Luther quotes

“I knew the spirit of Münzer, Zwingli, and Karlstadt. Pride drove the angel from heaven and spoils many preachers. Accordingly its humility that's needed in the study of sacred literature.” Tabletalk, Mathesius #5017, between 5/21 & 6/11, 1540 LW, AE, 54:379

Ecclesiasticus

"Observe the right time, and beware of evil, and do not bring shame upon yourself."  Ecclesiasticus 4:20

Imitation of Christ

Valde magnum est in obedientia stare, sub Prælato se vivere, et sui juris non esse. Multo tutius est stare in subjectione, quam in prælatura. Multi sunt sub obedientia magis ex necessitate, quam ex charitate, et illi poenam habent, et leviter murmurant, nec libertatem mentis acquirent, nisi ex toto corde propter Deum se subjiciant. Curre hic vel ibi non invenies requiem, nisi in humili subjectione sub Prælati regimine. Imaginatio locorum, et mutatio multos fefellit. 

 

It is truly a great thing to live in obedience, to be under authority, and not to be at our own disposal. Far safer is it to live in subjection than in a place of authority. Many are in obedience from necessity rather than from love; these take it amiss, and repine for small cause. Nor will they gain freedom of spirit, unless with all their heart they submit themselves for the love of God. Though you run here and there, you will not find peace, save in humble subjection to the authority of him who is set over you. Fancies about places and change of them have deceived many.

Stromata

During this summer, I usually plan out the ends for the coming year. There is more time to get it done during the summer, and the organist appreciate having the hymns picked that far in advance. Anyway, for about a year now I've been using Dragon Naturally Speaking, a dictating computer program that allows me to speak into a microphone and the computer turns that into text. (I needed to do this after a stroke-like event a couple years ago, because I couldn't make my right hand do the typing.) It does a pretty good job, but it's in no way perfect, and you have to keep checking to see whether or not it's actually typing what you said.

Well, I dictated that the computers print out, for one Sunday, "Now Thank We All Our God" – and I looked up to see that the computer had printed out "Now Think We All Are God". Fascinating, isn't it, that a computer program devised by humans can make the same first Commandment errors that people do.

Retirement

The first thing you think about, usually, when you think about retirement, is about having more free time. Now I know that's not true, because too many parishioners over the years have told me they're busier after retirement than they were before (all that volunteer work). I was reminded of that yesterday when a pastor in the circuit called up to ask if I knew many available pastors who could fill in for him so that he could take a vacation – and he especially mentioned retired pastors.

One of the other things I've noticed since I announced I would be retiring is that I am busier, trying to keep all the old stuff going, and yet trying to learn some new stuff for retirement. So the calls, services, preaching, etc. continues, but I'm also learning more about insurance in retirement, and in the next few months I have to learn a lot more about pensions, investing, and Social Security/Medicare. I can see that I'm actually going to be little bit busier the next 10 months than I really thought I would be.

And that doesn't count the "honey-do" list. when my dad retired several decades ago, he used to wear a T-shirt that read "my honey do list is so long I have to live forever." It's not there yet, but I can see it growing day by day. Oh well, at least that will be a lot of fun doing.

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 diligent practice of them.” Justin, Dialogue With Trypho, VIII, ANF 1:198

Baier's Axioms

OÙdšn ¥ter grafîn.

Nothing apart from Scripture.

Luther quotes

[in response to a question about staying away from marriage cases] “He replied, 'It is my advice that we should by no means take this yoke upon ourselves. First, we have enough work in our own proper office. Second, marriages outside the church, is a civil matter, and therefore should belong to the government. Third, those cases have no limits, extended the height, the breadth, and the depths, introduces many offenses that bring disgrace to the gospel.”  Tabletalk, Lauterbach #4716, 7/23/1539 LW, AE, 54:363

Latin proverbs

Deus vult! (Battle cry of the first crusade)

God wills it!

