Reformed Churchmen

We are Confessional Calvinists and a Prayer Book Church-people. In 2012, we remembered the 350th anniversary of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer; also, we remembered the 450th anniversary of John Jewel's sober, scholarly, and Reformed "An Apology of the Church of England." In 2013, we remembered the publication of the "Heidelberg Catechism" and the influence of Reformed theologians in England, including Heinrich Bullinger's Decades. For 2014: Tyndale's NT translation. For 2015, John Roger, Rowland Taylor and Bishop John Hooper's martyrdom, burned at the stakes. Books of the month. December 2014: Alan Jacob's "Book of Common Prayer" at: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Common-Prayer-Biography-Religious/dp/0691154813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417814005&sr=8-1&keywords=jacobs+book+of+common+prayer. January 2015: A.F. Pollard's "Thomas Cranmer and the English Reformation: 1489-1556" at: http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Cranmer-English-Reformation-1489-1556/dp/1592448658/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420055574&sr=8-1&keywords=A.F.+Pollard+Cranmer. February 2015: Jaspar Ridley's "Thomas Cranmer" at: http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Cranmer-Jasper-Ridley/dp/0198212879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422892154&sr=8-1&keywords=jasper+ridley+cranmer&pebp=1422892151110&peasin=198212879

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Hosea in the 16th Sunday After Trinity

25 Sept 2010, Hosea 10-12, our readings at Evensong. Our Bishops, Presbyters and Deacons have erred and strayed like lost sheep. The congregations are at "ease in Zion." What will the righteous do (Ps.12.1-3)? Short answer: man up and hold the fort. A prayer based on Hosea 11-12.7.

Almighty and most merciful Father, Thy judgments against Thy people are fair, accurate, just, honourable, instructive, humbling and encouraging. We live in a land of Anglican defections, derelictions, defamations, disorders, dysfunctions and the tolerations of such--by leaders and by languishing congregations of indifference. Thy worship has been weakened and polluted. Ever spare us, good LORD. Strengthen the remnant that remains faithful. "Cunning and deceit" are on every hand and everywhere. Help us and make speed to help us as Thou, alone, dost for for us in the Captivity. We bless Thee for Hosea and your perpetual mercy to him. Help us to stand stedfast as he did in the 8th century BC. Through Christ alone we pray and through His Majesty's name, birth, life, death for us, and resurrection for our justification, Amen.

We always use Stanford's Magnificat--here in eastern NC--for the response. The words are given in the text. Ever true, no matter how dark, HM's covenanted mercies are to His people "throughout all generations." His mercy is to "Abraham's seed, forever." An assured comfort!

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