerful musical practice that has drawn together a diverse and far-flung community, Sacred Harp singing has roots in the American South and flourishing branches in New England, the Midwest, and on the West Coast. It has served as an emblem of American history in twenty-first century popular media, including the Oscar-winning film Cold Mountain. Meanwhile, the advent of internet discussion boards and increasing circulation of singer-produced recordings have changed the nature of traditional transmission and sharpened debates about Sacred Harp as an "authentic" form of Southern musical expression. Blending historical scholarship with wide-ranging fieldwork, Kiri Miller presents an engagingly written study of a musical movement that some have christened 'a quintessential expression of American democracy'." -- From the University of Illinois Press web site
"A powerful musical practice that has drawn together a diverse and far-flung community, Sacred Harp singing has roots in the American South and flourishing branches in New England, the Midwest, and on the West Coast. It has served as an emblem of American history in twenty-first century popular media, including the Oscar-winning film Cold Mountain. Meanwhile, the advent of internet discussion boards and increasing circulation of singer-produced recordings have changed the nature of traditional transmission and sharpened debates about Sacred Harp as an "authentic" form of Southern musical expression. Blending historical scholarship with wide-ranging fieldwork, Kiri Miller presents an engagingly written study of a musical movement that some have christened 'a quintessential expression of American democracy'." -- From the University of Illinois Press web site
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The prodigal son
The prodigal son, Lk 15:11-24
Afflictions, though they seem severe;
In mercy oft are sent;
They stopped the prodigal's career,
And forced him to repent.
Although he no relentings felt
Till he had spent his store;
His stubborn heart began to melt
When famine pinched him sore.
"What have I gained by sin, he said,
But hunger, shame, and fear;
My father's house abounds with bread,
While I am starving here.
I'll go, and tell him all I've done,
And fall before his face
Unworthy to be called his son,
I'll seek a servant's place."
His father saw him coming back,
He saw, and ran, and smiled;
And threw his arms around the neck
Of his rebellious child.
"Father, I've sinned--but O forgive!"
I've heard enough, he said,
Rejoice my house, my son's alive,
For whom I mourned as dead.
Now let the fatted calf be slain,
And spread the news around;
My son was dead, but lives again,
Was lost, but now is found.
'Tis thus the Lord his love reveals,
To call poor sinners home;
More than a father's love he feels,
And welcomes all that come.
John Newton (1725-1807)
Olney Hymns, 1779.
Afflictions, though they seem severe;
In mercy oft are sent;
They stopped the prodigal's career,
And forced him to repent.
Although he no relentings felt
Till he had spent his store;
His stubborn heart began to melt
When famine pinched him sore.
"What have I gained by sin, he said,
But hunger, shame, and fear;
My father's house abounds with bread,
While I am starving here.
I'll go, and tell him all I've done,
And fall before his face
Unworthy to be called his son,
I'll seek a servant's place."
His father saw him coming back,
He saw, and ran, and smiled;
And threw his arms around the neck
Of his rebellious child.
"Father, I've sinned--but O forgive!"
I've heard enough, he said,
Rejoice my house, my son's alive,
For whom I mourned as dead.
Now let the fatted calf be slain,
And spread the news around;
My son was dead, but lives again,
Was lost, but now is found.
'Tis thus the Lord his love reveals,
To call poor sinners home;
More than a father's love he feels,
And welcomes all that come.
John Newton (1725-1807)
Olney Hymns, 1779.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Without
"Without an automobile, computer, high-speed internet, cell phone, printer, radio, TV, video projector, Jesus Film, bicycle, mass mail-outs, tract ministry or the dozen other modern missionary tools, Paul led small ministry teams in three missionary tours over about ten years planting churches in Cyprus, Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Cenchrea, Ephesus, Berea as well as aiding and inspiring others to plant churches in Asia, Galatia, and other areas. These churches were formed, taught and established in missionary outreach after as little as one month and rarely as long as one year. Missionary Paul's main tools were the Word of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and his tent-making bi-vocational support. He left them without a church bus, church building, multi-purpose building, salaried staff or desire to have them. Could we learn anything from a missionary like Paul?"
[From Without, by Roy Culley, The Baptist Monitor, Vol. 59, No. 11 (Nov 2007) p. 4]
I'd say we have a LOT we can learn from Paul and the methods -- not just the message -- of the New Testament. What are some things we learn?
[From Without, by Roy Culley, The Baptist Monitor, Vol. 59, No. 11 (Nov 2007) p. 4]
I'd say we have a LOT we can learn from Paul and the methods -- not just the message -- of the New Testament. What are some things we learn?
Monday, November 26, 2007
"Death in the Sacred Harp"
I recently read Death in the Sacred Harp , a master's thesis by Jessica Tilley. It made me think of some minor thoughts on death that I recorded in my history of the East Texas Musical Convention.
A bridge to the past is constructed by identification with the adversity faced by Sacred Harp predecessors, coupled with the remembrance of the unavoidable appointment with death. In modern American society the subject of death has been sanitized in real life and trivialized in the media. The television medium can portray fictional injuries and deaths in most gruesome detail, while the real infirm, injured and aged have been transferred out of homes to hospitals and care facilities. Corpses awaiting committal have been moved from homes to funeral parlors, and the committal itself from the responsibility of the community to the funeral director. Sacred Harp provides a solemn reminder of ubiquitous nature of pain, sorrow, and death. One reviewer of a Sacred Harp recording called the music “fatalistically sad and spookily beautiful.”[1] Yet the Sacred Harp community with its built-in catharsis probably suffers less from depression than the average American. According to F. E. Abernethy, “The memento mori[2] theme is characteristic of Sacred Harp music and that separates it, as much as anything that I can think of, from modern music – church or otherwise. The only ones that keep reminding us of our eventual and inevitable trip to the grave are the insurance salesmen. As a result maybe we have lost some of the seasons of life. What makes this October so sweet and beautifully mellow is our knowing that the year is nearing the end of its time. The people of Sacred Harp know this and they sing about it…The words of the old Harp songs are often sad and mournful. The verses (many of them) were written by people who knew too much of this world’s suffering…They were not romanticizing when they wrote, ‘Time swift as an Indian arrow flies’.”[3]
[1] Ratliff, Ben, “Faces of Jazz: Late Greats, Rare Gospel, Cool Caribbean”, New York Times, Sunday October 31, 2004). http://nytimes.com/2004/10/31/arts/music/31play.html
[Accessed Mon Nov 1 5:59:03 am US/Central 2004]
[2] Reminder of death
[3] Abernethy, F. E., “History of Sacred Harp”, Sacred Harp Preservation Symposium
-- copied from Approaching 150: A Brief History of the East Texas Musical Convention and Sacred Harp in East Texas, page 58
A bridge to the past is constructed by identification with the adversity faced by Sacred Harp predecessors, coupled with the remembrance of the unavoidable appointment with death. In modern American society the subject of death has been sanitized in real life and trivialized in the media. The television medium can portray fictional injuries and deaths in most gruesome detail, while the real infirm, injured and aged have been transferred out of homes to hospitals and care facilities. Corpses awaiting committal have been moved from homes to funeral parlors, and the committal itself from the responsibility of the community to the funeral director. Sacred Harp provides a solemn reminder of ubiquitous nature of pain, sorrow, and death. One reviewer of a Sacred Harp recording called the music “fatalistically sad and spookily beautiful.”[1] Yet the Sacred Harp community with its built-in catharsis probably suffers less from depression than the average American. According to F. E. Abernethy, “The memento mori[2] theme is characteristic of Sacred Harp music and that separates it, as much as anything that I can think of, from modern music – church or otherwise. The only ones that keep reminding us of our eventual and inevitable trip to the grave are the insurance salesmen. As a result maybe we have lost some of the seasons of life. What makes this October so sweet and beautifully mellow is our knowing that the year is nearing the end of its time. The people of Sacred Harp know this and they sing about it…The words of the old Harp songs are often sad and mournful. The verses (many of them) were written by people who knew too much of this world’s suffering…They were not romanticizing when they wrote, ‘Time swift as an Indian arrow flies’.”[3]
[1] Ratliff, Ben, “Faces of Jazz: Late Greats, Rare Gospel, Cool Caribbean”, New York Times, Sunday October 31, 2004). http://nytimes.com/2004/10/31/arts/music/31play.html
[Accessed Mon Nov 1 5:59:03 am US/Central 2004]
[2] Reminder of death
[3] Abernethy, F. E., “History of Sacred Harp”, Sacred Harp Preservation Symposium
-- copied from Approaching 150: A Brief History of the East Texas Musical Convention and Sacred Harp in East Texas, page 58
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Longing for the house of God
Psalm LXXXIV (84), Particular Meter (Hallelujah Meter 6.6.6.6.8.8.)
1. Lord of the worlds above,
How pleasant and how fair
The dwellings of Thy love,
Thine earthly temples are!
To Thine abode
My heart aspires
With warm desires,
To see my God.
2. The sparrow for her young
With pleasure seeks a nest,
And wand’ring swallows long
To find their wonted rest:
My spirit faints
With equal zeal
To rise and dwell
Among thy saints.
