Euthanasia
The House of Lords recently came to a very far-reaching decision, when they ruled that doctors could stop feeding Tony Bland, a Hillsborough disaster victim, who had lain for three years in what is called a persistent vegetative state. He died ten days after the artificial feeding was stopped. Had the House of Lords not given its legal ruling the doctors in the hospital could have faced a charge of murder for depriving him of food. In view of the pressure which has gone on for many years for the legalisation of euthanasia, it is not difficult to envisage what the outcome will be. There will no doubt be increased pressure for the legalisation of euthanasia.
Euthanasia is spoken of today as ‘dying with dignity’, but it cannot be called a dignified death to have one’s life snuffed out, either by one’s own hand — which is suicide, or by the hand of another — which is murder. The public are being conditioned to look on euthanasia as a compassionate way of dealing with certain very ill patients. It is a strange compassion which is being promoted by those men — men who have lost sight of eternity, and the God of eternity to whom they must give in their account.
Recently the Dutch parliament voted by 91 to 45 votes to permit euthanasia under strict guidelines. The patient must be suffering unbearable and incurable pain, request death repeatedly, be in a clear state of mind and a second medical opinion must be obtained. The Tony Bland case would only meet one out of these four criteria.
In view of the Tony Bland case, a special House of Lords Committee is being set up to enquire into the ethical and legal issues surrounding what are called ‘right to die’ cases. It is thought that peers who are known to take a strong moral stance on the issue, will not be selected for the Committee. It is almost certain that Britain will follow Holland down a road of no return to the barbarism that existed before the light of the Gospel dawned on our nation. The reason for coming to this sad conclusion is that such decisions are no longer based on the Moral Law but on the prevailing opinion in society. May the Lord hasten the day when the light of the Gospel will once more dawn on this sin-darkened land of ours.
Drink laws need Reform
The leader in the Daily Express in the middle of February called for the reform of Scotland’s licensing laws. It stated that when Scotland’s licensing laws were liberalised, it was hailed as a breakthrough for modern thinking. Now, it says, not a few Scots are having second thoughts. It has been found that violence and late-night drinking go hand in hand, stretching police resources to the limit. The leader writer in the Daily Express favours adjustments to the present law, which would give residents the right of appeal against the granting of ultra-late licences, and he states that, unless the present excesses are curbed, then more draconian measures will have to be taken. It is good to think that people are, at last, waking up to the evil consequences of the relaxation of the drinking laws, and are calling for reform. Had a little wisdom prevailed earlier these evil consequences could have been foreseen and avoided. But it is better late than never.
Murder of James Bulger
The heart of the nation was moved at the tragic murder of two-year-old James Bulger. Two teenagers have been charged with the murder. Crime has been escalating in many parts of the country and murder has almost become commonplace, yet all this hardly prepared the minds of people for the event that has taken place. It is true that juvenile crime has become endemic in some of our cities, yet it could hardly have been envisaged that a child of two years would have been murdered so tragically.
Questions are now being asked how it is that things have descended to this level. What has happened to our country, that such a crime would be perpetrated? The answer should not be far to seek, if the people of the land, and the authorities truly seek an answer.
The moral decline of the nation did not begin yesterday, but many years ago. A time came in the history of our nation when moral values were rejected by a generation which sought only the gratification of the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life. It needed no prophet to predict what the outcome would be, and the results of that libertine age are now upon us. There is no need to hold up our hands in horror. We willed it, in that, instead of upholding the moral values handed down to us, we did nothing to prevent the decline and legislated as a nation in favour of the new outlook. As a consequence the nation has suffered in nearly all aspects of its national life, and is likely to suffer even more still. But we must look behind the debased moral outlook of the nation. Why were the moral values of former generations abandoned? This can be traced to the rejection of spiritual values which occurred even earlier in our history as a nation. The Word of God was rejected by many in the nation as the rule to direct them. The gospel of God’s grace was despised, and men became their own saviours, and their own will became their only guide. Moral deterioration inevitably follows spiritual apostasy from God, and so it came to pass.
In the light of these things the remedy for the nation is quite clear. God is saying in His own Word: “Return unto Me, and I will return unto you.” What the nation needs is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, if it is to be saved from destruction, and from perishing in its own corruption. No palliative measures will do at this stage. It is a radical remedy that is necessary, and this can only come from a rich outpouring of God’s Spirit upon us as a people. Let us plead for it.
