Required reading Tracts and Letters (Volume 5) by John Calvin (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Letters CCCXIV to CCCXXVI.
My summary Today we read letters from 1553 addressed to Cranmer, Monsieur De Marolles, Viret, Bullinger, the Five Prisoners of Lyons, Madame De Cany, Farel, Denis Peloquin, Louis De Marsac and the Pastors of Frankfort.
The content of today's letters included: (i) encouragement to the five martyrs of Lyons; (ii) the reformation in England, particularly in regard to the death of the King; (iii) troubles at Geneva over the right of the pastors to exercise church disciple; (iv) the heretic Servetus.
What grabbed me It was sad to read about the end of the martyrs of Lyons.
I found helpful Calvin's counsel to them before they died: 'You know, however, in what strength you have to fight — a strength on which all those who trust, shall never be daunted, much less confounded. Even so, my brothers, be confident that you shall be strengthened, according to your need, by the Spirit of our Lord Jesus, so that you shall not faint under the load of temptations, however heavy it be, any more than he did who won so glorious a victory, that in the midst of our miseries it is an unfailing pledge of our triumph. Since it pleases him to employ you to the death in maintaining his quarrel, he will strengthen your hands in the fight, and will not suffer a single drop of your blood to be spent in vain. And though the fruit may not all at once appear, yet in time it shall spring up more abundantly than we can express. But as he hath vouchsafed you this privilege, that your bonds have been renowned, and that the noise of them has been everywhere spread abroad, it must needs be, in despite of Satan, that your death should resound far more powerfully, so that the name of our Lord be magnified thereby. For my part, I have no doubt, if it please this kind Father to take you unto himself, that he has preserved you hitherto, in order that your long-continued imprisonment might serve as a preparation for the better awakening of those whom he has determined to edify by your end. For let enemies do their utmost, they never shall be able to bury out of sight that light which God has made to shine in you, in order to be contemplated from afar.'
Such good pastoral advice in such a difficult situation.
Next week's reading Read Letters CCCXXVII to CCCXXXIX. Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading The Works (Vol 7) by Thomas Goodwin (Available fromAmazon or free here) - Continue Book II by reading Chapters 8 and 9.
My summary Goodwin now compares the state of Adam and the state of Christ.
In Chapter Eight he shows from Romans 5 that Adam was a type of Christ, meaning 'A type of a thing to come is a prophetical resemblance, wherein some-thing more imperfect going before is intended by God to signify some other thing more noble and perfect to follow after. In the proper signification of the word, it signifies a print, stamp, or impression, bearing the resemblance of that which made it.'
Then Chapter Nine turns to 1 Corinthians 15 to also prove that Adam was a type of Christ. Goodwin himself explains the structure of the chapter: 'Now, in handling this scripture, I shall observe this method : 1. I will shew the coherence, scope, and connection of these words, and open those phrases in them which most conduce to the understanding of them. 2. Secondly, When they are explained, I will raise arguments from them, to confirm that assertion already laid down, namely, that Adam was before his fall a prophetic type of Christ to come. 3. And thirdly, I will open those particulars which this scripture holds forth, wherein he was ordained Christ's type as then.'
What grabbed me Goodwin gave us a beautiful description of God's wisdom in creating this world and then another world in Christ: 'And as a skilful and curious artist will stand looking upon the exquisite workmanship of some one part (suppose upon an eye or hand in a picture) many hours together with much delight, so did the angels greedily view every part of this world, admiring and praising God's artifice in it (which likewise God himself did, as delighting to see how good all was that he had made) ; and whilst they were doing so they might behold God, as if he had been displeased at the coarseness of this his work which he had drawn, suffer all to be dashed by one unwary stroke of the pencil, suffering his image in man to be razed, and this whole frame subjected to vanity, confusion, and disorder ; which made them wonder, in that they surely thought that this was all the works of wonder that ever God meant to make, especially when they saw him at first rest from all his works, and sit down as delighted in them, and to appoint a day for the memorial of them. They could not choose but wonder to see that God should throw so costly a piece away, being such a world as they could never imagine how a better could ever be framed ; and how great a God must they needs think him to be, that regarded not the loss and spoiling of such a world ! But, alas ! God had a further plot and platform of another Adam and another world in his head, whereof all this, though so perfect, was but the type and shadow, and of all which they knew not one tittle, nor had the least inkling ; therefore, Eph. iii. 9, it is called a ' mystery hid in God.' God had not spoken one word of it to them (as not of his temple to David). In comparison of which, this world was but a stage to act a part upon a while, and man, the lord of it, but as a king in a play, a mere type and resemblance of another king, the King of glory, who, when he should be brought into the world, these angels must all down upon their knees and worship. Themselves are but the stars, as Job calls them, and David too, in Ps. viii. 3, where he speaks (as was said) of Christ's world, and the creatures thereof, the angels, who become subjects of it, are but the stars, and the church the moon ; but there is no sun mentioned, for Christ himself is the sun, and the light thereof, before whom these stars were to lose their light, with which at best they do but twinkle. And when Christ and his world shall appear, then this ' moon shall be confounded, and this sun ashamed, when he shall reign in mount Sion, and before his ancients gloriously,' Isa. xxiv. 23. And how must this needs shew forth the manifold wisdom of God, that he hath plots beyond plots, though he begins with a ruder show at first, as in the making of the world, in which the wisdom that lies in it, taken simply by itself, how glorious is it! It is called ' the wisdom of God,' 1 Cor. i. 21.'