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

Simon the Zealot - martyred in Armenia, 65 AD

Luther quotes

“He replied, 'Because the spiritual power of God doesn't consist of corporeal, inanimate matter, baptism doesn't accomplish anything at all as water existing by itself. But as an action (which would be in its use) baptism has power, so that if anybody sprinkles of an infant with water together with a recitation of those words of Christ by which he instituted baptism and promised the forgiveness of sins, that action, and not the water, has divine powers. Thus the sacraments are nothing apart from the action and use. Philip Melanchthon [treats] these things.” ML, Tabletalk, Lauterbach #4634, 6/3/1539 LW, AE, 54:358

Ecclesiasticus

"Wisdom exalts her sons and gives help to those who seek her. Whoever loves her loves life, and those who seek her early will be filled with joy." Ecclesiasticus  4:11-12

Imitation of Christ

Non te reputes aliis meliorem, ne forte coram Deo deterior habearis qui scit quid est in homine. Non superbias de operibus bonis, quia aliter sunt judicia Dei quam hominum, cui sæpe displicet, quod hominibus placet. Si aliquid boni habueris, crede de aliis meliora, ut humilitatem conserves. Non nocet ut te hominibus supponas, nocet autem plurimum, si vel uni te præponas. Jugis pax cum humili, in corde autem superbi zelus et indignatio frequens. 

Count not yourself better than others, lest perchance you appear worse in the sight of God, who knows what is in man. Be not proud of your good works, for God's judgments are of another sort than the judgments of man, and what pleases man is often displeasing to Him. If you have any good, believe that others have more, and so you may preserve your humility. It is no harm to you if you place yourself below all others; but it is great harm if you place yourself above even one. Peace is ever with the humble man, but in the heart of the proud there is envy and continual wrath.

Imitation of Christ, I, 7:3

Stromata

Paul McCain, an Internet acquaintance and my son's boss, had an interesting observation about Lutheran pastors who leave Lutheranism here. The observations, and comments, are very interesting, but my first thought was down a slightly different path. I've known several of these men who have been Lutheran pastors and left for another denomination. In fact, my two predecessors here in Murphysboro both left to become Eastern Orthodox priests – and one of them, in a telephone call, informed me that he's more Lutheran now than he ever has been.

Personally, I think the root cause is that these men didn't really have faith in God for their daily lives. In 1 Corinthians 1:22, Paul mentions that "Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom." Another way of putting that is that most people look for proof, not faith. They want Jesus and the resurrection to be approved by a spectacular liturgy, by a long history, or by a voice of authority somewhere. To pay attention to what Jesus says in the Gospels, to trust in God's word, is not as attractive to some people as having someone in authority tell them what to do. So, they wander off to other denominations that will "prove" that they're right in one way or another.

In Romans 1:16, Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 in a well-known verse, "the righteous shall live by faith." That not only has an inceptive connotation to it, but also a durative. By that I mean, the verse has an inceptive connotation to it, in that we are justified by faith and come to salvation by faith. But there is also a durative connotation to it, in that each and every morning when we get up we can only live life by trusting in God, and believing in his promises for each day and each moment. That's the most difficult task of Christian life, and sometimes beyond the habits and practice of the sinful human beings who are Lutheran pastors.

Retirement

I finally stumbled on a good way to describe what moving towards retirement, announced a year ahead, is like. Normally, when a pastor receives a call, the call is announced, pastor considers it for a couple weeks, and, if he accepts, he's gone in a couple of weeks. In that sense, a 'normal' call process for the pastor is like a heart attack or stroke – it hits and hits quickly, and then the whole process is over for a while.

Announcing a retirement a year in advance is more like Alzheimer's or dementia – it comes on slowly and progresses slowly, but it's unstoppable. I called on a nice lady in the congregation yesterday who was a little upset about my announced retirement. As we talked she recognized that it was a good thing for me, but she was worried about the congregation. In fact she was worried that the congregation would not be able to get another pastor, because 'who would want to come to southern Illinois?' I had to remind her that 10 years ago I took the call to come to southern Illinois, and she was almost surprised by that, as if she thought I'd been here forever (and I have had members who have asked me if I remembered what happened in the congregation back in the 70s, long before I got here).

I was able to reassure her that the Lord would cause things to happen the way He wanted. He will provide a pastor for this congregation when He wants to, and He will select the right man for this place. But, as I said, it's a little bit like Alzheimer's, so I expect I'll have to keep repeating that for the next 10 months – God will accomplish what He wants to have happen.

Patristics

“.... likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.” Justin, First Apology, LXVI, ANF 1:185

Baier's Axioms

Malumus cautam ignorantiam confiteri, quam falsam scientiam profiteri.

