NHS Pays Roman Catholic Church for Hospital Visits
Ministers of the gospel visit those who belong to their congregations when they are hospitalised and seek to offer what spiritual help they can. They rightly receive no extra remuneration for doing so, either from their congregations or the National Health Service. The case is different for certain Roman Catholic priests who visit their parishioners in hospital. It has emerged that NHS Lothian has agreed to pay the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St
Andrews and Edinburgh £30 000 per year for the provision of “out-of-hours spiritual care” – which is mainly administering the last rites to critically ill Roman Catholics.
Not only is the Roman Catholic Church the only religious organisation with which the Health Board has such an agreement, but it was receiving even greater payments for many years. It is reported that NHS Lothian has stated that a previous arrangement, “in which Roman Catholic chaplains were on the NHS payroll at a cost of £56 000, had been scrapped due to ‘poor on-call RC service delivery’”. Hence the reason for the new and less expensive agreement which took three years to reach.
While the NHS is legally required to offer spiritual care through its chaplaincies to hospital patients, it is not obliged to pay churches to do so. It is prodigal, and an imposition on taxpayers, when NHS Lothian hands their money over to the immensely-wealthy Roman Catholic Church, especially at a time when hospitals are crying out for more resources and staff. “He that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want” (Prov 22:16). NMR
Notes and Comments
Sabbath Airplanes
Hearing commercial airplanes disturbing the peace of the Sabbath as they come in to land, one thinks of the passengers, the aircrews, and the ground staff. Instead of “calling the Sabbath a delight”, as the people of God are striving to do, the passengers have subjected themselves to all the worldly distractions, the enjoyments perhaps and vexations of air-travel: the queuing, the security, the delays, the televisions, the final calls for other passengers, the free newspapers etc.
Perhaps some of the passengers would rather not be travelling that day. They may be under pressure to attend engagements needlessly arranged for the Sabbath or early on Monday morning, and they may come from backgrounds where people “would not understand” if they travelled on Saturday for a Monday meeting. Others may be utterly ignorant of the Sabbath, and others again brazen, like those on Lewis who vied to be on the first Sabbath flight out of the island. The child of God does not envy any of them: “for a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Ps 84:10).
Probably many of the staff too would prefer not to be working on that day. They would rather be at home with their families, but they would not have their jobs unless they were prepared to work on the Sabbath. The “love
of money” prevails in business and politics, and while our rulers make a show of deploring slavery in the past, they have no conscience over compelling other people to break the Sabbath. Satan is a cruel taskmaster. There is no necessity for Sabbath flights, as the Icelandic volcano showed in April 2010. European airspace was closed for six days, but the main impact, according to a Wikipedia article, was on sporting and “cultural” events, on the travel of politicians and celebrities, and on the travel industry itself.
The heart of the believer is elsewhere on the Sabbath. He may fly frequently and happily on other days of the week, and enjoy the Divine presence in doing so, but on the Sabbath he has other and more important business than is conducted in airports. He has a meeting, which he does not want to miss, with Christ and with his own heart and with “the great congregation”. He wants renewed experiences of the indwelling of the Spirit, of godly sorrow, of the hope of salvation, of the peace of God ruling in his heart, of the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, of a care for the people of God and for the cause of Christ throughout the world. He yearns for the “high places of the earth” from which better views can be seen than from any airplane. “Thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off” (Is 33:17). DWBS
Church Representation on Education Committees
An attempt is being made in the Scottish Parliament to stop religious representatives being appointed to the education committees of Scottish local authorities. John Finnie, an MSP for the Highlands and Islands, has submitted a private member’s bill seeking to abolish what is presently a legal requirement – that the membership of each education committee include three representatives from churches in the region and that they be allowed to vote. Such an arrangement has been in place since 1872, when schools were handed over to local authorities by the Churches which had established and run them.
John Finnie claims that such representation is wrong because unelected individuals have voting rights. The fact remains, however, that the churches, as founders and past managers of the schools, were given the legal right to participate in the running of the new system and continued to make valuable contributions. In any case, these representatives, although not elected by the public at large, have been chosen by their churches.
Behind the opposition to such religious representation are organisations such as the National Secular Society. A spokesman has condemned the influence exerted by religious representatives and vows that the Society’s campaign to cancel the arrangement will increase throughout the country.
Supporters of the proposed bill, including the Chairman of Edinburgh Secular Society, claim that democratic principles lie behind it, but it seems that the mainspring is a strong aversion to biblical Christianity.
