Patristics

“There are also those who heard from him [Polycarp] that John, the disciple of the Lord, going to bathe at Ephesus, and perceiving Cerinthus within, rushed out of the bathhouse without bathing, exclaiming, 'Let us fly, lest even the bathhouse fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of truth, is within.' And Polycarp himself replied to Marcion, who met him on one occasion, and said, 'Dost thou know me?' 'I do know thee, the firstborn of Satan.' Such was the horror which the apostles and their disciples had against holding even verbal communication with any corrupters of the truth;....” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, III:3:4, ANF, 1:416

Imitation of Christ

Quamdiu in mundo vivimus sine tribulatione et tentatione esse non possumus. Unde in Job scriptum est: Tentatio est vita hominis super terram. Ideo unusquisque sollicitus esse deberet circa tentationes suas, et vigilare in orationibus, ne Diabolus inveniret locum decipiendi, qui nunquam dormitat, sed circuit quærens quem devoret. Nemo tam sanctus et perfectus est, qui non habeat aliquando tentationes, et plene eis carere non possimus.

So long as we live in the world, we cannot be without trouble and trial. Therefore it is written in Job, The life of man upon the earth is a trial. And therefore ought each of us to be aware of trials and temptations, and watch in prayer, lest the devil find occasion to deceive; for he never sleeps, but goes about seeking whom he may devour. No man is so perfect in holiness that he never has temptations, nor can we ever be wholly free from them.

Imitation of Christ, I, 13:1

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not depend on dishonest wealth, for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity." Ecclesiasticus 5:8

Retirement

I had originally thought that retirement was going to be nice and easy, lots of free time, lots of time to read things that I've wanted to read for decades. I'm already finding out that what retirement really is a new episode in your life with new things to learn, and learn quickly. Yes there will be times of rest (at least I hope so). Yes there should be time to spend with the children and grandchildren. Yes there should be time to do some reading.

But consider, all the new things are coming along. As a pastor, I've been fortunate in that I haven't had too many dealings with the government. Oh, you pay taxes and fill out forms on occasion, but there hasn't been that much contact. Now, all of a sudden, there are all sorts of things that I have to because the government says so. When I turn 65 I'll have to register for Medicare. At 70 1/2, I'll have to take distributions from IRAs whether I want to or not. I hope I'll be able to handle all that.

But there is one additional problem. With the youngest (of five children) out of college and at basic training, for the first time in 30+ years we don't have any children dependent on us. For the first time it's just my wife and I we have to pay for – and that means we actually have a chance to save for the first time in our marriage. How do you save? What to save in? There are all sorts of financial questions that I've never had to deal with before – and have to learn quickly what to do. It should be interesting next few months.

Patristics

“Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and laying the foundations of the Church. After their departure, Mark, the disciple interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in writing what had been preached by Peter. Luke also, the companion of Paul, recorded about the gospel preached by him. Afterwards, John, the disciple the Lord, who also had leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his residence at Ephesus in Asia.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, III:1:1, ANF, 1:414

Baier's Axioms

Mir ist also, dass mir ein jeglicher Spruch die Welt zu enge macht.

Thus it seems to me, that every verse {Spruch} drives the world into a corner.

Luther quotes

“In order not to slip or flutter about and go astray with one's own thoughts, a person should take hold of the letter of Scripture as one clings with one's hand to a tree or a wall. That's the trouble with our enthusiasts, they imagine that they will hit upon the truth with their high spiritual thoughts and do not see that without the Word they will get on the wrong track. They allow mere will-o'-the-wisps to mislead them.” Plass, 1:91, Exposition of June 17: 1, SL 8: 750

Latin proverbs

Gladiator in harena capit consilium. (Seneca)

The gladiator plans his strategy in the arena.