An evil person confesses a safe ignorance, rather than professing a false knowledge.

Luther quotes

“... once again on October 15 Martin Luther sent two deacons to him with a note written in his own hand, as follows: 'This is to inform the prefect, first, that the absolution given him the preceding Sunday by the deacon, Master Fröschel, is null and void because he did not examine himself inwardly. Second, that responsibility for receiving the sacrament in his sins, unrepentant, must be borne by him not me!' (These are hard words!) 'Third, if he wants to be a Christian he must first reconcile himself with us preachers, pastors, the university and the town' (because he had offended all of these by his tyranny).” Tabletalk, Lauterbach #4073b, 10/15/1538 LW, AE, 54:316

Latin proverbs

In omni re vincit imitationem veritas. (Cicero)

In everything truth conquers imitation.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

Matthew - martyred in Ethiopia (or Hierapolis)

Luther quotes

"Do you not see by now that all who made sacrifice in this sacrament, as often as they do so, commit idolatry? For they do not have in this sacrament a true God, but they can invent for themselves a false god of their own minds, a god who is angry and requires reconciling, one who simply cannot and may not be present in this sacrament. And God is truly angry with you, just as you believe, for you have no faith in the sacrament, that is, in the promise of Christ." Misuse of the Mass, LW, AE, 36:76-7

Ecclesiasticus

“Incline your ear to the poor, and answer him peaceably and gently.” Ecclesiasticus 4:8

Imitation of Christ

Vanus est qui spem suam ponit in hominibus aut in creaturis. Non pudeat te aliis servire amore Domini nostri Jesu Christi, et pauperem in hoc sæculo videri. Non stes super teipsum, sed in Deo spem tuam constitue. Fac quod in te est, et Deus aderit bonæ voluntati tuæ. Non confidas in tua scientia, vel cujuscumque astutia viventi, sed magis in Dei gratia, qui humiles adjuvat, et de se præsumentes humiliat.
 

Vain is the life of that man who puts his trust in men or in any created thing. Be not ashamed to be the servant of others for the love of Jesus Christ, and to be reckoned poor in this life. Rest not upon yourself, but build your hope in God. Do what lies in your power, and God will help your good intent. Trust not in your learning, nor in the cleverness of any that lives, but rather trust in the favor of God, who resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Imitation of Christ, I, 7:1

Retirement

I'm sure others have noticed this, but when the retirement date is set (especially when it's set quite a ways ahead), it becomes more difficult go about the daily routines. Maybe it's the anticipation of what's going to come, or maybe it's just the fact that you're getting more tired, but the problem and temptation is always there to slow down what you are doing.

A sister-in-law a couple of years ago told me about her pastor down south, who had decided that since he was retiring in a couple of years, it made no sense for him to bother teaching confirmation class to the children. That is, of course, the worst-case scenario, and the man should have been deposed immediately.

At least I understand his feelings better now. With your ministry winding down, with the people paying less attention to you than they normally did, it can be extremely easy to duck out on some of the things that you would normally do. The Lord is helping me avoid that by continuing to provide challenges – another death the last week and a member who thinks I'm terrific is suffering from bone cancer (and that doesn't count other older members of the congregation whose health is declining).

Patristics

“It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid.”

Ignatius, Smyrnaeans, VIII, ANF 1:90

Baier's Axioms

Moderati animi est cum ecclesia non solum reverenter sentire, sed etiam loqui.

An ordered mind in the church not only thinks reverently, but also speaks that way.

Luther quotes

“Anybody who wishes to be a theologian must have a fair mastery of the Scriptures, so that he may have an explanation for whatever can be alleged against any passage. That is to say, he must distinguish between law and gospel. If I were able to do this perfectly I would never again be sad. Whoever apprehends this has won.” Martin Luther, Tabletalk, Dietrich #626, fall 1533, Luther's Works, American Edition, 54:111

Latin proverbs

Lex videt iratum, iratus legem non videt. (Pub. Syrus)

The law sees an angry man, but the angry man doesn't see the law.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

James, son of Alpheus - crucified in lower Egypt, body sawed into pieces

Luther quotes

“The speculative learning of the theologians are altogether worthless. I have read Bonaventure on this, and he almost drove me mad because I desired to experience the union of God with my soul (about which he babbles) through a union of intellect and will. This is a true speculative theology (and it's practical too): Believe in Christ and do what you ought.” Martin Luther, Tabletalk, Dietrich #644, fall 1533, Luther's Works, American Edition, 54:112

Imitation of Christ

Si autem profecutus fuerit quod concupiscitur, statim ex reatu conscientiæ gravatur, quia secutus est passionem suam, quæ nihil juvat ad pacem, quam quæsivit. Resistendo igitur passionibus invenitur vera pax cordis non autem serviendo eis. Non est ergo pax in corde hominis carnalis, non in homine in exterioribus dedito, sed in fervido spirituali. 