A lengthy quote, but well worth reading to encourage a marvelling at the wisdom of God.
Next week's reading Continue Book II by reading Chapter 10.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading A body of divinity by Thomas Watson (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read '8. Joy', '9. Growth in grace' and '10. Perseverance'. My summary Last week we started looking at the fruits of sanctification. The first two were love and peace. This week we look at another three fruits: joy, growth in grace and perseverance.
Firstly we are taught that the fruit of joy: (i) is a delightful passion; (ii) arises from the feeling of some good; (iii) is supported under present troubles; (iv) fences the heart against future fear.
The next fruit is growth in grace and Watson answers the questions: (i) In how many ways may a Christian be said to grow in grace?; (ii) What is the right manner of a Christian’s growth?; (iii) Whence is it that true grace cannot but grow?; (iv) What motives or incentives are there to make us grow in grace?; (v) How shall we know whether we grow in grace?; (vi) What shall we do to grow in grace?; (vii) How may we comfort such as complain they do not grow in grace?
The final fruit is perseverance. Watson makes some clarifications as to what he means by believers persevere. Then gives us the means by which Christians come to persevere, arguments to prove the saint's perseverance and some answers to Arminian objections.
What grabbed me I liked Watson's short and sharp analysis of the difficult text in Hebrews 6: 'The second objection is, It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have felt the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance. Heb 6:6.
This place of Scripture has no force in it, for the apostle here speaks of hypocrites; he shows how far they may go, and yet fall away. (1.) They who were once enlightened. Men may have great illuminations, yet fall away. Was not Judas enlightened? (2.) They have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost; the common gifts of the Spirit, not the special grace. (3.) They have tasted the good word of God. Tasting here is opposed to eating: the hypocrite may have a kind of taste of the sweetness of religion, but his taste does not nourish. There is a great deal of difference between one Perseverance that takes a gargle and a cordial: the gargle only washes his mouth - he tastes it, and puts it out again; but a cordial is drunk down, which nourishes and cherishes the spirits. The hypocrite, who has only some smack or taste of religion, as one tastes a gargle, may fall away. (4.) And have felt the powers of the world to come; that is, they may have such apprehensions of the glory of heaven as to be affected with it, and seem to have some joy in the thoughts of it, yet fall away; as in the parable of the stony ground. Matt 13:20. All this is spoken of the hypocrite; but it does not therefore prove that the true believer, who is effectually wrought upon, can fall away. Though comets fall, it does not follow that true stars fall. That this Scripture speaks not of sound believers, is clear from ver 9: ‘But we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation.’'
The text is speaking of unbelievers, not true believers.
Next week's reading Read '1. The death of the righteous' and '2. A believer's privilege at death'.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading Hints and helps in pastoral theology by William S Plumer (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 32 (Sayings for ministers).
My summary To finish his book, Plumer gives us a collection of sayings for ministers.
Initially the sayings are grouped by authors, including Luther, Owen, Baxter, Matthew Henry, M'Cheyne, Chalmers and Shepard.
Then more sayings are given under the following headings: (i) rules for giving instruction; (ii) zeal and charity; (iii) piety; (iv) preach the word; (v) use much boldness; (vi) ministers must grow; (vii) a minister's studies; (viii) choose right words; (ix) personal experience; (x) prayer; (xi) minister's sins; (xii) success and the want of it; (xiii) old age.
What grabbed me I found it hard to choose which saying I liked best.
This one from Owen has to be one of the finest: 'To preach the Gospel properly is to handle every subject of discourse so as to keep Christ continually in view of the hearers. Hast thou permitted greediness of studies to eat up other duties?'
Keeping Christ central is what matters most.
One sentence final verdict A fine volume of good advice for ministers.
Next week's reading Commence 'A course of lectures on preaching' by RL Dabney (Available from Amazon or free here) by reading the Preface and Lecture 1.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading Death of death in the death of Christ by John Owen (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7.
My summary Today we continue to examine the death of Christ.
Last week we read Chapter Three and saw the work of the Father in redemption. This week Chapter Four shows us the work of the Son in redemption, particularly in his:
(i) incarnation;
(ii) oblation;
(iii) intercession.