Murphysboro Centuries, 2nd secular

Pertinax, 193 AD

- son of a freed slave - promised a big gift to the praetorians (imperial guard), didn't deliver, was killed after 87 days

Luther quotes

“Therefore when Moses writes that God created heaven and earth and whatever is in them in six days, then let this remains six days, then do not venture to do devise any comment that six days were one day. But if you cannot understand how this could have been done in six days, then grant the Holy Spirit the honor of being more learned than you are.” Plass 1:93, Sermons on Genesis, St. Louis, 3:20

Imitation of Christ

Ideo deberet se homo totaliter firmare, et non esset ei necesse multas consolationes quærere. Quando homo bonæ voluntatis tribulatur vel tentatur aut malis cogitationibus affligitur, tunc Deum magis sibi necessarium intelligit, sine quo nihil omnino se posse testatur. Gemit et orat pro miseriis quas patitur. Tunc tædet eum diutius vivere, mortem optat venire, ut possit dissolvi, et esse cum Christi. Tunc etiam bene advertit securitatem et plenam pacem in mundo non posse stare.

Therefore ought a man to rest wholly upon God, so that he need not seek much comfort at the hand of men. When a man who fears God is afflicted or tried or oppressed with evil thoughts, then he sees that God is the more necessary unto him, since without God he can do no good thing. Then he is heavy of heart, he groans, he cries out for the very disquiet of his heart. Then he grows weary of life, and would depart and be with Christ. By all this he is taught that in the world there can be no perfect security or fulness of peace.

Imitation of Christ, I, 12:2

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not say, 'I sinned and what happened to me?' for the Lord is slow to anger. Do not be so confident of atonement that you would add sin to sin." Ecclesiasticus 5:4-5

Retirement

A few years ago, another pastor "borrowed" our church building for a wedding. In talking with that pastor, a fine young man, it turned out that he was full of energy and eager to be busy doing things. He'd been out of the seminary for a grand total of five years. When I told him up a little bit about me, his comment was that he couldn't even imagine being out in the ministry for more than 30 years and preaching more than 1700 sermons.

I can, if I concentrate on it, remember how eager I was at the time (just out of the seminary and ready to take on the world) and how much energy I had. 34 years later (five children and four grandchildren later) I've been in a lot of places and done a lot of things. I'm no longer eager to do ministry, because I've been doing it so long. I no longer have the energy, because my body is definitely slowing down (and it's taking quite a bit of mental readjustment to get used to this new lower energy level).

I am definitely looking forward to leaving full-time ministry. In one sense it's like a major case of burnout – it gets harder and harder to work yourself up to go to "work" and you don't have that zeal to make things happen anymore. It's definitely time for me to step to one side and let the younger men take over the full-time ministry, and I'll be there to help and counsel as I am able.

Patristics

“Since, therefore, we know but in part, we ought to leave all sorts of [difficult] questions in the hands of Him who in some measure, [and that only,] bestows grace on us. That eternal fire, [for instance,] is prepared for sinners, both the Lord has plainly declared, and the rest of the Scriptures demonstrate. And that God foreknew that this would happen, the Scriptures to in like manner demonstrate, sense He prepared eternal fire from the beginning for those who were [afterwards] to transgress [His Commandments]; but the cause itself of the nature of such transgressors neither has any Scripture informed us, nor has and apostle told us, nor has the Lord taught us, it becomes us, therefore, to leave the knowledge of this matter to God,….” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, II:28:7, ANF, 1:401

Baier's Axioms

Plus mihi valet unus locus Scripturae, quam omnes doctores per Eccium adducti.

One verse {locus} of Scripture is worth more to me that all the doctors brought forth by Eck.

Luther quotes

“The Bible is buried by the wealth of commentaries, and the text is being neglected,..... But finally I had to disregard all of them and drown myself in the Bible, for it is better to see with your own eyes than with foreign eyes.” Plass 1:97, Tabletalk, Lauterbach, July 1, 1539

Latin proverbs

Finis coronat opus. (Binder)

The end crowns the work.

