Pope in Truth

With the election of a new Bishop in Rome yesterday we certainly have some idea what the leaders of the Roman Church are thinking. While Postmodernism and relativism are the in philosophies of our day; Ratzinger (the new Bishop in Rome) in contrast seems to value truth, and doesn't appear to be ashamed to say as much. Here is a sample of his thoughts- "To have a clear faith, according to the creed of the Church, is often labeled as fundamentalism. While relativism, that is, allowing oneself to be carried about with every wind of "doctrine," seems to be the only attitude that is fashionable. A dictatorship of relativism is being constituted that recognizes nothing as absolute and which only leaves the "I" and its whims as the ultimate measure. We have another measure: the Son of God, true man. He is the measure of true humanism. "Adult" is not a faith that follows the waves in fashion and the latest novelty. Adult and mature is a faith profoundly rooted in friendship with Christ. This friendship opens us to all that is good and gives us the measure to discern between what is true and what is false, between deceit and truth." (1.) (2.)

Extemporaneous Prayer in Worship?

"Some affect to think that the spiritual nature of the excercise (prayer) ought to preclude preparation; that because it is the Holy Ghost which teaches us to pray, we should not attempt it ourselves. This argument is a remnant of fanatical enthusiasm. Should we also not preach in the Spirit? Why, then, do we not extend the same sophisms to inhibit the preparation of a sermon? The answer is, that the Holy Spirit does not suspend the excercise of our own faculties. He works through them as His instruments, and in strict conformity to their rational nature. He assists and elevates them. He helps us also in prompting us to help ourselves."

- R. L. Dabney, Evangelical Eloquence. p.346 (Sacred Rhetoric)

EPHRAIM REPENTING

EPHRAIM REPENTING Jer. xxxi. 18-20

My God, till I received Thy stroke,
How like a beast was I!
So unaccustom'd to the yoke,
So backward to comply.

With grief my just reproach I bear,
Shame fills me at the thought;
How frequent my rebellions were,
What wickedness I wrought.

Thy merciful restraint I scorn'd,
And left the pleasant road;
Yet turn me, and I shall be turn'd;
Thou art the Lord my God.

"Is Ephraim banish'd from my thoughts,
Or vile in my esteem?
No," saith the Lord, "with all his faults,
I still remember him.

"Is he a dear and pleasant child?
Yes, dear and pleasant still;
Though sin his foolish heart beguiled,
And he withstood my will.

My sharp rebuke has laid him low,
He seeks my face again;
My pity kindles at his woe,
He shall not seek in vain.

--William Cowper, 1731-1800

WALKING WITH GOD

I. WALKING WITH GOD. Gen. v. 24.

Oh! for a closer walk with God,
A calm and heavely frame;
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb!

Where is the blessedness I knew
When I first saw the Lord?
Where is the soul refreshing view
Of Jesus and His word?

What peaceful hours I once enjoyed!
How sweet their memory still!
But they have left an aching void,
The world can never fill.

Return, O holy Dove, return!
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made thee mourn
and drove thee from my breast.

The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
And worship only Thee.

So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.

-William Cowper, 1731-1800