3. O happy souls that pray,
Where God appoints to hear!
O happy men that pay
Their constant service there!
They praise Thee still;
And happy they
That love the way
To Zion’s hill!
4. They go from strength to strength,
Through this dark vale of tears,
Till each arrives at length,
Till each in heav'n appears:
O glorious seat,
When God, our King
Shall thither bring
Our willing feet!
Pause
5. To spend one sacred day
Where God and saints abide,
Affords diviner joy
Than thousand days beside:
Where God resorts,
I love it more
To keep the door
Than shine in courts.
6. God is our Sun and Shield,
Our Light and our defence;
With gifts His hands are fill'd,
We draw our blessings thence:
He shall bestow
On Jacob’s race
Peculiar grace
And glory too.
7. The Lord his people loves;
His hand no good withholds
From those his heart approves,
From pure and pious souls:
Thrice happy he,
O God of hosts,
Whose spirit trusts
Alone in Thee.
Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719 [Copied from Watts' The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament, and applied to the Christian state and worship, from an online edition that was "hard-published" in 1801 by Hudson and Goodwin Company]
A fine minor tune set with this hymn is found in The B. F. Sacred Harp (2006 edition, popularly known as "the Cooper Book") on page 315. Across the page on 314 is a tune written in major.
1. Lord of the worlds above,
How pleasant and how fair
The dwellings of Thy love,
Thine earthly temples are!
To Thine abode
My heart aspires
With warm desires,
To see my God.
2. The sparrow for her young
With pleasure seeks a nest,
And wand’ring swallows long
To find their wonted rest:
My spirit faints
With equal zeal
To rise and dwell
Among thy saints.
3. O happy souls that pray,
Where God appoints to hear!
O happy men that pay
Their constant service there!
They praise Thee still;
And happy they
That love the way
To Zion’s hill!
4. They go from strength to strength,
Through this dark vale of tears,
Till each arrives at length,
Till each in heav'n appears:
O glorious seat,
When God, our King
Shall thither bring
Our willing feet!
Pause
5. To spend one sacred day
Where God and saints abide,
Affords diviner joy
Than thousand days beside:
Where God resorts,
I love it more
To keep the door
Than shine in courts.
6. God is our Sun and Shield,
Our Light and our defence;
With gifts His hands are fill'd,
We draw our blessings thence:
He shall bestow
On Jacob’s race
Peculiar grace
And glory too.
7. The Lord his people loves;
His hand no good withholds
From those his heart approves,
From pure and pious souls:
Thrice happy he,
O God of hosts,
Whose spirit trusts
Alone in Thee.
Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719 [Copied from Watts' The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament, and applied to the Christian state and worship, from an online edition that was "hard-published" in 1801 by Hudson and Goodwin Company]
A fine minor tune set with this hymn is found in The B. F. Sacred Harp (2006 edition, popularly known as "the Cooper Book") on page 315. Across the page on 314 is a tune written in major.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Just a little more
Reporter: “How much money is enough?"
John D. Rockefeller: “Just a little bit more.”
John D. Rockefeller: “Just a little bit more.”
"The Backlash against Tithing"
Russell Earl Kelly sent me a link to an interesting article on tithing from the Online Wall Street Journal -- The Backlash Against Tithing by Suzanne Sataline.
Excerpt: "The backlash comes as some churches step up their efforts to encourage tithing. Some are setting up 'giving kiosks' that allow congregants to donate using their debit cards when they attend services." Perhaps it is not just the televangelists folks are getting tired of!
Excerpt: "The backlash comes as some churches step up their efforts to encourage tithing. Some are setting up 'giving kiosks' that allow congregants to donate using their debit cards when they attend services." Perhaps it is not just the televangelists folks are getting tired of!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms (Psalm 95: 2).
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name (Ps 100:4).
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God (2 Cor. 9:11).
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philp. 4:6).
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (Col 4:2).
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen (Rev. 7:12).
"Die Felder Wir Pflügen und Streuen."
We plow the fields and scatter
The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered
By God's Almighty hand,
He sends the snow in winter,
The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes, and the sunshine
And soft, refreshing rain,
All, all good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
For all His love!
-- Matthias Claudius (1770 -1815), translated by Miss Jane Montgomery Campbell
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name (Ps 100:4).
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God (2 Cor. 9:11).
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philp. 4:6).
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (Col 4:2).
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen (Rev. 7:12).
"Die Felder Wir Pflügen und Streuen."
We plow the fields and scatter
The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered
By God's Almighty hand,
He sends the snow in winter,
The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes, and the sunshine
And soft, refreshing rain,
All, all good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
For all His love!
-- Matthias Claudius (1770 -1815), translated by Miss Jane Montgomery Campbell
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Word of the day
Bloviation -- pompous speech
"I have no desire to continue...taxing the patience of those who might actually read our bloviations." -- Mike McInnis in (e-mail) The distance between "Absolutists" and Situation Ethnics philosophies of the twentieth century, Wed 14 Nov 2007
"I have no desire to continue...taxing the patience of those who might actually read our bloviations." -- Mike McInnis in (e-mail) The distance between "Absolutists" and Situation Ethnics philosophies of the twentieth century, Wed 14 Nov 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Some Dog Peeves About Humans
Yelling at me for barking.. I'M A DOG, YOU NUMBSKULL!
Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?
Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose... Stop it!
Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.
The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Woooo-Hooooooo! Oh, what a proud moment for the top of the food chain.
Dog sweaters. Hello??? Haven't you noticed the fur?
-- Excerpts from an e-mail from Chuck at saltandlight@comcast, 25 December 2006
Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?
Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose... Stop it!
Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.
The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Woooo-Hooooooo! Oh, what a proud moment for the top of the food chain.
Dog sweaters. Hello??? Haven't you noticed the fur?
-- Excerpts from an e-mail from Chuck at saltandlight@comcast, 25 December 2006
Monday, November 19, 2007
The contrite heart
The contrite heart.
Isa 47:15
The Lord will happiness divine
On contrite hearts bestow;
Then tell me, gracious God, is mine
A contrite heart or no?
I hear, but seem to hear in vain,
Insensible as steel;
If aught is felt, 'tis only pain,
To find I cannot feel.
I sometimes think myself inclined
To love Thee if I could;
But often feel another mind,
Averse to all that's good.
My best desires are faint and few,
I fain would strive for more;
But when I cry, "My strength renew!"
Seem weaker than before.
Thy saints are comforted, I know,
And love Thy house of prayer;
I therefore go where others go,
But find no comfort there.
Oh make this heart rejoice, or ache;
Decide this doubt for me;
And if it be not broken, break,
And heal it, if it be.
William Cowper (1731-1800)
Olney Hymns, 1779.
Isa 47:15
The Lord will happiness divine
On contrite hearts bestow;
Then tell me, gracious God, is mine
A contrite heart or no?
I hear, but seem to hear in vain,
Insensible as steel;
If aught is felt, 'tis only pain,
To find I cannot feel.
I sometimes think myself inclined
To love Thee if I could;
But often feel another mind,
Averse to all that's good.
My best desires are faint and few,
I fain would strive for more;
But when I cry, "My strength renew!"
Seem weaker than before.
Thy saints are comforted, I know,
And love Thy house of prayer;
I therefore go where others go,
But find no comfort there.
Oh make this heart rejoice, or ache;
Decide this doubt for me;
And if it be not broken, break,
And heal it, if it be.
William Cowper (1731-1800)
Olney Hymns, 1779.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Singing in the Heights
Saturday, December 1, 2007 (d.v.) will be singing Sacred Harp at the Heights Church of Christ meeting house in the Heights area of north Houston, Texas (1548 Heights Blvd.). For a map and more information, click here. We will use both the Cooper (blue book) and Denson (red book) revisions.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Continuity
For families, friends, churches and communities, the East Texas Convention and the 'Sacred Harp' provide continuity to the past – a place almost outside of time, where friend holds fellowship with friend, where friends above join in concert with friends below and all the saints terrestrial sing with those to glory gone; a place where Grandpa and Granny and Uncle Joe are remembered fondly, and some favorite aunt is always the best treble; a place where songs are known and loved for those who led and loved them; a place where one can travel back to memorable days of yore; a place that is as old as the book itself and as new as the modern conveniences and methods used by a small group to pull together a large event. In 'Sacred Harp' one finds the eternal standard of “how it used to be” seemingly never recreated, dwelling harmoniously yet paradoxically alongside the confident declaration that “it hasn’t changed a bit”. In a highly mobile society with a progressive lifestyle, 'Sacred Harp' provides an anchor to something sure and good in our past. -- From Approaching 150: a Brief History of the East Texas Musical Convention ISBN 1-59872-040-6
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Seniors Breakfast Special
An elderly couple went to breakfast at a restaurant where the "Seniors' Special" was two eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast for $1.99. The husband ordered the special. "Sounds good," said his wife. "But I don't want the eggs."
"Then I'll have to charge you two dollars and forty-nine cents because you're ordering a la carte," the waitress warned her.
"You mean I'd have to pay for not taking the eggs?" the wife asked incredulously.
"YES!!" stated the waitress.
"I'll take the special then," the wife replied.
