History of Christmas Carols

Some of the authors who have been raised up to awaken us to the signs of the times, are Abp. Usher, (see his Life), Dr. Owen, in his sermon on Hebrews xii. 26, Fleming, Dr. Samuel Johnson, Vitringa, Dr. Apthorpe, Mr. Jones of Nailand, Bp. Horne, Mr. Kett, Mr. Faber, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Frere, Mr. Cunninghame, Mr. Irving; a goodly fellowship of prophets, warning us most harmoniously of the impending perils of these last days; lest we look back on ROME, and become A PILLAR OF SALT. --The Genuineness of the Book of Enoch Investigated by John Marten Butt, 1827.

But we must be ignorant of the secret events of things, as touching the time to come; for there is nothing which may make us more slack in doing our duties, than too careful an inquisition herein, for we will always take counsel according to the future event of things; but the Lord, by hiding the same from us, doth prescribe unto us what we ought to do. Here ariseth a conflict, because we will not willingly suffer God to have that which is his own, namely, the sole government and direction of things which are to come; but we cast ourselves into a strange and inordinate carefulness. To conclude, Christ forbiddeth us to apply those things unto ourselves, which God doth challenge as proper to himself alone. Of this sort is the foreknowledge of those things which God hath taken to himself to govern and direct, according to his own pleasure, far contrary to our opinion, and otherwise than we could invent.

The tenth century again verified the wisdom of the Divine denial to reveal the future, or fix a date for Christ’s second coming. The year 1000 was regarded in the century immediately preceding it as the limit of the world’s existence and the date of Christ’s appearing. The belief in this view spread all over Europe, and the result was just the same as at Thessalonica. Men abandoned all work, they left their families to starve, and thought the one great object worth living for was devotion and preparation for their impending change. And the result was widespread misery, famine, disease, and death, while, instead of working any beneficial change upon society at large, the terror through which men had passed brought about, when the dreaded time had gone by, a reaction towards carelessness and vice, all the greater from the self-denial which they had practised for a time.

And as it was in the earlier ages so has it been in later times. The people of London were, in the middle of the last century, deluded into a belief that on a certain day the Lord would appear to judgment, with the result that the business of London was suspended for the time. The lives of John Wesley and his fellow-evangelists tell us how diligently they seized the opportunity of preaching repentance and preparation for the coming of Christ, though they shared not the belief in the prediction which gained them their audience.

While again in the present century there was a widespread opinion about the year 1830 that the coming of Christ was at hand. It was the time when the Irvingite and Darbyite bodies sprang into existence, in which systems the near approach of the Second Coming forms an important element. Men then thought that it was a mere matter of day or weeks, and in consequence they acted just like the Thessalonians. In their ardour their minds were upset, their business and families neglected, and, as far as in them lay, the work of life and of civilisation was utterly destroyed. While when again we come to later times experience has taught that no men have been more profitless and unpractical Christians than the numbers, by no means inconsiderable, who have spent their lives in vain attempts to fix new for this year, and again for that day, the exact time when the Son of Man should appear. The wisest Christians have acted otherwise.

It is told of a foreign bishop, eminent for his sanctity and for the wise guidance which he could give in the spiritual life, that he was once engaged in playing a game of bowls. One of the bystanders was of a critical disposition, and was scandalised at the frivolity of the bishop’s occupation, so much beneath the dignity, as it was thought, of his character. "If Christ was to appear the next moment, what would you do?" he asked the bishop. "I would make the next stroke the best possible one," was the wise man’s reply. And the reply involved the true principle which the Lord Himself by His refusal to gratify the Apostles’ curiosity desired to impress on His people.

The uncertainty of the time of Christ’s coming, combined with the certainty of the event itself, should stir us up to intensity of purpose, to earnestness of life, to a hallowed enthusiasm to do thoroughly every lawful deed, to think thoroughly every lawful thought, conscious that in so doing we are fulfilling, the will and work of the great Judge Himself. Blessed indeed shall be those servants whom the Lord when He cometh shall find so doing.