But if, on the other hand, he yields to his inclination, immediately he is weighed down by the condemnation of his conscience; for he has followed his own desire, and yet in no way attained the peace which he hoped for. For true peace of heart is to be found in resisting passion, not in yielding to it. And therefore there is no peace in the heart of a man who is carnal, nor in him who is given up to the things that are outside himself, but only in him who is fervent towards living the life of the Spirit.

Imitation of Christ, I, 6:2 

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not add to the troubles of an angry mind, nor delay your gift to a beggar." Ecclesiasticus 4:3

Retirement

One of the things that's been happening before retirement is positively delightful. I've been going through all sorts of papers and records that have piled up over the years. Most of them I've pitched, but there are others that I'm not quite sure what to with yet. Over the years I have either kept journals or kept logs of what went on from day to day, and some other interesting, although most are downright boring.

I'm no longer doing as much of that as I used to. It started many years ago when a congregation told me that they had no trust in me, that they weren't sure I wasn't just wasting my time, so they demanded that I account for every minute of time during the day. (Incidentally, when I reported to the district president how upset this made me, I was told to consider "the glories of the pastoral office.") So, I got into the habit of keeping track of everything, because I never knew when I would be required to prove that I had been somewhere or done something.

Now, with only a little over 10 months before retirement, the congregation here is focusing intently on what they're going to do next – which is very good. But it also means that I am being ignored in the good sense, the sense that he's only here for a short time so we can put up with anything. It's surprising how freeing it is when you can almost count on people not getting upset at you.

Patristics

“See that you all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons as being the instrument of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either [90] by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it.” Ignatius, Smyrnaeans, VIII, ANF 1:89-90

Baier's Axioms

Theologia (abstractive consid.) nil aliud, quam ipsa Scriptura s. incertos locos concinno ordine et perspicua methodo redacta.

Theology (abstractly considered) [is] nothing else than holy Scripture itself having been harmonized in variable statements {locos} in an orderly way and having been edited in a clear method.

Luther quotes

“When the Word remains pure, then the life (even if there is something lacking it) can be molded properly. Everything depends on the Word, and the Pope has abolished the Word and created another one. With this I have won, and I have won nothing else than that I teach right.” Tabletalk, Deitrich #624, fall 1533, Luther's works, American Edition, 54:110

Latin proverbs

Nulla ... avarita sine poena est. (Seneca)

There is no avarice without penalty.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

Thomas - run through with a spear in India

Luther quotes

“Cases like this {about marriage and casuistry} belong to the civil government altogether [said Luther] because marriage is a civil affair. In all its outward circumstances it has nothing to do with the church, except insofar as there may be a case of conscience.” Tabletalk, Lauterbach #4068, October 15, 1538 LW, AE, 54:315

Imitation of Christ

Quandocumque homo inordinate aliquid appetit statim in se inquietus sit. Superbus et avarus nunquam quiescunt. Pauper et humilis spiritu in multitudine pacis conversatur. Homo qui necdum in se perfecte mortuus est, cito tentatur et vincitur in parvis et vilibus rebus. Infirmus in spiritu, et quodammodo adhuc carnalis ad sensibilia inclinatus, difficulter potest se a terrenis desideriis ex toto extrahere. Et ideo sæpe habet tristitiam cum se subtrahit. Leviter etiam dedignatur, si quis ei resistit.


 

Whenever a man desires anything above measure, immediately he becomes restless. The proud and the avaricious man are never at rest; while the poor and lowly of heart abide in the multitude of peace. The man who is not yet wholly dead to self, is soon tempted, and is overcome in small and trifling matters. It is hard for him who is weak in spirit, and still in part carnal and inclined to the pleasures of sense, to withdraw himself altogether from earthly desires. And therefore, when he withdraws himself from these, he is often sad, and easily angered too if any oppose his will.