Cardinal Hume and the ‘conversion’ of England
It is thought that the Roman Catholic Church is close to agreeing to a formula which would allow Anglican clergy, opposed to the ordination of women, to join the R.C. Church, while retaining their priesthood and elements of Anglican identity, according to a Times report. Cardinal Hume’s comment on this proposed reception of these Anglo-Catholics was: “This could be the conversion of England for which we have prayed all these years.” May the Cardinal’s prayers never be fulfilled, as this would mean plunging England once again into the Dark Ages from which it was delivered at the Reformation. It is good to know that even in the Church of England the Lord still has a remnant who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. They need our prayers in these days of gross apostasy from the doctrines of the Bible which had filled England with the gospel light at the Reformation. May the boastfulness of the R.C. Cardinal make us only more earnest at a throne of grace for the overthrow of the Papal system, which God has promised in His Word.
Mission News
In the goodness of the Most High, there has been an excellent rainfall in a great part of Matabeleland. The rivers and dams are full, the people are busy in their fields and are hoping for a good harvest. It is also a pleasure for the people to see their cattle grazing once more in the fields.
In one district of Binga the Army Worm has worked havoc destroying the early crop. The Agritex officials came to spray the area, but the people say the worms had gone underground before the spraying began. They may reappear when the second crop begins to grow.
Mbuma Hospital is very short-staffed and a large number of patients with the dreaded AIDS have been admitted. Sister Coote has asked the Foreign Missions Committee to appeal for nurses.
Sister Anne Zekveld says, ‘There is an encouraging side to the work. I went to the Mobile Clinic at Magazi at the end of last month and was so pleased to see our little Samuel again, a chubby, smiling, little 3.2kg, looking very bright, and his mother looking very happy. Samuel had been a tiny little premature baby who gave the staff a great deal of anxiety. He was so weak and just when they thought he was going to survive he would have a relapse, and almost fade away. However, the little fellow revived, no doubt in answer to prayer. Everyone was delighted when he was well enough to go home. His mother asked Sister Coote to give him a name and she chose ‘Samuel’. We hope he will be a blessing.
There is no news at hand of Sengera, but we know there is a great deal of work going on there, and we look forward to hearing of the progress being made in preparing a clinic for immediate use and dividing up the hospital building into appropriate units. The Committee has agreed that a site be bought in Blantyre, Malawi, and a house be built for the use of the Mission European staff, deputies or other visitors.
Another matter of interest is that the F.M. Committee received a letter from the Rev Baruch’s congregation in Israel. They said they hoped to publish the Mothers’ Catechism in Hebrew at a cost of £800. It was agreed to donate £800 for this purpose.
It has been arranged in Zimbabwe that eleven of our friends there, including the Rev P Mzamo, the Rev A B Ndebele, and the Rev and Mrs Z. Mazvabo travel to Scotland for the Church Centenary and the Synod. The remaining friends are members of the Zimbabwean Presbytery. A few will stop off in Holland and attend the Mbuma Zending Meeting in Utrecht, where around seven thousand people gather and provide the generous donations for our Mission.
The Mbuma Zending Committee have also offered to give special donations for the Kenya mission for the first two years, to help establish the work there. This is a most generous gesture.
The Rev Dr J. R. Tallach, Clerk of the F.M.C., flies D.V. from London on March 2nd as the Church’s Deputy to Kenya, where he will spend three weeks, then to Zimbabwe for three weeks and finally to Malawi for two weeks. We should be much in prayer for Dr Tallach’s safety while travelling, and also that he be given wisdom for the many problems he will face.
— J. N.
Church Notes
Presbytery Meetings (D.V.)
Southern: At Glasgow on 13th April at 6 p.m.
Skye: At Portree on 4th May at 11 a.m.
Demission of Charge
At a meeting of the Skye Presbytery on 9th February, 1993, it was noted that Rev A. M. Cattanach gave notice of his demission of the Pastoral Charge of the Staffin congregation of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and his severance from the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
(Rev.) Fraser MacDonald
Clerk of Presbytery
Aberdeen Congregation — Resumption of Services
Free Presbyterian services have now resumed in the Aberdeen congregation. All are warmly invited to attend.
Sabbath Services — 11.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Room 7, New Kings Building, Kings College, University of Aberdeen, Regents Walk, Aberdeen.
We are grateful to the University authorities for allowing us to use their facilities. Those who left the Free Presbyterian Church in 1989 to form a new denomination are still occupying our property in Aberdeen and whilst pleading the cause of liberty have refused to allow continuing Free Presbyterians to worship in their own building. Are these actions consistent with Christian principles? Let A.P.C.’s read Leviticus 19: 13 and Mark 10: 19 and then examine their own consciences.
For further information
Please contact the Interim Moderator Rev J. Goldby, Tel: 08083 357. Local enquiries may be made to Mr R. Bruce, Tel: 0224 868196.
(Rev) J. Goldby
Ballifeary Home of Rest
The Ballifeary Home of Rest Committee wish to draw the attention of any elderly people in the Church who anticipate residing in the Home to the necessity of filling in and submitting the appropriate form (available from the Matron), so that their names may be put on the waiting list. They should be clear that this does not require them to take up the first vacancy offered to them.