"How do you want your eggs?" the waitress asked.
"Raw and in the shell."
She took the two eggs home.
DON'T MESS WITH SENIORS!!! They've been around the block more than once.
-- From an e-mail sent to me by Marvin Curnutt
"Then I'll have to charge you two dollars and forty-nine cents because you're ordering a la carte," the waitress warned her.
"You mean I'd have to pay for not taking the eggs?" the wife asked incredulously.
"YES!!" stated the waitress.
"I'll take the special then," the wife replied.
"How do you want your eggs?" the waitress asked.
"Raw and in the shell."
She took the two eggs home.
DON'T MESS WITH SENIORS!!! They've been around the block more than once.
-- From an e-mail sent to me by Marvin Curnutt
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Word of the day
Though my writing is not the best, and my speech is even worse, I enjoy words. I enjoy learning new words, finding odd words, etc. Today I saw a really good one in an e-mail I received, which provided the motivation to institute this new "column". I'll give the word, its definition and the "place" where I ran across it. This won't be daily -- just random as I find something I deem interesting. For today's word, I'm going back to a crossword puzzle answer from yesterday. This is a word I know, but probably have never used (definitely not in speaking).
Vapid -- without liveliness or spirit; dull or tedious; lifeless; flavorless; spiritless [Answer to 5 across (clue, uninspired), Crossword Puzzle, Tyler Morning Telegraph, 13 Nov 2007]
Vapid -- without liveliness or spirit; dull or tedious; lifeless; flavorless; spiritless [Answer to 5 across (clue, uninspired), Crossword Puzzle, Tyler Morning Telegraph, 13 Nov 2007]
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Hoping for a revival
My harp untuned, and laid aside,
(To cheerful hours the harp belongs)
My cruel foes, insulting cried,
"Come, sing us one of Zion's songs."
Alas! when sinners, blindly bold,
At Zion scoff, and Zion's King;
When zeal declines, and love grows cold,
Is this a day for me to sing?
Time was, whene'er the saints I met,
With joy and praise my bosom glowed;
But now, like Eli, sad I sit,
And tremble for the ark of God.
While thus to grief my soul gave way,
To see the work of GOD decline;
Methought I heard my Savior say,
"Dismiss thy fears, the ark is mine.
Though for a time I hide my face,
Rely upon my love and pow'r;
Still wrestle at a throne of grace,
And wait for a reviving hour.
Take down thy long neglected harp,
I've seen thy tears, and heard thy prayer;
The winter season has been sharp,
But spring shall all its wastes repair."
LORD, I obey, my hopes revive,
Come join with me, ye saints, and sing;
Our foes in vain against us strive;
For God will help and healing bring.
John Newton (1725-1807)
Olney Hymns, 1779.
(To cheerful hours the harp belongs)
My cruel foes, insulting cried,
"Come, sing us one of Zion's songs."
Alas! when sinners, blindly bold,
At Zion scoff, and Zion's King;
When zeal declines, and love grows cold,
Is this a day for me to sing?
Time was, whene'er the saints I met,
With joy and praise my bosom glowed;
But now, like Eli, sad I sit,
And tremble for the ark of God.
While thus to grief my soul gave way,
To see the work of GOD decline;
Methought I heard my Savior say,
"Dismiss thy fears, the ark is mine.
Though for a time I hide my face,
Rely upon my love and pow'r;
Still wrestle at a throne of grace,
And wait for a reviving hour.
Take down thy long neglected harp,
I've seen thy tears, and heard thy prayer;
The winter season has been sharp,
But spring shall all its wastes repair."
LORD, I obey, my hopes revive,
Come join with me, ye saints, and sing;
Our foes in vain against us strive;
For God will help and healing bring.
John Newton (1725-1807)
Olney Hymns, 1779.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Words on relationships...
...what do you think?
"During the impressionable adolescent years, kids are organized into classes based on the strength of their intellects. That means the kids in honors classes are practically segregated from the hoi polloi. This may ensure that students get the most challenging education for their skill levels, but it also sends a strong social signal as teens primarily associate with their intellectual equals at the time they often begin dating."
"The relationships that count, the relationships that last, are the ones based on compassion, compromise, and communication." -- both quotes from "Giving Up Smart" by Rachel Pomerance on Belief.net
* "Hoi polloi -- the common people; the masses (often preceded by the)"
"During the impressionable adolescent years, kids are organized into classes based on the strength of their intellects. That means the kids in honors classes are practically segregated from the hoi polloi. This may ensure that students get the most challenging education for their skill levels, but it also sends a strong social signal as teens primarily associate with their intellectual equals at the time they often begin dating."
"The relationships that count, the relationships that last, are the ones based on compassion, compromise, and communication." -- both quotes from "Giving Up Smart" by Rachel Pomerance on Belief.net
* "Hoi polloi -- the common people; the masses (often preceded by the)"
Saturday, November 10, 2007
One baptism series
In his blog, the Fullness of Time, Nathan A. Finn has an interest in occasional posts quoting others view of "one baptism". The first one is found here.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Televangelist investigation
The United States Senate Finance Committee has recently begun an investigation of six prominent and extravagent televangelists. I have no sympathy for some of these thieving clowns who pass for Christian ministers, but the U.S. Senate investigating someone else's financial mismanagement seems like the pot calling the kettle black. Following is a Cc/carbon copy of a note I sent to Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee.
Dear Senator Grassley,
Through several forms of media, I have heard that you are "investigating six prominent televangelist ministries for possible financial misconduct." I have no sympathy for these ministries that to me appear fraudulent. I applaud your concern that they operate openly and above board. If they are operating illegally, they should be legally punished.
But I have two problems with what you are doing: (1) possible bad precedents you may be setting that could later affect more legitimate Christian ministries; and (2) the U.S. Congress has no "moral high ground" for investigating these ministries. These televangelists operate on funds that are donated freely (however unsuspecting they may be). On the other hand, our Federal Government, whom you represent, legally and illegally picks the pockets of the American taxpayers, often spending our money just as lavishly and wastefully as Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland.
I am a former Republican Precinct Chairman, a Christian and a Baptist. I agree with Rod Pitzer (Ministry Watch), who says these ministries that lack accountability "give a black eye to churches and Christians..." I do not waste my money supporting televangelists. I wish I did not spend my money supporting wasteful government spending. While looking at these televangelists, please consider cleaning up your own act.
Addition: Link to someone else cogitating on the subject: 7 lessons pastors can learn from the Senate Televangelist Investigation
Dear Senator Grassley,
Through several forms of media, I have heard that you are "investigating six prominent televangelist ministries for possible financial misconduct." I have no sympathy for these ministries that to me appear fraudulent. I applaud your concern that they operate openly and above board. If they are operating illegally, they should be legally punished.
But I have two problems with what you are doing: (1) possible bad precedents you may be setting that could later affect more legitimate Christian ministries; and (2) the U.S. Congress has no "moral high ground" for investigating these ministries. These televangelists operate on funds that are donated freely (however unsuspecting they may be). On the other hand, our Federal Government, whom you represent, legally and illegally picks the pockets of the American taxpayers, often spending our money just as lavishly and wastefully as Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland.
I am a former Republican Precinct Chairman, a Christian and a Baptist. I agree with Rod Pitzer (Ministry Watch), who says these ministries that lack accountability "give a black eye to churches and Christians..." I do not waste my money supporting televangelists. I wish I did not spend my money supporting wasteful government spending. While looking at these televangelists, please consider cleaning up your own act.
Addition: Link to someone else cogitating on the subject: 7 lessons pastors can learn from the Senate Televangelist Investigation
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Book reviews by Les Puryear
Leslie Puryear reviews the book Starting a House Church, by Larry Kreider and Floyd McClung.
While on the site, you may also want to read Les' review of Holy Discontent, by Bill Hybels.
While on the site, you may also want to read Les' review of Holy Discontent, by Bill Hybels.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
What a comfort divine
My God, I am Thine, what a comfort divine,
What a blessing to know that my Jesus is mine!
In the heavenly Lamb thrice happy I am,
And my heart it doth dance at the sound of His Name.
True pleasures abound in the rapturous sound;
And whoever hath found it hath paradise found:
My Jesus to know, and feel His blood flow,
'Tis life everlasting, 'tis Heaven below.
Yet onward I haste to the heavenly feast:
That, that is the fulness; but this is the taste!
And this I shall prove, till with joy I remove
To the heaven of heavens in Jesus' love.
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1749.
As posted on Song to the Lamb Fri, 24 Aug 2007
What a blessing to know that my Jesus is mine!
In the heavenly Lamb thrice happy I am,
And my heart it doth dance at the sound of His Name.
True pleasures abound in the rapturous sound;
And whoever hath found it hath paradise found:
My Jesus to know, and feel His blood flow,
'Tis life everlasting, 'tis Heaven below.
Yet onward I haste to the heavenly feast:
That, that is the fulness; but this is the taste!
And this I shall prove, till with joy I remove
To the heaven of heavens in Jesus' love.
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1749.