Murphysboro Centuries, 2nd secular

Commodus, 180-192 AD

- son of Marcus Aurelius, first break in the adoption process in nearly a century

- again pulled back from offensive operations and the empire went on the defensive

- was out for “good time,” empire really run by people around him - many changes led to instability - became megalomaniac, eventually assassinated by those closest to him as he was going to celebrate his election as a consul by fighting as a gladiator (something shockingly outrageous to the ancient Romans)

Luther quotes

“You must always fight against the devil and all his works with humility and yet at the same time maintain a bold faith. And if that is no help, then do without the sacrament, the altar, the priest, and the church, because the word of God condemned in the bull, is far more than all the rest put together. Soul cannot do without word of God, but it can do quite well without sacraments.” An Instruction to Penitents, Luther's Works, American Edition, 44:226-7

Imitation of Christ

Bonum nobis est, quod aliquando habeamus aliquas gravitates et contrarietates, quia sæpe hominem ad cor revocant, quatenus se in exilio esse cognoscat, nec spem suam in aliqua mundi re ponat. Bonum est quod patiamur quandoque contradictiones, et male et imperfecte de nobis sentiatur, etiamsi bene agimus, et intendimus. Ista sæpe juvant ad humilitatem, et a vana gloria nos defendunt. Tunc enim melius interiorem testem Deum quærimus, quando foris vilipendimur ab hominibus, et non bene de nobis creditur.
 

It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows and adversities, for they often make a man take to heart that he is only a stranger and sojourner, and should not put his trust in any worldly thing. It is good that we sometimes endure contradictions, and are hardly and unfairly judged, when we do and mean what is good. For these things help us to be humble, and shield us from vain-glory. For then we seek the more earnestly the witness of God, when men speak evil of us falsely, and give us no credit for good.

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not set your heart on your wealth, nor say, 'I have enough.' Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart."  Ecclesiasticus 5:1-2

Retirement

I just came from the hospital emergency room – one of my members, who with his wife has faithfully assembled the worship bulletins at least as long as I've been near, have a heart attack this morning and the doctors have no hope that he will recover. So I went to comfort the family and pray with them and sit with him. Because he also has no cancer, it's our hope that the Lord will take him quickly and painlessly.

I have no problem with making calls like this, but I also admit that this is one part of the pastoral ministry that I will be happy to leave behind. I can remember when I was a young pastor, this sort of thing didn't bother me in the least (probably because I thought death was so far away from me, personally). But in the last few years it bothers me quite a bit – to see friends die, to be 'helpless' in the face of death, all of this I've experienced for 34 years – but it's starting to hurt, emotionally, a lot more now.

My oldest son, when he was on vicarage, told me he was surprised at how much pastors have to deal with death. I hadn't thought about it at the time, because as preachers we focus on the resurrection and on that denial of death that we find in Jesus, but it's true – we preachers do have a lot to do with death. And it's getting to the point that I will be very happy to leave that behind.

Patristics

“If, therefore, according to the rule which I have stated, we leave some questions in the hands of God, we shall those preserve our faith uninjured, and shall continue without danger; and all Scripture, which has been given to us by God, shall be found by us perfectly consistent; and the parables shall harmonize with those passages which are perfectly plain; and those statements the meaning of which is clear, shall serve to explain the parables; and through the many diversified utterances [of Scripture] shall be heard one harmonious melody in us, praising in hymns that God who created all things.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, II:28:3, ANF, 1:400

Baier's Axioms

Unus apex doctrinae plus valet, quam coelum et terra.

One point of doctrine is worth more than Heaven and Earth.

Luther quotes

“Here again I should like to renew my premise, which ought to be maintained intact by every Christian, that everything which occurs outside the Scriptures, especially in matters pertaining to God, comes from the devil.” Misuse of the Mass, Luther's Works, American Edition, 36:154

Latin proverbs

In vino, in ira, in puero semper est veritas. (anon.)

In wine, in anger, or in a child there is always truth.

