The Bell of Christ ....

The Bell of Christ

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Co r. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are!?


Keep this bell ringing...pass it on
'The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace..'
Numbers 6:24-26

Lord ...

LORD have Mercy ...

The Trinity & the Tulip Parts 3-7 ...

Good News for the Guilty ....

Preservation & Perseverance ...

Grace: Resisting & Responding ...

The Spirit Called Me ...

Christ Bought Me ...

The rest of the preaching/teaching of Pastor Mark Brown on the Trinity & the Tulip.

The Trinity & The Tulip - Part Two

God Chose Me! Need I say more? Listen In ...

Blessings!
Pam <><

The Power of Words & The Wonder of God ...

In his talk tonight at the DG conference Sinclair Ferguson suggested 20 resolutions from the book of James--given Jonathan-Edwards style--that we need to make if we are to live a God-centered, biblical life:

James 1:5 To ask God for wisdom to speak and with a single mind
James 1:9-10 To boast only in exaltation in Christ, & humiliation in world
James 1:13 To set a watch over my mouthJames 1:19 To be constantly quick to hear, slow to speak
James 2:1-4 To learn the gospel way of speaking to poor and the rich
James 2:12 To speak always in the consciousness of the final judgment
James 2:16 To never stand on anyone’s face with my words
James 3:14 To never claim as reality something I do not experience
James 4:1 To resist quarrelsome words in order to mortify a quarrelsome heart
James 4:11 To never speak evil of another
James 4:13 To never boast in what I will accomplish
James 4:15 To always speak as one subject to the providences of God
James 5:9 To never grumble, knowing that the Judge is at the door
James 5:12 To never allow anything but total integrity in my speech
James 5:13 To speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer
James 5:14 To sing praises to God whenever I am cheerful
James 5:14 To ask for the prayers of others when I am sick
James 5:15 To confess it freely whenever I have failed
James 5:15 To pray with and for one another when I am together with others
James 5:19 To speak words of restoration when I see another wander

John Piper says this: "This is one of the most unusual conferences we have ever conceived. My expectations are very high that its effect will be mind-sharpening, heart-humbling, mouth-seasoning, backbone-strengthening, and Christ-acclaiming."These last 16 words of his are worth writing in my Bible, too - they are the effect that the Word of God has on my life.

Here is another wake up call by Paul Tripp ... "Diagnosis & Deliverance in This Deadly War of Words."

Blessings!
Pam <><

The Trinity & The Tulip - Part 1

Here is the link for the Sermon on Sept 21, 2008 by Pastor Mark Brown of Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Last we heard the intro to The Trinity & The Tulip, but here we have the beginning. Part One: I Can't Do It. Total Inability. I can't but He can! Please listen in ...

The Trinity & The Tulip ... Introduction

My Pastor, Rev. Mark Brown, of Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church is starting a new sermon series for this Fall. The series began this past Sunday. The topic is, "The Trinity & The Tulip." Here is a link to the first sermon last Sun., Sept. 7th titled - "The Trinitarian Salvation." http://www.hollidaysburgopc.org/downloads/september2008/trinitytulip.mp3.
You are most welcome to join us in this study of His Word. Sermons usually post up the following Monday.

Blessings,
Pam <><

Harvest Stew ...

Orange Spiced Harvest Stew ~~

4 tbs. oil
3 lbs. beef chuck, cubed
2 med. onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 sm. can tomato paste
1/2 c flour
3 c beef broth
2 c good red wine, pinot noir
3 parsnips, sliced
3 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cubed
3 carrots, sliced
3 ribs celery, sliced
3 c butternut squash, cubed
bouquet garni ~ in a piece of cheesecloth tie up 2 bay leaves, 4 cloves, 6 sprigs thyme, zest of 1 orange.

Make bouquet garni and set aside. Heat 1 tbs. oil in large covered casserole or soup pot; brown beef quickly over high heat in 3 batches, adding more oil as needed; set aside. In same pot, over med. heat, in 1 tbs. of oil, cook onion till soft; add in garlic and tomato paste; stir and cook 2 minutes. Stir in flour, cook 2 minutes more, then add beef broth and wine, stir well, scraping bits off bottom of pot. Add in vegetables, the meat and bouquet garni. Cover, simmer over low heat 2 hours; stirring occasionally. Taste; season with s&p. Cool, cover and refrigerate overnight. On the day of serving: prepare a 10 to 12 lb. pumpkin: preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut top off pumpkin, remove seeds and scrape inside as dry as possible. Rub outside with oil, roast 20 minutes. Meanwhile, reheat stew. Fill the pumpkin with hot stew, set lid askew and serve!