Then Chapter Five outlines the work of the Holy Spirit in redemption, particularly in regards to Christ's:
(i) incarnation;
(ii) oblation;
(iii) resurrection.
Chapter Six looks at the means used by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in redemption. The means is that 'whole economy or dispensation carried along to the end, from whence our Saviour Jesus Christ is called a Mediator' distinguished into its two parts:
(i) his oblation;
(ii) his intercession.
Then Chapter Seven demonstrates that the oblation and intercession of Christ are inseparably together as one mean for the same end.
What grabbed me I continue to enjoy the hammering out of the doctrine of limited atonement.
I liked the logic that if Christ only intercedes for the elect, his death must be only for the elect: 'These two, then, oblation and intercession, must in respect of their objects be of equal extent, and can by, no means be separated. And here, by the way (the thing being by this argument, in my apprehension, made so clear), I cannot but demand of those who oppose us about the death of Christ, whether they will sustain that he intercedeth for all or no; — if not, then they make him but half a priest; if they will, they must be necessitated either to defend this error, that all shall be saved, or own this blasphemy, that Christ is not heard of his Father, nor can prevail in his intercession, which yet the saints on earth are sure to do when they make their supplications according to the will of God, Rom. viii. 27; 1 John v. 14. Besides that, of our Saviour it is expressly said that the Father always heareth him, John xi. 42; and if that were true when he was yet in the way, in the days of his flesh, and had not finished the great work be was sent about, how much more then now, when, having done the will and finished the work of God, he is set down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, desiring and requesting the accomplishing of the promises that were made unto him upon his undertaking this work! of which before.'
Christ is certainly no half priest!
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 8. Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading Attributes of God by Charnock (Available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Conclude Chapter 14 (A discourse upon God's patience).
My summary Today we finish looking at the patience of God by reading Charnock's fourth main point.
Firstly by considering God's patience we are instructed about: (i) how greatly the patience of God is abused; (ii) why God lets the enemies of his church oppress it and defers his promise of the deliverance of it; (iii) the reason why sin is suffered to remain in the regenerate.
Secondly Charnock teaches us about the comfort that comes from the doctrine of God's patience. It is: (i) an argument of his grace to his people; (ii) a ground to trust in his promise; (iii) helpful in infirmities.
Thirdly we are given exhortations in light of God's patience to: (i) meditate often on the patience of God; (ii) admire and stand astonished at his patience and bless him for it; (iii) not presume upon his patience; (iv) imitate God's patience in our own to others.
What grabbed me I appreciated the exhortation to not presume upon God's patience: 'Therefore presume not upon his patience. The exercise of it is not eternal; you are at present under his patience; yet, while you are unconverted, you are also under his anger (Ps. vii. 11), 'God is angry with the wicked every day.' You know not how soon his anger may turn his patience aside, and step before it. It may be his sword is drawn out of his scabbard, his arrows may be settled in his bow; and perhaps there is but a little time before you may feel the edge of the one or the point of the other: and then there will be no more time for patience in God to us, or petition from us to him. If we repent here he will pardon us. If we defer repentance, and die without it, he will have no longer mercy to pardon, nor patience to bear.'
Don't take God's patience for granted. Repent of your sinfulness before God's patience ends and his wrath is unleashed.
One sentence final verdict This is THE book on the attributes of God - no other work so carefully examines and applies the truth we know about our God from the Holy Scriptures.
Next week's reading Commence The Fundamentals edited by R. A. Torrey (Available from Amazon or free here) by beginning Chapter 1 'The history of higher criticism' and reading up to the heading 'A discredited Old Testament'.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading The life of Matthew Henry by J. B. Williams (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapters 7 and 8.
My summary Today we read a number of long excerpts from Henry's diary.
In Chapter Seven we read of the years 1700 to 1704 about which Henry comments that 'death has made no breach among my relations' indicating a break in the pattern of previous years. And besides his self-deprecating comments over this period, Henry remarks 'As to my ministry, that which has been most discouraging this year is, that few young ones have come into communion, I think fewer than any other year.'
Chapter Eight is concerned with the years 1704 to 1708 in which Henry experiences a major health scare and the death of his mother.
What grabbed me I'm a little disappointed that we aren't hearing more from Williams about the work of Henry during these years.
Although I must admit we are definitely learning that Henry was not a man of great pride. Comments like these are common: 'October 18, 1708. To-day I have finished the forty-sixth year of my life. My infancy, however, was useless; my childhood and youth were not directed to proper objects ; and even in my maturer age, how many months and days have I spent to little purpose ! So that I have lived scarcely one tenth part of my time. Forgive, O Lord, my idleness and sloth. For me to live may it be Christ.'
If only we were more like Henry and understood how little we have served our Lord with our lives.
Next week's reading Read Chapter 9. Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