Murphysboro Centuries, 2nd secular

Marcus Aurelius, 161-180 AD

- had a colleague (Lucius Verus) as co-emperor, and two young sons as “Caesar” (crown prince) - this was the first time it happened and was the beginning of a regular “path” to power

- problems with German tribes, who were becoming “difficult”, some were crossing the Rhine into Gaul (France)

- in 166, a plague (smallpox?, typhus?, bubonic?) arrives from the East and spread all over the Empire - “it left many districts almost totally depopulated”

- 171, some Germans who had crossed the Danube were settled as farmers inside the empire - this was the first time that groups of “barbarians” were settled in 'civilized' society

- wrote Meditations - still respected today as one of the great intellects of the western society

Luther quotes

“For the words of God are everywhere the same and we are not permitted to give them one meaning in one place and another meaning elsewhere, …..” Concerning the Ministry, Luther's Works, American Edition, 40:27

Imitation of Christ

Grave est assueta dimittere, et gravius est contra propriam voluntatem ire. Sed si non vincis parva et levia, quando superabis difficiliora? Resiste in principio inclinatini tuæ, et malum defere consuetudinem, ne forte paulatim ad majorem te ducat difficultatem. O si adverteres quantum tibi pacem et aliis lætitiam faceres, temetipsum bene habendo, puto quod sollicitior esses ad spiritualem profectum. 

It is a hard thing to break through a habit, and a yet harder thing to go contrary to our own will. Yet if you don't overcome slight and easy obstacles, how will you overcome greater ones? Withstand your will at the beginning, and unlearn an evil habit, lest it lead you little by little into worse difficulties. Oh, if you knew what peace your holy life would bring to yourself, and what joy to others, I think you would be more zealous for spiritual profit.

Imitation of Christ, I, 11:6

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not be reckless in your speech, or sluggish and remiss in your deeds." Ecclesiasticus 4:29

Retirement

One of my favorite poems is Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" – about coming to a fork in the road and deciding which road to take. In some ways, making the decision to retire was like taking a different road, a different road the congregation is on. I still have over nine before actual retirement date, and there is a lot to be done in terms of congregational self-study, and the calling process, but you can see that our roads have diverged.

I seem to be frantically scrambling to get the last small repairs done on the house, and to keep everything picked up so that it can be seen at a moments notice. I seem to be looking forward to retirement finances, and all the paperwork that will be involved with that, and with planning for the future, as much as that can be done. The congregation is thinking about a new pastor and the call process, and repairs that need to be made on the building in the near future, and what's going to happen with the school and how do we keep that going.

I can't say for certain that the grieving over my retiring is done, but to those people who used to be mad about it aren't any longer. The congregation seems to have moved on and is thinking about the future, which is definitely good. Over the next few months I will get to guide them in their calling process and self-study that leads up to that, and perhaps have the chance to help break-in a new graduate before I retire. But it's very clear now that the roads have diverged, and that we're headed in two separate directions.

Patristics

“If, however, we cannot discover explanations of all those things in Scripture which are made the subject of investigation, yet that is not on that account seek after any other God besides Him who really exists. For this is the very greatest impiety. We should leave things of that nature to God who created us, being most properly assured that the Scriptures are indeed perfect, since they are spoken by the Word of God and His Spirit; but we, as much as we are inferior to, and later in existence than, the Word of God and His Spirit, are on that very account destitute of the knowledge of His mysteries.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, II:28:2, ANF, 1:399

Baier's Axioms

Quod manu apostolorum scriptum est, ipsa manu Dei scriptum est.

What the hand of the apostles has written has been written by the hand of God.

Luther quotes

“But the first and foremost of all on which everything else depends, is the teaching of the Word of God for we teach with the Word, we consecrate with the Word, we bind and absolve sins by the Word,you baptize with the Word, we sacrifice with the Word, we judge all things by the Word. Therefore, when we grant the Word to anyone, cannot deny anything to him pertaining to the exercise of his priesthood.” Concerning the Ministry, Luther's Works, American Edition, 40:21

Latin proverbs

Ex vitio sapiens aleno emendat suum. (Pub. Syrus)

The wise man corrects his own fault from the fault of another.

Murphysboro Centuries, 2nd secular

Antoninus Pius, 138-161 AD

- given name “Pius” because of his “religious and patriotic dutifulness”

- spent all his time in Italy, building it up - peaceful time, seen as the high point of a “golden era” in Roman history - adopted Marcus Aurelius

Patristics

“For the body is the house of the soul; and the soul is the house of the spirit. These three, and all those who cherish a sincere hope and unquestioning faith in God, will be saved.” Justin Martyr, On the Resurrection, X, ANF, 1:298

Imitation of Christ

Quare quidam Sanctorum tam perfecti et contemplativi fuerunt? quia mortificari omnino ab omnibus terrenis desideriis studuerunt, et ideo totis medullis cordis Deo inhærere, atque sibi libere vacare potuerunt. Nos nimium propriis occupamur passionibus, et de transitoriis nimis sollicitamur. Raro nam vitium unum perfecte vincimus, et ad quotidianum profectum non attendimus, ideo frigidi et tepidi remanemus. 