As posted on Song to the Lamb Fri, 24 Aug 2007
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Singing in Dallas
The upcoming Dallas County (Texas) Sacred Harp Convention will meet Saturday, November 10th at the First Primitive Baptist Church at 1920 Gross Road in east Dallas. Singing will begin at 9:30 and end at 3:00, with dinner served at noon. (1991 Denson revision) More info: Bruce/Beverly Coates, (972) 978-5130 or Gary/Vivian Rogan, (817) 523-0230.
Monday, November 05, 2007
GASP
G.A.S.P. (Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play) is an association that is working to make the public aware of a deadly teenager activity -- the "Choking Game". An East Texas youth recently died while playing the game: Death in Lufkin, Texas.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
God's presence is light in darkness
HYMN 54 C. M.
My God, the spring of all my joys,
The life of my delights,
The glory of my brightest days,
And comfort of my nights.
In darkest shades if he appear
My dawning is begun;
He is my soul's sweet morning star,
And he my rising sun.
The opening heav'ns around me shine
With beams of sacred bliss,
While Jesus shows his heart is mine,
And whispers, I am his.
My soul would leave this heavy clay
At that transporting word,
Run up with joy the shining way
T' embrace my dearest Lord.
Fearless of hell and ghastly death,
I'd break through every foe;
The wings of love and arms of faith
Should bear me conqueror through.
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book II, 1707.
As posted on Song to the Lamb, 18 Oct 2007
My God, the spring of all my joys,
The life of my delights,
The glory of my brightest days,
And comfort of my nights.
In darkest shades if he appear
My dawning is begun;
He is my soul's sweet morning star,
And he my rising sun.
The opening heav'ns around me shine
With beams of sacred bliss,
While Jesus shows his heart is mine,
And whispers, I am his.
My soul would leave this heavy clay
At that transporting word,
Run up with joy the shining way
T' embrace my dearest Lord.
Fearless of hell and ghastly death,
I'd break through every foe;
The wings of love and arms of faith
Should bear me conqueror through.
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book II, 1707.
As posted on Song to the Lamb, 18 Oct 2007
Friday, November 02, 2007
The power of prayer
In a small conservative mid-western town, a new bar started building a facility to open up their business. The local Baptist church started a campaign with petitions and prayers to block the bar from opening.
Work progressed right up till the week before opening, when a lightning strike hit the bar and it burned to the ground.
The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means.
The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise in its reply to the court.
As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork at the hearing and commented, "It appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and a church congregation that doesn't!"
[Note: this was sent to me via e-mail, but at this point I can't remember whom to credit for sending it. Maybe it was Bro. Marvin Curnutt. Sorry, I'm not sure.]
Work progressed right up till the week before opening, when a lightning strike hit the bar and it burned to the ground.
The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means.
The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise in its reply to the court.
As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork at the hearing and commented, "It appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and a church congregation that doesn't!"
[Note: this was sent to me via e-mail, but at this point I can't remember whom to credit for sending it. Maybe it was Bro. Marvin Curnutt. Sorry, I'm not sure.]
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Cowper and Newton
Welcome cross.
'Tis my happiness below
Not to live without the cross;
But the Savior's pow'r to know,
Sanctifying every loss:
Trials must and will befall;
But with humble faith to see
Love inscribed upon them all,
This is happiness to me.
God, in Israel, sows the seeds
Of affliction, pain, and toil;
These spring up, and choke the weeds
Which would else o'erspread the soil:
Trials make the promise sweet,
Trials give hew life to prayer;
Trials bring me to his feet,
Lay me low, and keep me there.
Did I meet no trials here,
No chastisement by the way;
Might I not, with reason, fear
I should prove a cast-away:
Bastards may escape the rod,
Sunk in earthly, vain delight;
But the true-born child of GOD,
Must not, would not, if he might.
William Cowper (1731-1800)
Olney Hymns, 1779.
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Neh 9:10
Joy is a fruit that will not grow
In nature's barren soil;
All we can boast, till CHRIST we know,
Is vanity and toil.
But where the LORD has planted grace;
And made His glories known;
There fruits of heavenly joy and peace
Are found, and there alone.
A bleeding Savior seen by faith,
A sense of pard'ning love;
A hope that triumphs over death,
Give joys like those above.
These are the joys which satisfy,
And sanctify the mind;
Which make the spirit mount on high,
And leave the world behind.
John Newton (1725-1807)
Olney Hymns, 1779.
'Tis my happiness below
Not to live without the cross;
But the Savior's pow'r to know,
Sanctifying every loss:
Trials must and will befall;
But with humble faith to see
Love inscribed upon them all,
This is happiness to me.
God, in Israel, sows the seeds
Of affliction, pain, and toil;
These spring up, and choke the weeds
Which would else o'erspread the soil:
Trials make the promise sweet,
Trials give hew life to prayer;
Trials bring me to his feet,
Lay me low, and keep me there.
Did I meet no trials here,
No chastisement by the way;
Might I not, with reason, fear
I should prove a cast-away:
Bastards may escape the rod,
Sunk in earthly, vain delight;
But the true-born child of GOD,
Must not, would not, if he might.
William Cowper (1731-1800)
Olney Hymns, 1779.
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Neh 9:10
Joy is a fruit that will not grow
In nature's barren soil;
All we can boast, till CHRIST we know,
Is vanity and toil.
But where the LORD has planted grace;
And made His glories known;
There fruits of heavenly joy and peace
Are found, and there alone.
A bleeding Savior seen by faith,
A sense of pard'ning love;
A hope that triumphs over death,
Give joys like those above.
These are the joys which satisfy,
And sanctify the mind;
Which make the spirit mount on high,
And leave the world behind.
John Newton (1725-1807)
Olney Hymns, 1779.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Granny Russell singing, Huntington
The annual Granny Russell Memorial Sacred Harp Singing will be held Saturday November the 3rd, 2007 (d.v.) at Little Hope community and church. The Little Hope church building is located on FM 1669 about 4 or 5 miles northeast of Huntington, Texas. Singing starts around 10:00 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Free grace in revealing Christ
HYMN 12 C. M.
Free grace in revealing Christ. Luke 10:21.
Jesus, the man of constant grief,
A mourner all his days;
His spirit once rejoiced aloud,
And tuned his joy to praise:
"Father, I thank thy wondrous love,
That hath revealed thy Son
To men unlearned, and to babes
Has made thy gospel known.
"The mysteries of redeeming grace
Are hidden from the wise,
While pride and carnal reasonings join
To swell and blind their eyes."
Thus doth the Lord of heav'n and earth
His great decrees fulfil,
And orders all his works of grace
By his own sovereign will.
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707.
Free grace in revealing Christ. Luke 10:21.
Jesus, the man of constant grief,
A mourner all his days;
His spirit once rejoiced aloud,
And tuned his joy to praise:
"Father, I thank thy wondrous love,
That hath revealed thy Son
To men unlearned, and to babes
Has made thy gospel known.
"The mysteries of redeeming grace
Are hidden from the wise,
While pride and carnal reasonings join
To swell and blind their eyes."
Thus doth the Lord of heav'n and earth
His great decrees fulfil,
And orders all his works of grace
By his own sovereign will.
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Enumerated Powers Act
In an op-ed piece entitled Congressional Constitutional Contempt, Walter Williams mentions a bill entitled the Enumerated Powers Act.
The Enumerated Powers Act is an interesting bill that "would require Congress to specify the source of authority under the United States Constitution for the enactment of laws, and for other purposes." Representative John Shadegg [R-AZ] has offered this each year since 1995. The current bill was introduced March 6, 2007 and has 29 cosponsors as of October 20, 2007: Todd Akin, Roscoe Bartlett, Rob Bishop, John Boozman, Dan Burton, Michael Conaway, David Davis, John Duncan, Tom Feeney, Jeff Flake, Virginia Foxx, Trent Franks, Scott Garrett, John Gingrey, Louis Gohmert, Robert Goodlatte, Dean Heller, Walter Herger, Doug Lamborn, Kenny Marchant, Thaddeus McCotter, Jeff Miller, Sue Myrick, Ron Paul, Ted Poe, Clifford Stearns, Timothy Walberg, David Weldon, and Lynn Westmoreland.
Now we might think that Congress WOULD NOT make laws that have no constitutional authority, but we know better. This act would at least make the dishonest try to sham up some bogus constitutional ground for the unconstitutional laws they try to enact. Hopefully the American people would take note and realize the persons in Congress who have "contempt for the Constitution." Hopefully the American people care.
The full text may be found here.
The Enumerated Powers Act is an interesting bill that "would require Congress to specify the source of authority under the United States Constitution for the enactment of laws, and for other purposes." Representative John Shadegg [R-AZ] has offered this each year since 1995. The current bill was introduced March 6, 2007 and has 29 cosponsors as of October 20, 2007: Todd Akin, Roscoe Bartlett, Rob Bishop, John Boozman, Dan Burton, Michael Conaway, David Davis, John Duncan, Tom Feeney, Jeff Flake, Virginia Foxx, Trent Franks, Scott Garrett, John Gingrey, Louis Gohmert, Robert Goodlatte, Dean Heller, Walter Herger, Doug Lamborn, Kenny Marchant, Thaddeus McCotter, Jeff Miller, Sue Myrick, Ron Paul, Ted Poe, Clifford Stearns, Timothy Walberg, David Weldon, and Lynn Westmoreland.