To the dismay of many, opponents of God’s Word are becoming more vociferous and their influence is increasing in government circles. All the more reason to plead with God to preserve what remains of Christian principles in national life. In any case, whatever victories the adversaries of biblical truth may obtain, Scripture assures us that the triumphing of the wicked is short and that the Lord will prevail against His enemies. NMR
Prince George’s Baptism
On October 23, Prince George Alexander Louis, the first-born son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, was baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rev Justin Welby. Prince George is third in line to the throne; if spared, he will one day become King and, as the law presently stands, Defender of the Faith. He will be Supreme Governor of the Church of England, a role his great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II holds today. Yet, controversially, his grandfather, Prince Charles, has stated that, should he ascend the throne, he wants to be called Defender of all Faiths, not just of Christianity.
As could be expected, though it was a relatively simple service lasting around half an hour, there was some ritual attached to it. The water was taken from the River Jordan. The Prince’s forehead was marked with the sign of the cross and the water was sprinkled on it three times. “Christening” oil was also put on the baby’s head. The Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace, a place steeped in tradition and history, was chosen as the venue. It was here that the Duchess of Cambridge was confirmed, according to the rites of the Church of England, before her marriage in 2011.
It is reported that, in his address, Rev Justin Welby had much to say about Christ and he is to be commended for that. He instructed the small group gathered to “make sure [the Prince] knows who this Jesus is. Speak of Him, read stories about Him, introduce Him in prayer”. The Prince must also learn to look towards Christ, he added, “He is the only place to go to for the resources George will need so that he is everything he can be, so that he becomes more fully the person God has created him to be. Without Me, says Jesus, you can do nothing.”
Defining the sacrament of Baptism, the Archbishop said, “Baptism at its heart is about the gift of God, about God’s gift of life . . . physical life, but also the offer of spiritual life to all of us, so life for ever”. However, there seemed to have been some significant omissions – no reference to the fall of man, the need of forgiveness of sins or the washing of regeneration by God’s
Spirit. Mr Welby also appeared to indicate that Prince George had the life of Christ in him (was this supposed to be by virtue of his baptism?) when he continued, “Prince George is to share the life of Christ, which is in him, regardless of whom he meets, their faith or nature or habits, so that others find life”. The Archbishop would appear to be promoting the false doctrine of Universalism or, at least, Baptismal Regeneration.
Mr Welby also quoted beautiful words which, he said, had their origin in the Church of Scotland: “For you Jesus Christ came into the world. For you He lived and showed God’s love. For you He suffered the darkness of Calvary. . . . For you He triumphed over death and rose to new life. For you He reigns at God’s right hand. All this He did for you, though you do not know it yet.” But can those words be applied to Prince George? Surely they cannot be applied specifically to anyone who does not yet know the Saviour. Certainly if the word sinnners was substituted for “you”, the gospel door is wide open, and every soul who trusts in Christ (but only those) would have the right to use the word “you”.
The danger of a liturgical, ritualistic form of worship is that it will remain just that. The internal, vital, spiritual place where true religion struggles and grows is often ignored. Some feared that this was the case at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess, where some truth was spoken amidst the pomp and ceremony. Yet they were addressed as “children of God” though it was well known that they were co-habiting up to the time of their marriage. It is this failure to declare the whole counsel of God which deceives people for eternity, whether it is at a baptism, wedding, funeral or an “ordinary” church service.
We all need to search our own hearts and humbly pray to the Lord to give us true light and heart religion, for “that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Lk 16:15). KHM
“The Noise of Thy Songs”
The Lord, through the prophet Amos, rebuked pleasure-seekers in Israel who were lifted up with pride and worldly prosperity and did not care for the oppressed people of God. Among other sins that Amos witheringly condemned was the abuse of music and singing, especially when it was accompanied with drunkenness. “Take away from me the noise of thy songs, for I will not hear the melody of thy viols”. He referred also to those “that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; that chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David; that drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph” (Amos 5:23; 6:4-6). It is thus the
duty of the Church of Christ in every generation openly to warn against anything that is not conducive to spiritual wellbeing; activities which cannot benefit our spiritual wellbeing need clearly to be highlighted as empty, delusive and highly dangerous.