Imitation of Christ, I, 6:1

Ecclesiasticus

"The mind of an intelligent man will ponder a parable, and an attentive ear is the wise man's desire."  Ecclesiasticus 3:29

Retirement

I was awakened at 1:45 AM this morning by a phone call from the hospital, telling me that one of our sweet little shut-ins had gone home to Jesus. She apparently had had a massive heart attack Friday evening, and then a stroke and she wasn't found until Saturday morning when friends couldn't contact her. By that time she has also contracted pneumonia, so the outlook wasn't very good. I had gone to see her and the family in the hospital on Saturday, spoke with them and had a prayer with them.

I came home on Saturday thinking how much I don't like to make calls like that. I understand and completely believe that God does work through his word to accomplish what he wants (even though we may have no idea what that might be). The families I visit always seemed comforted by the consolation and prayers I bring, but that doesn't affect how I feel.

I dislike those kinds of calls because I leave thinking that I haven't been able to do a thing. I realize it's more of a case that I don't see anything happening, and that the word works quietly often behind the scenes. But I will admit that looking forward retirement I will be glad not to get any early morning telephone calls about deaths in the congregation.

Patristics

“Study, therefore, to be established in the doctrines of the Lord and the apostles, that so all things, whatsoever you do, may prosper both in the flesh and spirit; in faith and love;....” Ignatius, to the Magnesians, XIII, ANF 1:64

Baier's Axioms

Theologia (habitualiter considerata) est habitus intellectus qeÒsdotoj practicus, per verbum a Spiritu S. collatus.

Theology (considered as a ‘character’ {habitualiter}) is a God-given, practical, intellectual character, conferred through the word by the Holy Spirit.

Luther quotes

“Doctrine and life must be distinguished. Life is bad among us, as it is among the papists, but we don't fight about life and condemn the papists on that account. Wycliffe and Hus didn't know this and attacked [the papacy] for its life. I don't scold myself into becoming good, but I fight over the Word and whether our adversaries teach it in its purity.”  Tabletalk, Dietrich #624, Fall, 1533, LW, AE, 54:110

Latin proverbs

De sapienti viro facit ira virum cito stultum. (Werner)

Anger quickly makes a stupid man out of a wise one.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

Nathanael Bartholomew - flayed alive and crucified in Armenia (Azerbaijan)

Imitation of Christ

Homines transeunt, sed veritas Domini manet in æternum. Sine personarum acceptione variis modis nobis loquitur Deus. Curiositas nostra sæpe nos impedit in lectione Scripturarum, cum volumus intelligere et discutere ubi simpliciter est transeundum. Si vis profectum haurire lege humiliter, simpliciter, et fideliter nec unquam velis habere nomen scientiæ. Interroga libenter, et audi tacens Sanctorum verba, nec displiceant tibi parabolæ Seniorum sine cause enim non proferuntur. 

 

Men pass away, but the truth of the Lord endures for ever. Without respect of persons God speaks to us in divers manners. Our own curiosity often hinders us in the reading of holy writings, when we seek to understand and discuss, where we should pass simply on. If you would profit by your reading, read humbly, simply, honestly, and not desiring to win a character for learning. Ask freely, and hear in silence the words of holy men; nor be displeased at the hard sayings of older men than you, for they are not uttered without cause.

Luther quotes

"The number of books on theology must be reduced and only the best one published. It is not many books that makes men learned, nor even reading. But it is a good book frequently read, no matter how small it is, that makes a man learned in the Scriptures and godly." Martin Luther, To the Christian Nobility, LW, AE, 44:205

Ecclesiasticus

"A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles, and the sinner will heap sin upon sin." Ecclesiasticus 3:27

Retirement

Retirement means different things to preachers than it does to laypeople. For the layperson, retiring means that you get to stop doing what you have been doing for many years. For the preacher, it means not doing all of the things you've been doing for many years. One old retired pastor in Kansas City I knew years ago said that retirement was great – you got to preach and teach Bible study as much as you wanted, and you didn't have to go to any church meetings. For many pastors, that truly is a blessing, no longer having to sit through meetings, or wonder what the voters meeting is going to come up with next.