Enjoy!

What's on my IPOD ....

While I'm out riding about I'm listening to Dr. Kim Riddlebarger's teaching on
Amillennialism101. Some folks listen to music, I use this time to listen in on some good
teaching. Keep on truckin' and listen to some good and Godly teaching!

Ride Safe!
Motorcycles are everywhere ... check twice & save a life!

Pam

Words of Wisdom

Words of Wisdom

They're written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so
few words.

Enjoy....

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an
elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes
my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most
peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the
strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be,
everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart
to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walk with my father around the block on summer
nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to
the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so
spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be
appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only
letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround
myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones
you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more
time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because
tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger
in his/her little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the
happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get
done.

Out and About ....

Been out and about with my hub and the
Motor Maids from all over PA.
Cruising around and just enjoying life.
Below pic is from a trip I took the gals on
to the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, PA.
On the return we stopped at the Jean Bonnet
for some good eats! It was a hot day and the AC
in the restaurant sure felt good! We pulled out around
9am and returned at 3pm. Beautiful day for a ride.
We sure got the looks pulling in for gas and at
the Memorial. Lots of guys on bikes, then we
pull off our helmets! Love the shock ...

Busy Signal ... ... ... ...

Things we can learn from a dog ...

Nope Mom, we didn't do it we found it this way! ...

Coming home after bird hunting ...

Things you can learn from a dog ...

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
4. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
6. Take naps and stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
10. Never pretend to be something you are not.
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
13. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
14. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
15. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
16. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
17. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
18. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and and make friends.
19. When your humans haven't figured out the object of the game, hang it up. No sense in all of us getting tired.
20. this one is for you dear readers to add to the comments ... what's your thoughts?

Jump on over the Rebecca's Blog for more Doggie Treats .... Hey that's just what we need to do next! Doggie Treats Recipes, hey Rebecca you hear that??? Woof, Woof!!!!!

Blessings from Bella & Dakota

Big Bloggy Breakfasts .....

As the manager, chief cook and bottle washer for the local Senior Center I have used many Breakfast Casseroles when we "cook our own" meals once in a while. Here are some of our tried and truly delicious favorites!
For many more Bloggy Recipe RoundUp Breakfast Recipes go on over to Home But Not Alone Blog!

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
3 Tbs oil
2 lbs frozen hash brown potatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 cups cubed ham
10 eggs, beaten
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

Heat oil in large skillet. Add hash browns, onion, and bell peppers. Cook until potatoes begin to brown. Spray 9" x 13" baking dish with Pam. Spread potato mixture in pan. Top with ham. Pour beaten eggs over all and season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently stir to coat all ingredients with eggs. Sprinkle with cheese. Refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. Makes 8 servings. (This is also good without the ham or substitute cooked ground sausage.)

************************************************************************

Baked French Toast Casserole

INGREDIENTS: 1 (16 oz) loaf Italian bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (to coat baking dish) 8 large eggs 2-1/2 cups milk 1-1/2 cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Topping: 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1-1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup 1 cup pecans, chopped coarse 1 cup fresh blueberries PREPARATION: 1. Casserole: Spread the bread cubes in a baking pan and bake for 15 minutes or until dry and hard at 325 degrees. Pull out of oven to cool. 2. Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and pack the dried bread cubes into it. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl until combined. Then whisk in the milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Cover the entire mixture with plastic wrap and push the bread down into the egg mixture until soft and well coated. Refrigerate overnight. 3. Topping: Stir the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup together until smooth and then stir in the pecans. Wrap in plastic wrap and also refrigerate overnight. 4. Bake and serve: Unwrap the casserole and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Pull out and sprinkle the blueberries on top, then the pecan topping mixture and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Serve immediately with warmed maple syrup.