American Indians -- the lost tribes of Israel and missionary efforts in early America

Jewes in America, Or, Probabilities that the Americans are of that Race: With the Removall of Some Contrary Reasonings, and Earnest Desires for Effectuall Endeavours to Make Them Christian. Proposed by Tho: Thorovvgood, B.D. One of the Assembly of Divines
by Thomas Thorowgood, John Dury (1650)

Digitus Dei: New Discoveryes;: With Sure Arguments to Prove that the Jews (a Nation) Or People Lost in the World for the Space of Near 200 Years, Inhabite Now in America; how They Came Thither; Their Manners, Customs, Rites and Ceremonies; the Unparallel'd Cruelty of the Spaniard to Them; and that the Americans are of that Race. Manifested by Reason and Scripture, which Foretell the Calling of the Iewes; and the Restitution of Them Into Their Own Land, and the Bringing Back of the Ten Tribes from All the Ends and Corners of the Earth, and that Great Battell to be Fought. With the Removall of Some Contrary Reasonings, and an Earnest Desire for Effectuall Endeavours to Make Them Christians. Whereunto is Added an Epistolicall Discourse of Mr. Iohn Dury, with the History of Ant: Monterinos, Attested by Manasseh Ben Israell, a Chief Rabby
by Thomas Thorowgood, John Dury, Manasseh ben Israel, Antonio de Montezinos, Thomas Slater, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Angell in Duck-Lane (1652)

Jews In America, Or Probabilities, that Those Indians are Judaical, Made More Probable by Some Additionals to the Former Conjectures. An Accurate Discourse Is premised of Mr. John Elliot, (who First Preached the Gospel to the Natives in Their Own Language) Touching Their Origination, and His Vindication of the Planters.
by Thomas Thorowgood, John Eliot (1660)

Mauro tells Thomas Edison about the True Light

Dear Mr. Edison,

It was a real pleasure to see you and hear your voice again. Moreover, the matters touched upon in our conversation of yesterday gave me much to think about.

You want facts. So do I. A reasonable man's belief should rest upon nothing less substantial than well-attested facts. So here is a fact for you:

God (whom you reverently call "the Supreme Intelligence") loves you and wants your love in return. My visit to you and this letter are evidence of it, though, of course, not sufficient to prove to your satisfaction either that God is, or that He cares for Thomas Edison. But wait.

Another fact: God is Light.

How do I know? I know only in the way that light can be known- by experience. For the nature of light is such that it admits of being known only in the way of experimental knowledge. I am saying this to the man who has had more to do with the development of artificial light than any other who ever lived in this dark world, and who probably knows more about light, in a practical way, than any other. How then could the existence and the nature of light be demonstrated to one who had been shut up all his life in a dark cell? It could be done only in some way such as by opening a window; and then the light would enter, and prove itself.

This I say, because you are seeking a solution of the mystery of life and the soul by the way of analogies form nature. Very good. Much truth can be got in that way; as Butler, in his famous Analogy has abundantly shown. I hope you will continue your investigation, and in your customary thorough-going fashion; for it is the most important you ever undertook. And in this connection I call you attention to a clear and pertinent analogy; the point of which is that the proof you demand can be had only by experiment. For myself, I know that God is Light, and that He sheds light in the heart that is opened to Him, because I put the matter to the test of experience twenty-three years ago, and have enjoyed the consciousness of spiritual light ever since. Moreover, my experience is that of millions of others.

Let me remind you that light will not force its way into a place that is tightly closed; but that, if only a tiny chink be opened, in it comes, proving itself.

Likewise Christ, who is "the true Light," does not force Himself into the chambers of the soul against the human will. For the nature of the matter is such that, like the smell of a violet, the color of a sunset, or the taste of honey, it can only be known by experiment. The "Good Book" that you asked me not to quote, says, "Come and see," "Taste and see." Is not that strictly scientific?