(Rev) James R. Tallach
Ingwenya Mission Appeal
WANTED URGENTLY
Teachers for John Tallach Secondary School
Qualifications: University degree with teaching subjects suitable for school level, and/or Teacher Training Diploma.
Contract: 2 years.
Mission teachers from overseas may be asked to (1) take Bible and/or English as well as their own subjects. (2) Assist with extra-mural activities, e.g. Sabbath School, dispensary.
Reasonable accommodation with water and electricity is provided.
Applicants should apply as soon as possible. It takes 3-6 months to get a work permit.
Matron and Nursing Staff Appeal
A Matron and Nursing Staff are required for Sengera Hospital, Kenya. The Foreign Mission Committee would be pleased to hear from suitably qualified staff for the above posts. It is our hope that the Hospital will open, the Lord willing, in March 1993.
(Rev.) James R. Tallach
Appeal for Centenary Commemoration Fund
Due to the high cost of providing accommodation and a meal for those attending the Centenary meeting in Edinburgh on 25th May (D.V.), and to avoid an excessive drain on Church Funds, the Centenary Committee appeal to those who will receive these benefits to contribute something towards the cost. Donations can be put in the local Church plate in an envelope marked for the Fund or sent to the General Treasurer, 133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE.
Acknowledgment of Donations
The General Treasurer, Mr Rod A. Campbell, 133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE wishes to acknowledge with sincere thanks the following donations:—
Ballifary Home of Rest:
Miss E. Gunn’s Executry, £3000.
Centenary (Publication):
Mr D.K.C., £50.
Centenary (Commemoration):
Mrs M.C., Glasgow £30; Mr D.K.C. £50.
Dominions and Overseas:
Friends, Italy per Rev D.R. £86.69.
Eastern Europe:
Anon., Glasgow £10.
Foreign Mission:
Anon., Glasgow £1000; A Friend, Glasgow £10 for Mbuma; Mr D.K.C. £200 for Kenya.
The Treasurers of the following congregations wish to acknowledge with sincere thanks the following donations:—
Edinburgh:
Anon., £100 for Kenya and Malawi Mission; Anon., £100 for Manse Expenses.
Glasgow (St. Judes):
Miss J.K. £10; Miss M. MacA. £8, both for Centenary Fund (Publication); Anon., £20; Anon., £100; Anon., £10; Miss J.C., £25; Miss MacC. £20; Miss J. MacD. £25; Mrs J.K. £10; Miss M. MacA. £12; Miss M. MacI. £10 all for Centenary Fund (Commemoration); Anon., £30; Anon., £10, both for Eastern Europe; Anon., £30 for Foreign Mission; Anon., £20 for Foreign Mission Famine Relief.
Greenock:
Anon., £20 for Congr. Fds. per Rev L.M.
Larne:
Anon., £10 for Lord’s Work in Kenya; Anon., £10 for Lord’s Work in Italy, per Rev. D. Ross; Anon., £10 for Free Presbyterian Witness in Malawi; Anon., £10 for Eastern Europe Fund; Anon., donation £40, where most needed.
North Harris:
MacD., Kyles £50 for Sust. Fd., £25 for Home Mission Fd, £25 where most needed, by envelope in plate; C.M.L., Cluer £5, by envelope in plate; M.M., Cluer £10 per J.M.L., both for Bus. Fund; Anon., £10 for Hearing Aid Exp.; Friend, Tarbert, £50 for Centenary Commemoration Fund; MacL., Manse Road, £20 for Church Fds., last three by envelope in plate; P.M.L., Grosebay £5 for Bus. Fd. per J.M.L.
Portree:
A.C. £1000; Friend £5, both per F.M., Friend £15; Friend £5, both per S.Y.M., all for Sust. Fd.; Friend £10; Friend £15, both per S.Y.M.; Anon., £7; Anon., £6; Anon., £13, last five for Door Coll.; A.N., £4 for Church Bus., last four by envelope in plate.
Raasay:
J.M.M. £25, where most needed, per M.D. MacKay; Anon., Inverarish £25 for Car Fd.
South Harris:
Friend, Northton £100; Friends, Kentutavig £200 per D. MacKenzie.
Stornoway:
M.M., Nuneaton £100 for Famine Relief, £100 for Blind Pupils at Ingwenya; £300 for Stornoway Church Sust. Fd.; A Friend £50 for Sust. Fd.; Friend of the Cause, all per Rev J. MacLeod; C. £100 for Stornoway Congr.; Anon., £10; Anon., £4 both for Sust. Fd.; Anon., £10 for petrol, all per Church plate.