How came it to pass that many of the Saints were so perfect, so contemplative of Divine things? Because they steadfastly sought to mortify themselves from all worldly desires, and so were enabled to cling with their whole heart to God, and be free and at leisure for the thought of Him. We are too much occupied with our own affections, and too anxious about transitory things. Seldom, too, do we entirely conquer even a single fault, nor are we zealous for daily growth in grace. And so we remain lukewarm and unspiritual.

Imitation of Christ, I, 11:2

Ecclesiasticus

"Strive even to death for the truth and the God will fight for you." Ecclesiasticus 4:28

Retirement

Yesterday, I had the first chapel of the new school year – unfortunately, attendance is down at our school, with the economy in such bad shape. It was interesting to see some people – in particular one of the girls, who lives close to us, was three when we arrived and she is now in eighth-grade, almost ready to go on the high school. If that weren't bad enough, we took some stuff up to St. Louis this past weekend, and dropping it off was talking with a woman and someone who I thought was her young teenage daughter – only to find out it was her young daughter in law (so I was only about 10 years off in guessing her age– glad I didn't say anything).

My wife and I have noticed the same thing when we go out to eat. It seems as if so many of the waiters and waitresses are just barely out of grade school, at least to our eyes. On the other hand, I guess I seem like a doddering old wreck to some of these younger people. Funny how impressions and opinions change over the years.

It reminds me of a lady I met in the nursing home when I got to a new parish in 1983. She said to me, 'Pastor, you have no idea how frustrating it is to be an 18-year-old girl locked up inside an 80-year-old body.' Well, I certainly didn't understand that, I'm starting to get a better idea of it now.

Patristics

“'...; But if [you have done so] because you imagine that you could throw doubt on the passage, in order that I might say the Scriptures contradicted each other, you have erred. But I shall not venture to suppose or to say such a thing; and if a Scripture which appears to be of such a kind be brought forward, and if there be a pretext[for saying] that is contrary [to some other], since I am entirely convinced that no Scripture contradicts another, I shall admit rather that I do not understand what is recorded, and shall strive to persuade those who imagine that the Scriptures are contradictory, to be rather of the same opinion as myself.'” Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, LXV, ANF, 1:230

Baier's Axioms

Articuli fidei in se non sunt contra rationem, sed solum supra rationem.

Articles of faith in themselves are not contrary to reason, but only above reason.

Luther quotes

“Brother, the natural meaning of the words is queen, transcending all subtle, acute sophistical fancy. From it we may not deviate, unless we are compelled by clear articles of faith. Otherwise the spiritual jugglers would not leave a single letter in Scripture.” Against the Heavenly Prophets, Luther's Works, American Edition, 40:190

Latin proverbs

In mari aquam quaerit. (Binder)
He is looking for water in the ocean.

Murphysboro Centuries, 2nd secular

Hadrian, 117-138 AD

- believing that the empire had gotten too large, he stopped aggressive campaigning and began

defending the frontier

- traveled all over the empire, liked by the provinces and the armies

- 132, major revolt in Judea led by Simeon bar Kosiba (Bar Kochba) believed to be the Messiah

- rebuilding of the Pantheon, adopted Antoninus Pius as successor

Luther quotes

“But if we are so to treat our faith that we bring our pet ideas into Scripture and deal with Scripture according to our understanding, attending only to what is common to the crowd and generally accepted notions, then no article of faith will remain, for there is none in Scripture that God has not placed beyond the reach of reason. On this account, Dr. Karlstadt's error reveals itself in his attitude toward faith in the Word of God, namely that a reason readily and willingly accepts it, while in reality reason balks at the Word of God and the articles of faith.” Martin Luther, Against the Heavenly Prophets, Luther's Works, American Edition, 40:153

Imitation of Christ

Multam possumus pacem habere, si volumus nos cum aliorum dictis et factis quæ ad nostram curam non spectant non occupare. Quomodo potest ille in pace die permanere, qui alienis curis se intermiscet, qui occasiones forinsecus quærit, qui parum vel raro se intrinsecur colligit? Beati simplices, quoniam multam pacem habebunt.
 