You may remove the pecans from the recipe if someone has diverticulitis and can not eat nuts.
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Meat & Cheese Breakfast Strata

12 slices white bread

1 lb. fully cooked ham (diced) (or sausage)

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

6 eggs

2 cups milk

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. ground mustard

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

¼ c minced onion

¼ c minced green pepper

¼ c melted butter

1 c crushed cornflakes

Arrange 6 slices of bread on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Top with ham or sausage. Sprinkle cheese over meat. Cover with the remaining 6 slices of bread. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour over all. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Pour butter over bread. Sprinkle with cornflakes. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Yields 8 to 10 servings.

(May need to add an additional cup of milk, I did – original recipe did not state amount of milk so I went by other recipes of this type but they only called for one layer of bread where this one has two – so the need for more milk)

**********************************************************

ZIP LOK OMLET --

(This works great !!! Good for when all your family is together. The best part is that no one has to wait for their special omelet !!! We really had a great time at the Center with this one ... )
First have your family or guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.
Crack 2 or 4 eggs into a dish and whisk well then pour into the bag.
Put out a variety of prepared ingredients such as: cheeses, cooked chopped ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, bacon, etc.
Each guest then adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag, get the air out, zip it shut and shake.
Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.
Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed. No butter, no sprays, just good healthy food!
Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process and it's a great conversation piece. We have made these numerous times and never had any problems with bag busting. I had pictures but can't find them ...

***********************************************************************************

Crescent Cheesecake Breakfast Dessert

2 packages Pillsbury Crescent dinner rolls
2-8oz Philadelphia Cream cheese packages
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar

Topping:
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Butter 9X13 inch pan. Cover bottom of pan with one entire package of crescent rolls (push together sections and roll out to make one piece).

Filling:
Whip together cream cheese, vanilla and sugar. Add filling on top of crescent rolls. Cover filling with other package of crescent rolls. Melt butter and cover crescent roll. Mix sugar and cinnamon in one bowl and sprinkle over top. Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes. Let cool before serving.

*Great to make up ahead of time and warm up before serving.

*******************************************************
Breakfast Pizza
Ingredients:
1 tube Crescent Rolls
1 lb. breakfast sausage
1 small bag Frozen Hash Browns
8 oz. Grated Cheddar Cheese
6 Eggs
1/2 cup Milk

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Spray 10x13" pan with nonstick spray.
Brown, crumble, and drain sausage.
Press crescent rolls dough onto bottom of pan so that it stretches to edges.
Cover dough with drained sausage.
Top with frozen hash browns and grated cheese.
Scramble 5-6 eggs with milk(uncooked) and pour over all other ingredients.
Place in 350 degree oven for 35-55 min.
Test for doneness in middle with tooth pick.
Cut into squares and serve. .

Variations:
Try substituting crumbled, cooked bacon instead of sausage.
A fruity substitution might include chopped apples instead of the frozen hash browns.
Try cooking in two pie pans instead of rectangular pan and cut into pizza-shaped pieces.

UM UM GOOD EATS!!!!

Blessings! Pam <><

Calvin's Institutes ... Book 2

INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION by John Calvin

THE ONE HUNDRED APHORISMS, with the various TABLES and INDICES, which must greatly facilitate reference, and enhance the utility and value of the present translation of THE INSTITUTES or THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, have been kindly furnished by the Rev. WILLIAM PRINGLE of Auchterarder.

BOOK 2

14. The knowledge of God the Redeemer is obtained from the fall of man, and from the material cause of redemption.

15. In the fall of man, we must consider what he ought to be, and what he may be.

16. For he was created after the image of God; that is, he was made a partaker of the divine Wisdom, Righteousness, and Holiness, and, being thus perfect in soul and in body, was bound to render to God a perfect obedience to his commandments.

17. The immediate causes of the fall were - Satan, the Serpent, Eve, the forbidden fruit; the remote causes were - unbelief, ambition, ingratitude, obstinacy. Hence followed the obliteration of the image of God in man, who became unbelieving, unrighteous, liable to death.

18. We must now see what he may be, in respect both of soul and of body. The understanding of the soul in divine things, that is, in the knowledge and true worship of God, is blinder than a mole; good works it can neither contrive nor perform. In human affairs, as in the liberal and mechanical arts, it is exceedingly blind and variable. Now the will, so far as regards divine things, chooses only what is evil. So far as regards lower and human affairs, it is uncertain, wandering, and not wholly at its own disposal.