It's probably a good idea to think of it not so much has retiring from job, but rather cutting back on some of the activities you been doing in the past. After all, if the job of the preacher is to proclaim Christ, how do you go about retiring from that? If the job of the preacher is to be an example of Christian living to the flock, how do you go about retiring from that?

I got to thinking about all this after I got the phone call earlier this week that I was being put on a call list. Now I don't know whether I will actually be put on that call list, and I have some very large doubts that any congregation would call an older man, but I have to admit that if I received a call, I would have to think about it very seriously. I wonder what it would do for my health, and what it would do for my wife. Thankfully, though, I really don't have to think about it much, because, after all, it is in God's hands. If he decides to extend the call to me to another congregation, I'll think about it when it happens. Until then, like Luther's comment about what he'd do if he knew the world were ending (he'd still do his duty), I still have trees to plant.

Patristics

“Having ended the prayers, we salute one another with a kiss. There is then brought to the president of the brethren bread and a cup of wine mixed with water; and he taking them, gives praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and offers thanks at considerable length for are being counted worthy to receive these things at His hand.” Justin, First Apology, LXV, ANF 1:185

Baier's Axioms

Oratio, meditatio, tentatio faciunt theologum.

 Prayer, meditation, [and] temptation make a theologian.

Luther quotes

"If despite all this the doctrine nevertheless is maintained and in no wise contradicted, love forgives and endures its inadequate application." Martin Luther, Instructions for the Visitors of Parish Pastors in Electoral Saxony, LW, AE, 40:291

Latin proverbs

A fonte puro pura defluit aqua. (anon.)

Pure water flows from a pure spring.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

Philip was crucified in Hierapolis (Turkey)
.

Retirement

I had an interesting phone call last night. An executive from the Texas district called to ask if it was okay to put my name on a call list to be senior pastor at a 700 member parish north of Houston. It was one of the few times in my life that I really wasn't sure what to say. I told him that I had announced my early-retirement for spring next year, and his only question was, well, do you still want to be on the call list. Finally I said to let the district president decide whose name was on the call list.

Now I seriously doubt anything will come of this – I can't imagine a relatively wealthy congregation actually selecting an older pastor this close to retirement, but who knows what the Lord has in mind. The question then becomes one of what should be done if a call did come through at this point in my life. Obviously it would take a lot of study and prayer, but part of the consideration with the whether I would be able to take up a call at this time, and be able to do all that a new congregation would want. It's an interesting hypothetical question, but most likely that's all it will remain.

Patristics

"To sum up all in one word – what the soul is in the body, that are Christians in the world." Epistle To Diognetus, VI, ANF, 1:27

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not meddle in what is beyond your tasks, for matters too great for human understanding have been shown you."  Ecclesiasticus 3:23

Imitation of Christ

Cum sapiente et sententioso viro consilium habe, et quære potius a melioribus instrui, quam tuas adinventiones sequi. Bona vita facit hominem sapientem secundum Deum, et expertum in multis. Quanto quis in se humilior fuerit, et Deo subjectior, tanto in omnibus erit sapientior et pacatior. 

Take counsel with a man who is wise and of a good conscience; and seek to be instructed by one better than yourself, rather than to follow your own inventions. A good life makes a man wise toward God, and gives him experience in many things. The more humble a man is in himself, and the more obedient towards God, the wiser will he be in all things, and the more shall his soul be at peace.

Imitation of Christ, I, 4:3

Retirement

Taking a year to retire (or now, about 10.5 months) looks like it's going to be a little more difficult than I had first thought. What it now reminds me of, more than anything else, is that time in between taking a 'normal' call and actually leaving town. The people know you are going to be gone, they know the changes are coming, and they know that somewhere there is another pastor who will come to shepherd them. But that leaves the pastor in an awkward situation, and there isn't anything fun about being a lame-duck pastor.

With the best of intentions, my congregation is moving forward in the calling process. Some of the leaders already have an idea about getting a man out of the seminary (who would be cheaper) it has lots of experience as a teacher or principal, so that he could come here and be sole pastor and principal of the school. Whether that is a good idea, and whether or not anyone else in the congregation has that idea, is yet to be seen. But the congregation does want to get busy at replacing me, ASAP.

I will still be able to do some good here, and serve here, by advising them and giving them information that they don't have – oftentimes, it seems that if someone needs to summarize and clarify all the things up and setting meetings, and I seem to be able to do that here when no one else can. So, I continued to serve as the people are eager to find a replacement.