Writing this note half-way between the time of the National Mod in October and the ungodly festivities of Christmas, we feel that the professing Church in Scotland is being compromised more than ever by a desire to appease this pleasure-seeking generation. Hence, rather than standing out in opposition to such festivals, it is being drawn to countenance and even to support them. This is evidenced when Presbyterian ministers participate in ecumenical worship services connected with such events, usually accompanied by a Roman Catholic priest. This not only grieves the godly, but is offensive to the Lord Himself who tells us unambiguously in His Word that “the friendship of the world is enmity with God” (Jas 4:4).
Furthermore, such conduct only serves to undermine the broad wall of separation that ought to exist between the Church of God and the profane world lying under the power of the wicked one. This can only serve to diminish the spirituality of the Church; besides it can only harden the ungodly in their sin, lessen any notion they may have of the Christian faith as a holy and heavenly religion and confirm them in their rejection of a Saviour who delivers His people out of the ways of this present, evil world. AWM
Church Information
Rev J A T van Dorp
Rev Johannes van Dorp was for about 40 years minister of Gisborne congregation in New Zealand, until he retired in 2011. Sadly, he passed away on 9 November 2013 after many months of illness. We express sympathy to his wife and family.
Free Presbyterian Publications
Bound volumes of volume 12 and of volume 13 of The Free Presbyterian Magazine are now available in hardback at a cost of £18.75 each.
The Works of Ebenezer Erskine have been out of print for some time. This fine three-volume set should be again available before the end of 2013, DV.
College and Library Fund
By appointment of Synod, the second of the year’s two special collections for the College and Library Fund is due to be taken in congregations in December.
W Campbell, General Treasurer
The Free Presbyterian Magazine
2013
Volume 118
Editor:
Rev Kenneth D Macleod
Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee,
that it may be displayed because of the truth (Psalm 60:4)
Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland
| Acknowledgements of Donations | 32,96,
160,224,288,352 | Old Paths
J C Ryle | 374 |
|———————————————————————————–|—————————|——————————————————————————————-|———————————————-|
| Advice for a Young Minister
A Letter from John Shaw | 74 | One Lord, One Plan, One People
Roger Crooks | 252 |
| Amyraldianism: Devaluing the Atonement:
1. The Atonement and Its Extent | 82 | Pastor-Teachers of Old Princeton
selected by J M Garretson | 87 |
| 2. The Rise and Growth of Amyraldianism | 113 | Personal Appreciation of D A Macfarlane, A
J Cameron Fraser | 186 |
| 3. A Closer Look at Amyraut’s Teaching | 141 | Polycarp of Smyrna
Sinclair B Ferguson | 314 |
| 4. Its Effects on English and Scottish Churches | 171 | Praise is Comely | 59 |
| 5. Its Prevalence and Danger Today
Rev Neil M Ross | 204 | Predaching that Gets Through
Stuart Olyott | 188 |
| Angus MacLeod | 363 | Princeton and the Work of the Christian Ministry
selected by J M Garretson | 58 |
| Antinomianism:
1. Historical Overview | 214 | Rome and the Threat to Our Protestant Faith
Matthew Henry | 220 |
| 2. John Eaton, the Father of Antinomianism | 235 | Sermons on Genesis 11-20
John Calvin | 24 |
| 3. Conclusion
Rev J R Tallach | 268 | Trembling for the Ark of God
James W Campbell | 26 |
| Archibald Cook:
1. Years of Preparation | 271 | Unsearchable Riches
Rev Donald MacLean | 347 |
| 2. Minister in Inverness and Daviot | 306 | Way to True Happiness, The
Ralph Venning | 348 |
| 3. The Preacher
Rev J R Mackay | 332 | While the Bridegroom Tarries
R B Kuiper | 219 |
| Book Reviews:
Alexander Peden
Maurice Grant | 314 | Word Wise, vol 2
Alison Brown | 153 |
| Bible Animals
Alison Brown | 153 | Christianity in New South Wales 1800-30:
3. “Whatsoever Thy Hand Findeth to Do” | 41 |
| Brought unto the King
Rhoda A Gosden | 251 | Calvin MacKenzie | 41 |