You have been truly doing God's work in helping to enlighten the darkness of nature. But there is a spiritual darkness too. So follow the analogy, and it will lead you straight to the truth, and to the solution of the whole mystery of human existence.

With sincere affection and respect,

(Signed) Philip Mauro

BRYAN: These gentlemen have not had much chance -- they did not come here to try this case. They came here to try revealed religion. I am here to defend it and they can ask me any question they please.
...
DARROW: You insult every man of science and learning in the world because he does believe in your fool religion.
...
BRYAN: Your Honor, I think I can shorten this testimony. The only purpose Mr. Darrow has is to slur at the Bible, but I will answer his question. I will answer it all at once, and I have no objection in the world, I want the world to know that this man, who does not believe in a God, is trying to use a court in Tennesseee...
DARROW: I object to that.
BRYAN: (Continuing) to slur at it, and while it will require time, I am willing to take it.
DARROW: I object to your statement. I am exempting you on your fool ideas that no intelligent Christian on earth believes.

A Curious Hieroglyphick Bible (1790)

ebay

Big day today in history (1605), though it won't be much in the news as such, usually known as Guy Fawkes Day. God providentially preserved His people by delivering them from the machinations of their enemies. King James I (the KJ of the KJV) was no doubt extremely happy over the failure of the plot.

Spurgeon said it best in his Morning and Evening:

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper." Isaiah 54:17

This day is notable in English history for two great deliverances wrought by God for us. On this day the plot of the Papists to destroy our Houses of Parliament was discovered, 1605.

"While for our princes they prepare
In caverns deep a burning snare,
He shot from heaven a piercing ray,
And the dark treachery brought to day."

And secondly -- today is the anniversary of the landing of King William III, at Torbay, by which the hope of Popish ascendancy was quashed, and religious liberty was secured, 1688.

This day ought to be celebrated, not by the saturnalia of striplings, but by the songs of saints. Our Puritan forefathers most devoutly made it a special time of thanksgiving. There is extant a record of the annual sermons preached by Matthew Henry on this day. Our Protestant feeling, and our love of liberty, should make us regard its anniversary with holy gratitude. Let our hearts and lips exclaim, "We have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us the wondrous things which thou didst in their day, and in the old time before them." Thou hast made this nation the home of the gospel; and when the foe has risen against her, thou hast shielded her. Help us to offer repeated songs for repeated deliverances. Grant us more and more a hatred of Antichrist, and hasten on the day of her entire extinction. Till then and ever, we believe the promise, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper." Should it not be laid upon the heart of every lover of the gospel of Jesus on this day to plead for the overturning of false doctrines and the extension of divine truth? Would it not be well to search our own hearts, and turn out any of the Popish lumber of self-righteousness which may lie concealed therein?

More on Bayly's Practice of Piety

Good old collection of promises

"I hold in my hand a book which is very precious to me. It is my treasure house, next to the Bible the most valuable. Indeed, because it is all Scripture - Clarke's Scripture Promises. When I have a trial or trouble, since the promises are here all put under different heads, I can turn at once and find just the promise I want. There are many of these sparkling jewels which cannot be won by prayer, nor be obtained by an act of faith alone." --C. H. Spurgeon, "Obtaining Promises" (Feb. 16, 1862)