Now we might think that Congress WOULD NOT make laws that have no constitutional authority, but we know better. This act would at least make the dishonest try to sham up some bogus constitutional ground for the unconstitutional laws they try to enact. Hopefully the American people would take note and realize the persons in Congress who have "contempt for the Constitution." Hopefully the American people care.
The full text may be found here.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Steve and the B.A.I. Team
After my father passed away, a number of people sent flowers to the funeral home. There is one sender we have not been able to identify, and therefore unable to send a thank you card. So I am making this post with the hope that a thank you will get to the correct person.
This was sent through the West Main Flower Shop in Henderson, Texas and labeled as being from "Steve and the B.A.I. Team". I'm sure we should recognize this, but none of us could make it click. If you see this -- (1) thank you for your thoughtful gesture in the flowers you sent, (2) contact us and let us know who you are.
Thanks.
This was sent through the West Main Flower Shop in Henderson, Texas and labeled as being from "Steve and the B.A.I. Team". I'm sure we should recognize this, but none of us could make it click. If you see this -- (1) thank you for your thoughtful gesture in the flowers you sent, (2) contact us and let us know who you are.
Thanks.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Mondegreens and idiots
...uh, idioms, that is. So now the following really random thoughts:
The elephant in the room is an English idiom for an obvious truth that is being ignored. It is based on the idea that an elephant in a small room would be quite impossible to overlook.
When people cherry pick, they choose things that support their position, while ignoring anything that contradicts it.
A person who is extremely talkative can talk the hind legs off a donkey.
A dog and pony show is a presentation that has lots of style, but no real content.
"A mondegreen* is repeating the mishearing of a phrase in such a way that it acquires a new meaning."
"Shirley, good Mrs. Murphy shall follow me all the days of my life" instead of "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me... "
"Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am his own ..." as opposed to "And He walks with me, and He talks with me..."
"Gladly, my cross-eyed bear" instead of "Gladly my cross I'd bear".
Or "While shepherds washed their socks at night" instead of "While shepherds watched their flocks by night..."
* Somewhat the opposite of malapropism, which a saying of the wrong word or words.
The elephant in the room is an English idiom for an obvious truth that is being ignored. It is based on the idea that an elephant in a small room would be quite impossible to overlook.
When people cherry pick, they choose things that support their position, while ignoring anything that contradicts it.
A person who is extremely talkative can talk the hind legs off a donkey.
A dog and pony show is a presentation that has lots of style, but no real content.
"A mondegreen* is repeating the mishearing of a phrase in such a way that it acquires a new meaning."
"Shirley, good Mrs. Murphy shall follow me all the days of my life" instead of "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me... "
"Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am his own ..." as opposed to "And He walks with me, and He talks with me..."
"Gladly, my cross-eyed bear" instead of "Gladly my cross I'd bear".
Or "While shepherds washed their socks at night" instead of "While shepherds watched their flocks by night..."
* Somewhat the opposite of malapropism, which a saying of the wrong word or words.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Jesus' View of Scripture, by Kohler
Jesus is and should be considered the criterion of Bible interpretation. Consider John Kohler's comments on Jesus' own view of the Scriptures.
1. He believed in the Genesis account of creation - Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
2. He believed in the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch - John 5:46-47 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
3. He believed in the historicity and universality of the Noahic Flood - Matt. 24:37-39 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
4. He believed in the historicity of Abraham - John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
5. He believed in the historicity of Sodom and Gomorrah - Matt. 11:23-24 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
6. He believed God gave manna from heaven to Israel - John 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
7. He believed in the Davidic authorship of the Psalms - Matt. 22:43-45 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
8. He believed in the historicity of Jonah and the whale - Matt. 12:39-41 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
9. He believed the Jews had a history of rejecting God's word - Luke 11:47-51 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
10. He scolded the Sadducees for their ignorance of Scripture - Matt. 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
11. He taught that every word of Scripture proceeded from God - Matt. 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
12. He taught the doctrine of the preservation of Scripture - Matt. 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
13. He taught that man will be judged by God's word - John 12:47-48 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
14. He taught the absolute authority of Scripture - John 10:34-36 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
15. He pre-authenticated the New Testament writings as Scripture - John 16:12-13 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
16. He never corrected or criticized Scripture, even though He did not possess the original autographs - John 17:13-17 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Jesus never involved Himself in higher or lower criticism or attempted to recover the original autographs during his earthly ministry. He either 1) knew Scripture was the word of God and said it was so, 2) did not know if Scripture was the word of God or not and said it was, or 3) knew Scripture was not the word of God and said it was anyway. The first option is the whole truth of the matter!!!
Those who claim to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ ought to hold the same high view of Scripture that He had. What right do they have to hold any other view??? Obviously, no right at all!!!!!
(Some excerpts from an article by John Kohler III as posted on Jim's Standing In The Gap blog, Friday, May 25, 2007)
1. He believed in the Genesis account of creation - Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
2. He believed in the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch - John 5:46-47 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
3. He believed in the historicity and universality of the Noahic Flood - Matt. 24:37-39 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
4. He believed in the historicity of Abraham - John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
5. He believed in the historicity of Sodom and Gomorrah - Matt. 11:23-24 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
6. He believed God gave manna from heaven to Israel - John 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
7. He believed in the Davidic authorship of the Psalms - Matt. 22:43-45 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
8. He believed in the historicity of Jonah and the whale - Matt. 12:39-41 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
9. He believed the Jews had a history of rejecting God's word - Luke 11:47-51 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
10. He scolded the Sadducees for their ignorance of Scripture - Matt. 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
11. He taught that every word of Scripture proceeded from God - Matt. 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
12. He taught the doctrine of the preservation of Scripture - Matt. 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
13. He taught that man will be judged by God's word - John 12:47-48 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
14. He taught the absolute authority of Scripture - John 10:34-36 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
15. He pre-authenticated the New Testament writings as Scripture - John 16:12-13 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
16. He never corrected or criticized Scripture, even though He did not possess the original autographs - John 17:13-17 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Jesus never involved Himself in higher or lower criticism or attempted to recover the original autographs during his earthly ministry. He either 1) knew Scripture was the word of God and said it was so, 2) did not know if Scripture was the word of God or not and said it was, or 3) knew Scripture was not the word of God and said it was anyway. The first option is the whole truth of the matter!!!
Those who claim to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ ought to hold the same high view of Scripture that He had. What right do they have to hold any other view??? Obviously, no right at all!!!!!
(Some excerpts from an article by John Kohler III as posted on Jim's Standing In The Gap blog, Friday, May 25, 2007)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Anchor
"My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil…
(a verse from a hymn by Edward Mote )
"WHEN HE LEADS US THROUGH THE STORMS, IT IS TO TEACH US THE STRENGTH OF OUR ANCHOR."
- Leonard Burrell (posted 22 Sept. 2007 on Sentence Sermon for Today, by D. Paul Tuck)
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil…
(a verse from a hymn by Edward Mote )
"WHEN HE LEADS US THROUGH THE STORMS, IT IS TO TEACH US THE STRENGTH OF OUR ANCHOR."
- Leonard Burrell (posted 22 Sept. 2007 on Sentence Sermon for Today, by D. Paul Tuck)
Monday, October 22, 2007
How to Write Your Local Church History
I received an e-mail concerning a book titled How to Write Your Local Church History, by Donald L. Hughes. This is an electronic book and might be something worth looking into for any person/committee/church considering writing a local church history. The cost in $14.00.
I am neither familiar with the book nor acquainted with the author. SO, this is NOT an endorsement. I'm just passing along information that might be helpful.
I am neither familiar with the book nor acquainted with the author. SO, this is NOT an endorsement. I'm just passing along information that might be helpful.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Whooya
...votin' for?
My nephew sent me the following link. For fun, whether anything else, try the Candidate Calculator to see how you line up with your preference for President of the United States (and the rest of the pack as well). *
I matched up closest to Tom Tancredo -- 84.31% match -- about whom I know nothing. My second match was Texas Representative Ron Paul (82.35%), the candidate I plan to vote for in the primary. I was glad to see that I disagree with New Yorkers Guiliani and Clinton 63% and 73% of the time, respectively! :-D
* Disclaimer -- While anyone can take this test, please check United States voting laws to see whether you can vote in the upcoming election! ;-)
My nephew sent me the following link. For fun, whether anything else, try the Candidate Calculator to see how you line up with your preference for President of the United States (and the rest of the pack as well). *
I matched up closest to Tom Tancredo -- 84.31% match -- about whom I know nothing. My second match was Texas Representative Ron Paul (82.35%), the candidate I plan to vote for in the primary. I was glad to see that I disagree with New Yorkers Guiliani and Clinton 63% and 73% of the time, respectively! :-D
* Disclaimer -- While anyone can take this test, please check United States voting laws to see whether you can vote in the upcoming election! ;-)
Friday, October 19, 2007
Purpose of Music in the Church
Because of readers' interest, I like to post something from time to time on music and singing. The following directs you to some articles on church music.