We may enjoy abundance of peace if we refrain from busying ourselves with the sayings and doings of others, and things which concern not ourselves. How can he abide long in peace who occupies himself with other men's matters, and with things without himself, and meanwhile pays little or rare heed to the self within? Blessed are the uncomplicated, for they shall have abundance of peace.

Imitation of Christ, I, 11:1

Ecclesiasticus

"Never speak against the truth, but be mindful of your ignorance." Ecclesiastes 4:25

Patristics

“And I replied, 'The fact that there are such men confessing themselves to be Christians, and admitting the crucified Jesus to be both Lord and Christ, yet not teaching His doctrines, but those of the spirits of error, causes us who are disciples of the true and pure doctrine of Jesus Christ, to be more faithful and steadfast in the hope announced by Him.'” Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, XXXV, ANF, 1:212

Baier's Axioms

Multa continentur ™n grafÍ, quae non continentur ™n gr£mmati.

Much is contained in Scripture which is not contained in letters.

Luther quotes

“Further we note how seldom the Evangelists and Apostles made mention of the Eucharist, a fact that has led many to wish they had said more about it. On the other hand, they ceaselessly emphasize, even to the point of weariness, the ministry of the Word.”  Concerning the Ministry, Luther's Works, American Edition, 40:25

Latin proverbs

Mens sana in corpore sano. (Juvenal)

A sound mind in a sound body.

Murphysboro Centuries, 2nd secular

Trajan, 98-117 AD

- adopted son of Nerva, the first non-Italian emperor (Roman by culture, but born in Spain) - wanted to be a greater conqueror than Julius Caesar, was an excellent administrator - used friends like Pliny the Younger - seen as greater than Augustus, he wanted to be “princeps” (first among equals) rather than“dominus” (lord) over Rome (as Domitian had done) - adopted Hadrian - 116, widespread Jewish rebellion throughout the Diaspora

Luther quotes

“Here we retain the vestments, altars, and candles until they are used up or we are pleased to make a change. But we do not oppose anyone who would do otherwise. In the true mass, however, of real Christians, the altar should not remain where it is, and the priest should always face the people as Christ doubtlessly did in the Last Supper. But let that await its own time.” The German Mass, LW, AE, 53:69

Imitation of Christ

Caveas tumultum hominum, quantum potes. Multum nam impedit tractatus fæcularium gestorum, etiamsi simplici intentione proferantur. Cito enim inquinamur vanitate et captivamur. Vellem me pluries tacuisse, et inter homines non fuisse. Sed quare tam frequenter loquimur, et invicem fabulamur, cum tamen sine læsione conscientiæ raro ad silentium redimus? Ideo tam frequenter loquimur, quia per multas locutiones ad invicem consolari quærimus, et cor diversis cogitationibus fatigatum optamus relevare, et multum libenter, de his quæ diligimus, seu cupimus, vel quæ nobis sentimus contraria, libet loqui et cogitare.

Avoid as far as you can the tumult of men; for talk concerning worldly things, though it be innocently undertaken, is a hindrance, so quickly are we led captive and defiled by vanity. Many a time I wish that I had held my peace, and had not gone amongst men. But why do we talk and gossip so continually, seeing that we so rarely resume our silence without some hurt done to our conscience? We like talking so much because we hope by our conversations to gain some mutual comfort, and because we seek to refresh our wearied spirits by variety of thoughts. And we very willingly talk and think of those things which we love or desire, or else of those which we most dislike.