| Culdee Church, The
T V Moore | 123 | Church Information | 31,63,95,128,
158,192,256,287,319,351,380 |
| Ernest Kevan
Paul E Brown | 121 | Church of Scotland General Assembly
Rev Neil M Ross | 210 |
| Free Offer, The
David Silversides | 219 | Christ’s Abiding Presence in the Psalms
Matthew Vogan | 247 |
| George Gillespie
Hugh M Cartwright | 89 | “Come Unto Me”
John Newton | 186 |
| History of Providence, The
Alexander Carson | 151 | Congregational Contributions for 2012 | 90 |
| Hymns Most Perfect
William Romaine | 187 | “Cry That Was Heard in Glory, A”
Duncan MacIver, and Archibald Cook’s
Sermons | 241 |
| Ignatius of Antioch
Sinclair B Ferguson | 314 | Eastern Europe Mission News
Rev D A Ross | 367 |
| Irenaeus of Lyons
Sinclair B Ferguson | 314 | Editorials:
Abraham and the Promises | 289 |
| Josiah’s Reformation
Richard Sibbes | 281 | Another Comforter | 129 |
| Life of John Calvin, The
W J Grier | 282 | Breadth of God’s Holy Law, The | 161 |
| Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones 1899-1981, The
Iain H Murray | 371 | Contentment and Covetousness | 321 |
| | | Flourishing Scotland? A | 353 |
| | | Following Christ to Heaven | 65 |
| | | Full Price Paid, The | 33 |
| God Is Good | 257 | Preach the Word | |
|——————————————|———————————|——————————————|—————————–|
| God’s Messengers and His Power | 193 | Rev G G Hutton | 176 |
| Marriage – God’s Gift | 225 | Protestant View | 28,92,124,153, |
| Passing a Milestone | 1 | | 188,221,252,283,315,348,375 |
| Relevance of Scripture, The | 97 | Receiving the Lord’s Supper: | |
| Fall of Man, The | | 1. Who Ought to Go? | 145 |
| Rev Donald Macdonald | 299,337,361 | 2. Self-Examination | 179 |
| Family Life and the Role of Mothers | 369 | 3. The Results of Self-Examination | 208 |
| Free Provision for Sinners, A | | Thomas Houston | |
| George Craig | 275 | Revival in Northampton 1740-42 | |
| God’s Care | 21 | Jonathan Edwards | 147,182 |
| John Flavel | | Righteousness of God, The | |
| Great Ejection of 1662, The | | W K Tweedie | 370 |
| 1. The Background | 17 | Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth | |
| 2. The Act of Uniformity and Its Results | 49 | Rev G G Hutton | 117 |
| 3. The Sufferings of the Ejected | 76 | Salvation by Faith | |
| | | J Julius Wood | 22 |
| Hesitating to Embrace the Promises | | Sermons: | |
| A Letter from John Newton | 344 | Almost a Christian | |
| Holiness, Self-Denial and the Minister | | R M M’Cheyne | 356 |
| J W Alexander | 55 | Benefits of Affliction, The | |
| How Should We Live? | 85 | Archibald Alexander | 165 |
| John Newton | | Christ Praying to Be Glorified | |
| Humble Soul, A | | James Stewart | 292,324 |
| Thomas Brooks | 278 | God Manifest in the Flesh | |
| Justified Person, A | | William Trail | 132 |
| Johannes VanderKemp | 345 | Golden Prayer, A | |
| Lesson Learned in Sickness, A | | C H Spurgeon | 4,36 |
| John Hill | 279 | Infant Baptism: Its Grounds in the Bible | |
| Lessons from Timothy | | Charles J Brown | 100 |
| James Buchanan | 11 | Jesus Leaving Galilee | |
| Minister’s Desires, A | | William Wilson | 228 |
| A Letter by James Stewart | 139 | Remedy for the Believer’s Fears, A | |
| Notes and Comments | 28,59,93,125, | George Philip | 197 |
| | 156,189,222,253,284,316,349,376 | Strong Man Overcome, The | |
| Obituaries: | | R M M’Cheyne | 68 |
| Rev Fraser Macdonald | 342 | Synod Sermon: | |
| Rev Zororai Mazvabo | 279 | Apostolic Unity | |
| Our Gospel Work in Africa and Israel | | Rev David Campbell | 260 |
| Rev N M Ross | 56 | Thoughts for Believers | |
| Outlines of Sermons: | | John Flavel | 212 |
| Asking the Way to Zion | 86 | Thoughts of a Young Christian | |
| Jesus Looking up to Heaven | 120 | Robert Findlater | 46 |
| Peace with God | 366 | “We Preach not Ourselves but Christ” | |
| John Kennedy | | Rev G G Hutton | 311 |
| Prayer and Eminent Piety | | When a Child Is Born | |
| Archibald Alexander | 54 | Henry Law | 109 |
| Prayer and the Ministry of the Word | | Young Christian’s Desires, A | |
| Rev George G Hutton | 238 | Robert Findlater | 16 |