David has left no sweeter psalm than the short twenty-third psalm! It is but a moment’s opening of his soul; but, as when one, walking the winter street, sees the door opened for some one to enter, and the red light streams a moment forth and the forms of joyful children are running to greet the comer, and genial music sounds, though the door shuts and leaves the night black, yet it cannot shut back again all that the eyes, the ear, the heart, and the imagination have seen — so in this psalm, though it is but a moment’s opening of the soul, are emitted truths of peace and consolation that will never be absent from the world. Psalm 23 is the nightingale of the Psalms. It is small, of a homely feather, singing shyly out of obscurity; but, oh, it has filled the air of the whole world with melodious joy, greater than the heart can conceive. Blessed be the day on which that psalm was born! What would you say of a pilgrim commissioned of God to travel up and down the earth singing a strange melody, which, when one heard, caused him to forget whatever sorrow he had? And so the singing angel goes on his way through all lands, singing in the language of every nation, driving away trouble by the pulses of the air which his tongue moves with divine power. Behold just such a one! This pilgrim God has sent to speak in every language on the globe. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching griefs, of orphans in their loneliness. Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner, and broken his chains, and, like Peter’s angel, led him forth in imagination and sung him back to his home again. It has made the dying Christian slave freer than his master, and consoled those whom, dying, he left behind mourning, not so much that he was gone, as because they were left behind, and could not go too. Nor is its work done. It will go singing to your children and my children, and to their children, through all the generations of time; nor will it fold its wings until the last pilgrim is safe, and time ended; and then it shall fly back to the bosom of God, from where it was issued, and sound on, mingled with all those sounds of celestial joy which make heaven musical forever. — Beecher’s Life Thoughts.

It has been said that what the nightingale is among birds, that is this divine ode among the Psalms, for it has sung sweetly in the ear of many a mourner in his night of weeping, and has bidden him hope for a morning of joy. I will venture to compare it also to the lark, which sings as it mounts, and mounts as it sings, until it is out of sight, and even then is not out of hearing. Note the last words of the psalm — “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”; these are celestial notes, more fitted for the eternal mansions than for these dwelling-places below the clouds. Oh that we may enter into the spirit of the psalm as we read it, and then we shall experience the days of heaven upon the earth! — Spurgeon.

Of all the figures that are applied to God in the Old Testament, that of a shepherd is the most beautiful. “The other names sound somewhat too gloriously and majestically, and bring, as it were, an awe and fear with them when we hear them uttered. This is the case when the Scriptures call God our Lord, King, Creator. This, however, is not the case with the sweet word “shepherd.” It brings to the godly, when they read it or hear, it, as it were, a confidence, a consolation or security, like the word “father.” We cannot better understand this consoling and lovely word than by going to nature, and learning carefully from her what are the dispositions and the properties of the sheep, and what the duty, the labor, the care of a good shepherd. A sheep can only live through the help, protection, and care of its shepherd. As soon as it loses him it is exposed to dangers of every kind, and must perish, for it cannot help itself. The reason is, it is a poor, weak, silly creature. But, weak creature though it be, it has the habit of keeping diligently near its shepherd, of depending upon his help and protection; it follows wherever he leads, and, if it can only be near him, it cares for nothing, is afraid of no one, but feels secure and happy, for it wants for nothing.” — Luther.

The Lord is my shepherd I never ride over these hills, clothed with flocks, without meditating upon this delightful theme. Our Saviour says that the good shepherd, when he putteth forth his own sheep, goeth before them, and they follow. This is true to the letter. They are so tame and so trained that they follow their keeper with the utmost docility. He leads them forth from the fold, or from their houses in the villages, just where he pleases. As there are many flocks in such a place as this, each one takes a different path, and it is his business to find pasture for them. It is necessary, therefore, that they should be taught to follow, and not to stray away into the unfenced fields of grain which lie so temptingly on either side. Any one that thus wanders is sure to get into trouble. The shepherd calls sharply from time to time, to remind them of his presence. They know his voice and follow on; but if a stranger call, they stop short, lift up their heads in alarm, and if it is repeated, they turn and flee, because they know not the voice of a stranger. This is not the fancy costume of a parable: it is simple fact. I have made the experiment repeatedly. The shepherd goes before, not merely to point out the way, but to see that it is practicable and safe. He is armed, in order to defend his charge; and in this he is very courageous. Many adventures with wild beasts occur not unlike that recounted by David, {#1Sa 17:34-36?} and in these very mountains, for, though there are now no lions here, there are wolves in abundance; and leopards and panthers, exceeding fierce, prowl about these wild wadies. They frequently attack the flock in the very presence of the shepherd, and he must be ready to do battle at a moment’s warning. I have listened with intense interest to their graphic descriptions of downright and desperate fights with these savage beasts. And when the thief and the robber come (and come they do), the faithful shepherd has often to put his life in his hand to defend his flock. I have known more than one case in which he had literally to lay it down in the contest. A poor faithful fellow last spring, between Tiberias and Tabor, instead of fleeing, actually fought three Bedawin robbers, until he was hacked to pieces with their khanjars, and died among the sheep he was defending. — The Land and the Book.