19. The body follows the depraved appetites of the soul, is liable to many infirmities, and at length to death.

20. Hence it follows that redemption for ruined man must be sought through Christ the Mediator; because the first adoption of a chosen people, the preservation of the Church, her deliverance from dangers, her recovery after dispersions, and the hope of the godly, always depended on the grace of the Mediator. Accordingly, the law was given, that it might keep their minds in suspense till the coming of Christ; which is evident from the history of a gracious covenant frequently repeated, from ceremonies, sacrifices, and washings, from the end of adoption, and from the law of the priesthood.

21. The material cause of redemption is Christ, in whom we must consider three things;

1. How he is exhibited to men;

2. How he is received;

3. How men are retained in his fellowship.

22. Christ is exhibited to men by the Law and by the Gospel.

23. The Law is threefold: Ceremonial, Judicial, Moral. The use of the Ceremonial Law is repealed, its effect is perpetual. The Judicial or Political Law was peculiar to the Jews, and has been set aside, while that universal justice which is described in the Moral Law remains. The latter, or Moral Law, the object of which is to cherish and maintain godliness and righteousness, is perpetual, and is incumbent on all.

24. The use of the Moral Law is threefold. The first use shows our weakness, unrighteousness, and condemnation; not that we may despair, but that we may flee to Christ. The second is, that those who are not moved by promises, may be urged by the terror of threatenings. The third is, that we may know what is the will of God; that we may consider it in order to obedience; that our minds may be strengthened for that purpose; and that we may be kept from falling.

25. The sum of the Law is contained in the Preface, and in the two Tables. In the Preface we observe,

1. The power of God, to constrain the people by the necessity of obedience;

2. A promise of grace, by which he declares himself to be the God of the Church;

3. A kind act, on the ground of which he charges the Jews with ingratitude, if they do not requite his goodness.

26. The first Table, which relates to the worship of God, consists of four commandments.

27. The design of the First Commandment is, that God alone may be exalted in his people. To God alone, therefore, we owe adoration, trust, invocation, thanksgiving.

28. The design of the Second Commandment is, that God will not have his worship profaned by superstitious rites. It consists of two parts. The former restrains our licentious daring, that we may not subject God to our senses, or represent him under any visible shape. The latter forbids us to worship any images on religious grounds, and, therefore, proclaims his power, which he cannot suffer to be despised, - his jealousy, for he cannot bear a partner, - his vengeance on children's children, - his mercy to those who adore his majesty.

29. The Third Commandment enjoins three things:

1. That whatever our mind conceives, or our tongue utters, may have a regard to the majesty of God;

2. That we may not rashly abuse his holy word and adorable mysteries for the purposes of ambition or avarice;

3. That we may not throw obloquy on his works, but may speak of them with commendations of his Wisdom, Long - suffering, Power, Goodness, Justice. With these is contrasted a threefold profanation of the name of God, by perjury, unnecessary oaths, and idolatrous rites; that is, when we substitute in the place of God saints, or creatures animate or inanimate.

30. The design of the Fourth Commandment is, that, being dead to our own affections and works, we may meditate on the kingdom of God. Now there are three things here to be considered:

1. A spiritual rest, when believers abstain from their own works, that God may work in them;

2. That there may be a stated day for calling on the name of God, for hearing his word, and for performing religious rites;

3. That servants may have some remission from labour.

31. The Second Table, which relates to the duties of charity towards our neighbour, contains the last Six Commandments. The design of the Fifth Commandment is, that, since God takes pleasure in the observance of his own ordinance, the degrees of dignity appointed by him must be held inviolable. We are therefore forbidden to take anything from the dignity of those who are above us, by contempt, obstinacy, or ingratitude; and we are commanded to pay them reverence, obedience, and gratitude.

32. The design of the Sixth Commandment is, that, since God has bound mankind by a kind of unity, the safety of all ought to be considered by each person; whence it follows that we are forbidden to do violence to private individuals, and are commanded to exercise benevolence.

33. The design of the Seventh Commandment is, that, because God loves purity, we ought to put away from us all uncleanness. He therefore forbids adultery in mind, word, and deed.