In Purpose of Music in the Church, Paul Foltz writes (found in Grace Notes, Newsletter of Grace For All Publications):
In Purpose of Music in the Church, Paul Foltz writes (found in Grace Notes, Newsletter of Grace For All Publications):
The Word of God presents only two purposes for music in the church:Do you agree or disagree? Click the link above to read the entire article. Other views can be found in The Philosophy of our Music Ministry and Music and the Church: Finding Our Voice in Worship, By Ken Puls.
1. that of worshiping and praising God;
2. that of edifying the saints.
There are well over 800 references to music and its use in the Bible...We have no command or example from the Scriptures for music to be used for any other purpose.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Life
"Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans." -- A. J. Marshall *
* as best I can tell, Marshall is the source of this quote; sometimes it is credited to John Lennon
* as best I can tell, Marshall is the source of this quote; sometimes it is credited to John Lennon
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Attention Little Debbie fans
Over the past 20 years or so, I've been buying "Little Debbie"* snack cakes. During this period, individually packaged snack cakes cost .25¢. While candy and other brands' snack cakes soared to .79¢ or .89¢ or more, Debbie stayed put. Drinks consisting of sugar, water, coloring and little else rose to $1.19 and up. Debbie held her ground. But inflation has finally reached into the pockets of us poor working-class snack cake purchasers -- Little Debbie snacks have gone up to .35¢. Now I don't blame Debbie, she's a sweet gal. What surprises me is that the McKee Foods Corporation has been able to prosper while holding the price down for this long! I'll still be buying Little Debbie snacks and hoping for 20 or so years of Little Debbie snack cakes at .35¢.
As a matter of trivia, according to the Little Debbie website, their top selling items are:
1. Swiss Cake Rolls
2. Nutty Bars® Wafer Bars
3. Oatmeal Creme Pies
4. Fudge Brownies
5. Honey Buns
6. Zebra Cakes
7. Devil Squares®
8. Fudge Rounds
9. Star Crunch® Cosmic Snacks
10. Chocolate Cupcakes
* The "real" Little Debbie is the granddaughter of company founder O. D. McKee.
As a matter of trivia, according to the Little Debbie website, their top selling items are:
1. Swiss Cake Rolls
2. Nutty Bars® Wafer Bars
3. Oatmeal Creme Pies
4. Fudge Brownies
5. Honey Buns
6. Zebra Cakes
7. Devil Squares®
8. Fudge Rounds
9. Star Crunch® Cosmic Snacks
10. Chocolate Cupcakes
* The "real" Little Debbie is the granddaughter of company founder O. D. McKee.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Doing positive things
"Any positive thing man does is done by God's grace. This has to be the case, because man is by nature a totally-depraved, totally-enslaved being.We repent, believe, confess Christ in baptism, and do good works by God's grace." -- John Kohler New Covenant Christian Forum, Mon, 20 Aug 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Full-time Christianity
"A great many so-called Christians think they may go to meeting weeks at a time and neglect their business, and that God approbates such idleness because it is religious, as if religion consisted in going to meeting and ended when meeting was over. But the truth is that Christ’s religion is as much in the field, the store room, the work shop, as it is in the church house." -- Elder J. R. Respess of Georgia writing in the Gospel Messenger, July 1886
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Martin Byerly missing
From Texas EquuSearch:
Martin Byerly, age 58, was last seen on Friday, September 28, 2007 at Jake’s Place near Hwy 96 in Jasper, Texas and has not been seen or heard from since. It is not known what Martin was last seen wearing. His white 1990 Chevrolet pickup truck was located Saturday morning, the 29th, at the Payless Shoe store located on U.S. 190 in Jasper. Foul play is suspected.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Conservative vs Liberal
I generally view conservative not so much as what one believes, but how one approaches Scripture. First, one must believe it is inerrant and then that it is authoritative for faith and practice. Let me give you two examples of how I look at this.
I know some Baptists who believe in women preachers/pastors. Now I'm speaking from experience, so this doesn't apply across the board. Of those I've known personally (not speaking of anyone I've run across on the internet), they held women pastors based on cultural, progressive and even feminist ideas, without particular regard to what the Bible might have to say on the matter. On the other hand, I've known Pentecostals who believe in women preachers/pastors, and approach it in a completely different way. They based what they believed on what they think the Bible teaches and of which they think it gives examples.
Now, totally apart from what might be right or wrong on this matter, I would call those who hold the first approach "liberal", and those who hold the second approach "conservative". That's just an example of how I see it. Many people see "conservative" and "liberal" in regard to what they themselves believe -- and I guess perhaps we can't help approach it that way to some extent.
I know some Baptists who believe in women preachers/pastors. Now I'm speaking from experience, so this doesn't apply across the board. Of those I've known personally (not speaking of anyone I've run across on the internet), they held women pastors based on cultural, progressive and even feminist ideas, without particular regard to what the Bible might have to say on the matter. On the other hand, I've known Pentecostals who believe in women preachers/pastors, and approach it in a completely different way. They based what they believed on what they think the Bible teaches and of which they think it gives examples.
Now, totally apart from what might be right or wrong on this matter, I would call those who hold the first approach "liberal", and those who hold the second approach "conservative". That's just an example of how I see it. Many people see "conservative" and "liberal" in regard to what they themselves believe -- and I guess perhaps we can't help approach it that way to some extent.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Random rambling
Cheap prize
I wonder about the value of a prize that can be awarded to a politician who makes a poor documentary based on a questionable scientific foundation. Where can I buy my Nobel?
Appendix
Interesting. A common explanation throughout modern times has been that the (vermiform) appendix is an organ that has lost its function through evolution of the human species. Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine have a new theory, recently published in the Journal of Theoretical Biology, that the appendix "acts as a good safe house for bacteria," by creating and protecting helpful microorganisms for the digestive system.
I wonder about the value of a prize that can be awarded to a politician who makes a poor documentary based on a questionable scientific foundation. Where can I buy my Nobel?
Appendix
Interesting. A common explanation throughout modern times has been that the (vermiform) appendix is an organ that has lost its function through evolution of the human species. Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine have a new theory, recently published in the Journal of Theoretical Biology, that the appendix "acts as a good safe house for bacteria," by creating and protecting helpful microorganisms for the digestive system.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Carson on the Gospel
"We must avoid the view that, while the Gospel provides a sort of escape ticket from judgment and hell, all the real life-transforming power comes from something else–an esoteric doctrine, a mystical experience, a therapeutic technique, a discipleship course. That is too narrow a view of the Gospel. Worse, it ends up relativizing and marginalizing the Gospel, stripping it of its power while it directs the attention of people away from the Gospel and toward something less helpful." -- D. A. Carson, For the Love of God, Volume II
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Prophecy and redemption
"All of the scripture from beginning to end is not written primarily for man's enlightenment on world events or proper conduct in the midst of it. The primary purpose of the Bible is as a text which testifies of the LORD’s purpose to redeem HIS people out of every tribe, kindred, and tongue on the earth." --- Mike McInnis from They that are with Him in the Grace Gazette, Volume V, Issue 34
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
The Clock of Life
In a post Mon Sep 10, 2007 on the Texas Fasola listserve, Mike Hinton quoted a poem by Barney Lee. Mr. Lee is an uncle of Sacred Harper David Lee.
The Clock of Life, by Barney Lee of Hoboken, GA
The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour
Now is the only time you own
Live, love, work with a will
Place no faith in tomorrow
The clock may then be still
The Clock of Life, by Barney Lee of Hoboken, GA
The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour
Now is the only time you own
Live, love, work with a will
Place no faith in tomorrow
The clock may then be still
Monday, October 08, 2007
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Baptism and culture
The following clip illustrates something I mentioned in an earlier post Baptism -- a "Western" activity. If we reinterpret many early Christian acts as only cultural items relegated to the distant past, why should we stop at baptism?
"Baptism pools (called mikvehs) were abundant throughout Israel in John the Baptist’s and in Jesus’ day. These pools pre-date the preaching of John the Baptist, who baptized Jews in preparation for Jesus’ coming. They were used in a ceremonial rite of cleansing in preparation for worship. To these people baptism symbolized purity. Any visitor to Israel today can still see the ruins of these pools at Masada, Qumran, Capernaum, Korazin, and Jerusalem. Is it too hard to suppose such washings were brought into Christianity as a cultural symbol, yet divine requirement, of full commitment? There doesn't seem to be anything transcultural about the act of baptism itself. People from other cultures would not automatically recognize the act of baptism as indicating purity or suggesting full commitment. Perhaps baptism was a divine requirement to a people who understood its meaning. If so, then what would God think of believers in today’s culture who failed to be baptized because baptism was not viewed in the same way?John W. Loftus is an instructor at both Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, MI; and Tri-State University in Angola, IN. Because of his articles “Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation” (Integrity July/August 1995) and “Is Baptism Necessary--One More Time” (Integrity, Jan/Feb 1996) [posted online 10/13/2006], Great Lakes Christian College did not renew his teaching contract. In interest of full disclosure, note that Loftus had evidently previously believed baptism was necessary for salvation, and at the time of writing “Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation” was combatting the idea. He is now a self-described atheist.