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly." Colossians 3:16

STUDY the Scripture. It is a copy of God's will. Be Scripture-men, Bible-Christians. Search the Scripture as for a vein of gold. This blessed Book will fill your head with knowledge, and your heart with grace!

There is majesty sparkling in every line of Scripture.

There is a melody in Scripture. This is that blessed harp which drives away sadness of spirit. How sweetly does this harp of Scripture sound, what heavenly music does it make in the ears of a distressed sinner, especially when the finger of God's Spirit touches this instrument!

There is divinity in Scripture. It contains the marrow and quintessence of true religion. It is a rock of diamonds--and a manual of piety. The lips of Scripture have grace poured into them. The Scripture speaks of faith, self-denial, and all the graces which, as a chain of pearls, adorns a Christian.

Oh, then, search the Scripture! Had I the tongue of angels, I could not sufficiently set forth the excellency of Scripture. It is a spiritual telescope, in which we behold God's glory! It is the tree of life, the oracle of wisdom, the rule of godliness, the heavenly seed of which the new creature is formed.

'The two Testaments,' says one, 'are the two breasts which every Christian must suck, that he may get spiritual nourishment.' These holy leaves of Scripture are for the healing of our souls.

The Scripture is profitable for all things. If we are downcast--here is spiced wine that cheers the heavy heart. If we are pursued by Satan--here is the sword of the Spirit to resist him. If we are diseased with sin's leprosy--here are the waters of the sanctuary, both to cleanse and cure. Oh, then, search the Scriptures!

Read the Bible with reverence. Think, in every line you read--that God is speaking to you. The ark wherein the Word was put was overlaid with pure gold, and was carried on bars, that the Levites might not touch it. Exodus 25:14. Why was this--but to give reverence to the Word?

Read with seriousness. It is matter of life and death; by this Word you must be tried and judged.

Read the Word with affection. Get your hearts quickened with the Word. Labor that the Word may not only be a lamp to direct--but a fire to warm. Read the Scripture, not only as a history--but as a love-letter sent to you from God, which may affect your hearts. Pray that the same Spirit who wrote the Word, may assist you in reading it; that God's Spirit would show you the wonderful things of His law, so that the Word will become effectual.

"Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long!" Psalm 119:97

"It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes!" Psalm 119:71

Health is a blessing and a great mercy, enabling us to relish the comforts of life, and to be useful in our generation. But sickness is a greater mercy to the children of God; for it shall be sanctified . . .
to wean us more from the present world,
to raise our thoughts and desires heavenward,
to quicken us to prayer, and
to give us more opportunity of knowing the sweetness and suitableness of the promises, and the power and wisdom of a promise-performing God!

Troubles have many uses--when the Lord is pleased to work by them for the good of His children. They are necessary, because we would miss the meaning and comfort of a great part of the Bible without them! I hope the Lord blesses you both with a measure of submission to His will, confidence in His love--and then, with respect to other things you will say, All is well!

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your Word!" Psalm 119:67

"I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2009/06/14/trib-reruns-1934-cartoon-planned-economy-or-planned-destruction

Trib Reruns 1934 Cartoon Critical of New Deal: 'Planned Economy or Planned Destruction?'