Imitation of Christ, I, 10:1

Ecclesiasticus

"Never speak against the truth, but be mindful of your ignorance."  Ecclesiasticus 4:25

Retirement

We've spent the last few months trying to get the house ready to list, and we  finally did so on Monday. We learned several lessons in doing so – one of those is that, having cleaned up everything, it's surprising to look back and see how messy we were. It's not that we couldn't have kept everything neater, but it always seemed as if we had to run off and do something else, and didn't have the time to keep things as neat as they should've been. We find out now that it was all the running around we did, doing things that really didn't have to be done, that caused us to be so messy.

Along similar lines, we have been going through the 'stuff' we've collected over the years, and we will continue to do so (because there's still a lot to do), and we're finding out that we have way more much 'stuff' then we really need. Some of it comes naturally – you save clothes because the next child in line may need them. You save other stuff because when the children set up their own homes they may use some of the stuff you've collected. And, the reason we don't like to think about, we're just naturally pack rats and we like having stuff. Going through all the stuff that we haven't used, or even seen, in years is helping us realize how much we were accumulating things on automatic pilot.

Even more interesting, getting rid of stuff is actually very freeing. I surmise that it may be something like what those who are joining a convent or monastery must encounter – getting rid of all the material stuff that weighs you down can actually free you for a lot of other things.

Patristics

“Moreover, I would wish that all, making a resolution similar to my own, do not keep themselves away from the words of the Savior. For they possess a terrible power in themselves, and are sufficient to inspire those who turn aside from the path of rectitude with awe; while the sweetest rest is afforded those who make a diligent practice of them.” Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, VIII, ANF, 1:198

Baier's Axioms

Christianos volentes accipere firmitatem fidei ad nullam rem confugere decet, quam s. Scripturam.

For Christians wishing to take the firmness of faith, it is right to take refuge with nothing other than holy Scripture.

Luther quotes

“It is also reasonable that the young should be trained in many languages; for who knows how God may use them in times to come? For this purpose our schools were founded.” The German Mass, LW, AE, 53:63

Latin proverbs

Saepe malum petitur, saepe bonum fugitur. (anon.)

Evil is often sought, good is often shunned.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

Clement - supposedly the 4^th bishop of Rome (3^rd after Peter), wrote a letter in 95-6 to the church in Corinth - they had driven their bishop/pastors out of town and Clement “bawls them out”for doing so  - talks how Paul traveled from Rome to Spain on a missionary journey and about the great number of martyrs (men, women and children) who died under Nero

Luther quotes

“The doctor [Martin Luther] was asked whether a man who is about to die and couldn't have the whole sacrament from the papists did the right thing when he administered the sacrament [460] to themselves. He replied, 'No! At least two persons must always be there, the one who gives and the one who receives. So in an emergency a woman can baptize, that the child doesn't baptize himself. If a person can't have access to the sacrament, faith is enough,.....

…. But it isn't right for a person to administer the sacrament to himself.”  Tabletalk, Heydenreich #5579, LW, AE, 54:459-460

Imitation of Christ

Audivi enim sæpe, securius esse audire, et accipere consilium quam dare. Potest enim contingere ut bonum fit uniuscujusque sentire, sed nolle aliis acquiescere, cum id ratio aut causa postulat, signum est superbiæ aut pertinaciæ. 

Often I have heard that it is safer to hear and to receive counsel than to give it. It may also come to pass that each opinion may be good; but to refuse to listen to others when reason or occasion requires it, is a mark of pride or wilfulness.

 Imitation of Christ, I, 9:3

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not refrain from speaking at the crucial time, and do not hide your wisdom. For wisdom is known through speech, and education through the words of the tongue."  Ecclesiasticus 4:23-24

Luther quotes

“Is anybody wishes to become a theologian, he has a great advantage, first of all, in having the Bible. This is now so clear [440] that he can read it without any trouble. Afterwards he should read Philips Loci Communes.” Tabletalk, Heydenreich #5511, winter of 1542-1543, LW, AE, 54:439-440

Patristics

“Some of those [Encratites] reckoned among them have also introduced abstinence from animal food, thus proving themselves ungrateful to God, who formed all things.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, I, XXVIII. 1, ANF 1:351

Baier's Axioms

Error est, quicquid contra Scripturam decernitur.

Whatever is sought against Scripture is an error.