"Someone might simply respond by charging that baptism is clearly stated in the N.T., and I agree. But then we must ask: If it is so clearly stated in the N.T., then why have a majority of Christians gotten it wrong, both in the past and the present? I don’t have an answer for this. I do know that we think foot washing is cultural, and so is greeting one another with a kiss. We reinterpret what a woman should be wearing in church on her head, and whether or not we should sell all our possessions and give to the poor. Many denominational church leaders think this way about baptism, and we think they are wrong. But will God actually punish someone eternally simply because they are wrong on this? The answer I believe that is the most Biblical, reasonable and loving is that he would accept/tolerate their ignorance on this issue provided they longed to follow him with their heart and sought to obey all that they knew God to command."
Saturday, October 06, 2007
The great Redeemer lives
He lives! the great Redeemer lives!
What joy the blest assurance gives!
And now, before His Father, God,
Pleads the full merit of His blood.
Repeated crimes awake our fears,
And justice armed with frowns appears,
But in the Savior's lovely face
Sweet mercy smiles, and all is peace.
In every dark, distressful hour,
When sin and Satan join their power,
Let this dear hope repel the dart,
That Jesus bears us on His heart.
Great Advocate, almighty Friend!
On Him our humble hopes depend;
Our cause can never, never fail,
For Jesus pleads, and must prevail.
Anne Steele (1716-1778)
Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional, 1760.
Posted on Song To The Lamb, Sun. 23 Sep 2007
What joy the blest assurance gives!
And now, before His Father, God,
Pleads the full merit of His blood.
Repeated crimes awake our fears,
And justice armed with frowns appears,
But in the Savior's lovely face
Sweet mercy smiles, and all is peace.
In every dark, distressful hour,
When sin and Satan join their power,
Let this dear hope repel the dart,
That Jesus bears us on His heart.
Great Advocate, almighty Friend!
On Him our humble hopes depend;
Our cause can never, never fail,
For Jesus pleads, and must prevail.
Anne Steele (1716-1778)
Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional, 1760.
Posted on Song To The Lamb, Sun. 23 Sep 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
Albert Wardin's Twelve Tribes
The Twelve Tribes of Baptists in the USA: a Historical and Statistical Analysis. Albert W. Wardin, Jr. Baptist History and Heritage Society, Atlanta, GA. 2007. 168 pp. paperback, $24.95. ISBN: 978-1-57843-938-3
Albert Wardin, a native of Oregon, USA, served as professor of Western Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary and Judson Baptist College. He is now professor emeritus at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is author of eight other books, including Baptist Atlas, Baptists Around the World, Tennessee Baptists: a Comprehensive History, and Gottfried F. Alf: Pioneer of the Baptist Movement in Poland.
I have long been a follower of the work of Albert Wardin in Baptist taxonomy. There is (and can be) no "standard list" of Baptists (p.14). In my opinion, Dr. Wardin's work does the best in making sense of the diverse Baptists dotted across the American landscape. I have followed his basic divisions in my own attempts of sorting out Baptists and their classifications. My first impression when he mentioned the idea of "twelve tribes" in an e-mail to me was that it might seem labored in order to make the Baptist divisions in the US fit exactly twelve. Heretofore, based on Wardin's work I have used six classifications. For example, see Another outline of Baptists in the US. Being "non-progressive" and usually satisfied with things as they are, I was hesitant for Wardin to create a new system! But my initial reaction after seeing the book was that the 'twelve' tribes fit rather well. He credits Anabaptist World USA with giving him the idea of dividing Baptist groups into 'tribes'.
The inital section of the book includes a handy list of abbreviations, followed by the preface and introduction. The main body of the book is divided into "Baptist Bodies by Tribe" and "Distribution of Baptists by Region and State". These are followed with the endnotes and 16 excellent pages of color-coded maps. These maps show Baptist distribution throughout the United States, based on statistics gathered in the 2000 Religious Congregations and Membership study. That study was sponsored by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies and the Glenmary Research Institute. The maps published in Twelve Tribes were not published in the RCMUS study.
In his introduction Wardin highlights the study of Baptists, with its problems and pleasures. He discusses the background and development of Baptists, their number, and problems inherent in classifying Baptists. Why is there so much diversity? What are some of the problems? Should Baptists be classified by name or affiliation?* By name or theology?** How can Baptists be grouped generically? What about dual affiliations? Independent churches? Ethnic bodies? Shifting categories? Is the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship a denomination? There are problems of statistical analysis as well. Some bodies keep detailed records and even report them to other sources. Some bodies collect no data, and a few may even be suspicious of sharing statistical information.
In Twelve Tribes, Albert Wardin "...describes each tribe with its respective bodies and then will follow with a section on their numerical distribution by region and state."
The 'tribe' section is, of course, divided by twelve, sorting the various US Baptists into the following tribes: Ecumenical Mainline, National (African-American), Conservative Evangelical (Northern), Fundamental (Northern), Conservative Evangelical (Southern), Fundamental (Southern), Landmark, General/Free Will, Old-Time, Primitivists, Progressive Primitive, and Neo-Calvinist. Within these twelve tribes, Wardin discusses 53 Baptist bodies, large and small -- from the 42,723 churches of the Southern Baptist Convention to the historically significant General Six-Principle Baptists, now reduced to one church.
The numerical section is divided into three parts -- a regional listing by number of members and/or attendance and number of churches, a description of the Baptist presence in that region, and a listing of number of members and/or attendance & number of churches by state (within each region). The United States is broken into ten geographical regions -- basically following that of the census regions, with minor changes to fit the Baptist landscape.
In his introduction Wardin observes, "If one takes the time to notice, one should be able to see that the various tribes have probably far more in common than the elements that divide them. (p. 14)" This book should be in the libraries of every Baptist educational institution and every student of Baptist history and taxonomy. Why, it should be in the hands of every Baptist. It will help them understand more about who they are.
* For example - the Cumberland River Association was named "United Baptist" but affiliated with the American Baptist Association. [Recent minutes indicate they have since dropped "United" from their association name.]
** For example - some Primitive Baptists no longer hold Primitive Baptist theology.
Albert Wardin, a native of Oregon, USA, served as professor of Western Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary and Judson Baptist College. He is now professor emeritus at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is author of eight other books, including Baptist Atlas, Baptists Around the World, Tennessee Baptists: a Comprehensive History, and Gottfried F. Alf: Pioneer of the Baptist Movement in Poland.
I have long been a follower of the work of Albert Wardin in Baptist taxonomy. There is (and can be) no "standard list" of Baptists (p.14). In my opinion, Dr. Wardin's work does the best in making sense of the diverse Baptists dotted across the American landscape. I have followed his basic divisions in my own attempts of sorting out Baptists and their classifications. My first impression when he mentioned the idea of "twelve tribes" in an e-mail to me was that it might seem labored in order to make the Baptist divisions in the US fit exactly twelve. Heretofore, based on Wardin's work I have used six classifications. For example, see Another outline of Baptists in the US. Being "non-progressive" and usually satisfied with things as they are, I was hesitant for Wardin to create a new system! But my initial reaction after seeing the book was that the 'twelve' tribes fit rather well. He credits Anabaptist World USA with giving him the idea of dividing Baptist groups into 'tribes'.
The inital section of the book includes a handy list of abbreviations, followed by the preface and introduction. The main body of the book is divided into "Baptist Bodies by Tribe" and "Distribution of Baptists by Region and State". These are followed with the endnotes and 16 excellent pages of color-coded maps. These maps show Baptist distribution throughout the United States, based on statistics gathered in the 2000 Religious Congregations and Membership study. That study was sponsored by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies and the Glenmary Research Institute. The maps published in Twelve Tribes were not published in the RCMUS study.
In his introduction Wardin highlights the study of Baptists, with its problems and pleasures. He discusses the background and development of Baptists, their number, and problems inherent in classifying Baptists. Why is there so much diversity? What are some of the problems? Should Baptists be classified by name or affiliation?* By name or theology?** How can Baptists be grouped generically? What about dual affiliations? Independent churches? Ethnic bodies? Shifting categories? Is the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship a denomination? There are problems of statistical analysis as well. Some bodies keep detailed records and even report them to other sources. Some bodies collect no data, and a few may even be suspicious of sharing statistical information.
In Twelve Tribes, Albert Wardin "...describes each tribe with its respective bodies and then will follow with a section on their numerical distribution by region and state."
The 'tribe' section is, of course, divided by twelve, sorting the various US Baptists into the following tribes: Ecumenical Mainline, National (African-American), Conservative Evangelical (Northern), Fundamental (Northern), Conservative Evangelical (Southern), Fundamental (Southern), Landmark, General/Free Will, Old-Time, Primitivists, Progressive Primitive, and Neo-Calvinist. Within these twelve tribes, Wardin discusses 53 Baptist bodies, large and small -- from the 42,723 churches of the Southern Baptist Convention to the historically significant General Six-Principle Baptists, now reduced to one church.