Old Japan in the 1600's - 304 han, 68 kuni

The_Occupation_Bible.pdf

Christian Music Scene in Japan

Ugo Nakada is mentioned below. Interesting history on Ugo's father, Juji Nakada, a nationalistic preacher who felt the Japanese were descendants of the Israelites. See this description of him, and following tidbits on Japan in the early 1900's. Ugo's wife's name was Daisy, who rebuilt (with GHQ chaplain help) the Bible Agricultural School in Wakamatsu-cho, Chiba-ken, that Juji started but later closed by the J-Govt.

The Word for Music Ministries

"Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy." (Psalm 65:8).
Pray that in the midst of the small numbers of Christians these special music ministries will fill Japan with joy, the joy of His salvation.

Prayer for Music Ministry, March 19

Pray for Christian musicians who serve as soloists and instrumentalists, and for the many groups, choirs, bands and orchestras. Pray that many more will dedicate themselves to music ministries.

Berndt and Ruriko Bohman are examples of talented Christian musicians. Berndt plays first chair cello for the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. Besides sharing his faith with the other orchestra members, he and Ruriko are continually touring Japan, giving evangelistic concerts in many small churches, along with larger community events.

The Evangelium Cantrai (Japanese-Audios on website) serves churches through concerts they conduct throughout the country. They also seek to introduce biblically-based music in the churches.

Japanese Christian Music

Church hymns in Japan tended to be Western and classical high-church songs until Ugo Nakada translated many of the songs used in Britain and America at the end of the 19th century, giving the church in Japan gospel songs as well. With the influence of the postwar evangelical missionaries and the changing Japanese culture, Christian folk songs became popular, and Japanese themselves began to write similar songs.

The Sambika and the Sambika 21 contain many of the high-church worship songs. The Seika and the New Seika includes more gospel and praise songs, as well as some newer Japanese hymns. In addition to these two standard hymnals, many praise and worship books are being written by Japanese.

Outside the church, Christian music has opened up two doors of opportunity. One is through the classics with Bach; the other is centered in a Black Gospel music boom.

New Movie about MacArthur - Emperor

Later, in 1949, General Douglas MacArthur sent a telegram to The Gideons International asking that a representative of The Gideons International be sent to Japan to “Make first hand survey of situation [sic]” in regards to distributing New Testaments to the people there stating that, “Your assistance will be of inestimable value.”

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries this work was the most universally read English book on devotion next to Pilgrim's Progress. Bunyan himself ascribes the commencement of his spiritual life in some measure to the perusal of this practical handbook on piety... First published in the early 1600's... by 1792, (it was in) its seventy-first English edition... (It has) appeared in most European languages, including Dutch (1620), French (1625), German (1692), and Polish (1647).

New England Puritans even translated it into the Indian language used in Massachusetts (1665)... Bayly's puritan convictions brought him into frequent conflict... in 1621 he was imprisoned for some months for his aversion to the infamous Book of Sports, and for other minor charges... Bayly's Practice of Piety is replete with practical, Puritan guidelines on the pursuit of holy living.

The author commences his work with 'a plain description of God [in] his essence, person, and attributes.' He treats the doctrines of God as a basis for piety and divine grace as a ground for every grace which we sinners need. The remainder of the volume deals with the reasons for, and the conditions and objectives of piety...

In short, this is a book about how to live well and how to die well... Read The Practice of Piety slowly, meditatively, prayerfully, and, I would recommend annually. Ask yourself repeatedly, 'Am I putting this wise spiritual director's scriptural advice into practice? Am I pursuing holiness -- that holiness without which no man shall please God or be received into the eternal glories of a holy heaven?'" (Joel Beeke).

Here is a sample of Bayly's writing, "But God was more displeased with Cain for despairing of his mercy, than for murdering his brother; and with Judas for hanging himself, than for betraying his master: in that they would make the sins of mortal men greater than the infinite mercy of the eternal God; or as if they could be more sinful, than God was merciful: whereas the least drop of Christ's blood is of more merit to procure God's mercy for thy salvation, than all the sins that thou hast committed can be of force to provoke his wrath to thy damnation" (The Practice of Piety, pp. 294-295).

Short Comments on Every Chapter of the Holy Bible - 1838