34. The design of the Eighth Commandment is, that, since injustice is an abomination to God, he requires us to render to every man what is his own. Now men steal, either by violence, or by malicious imposture, or by craft, or by sycophancy, &c.

35. The design of the Ninth Commandment is, that, since God, who is truth, abhors falsehood, he forbids calumnies and false accusations, by which the name of our neighbour is injured, and lies, by which any one suffers loss in his fortunes. On the other hand, he requires every one of us to defend the name and property of our neighbour by asserting the truth.

36. The design of the Tenth Commandment is, that, since God would have the whole soul pervaded by love, every desire averse to charity must be banished from our minds; and therefore every feeling which tends to the injury of another is forbidden.

37. We have said that Christ is revealed to us by the Gospel. And, first, the agreement between the Gospel, or the New Testament, and the Old Testament is demonstrated:

1. Because the godly, under both dispensations, have had the same hope of immortality;

2. They have had the same covenant, founded not on the works of men, but on the mercy of God;

3. They have had the same Mediator between God and men - Christ.

38. Next, five points of difference between the two dispensations are pointed out.

1. Under the Law the heavenly inheritance was held out to them under earthly blessings; but under the Gospel our minds are led directly to meditate upon it.

2. The Old Testament, by means of figures, presented the image only, while the reality was absent; but the New Testament exhibits the present truth.

3. The former, in respect of the Law, was the ministry of condemnation and death; the latter, of righteousness and life.

4. The former is connected with bondage, which begets fear in the mind; the latter is connected with freedom, which produces confidence.

5. The word had been confined to the single nation of the Jews; but now it is preached to all nations.

39. The sum of evangelical doctrine is, to teach,

1. What Christ is;

2. Why he was sent;

3. In what manner he accomplished the work of redemption.

40. Christ is God and man: God, that he may bestow on his people righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; Man, because he had to pay the debt of man.

41. He was sent to perform the office,

1. Of a Prophet, by preaching the truth, by fulfilling the prophecies, by teaching and doing the will of his Father;

2. Of a Kin; by governing the whole Church and every member of it, and by defending his people from every kind of adversaries;

3. Of a Priest, by offering his body as a sacrifice for sins, by reconciling God to us though his obedience, and by perpetual intercession for his people to the Father.

42. He performed the office of a Redeemer by dying for our sins, by rising again for our justification, by opening heaven to us through his ascension, by sitting at the right hand of the Father whence he will come to judge the quick and the dead; and, therefore, he procured for us the grace of God and salvation.

A little help is needed ...

Hello all you bloggy gals ... I need some wisdom!

My son is getting married on March 15th! Would you share with me
what is my responsibility as the Mother of the Groom?
The Mother of the Bride has not chosen a dress as of yet and I have
been told I need to wait until she has her dress before I can make
my choice. Is this so?
This is my first wedding so I am not real sure
what I need to be doing other than smile alot, agree alot and make
the arrangements for the Rehearsal dinner!
I would greatly appreciate any help, suggestions you have to offer me on anything!
The longer I have to wait before choosing a dress the more nervous I get.
The MOB was talking about wearing a dressy pantsuit, she does not like
dresses so does that mean I follow suit? Or if she decides on a long dress, should I go shorter ... I have read things and nothing seems to agree. The color is Clover Green for the bridesmaids, the vest and ties of the guys. Tuxes are black.
The Fathers are wearing black tuxes with a steel gray vest and tie. I would prefer to
wear silver, gray or light blue or black. I prefer to fade as to stand out
.... how long do I have to wait? Is there something I should do that I am not?
HELP >>>>>>>>>>>!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much!!!!! Pam <><

Calvin's Institutes ... Book 1

INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION by John Calvin

THE ONE HUNDRED APHORISMS, with the various TABLES and INDICES, which must greatly facilitate reference, and enhance the utility and value of the present translation of THE INSTITUTES or THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, have been kindly furnished by the Rev. WILLIAM PRINGLE of Auchterarder.

BOOK 1

1. THE true wisdom of man consists in the knowledge of God the Creator and Redeemer.

2. This knowledge is naturally implanted in us, and the end of it ought to be the worship of God rightly performed, or reverence for the Deity accompanied by fear and love.

3. But this seed is corrupted by ignorance, whence arises superstitious worship; and by wickedness, whence arise slavish dread and hatred of the Deity.