The numerical section is divided into three parts -- a regional listing by number of members and/or attendance and number of churches, a description of the Baptist presence in that region, and a listing of number of members and/or attendance & number of churches by state (within each region). The United States is broken into ten geographical regions -- basically following that of the census regions, with minor changes to fit the Baptist landscape.
In his introduction Wardin observes, "If one takes the time to notice, one should be able to see that the various tribes have probably far more in common than the elements that divide them. (p. 14)" This book should be in the libraries of every Baptist educational institution and every student of Baptist history and taxonomy. Why, it should be in the hands of every Baptist. It will help them understand more about who they are.
* For example - the Cumberland River Association was named "United Baptist" but affiliated with the American Baptist Association. [Recent minutes indicate they have since dropped "United" from their association name.]
** For example - some Primitive Baptists no longer hold Primitive Baptist theology.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
LBBI online library
The Landmark Baptist Bible Institute online library has a lot of Baptist material available online. Some of it is by recent writers, and some of it is older hard-to-find material.
For examples:
Abstract of Systematic Theology, by J. P. Boyce
A Manual of Faith and Practice, by William Styles
Bogomils of Bulgaria and Bosnia, by L. P. Brockett
History of the Welsh Tract Baptist Church, by D. V. Spangler
The Graves-Ditzler debate of 1876
For examples:
Abstract of Systematic Theology, by J. P. Boyce
A Manual of Faith and Practice, by William Styles
Bogomils of Bulgaria and Bosnia, by L. P. Brockett
History of the Welsh Tract Baptist Church, by D. V. Spangler
The Graves-Ditzler debate of 1876
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
God's eternal dominion
Great God! how infinite art thou!
What worthless worms are we!
Let the whole race of creatures bow,
And pay their praise to thee.
Thy throne eternal ages stood,
Ere seas or stars were made;
Thou art the ever-living God,
Were all the nations dead.
Nature and time quite naked lie
To thine immense survey,
From the formation of the sky
To the great burning day.
Eternity, with all its years.
Stands present in thy view;
To thee there's nothing old appears,
Great God! there's nothing new.
Our lives through various scenes are drawn,
And vexed with trifling cares,
While thine eternal thought moves on
Thine undisturbed affairs.
Great God! how infinite art thou!
What worthless worms are we!
Let the whole race of creatures bow,
And pay their praise to thee.
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book II, 1707.
What worthless worms are we!
Let the whole race of creatures bow,
And pay their praise to thee.
Thy throne eternal ages stood,
Ere seas or stars were made;
Thou art the ever-living God,
Were all the nations dead.
Nature and time quite naked lie
To thine immense survey,
From the formation of the sky
To the great burning day.
Eternity, with all its years.
Stands present in thy view;
To thee there's nothing old appears,
Great God! there's nothing new.
Our lives through various scenes are drawn,
And vexed with trifling cares,
While thine eternal thought moves on
Thine undisturbed affairs.
Great God! how infinite art thou!
What worthless worms are we!
Let the whole race of creatures bow,
And pay their praise to thee.
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book II, 1707.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Saul, melancholy man of contradiction
Last week I posted a couple of times on Jonathan. Today let's consider his father.
Hosea 13:11 - I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.
The life story of King Saul is one of the Bible's saddest tales. This man with so much potential, humanly speaking, recklessly scatters it on a refuse pile. Saul was a masculine specimen, standing head and shoulders above his countrymen. Thus he commanded fear and demanded respect, as do most men of large stature. Yet he was also humble, or as Samuel put it "little in thine own sight." The Spirit of the Lord descended on him, and on occasion he prophesied. He exhibited wise and compassionate leadership when he refused to wield vengenance on those who opposed his accession to the throne. He led armies into battle. He removed from the land those who dabbled with familiar spirits. Such was Saul.
This manly man could tremble in fear or rave like a madman. His humility turned to pride and pride to jealousy as women sang of David's valorous battle deeds. The Spirit of the Lord departed and an evil spirit came upon him, turning his speech from prohesying to rantings and cursings. His wise counsel turned to foolishness when he sought to execute Jonathan for unknowingly disobeying his rash oath. In desperation he turned to the very darkness he had driven from the land -- one who dabbled in familiar spirits. In the end this man who stood head and shoulders above his countrymen suffered the indignity of having his head parted from his shoulders, his head displayed in an idol's temple, and his body nailed to a wall. Such was Saul.
Thus we remember this poor deluded man -- a melancholy man of contraditions. It is right to recognize he had many faults, as pointed out in the Scriptures. Saul "kept not the commandment of the Lord," "rejected the word of the Lord," "an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him," he "had slain the Lord's priests," and in the end "took a sword and fell upon it." But let us, men subject to like passions, also be as charitable as the man Saul hunted like a dog who sang, "Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!"
In Saul we see that in the best of men is also the worst of men; he was a living contradiction. Also we learn to look not on the outward appearance (I Sam. 16:7); Saul appeared to be the "man for the job" (there is none like him among all the people). David was (the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart). Remember to lean not on thine own understanding (Prov. 3:5).
And think of how we often say, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." Often we say this, but do we really believe it? We say "There, but for the grace of God, go I." But does our heart really mean, "There, but for my good works and the good choices I've made, go I."
Hosea 13:11 - I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.
The life story of King Saul is one of the Bible's saddest tales. This man with so much potential, humanly speaking, recklessly scatters it on a refuse pile. Saul was a masculine specimen, standing head and shoulders above his countrymen. Thus he commanded fear and demanded respect, as do most men of large stature. Yet he was also humble, or as Samuel put it "little in thine own sight." The Spirit of the Lord descended on him, and on occasion he prophesied. He exhibited wise and compassionate leadership when he refused to wield vengenance on those who opposed his accession to the throne. He led armies into battle. He removed from the land those who dabbled with familiar spirits. Such was Saul.
This manly man could tremble in fear or rave like a madman. His humility turned to pride and pride to jealousy as women sang of David's valorous battle deeds. The Spirit of the Lord departed and an evil spirit came upon him, turning his speech from prohesying to rantings and cursings. His wise counsel turned to foolishness when he sought to execute Jonathan for unknowingly disobeying his rash oath. In desperation he turned to the very darkness he had driven from the land -- one who dabbled in familiar spirits. In the end this man who stood head and shoulders above his countrymen suffered the indignity of having his head parted from his shoulders, his head displayed in an idol's temple, and his body nailed to a wall. Such was Saul.
Thus we remember this poor deluded man -- a melancholy man of contraditions. It is right to recognize he had many faults, as pointed out in the Scriptures. Saul "kept not the commandment of the Lord," "rejected the word of the Lord," "an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him," he "had slain the Lord's priests," and in the end "took a sword and fell upon it." But let us, men subject to like passions, also be as charitable as the man Saul hunted like a dog who sang, "Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!"
In Saul we see that in the best of men is also the worst of men; he was a living contradiction. Also we learn to look not on the outward appearance (I Sam. 16:7); Saul appeared to be the "man for the job" (there is none like him among all the people). David was (the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart). Remember to lean not on thine own understanding (Prov. 3:5).
And think of how we often say, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." Often we say this, but do we really believe it? We say "There, but for the grace of God, go I." But does our heart really mean, "There, but for my good works and the good choices I've made, go I."
Monday, October 01, 2007
Mas citaciónes
"No matter one’s social convictions, Scripture is normative for providing and defining the appropriate Christian language for God." -- Emily Hunter McGowin on Think. Laugh. Weep. Worship. 30 July 2007
Heard: "If you always have the problem of an ox getting in the ditch, perhaps you should sell the ox or fill the ditch!"
Seen on a billboard: "Forbidden fruit produces many jams."
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"If you apply Christ's prayer for unity solely to the universal church, then what does it really mean? We're in unity if we are all believers? A local congregation in the midst of a horrible schismatic division is then, by this definition, in unity.
"That's nonsensical. Local congregations are not 'superstructures'. Local congregations are the central core of what the churches are. Unity within local congregations is far more important than the equivalent of some trans-denominational re-release of 'We Are the World' with group hugs for everyone." -- Bart Barber, comment thread of his blog post The Pernicious Evil of Mere Preference, September 7, 2007
"How many of your problems would disappear if you let the past be the past?" -- copied
Heard: "If you always have the problem of an ox getting in the ditch, perhaps you should sell the ox or fill the ditch!"
Seen on a billboard: "Forbidden fruit produces many jams."
----------------------------
"If you apply Christ's prayer for unity solely to the universal church, then what does it really mean? We're in unity if we are all believers? A local congregation in the midst of a horrible schismatic division is then, by this definition, in unity.
"That's nonsensical. Local congregations are not 'superstructures'. Local congregations are the central core of what the churches are. Unity within local congregations is far more important than the equivalent of some trans-denominational re-release of 'We Are the World' with group hugs for everyone." -- Bart Barber, comment thread of his blog post The Pernicious Evil of Mere Preference, September 7, 2007
"How many of your problems would disappear if you let the past be the past?" -- copied
Alzheimer's walk
Alzheimer's walk sponsored by Northeast Texas Alzheimer's Alliance. October 4, 2007
Registration $20 at 5 p.m. Walk begins at 6 p.m.
Registration $20 at 5 p.m. Walk begins at 6 p.m.
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