Luther quotes

“The doctor [Martin Luther] said, 'What's so strange about that? When I communicate I also take hold of the cup. I do it in order that the ministers may not miss my mouth, from I'm always afraid that he won't hit it.'” Tabletalk, Heydenreich #5390, April 1540 LW, AE, 54:417

Latin proverbs

Numquam ex malo patre bonus filius. (anon.)

A good son never comes from a bad father.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

Matthias - replacement for Judas, martyred in Ethiopia (or Hierapolis)

Patristics

“And when we come to refute them, we shall show in its fitting-place, that this class of men have been instigated by Satan to a denial of that baptism which is regeneration to God, and thus to a renunciation of the whole [Christian] faith.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, I, XXXI. 1, ANF 1:345

Imitation of Christ

Verum est quod unusquisque libenter agit pro sensu suo et inclinatur ad eos magis qui secum sentiunt. Sed si Christus est inter nos, tunc necesse est, ut relinquamus etiam nostrum sentire propter bonum pacis. Quis est ita sapiens, qui omnia plene scire possit? Ergo noli nimis in sensu tuo confidere, sed velis etiam aliorum sensum audire. Si bonum est tuum sentire, et hoc ipsum propter Deum dimittis, et alium sequeris, magis inde proficies. 

 

True it is that every man willingly follows his own bent, and is the more inclined to those who agree with him. But if Christ is amongst us, then it is necessary that we sometimes yield up our own opinion for the sake of peace. Who is so wise as to have perfect knowledge of all things? Therefore trust not too much to your own opinion, but be ready also to hear the opinions of others. Though your own opinion be good, yet if for the love of God you forego it, and follow that of another, you shall the more profit thereby.

Imitation of Christ, I, 9:2

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not show partiality, to your own harm, or deference, to your downfall." Ecclesiasticus 4:22

Retirement

It's very interesting to be 'sitting on the sidelines,' so to speak, and watch what is happening in the congregation as the time for my retirement draws closer. I'm beginning to suspect that you can tell much more about a congregation while it is vacant, or preparing to be vacant, then you can at 'normal' times. It is certainly easier to tell if there's conflict in the congregation, or whether there is a sense of apathy, or whether they're just a normal collection of sinners.

Looking back over the vacant congregations I've dealt with over the years, it seems to me that it's been easy to tell whether or not there is any concern for the pastor, whether or not there is any concern for the mission of the church at large, or whether people are just concerned that they don't want to have to do extra work. I have seen congregations that seem to have a real care for their pastors, whether they're retiring or not, and I have seen congregations that seem to have no care for or interest in their pastor, except for what the pastor can do for them.

It's sad to see the latter, not because of any hardships that come to the pastor (although that should not be ignored), but because of the self absorption and self interest of people who are supposed to be Christian. It's sad that people can be so concerned about themselves that it seems as if they can't be  roused to show concern for anyone else.

Patristics

“This [withdrawing from a heretic] they [faithful women] have done, as being well aware that the gift of prophecy is not conferred on them by Marcus, the magician, but only those to whom God sends His grace from above possesses the divinely bestowed power of prophesying; and then they speak where and when God pleases, and not when Marcus orders them to do so.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, I, XIII. 4, ANF 1:335

Baier's Axioms

Non scriptum non est sentiendum.

What is not written is not to be thought.

Luther quotes

“When the doctor was asked whether the sacrament can be carried to the sick, he replied, 'We don't think it should be done. To be sure, one must allow it for a while. …. [408] I put up with it and [carrying the elements to another altar] on account of several heretics, who must be opposed, for there are some who allow that it's only sacrament while it's in use; what is left over and remains they throw away. That isn't right. We let somebody consume it. One must never be so precise..... We also retain the practice of elevating the sacrament on account of several heretics who say it must be done so. It must not be done so,....” Tabletalk, Mathesius #5314, between 10/19 & 11/5, 1540 LW, AE, 54:407-8

Latin proverbs

Necessitas non habet legem. (St. Bernard)

Necessity knows no law.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

Jude (Thadeus) - martyred with Simon the Zealot in Armenia, 65 AD