Patristics

"For not only does sound reason direct us to refuse the guidance of those who did or taught anything wrong, but it is incumbent on the lover of truth, by all means, and if death be threatened, even before his own life, to choose to do and say what is right." Justin Martyr, First Apology, II, ANF, 1:163

Baier's Axioms

Christum recht lehren und bekennen, ist nicht möglich ohne den Glauben.

A Christian who teaches and confesses rightly is not possible without faith.

Luther quotes

"For such obstinate ones are not only imperfect in the practice of doctrine, but want also to pervert and condemn the doctrine. This we should not suffer or tolerate. For the doctrine must run and straight and clear, even if the deed and practice creep or crawl, run or leap, after it." Martin Luther, Instructions for the Visitors of Parish Pastors in Electoral Saxony, LW, AE, 40:291 – 292

Latin proverbs

Occasio aegre offertur, facile amittitur. (Pub. Syrus)

Opportunity is offered with difficulty, lost with ease.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

John, son of Zebedee, died a natural death, sometime around 100 AD. He was the last of the Apostles to die and the only one to die a natural death.

Patristics

"Even though fire destroys all traces of my flesh, the world receives the vaporized matter; and though dispersed through rivers and seas, or torn in pieces by wild beasts, I am laid up in the storehouses of a wealthy Lord. And, although the poor and the godless know not what is stored up, yet God the Sovereign, when He pleases, will restore the substance that is visible to Him alone to its pristine condition." Tatian, To The Greeks, VI, ANF, II:67

Ecclesiasticus

"Reflect upon what has been assigned to you, for you do not need what is hidden." Ecclesiasticus 3:22

Imitation of Christ

Magna sapientia est non esse præcipitem in agendis, nec pertinaciter in sensibus stare. Ad hanc etiam non pertinet quibuslibet hominum verbis credere nec audita vel credita mox ad aliorum aures effundere.

This is great wisdom, not to be hasty in action, or stubborn in our own opinions. A part of this wisdom also is not to believe every word we hear, nor to tell others all that we hear, even though we believe it.

Imitation of Christ, I, 4:2

Stromata

A little bit of a rant today – we were reading devotion this morning and came across a quotation from 1 Corinthians 1:2, "to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints...." It's always bothered me how easily some translations add words to the text and give no indication what they've done. That's the case with this verse, and others like it in Paul's letters. St. Paul did not say that the Corinthians were called 'to be' saints, and I would suggest that given Paul's emphasis on justification by faith it would be the last thing he would say.

Although some people seem to be unable to see it, it strikes me that there is a big difference between saying that someone is called something and say that someone is called to be something. The former fits perfectly with the justification by faith, with God declaring that we are now righteous in his sight. The latter fits perfectly with works righteousness and a theology of glory, a way of viewing life that sees this life as a striving to meet certain goals that God has set up.

Needless to say, what so many translations add to this verse are the words 'to be' – and thereby  put into Paul's letters a hint of ideas that he wrote so vehemently against. On the other hand, for Paul to refer to his misbehaving Corinthians as saints, called saints by God, emphasizes the graciousness of God which Paul was at such pains to proclaim.

Patristics

"Even though fire destroys all traces of my flesh, the world receives the vaporized matter; and though dispersed through rivers and seas, or torn in pieces by wild beasts, I am laid up in the storehouses of a wealthy Lord. And, although the poor and the godless know not what is stored up, yet God the Sovereign, when He pleases, will restore the substance that is visible to Him alone to its pristine condition." Tatian (c. 120-185AD), To The Greeks, VI, ANF, II:67

Baier's Axioms

Errare potero, haereticus non ero.

I will be able to err, [but] I will not be a heretic.

Luther quotes

“When somebody inquired whether, when a sick person wished to have the sacrament but could not tolerate mine on account of nausea, something else should be given in place of the wine, the doctor [Martin Luther] replied, 'This question has often been put to me and I have always given this answer: One shouldn't use anything else then wine. If a person can't tolerate wine, omit it [the sacrament] altogether in order that no innovation may be made or introduced. Is it necessary for a person who is dying to have the sacrament again at the last moment?'” Tabletalk, Heydenreich #5509, LW, AE, 54:438

Latin proverbs

Amphora sub veste numquam portatur honeste. (Werner)

A jug is never carried under one's coat for an honest reason.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

James, son of Zebedee, was executed “by the sword” in Jerusalem by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1-2).

 

Luther quotes

“Would that we could get rid of these marital cases. They keep us from having quiet for study. These matters belong to the civil government.” Tabletalk, Lauterbach #3980, August 25, 1538  LW, AE, 54:305

Imitation of Christ

Non est credendum omni verbo nec instinctui sed caute et longanimiter, res est fecundum Deum ponderanda. Proh dolor sæpe malum facilius quam bonum de alio creditur et dicitur ita infirmi sumus. Sed perfecti viri non facile credunt omni enarrant, quia sciunt humanam fragilitatem imo infirmitatem ad malum proclivem et in verbis fatis labilem. 

We must not trust every word of others or feeling within ourselves, but cautiously and patiently try the matter, whether it be of God. Unhappily we are so weak that we find it easier to believe and speak evil of others, rather than good. But they that are perfect, do not give ready heed to every news-bearer, for they know man's weakness that it is prone to evil and unstable in words.

Imitation of Christ, I, 4:1

Ecclesiasticus

"Seek not what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your powers." Ecclesiasticus 3:21

Retirement

When I noticed it was July, a thought struck me – there are 11 months left until I officially retire. It was sort of strange, because I haven't been counting down the days, and it seems like July just snuck up on us.

I don't plan on counting down the days until official retirement comes for two reasons. First is because my call is still where it is, and there's still plenty of things to do to keep me busy in the months ahead. Secondly, it makes no sense to count the days off because we don't know what God has in mind for us. It's possible He may want us to stay where we are on a part-time basis for while. The future is in God's hands and I'll let it rest there.

Happy Fourth of July to everyone. Thank God for the freedom of religion!

Patristics

“For when I was among you, I cried, I spoke with a loud voice: Give heed to the bishop, and to the presbytery and deacons. …. But the Spirit proclaimed [85] these words: Do nothing without the bishop; keep your bodies as the temples of God; love unity; avoid divisions; be the followers of Jesus Christ, even as He is of His Father.” Ignatius, Philadelphians, VII, ANF 1:84-85

Baier's Axioms

Ein jegliche Lehre hat ihre Masse, Zeit und Alter.

Every teaching has its own mass, time and age.

Luther quotes

“Should not those who have sinned openly,.... Luther replied, 'A brother ought first to be rebuked privately, especially if the fault is new and involves only a few people. But if the error is firmly rooted among many people, so that it's not possible to approach every individual and admonish him separately, the error must be rebuked and refuted openly.'” Tabletalk, Lauterbach #3967, August 19, 1538

LW, AE, 54:300

Latin proverbs

A cane non magno saepe tenetur aper. (Ovid)

A boar is sometimes held by a small dog.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Greece.

Luther quotes

“To this Luther said, 'Then it was time to stop, for I have learned this art: When I have nothing more to say I stopped talking.'” Tabletalk, Lauterbach #3910, July 7, 1538 LW, AE, 54:292

Imitation of Christ

O quam cito transit gloria mundi. Utinam vita eorum scientiæ concordasset eorum, tunc bene legissent et studuissent. Quam multi pereunt per vanam scientiam in hoc sæculo, qui parum curant de Dei fervitio. Et quia magis diligunt magni esse quam humiles, ideo evanuerunt in cognitationibus suis. Vere magnus est qui in si parvus est et pro nihilo omne culmen honoris ducit. Vere prudens est qui omnia terrena arbitratur uti stercora ut Christum lucrifaciat. Et vere bene doctus est qui Dei voluntatem facit et suam voluntatem relinquit.

Oh how quickly passes the glory of the world away! Would that their life and knowledge had agreed together! For then would they have read and inquired unto good purpose. How many perish through empty learning in this world, who care little for serving God. And because they love to be great more than to be humble, therefore they "have become vain in their imaginations." He only is truly great, who has great charity. He is truly great who deems himself small, and counts all height of honour as nothing. He is the truly wise man, who counts all earthly things as dung that he may win Christ. And he is the truly learned man, who does the will of God, and forsakes his own will.

Imitation of Christ  I, 3:6

Ecclesiasticus

"The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord."  Ecclesiasticus 3:18