4. It is also from another source that it is derived - namely, from the structure of the whole world, and from the Holy Scriptures.

5. This structure teaches us what is the goodness, power, justice, and wisdom of God in creating all things in heaven and earth, and in preserving them by ordinary and extraordinary government, by which his Providence is more clearly made known. It teaches also what are our wants, that we may learn to place our confidence in the goodness, power, and wisdom of God, to obey his commandments, - to flee to him in adversity, - and to offer thanksgiving to him for the gifts which we enjoy.

6. By the Holy Scriptures, also, God the Creator is known. We ought to consider what these Scriptures are; that they are true, and have proceeded from the Spirit of God; which is proved by the testimony of the Holy Spirit, by the efficacy and antiquity of the Scriptures, by the certainty of the Prophecies, by the miraculous preservation of the Law, by the calling and writings of the Apostles, by the consent of the Church, and by the steadfastness of the martyrs, whence it is evident that all the principles of piety are overthrown by those fanatics who, laying aside the Scripture, fly to revelations.

7. Next, what they teach; or, what is the nature of God in himself and in the creation and government of all things.

8. The nature of God in himself is infinite, invisible, eternal, almighty; whence it follows that they are mistaken who ascribe to God a visible form. In his one essence there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

9. In the creation of all things there are chiefly considered,

1.Heavenly and spiritual substances, that is, angels, of which some are good and the protectors of the godly, while others are bad, not by creation, but by corruption;

2.Earthly substances, and particularly man, whose perfection is displayed in soul and in body.

10. In the government of all things the nature of God is manifested. Now his government is, in one respect, universal, by which he directs all the creatures according to the properties which he bestowed on each when he created them.

11. In another respect, it is special; which appears in regard to contingent events, so that if any person is visited either by adversity or by any prosperous result, he ought to ascribe it wholly to God; and with respect to those things which act according to a fixed law of nature, though their peculiar properties were naturally bestowed on them, still they exert their power only so far as they are directed by the immediate hand of God.

12. It is viewed also with respect to time past and future. Past, that we may learn that all things happen by the appointment of God, who acts either by means, or without means, or contrary to means; so that everything which happens yields good to the godly and evil to the wicked. Future, to which belong human deliberations, and which shows that we ought to employ lawful means; since that Providence on which we rely furnishes its own means.

13. Lastly, by attending to the advantage which the godly derive from it. For we know certainly,

1. That God takes care of the whole human race, but especially of his Church.

2. That God governs all things by his will, and regulates them by his wisdom.

3. That he has most abundant power of doing good; for in his hand are heaven and earth, all creatures are subject to his sway, the godly rest on his protection, and the power of hell is restrained by his authority. That nothing happens by chance, though the causes may be concealed, but by the will of God; by his secret will which we are unable to explore, but adore with reverence, and by his will which is conveyed to us in the Law and in the Gospel.

Fire and Ice ....

"Most of God's people are contented to be saved

from the hell that is without;

they are not so anxious to be saved

from the hell that is within."

ROBERT MURRAY MCCHEYNE

“Do not seek for warm fire under cold ice.”

Samuel Rutherford

Calvin's Institute's ...

Reading thru the Institutes is long and laborious to say the least. My husband has read through Book One and Two. A combined book about 4 inches thick. It is the copy from our churches library. He caught himself quite a few times almost marking up the pages. We have since decided we will purchase our copies. Our per say, as in one copy for each of us? His markings drive me nuts and mine makes no sense to him. (These are expensive copies) I'm thinking Mother's Day is coming and so is Father's Day. Since I could not get my hands upon his reading copy, I am reading through online. Currently our Sunday School is proceeding through these works. My husband is most fascinated since leaving the Catholic religion and reading what Calvin compares and he (my husband) has learned on his own through the help of the Holy Spirit's guidance and direction. I get up around 3am so I can read in quiet and be able to think through Calvin's teachings. This will take me sometime ... sometimes I must go back and reread a few times, other times I easily understand. I know it will be worth the time and effort and what I have gleaned already has blessed me. I came across the following posts to come and wish to share it with you. They are but a tip of this massive work.

Here are a few various links I have been using that afford listening, reading and study of the Institutes of Calvin.
Spurgeon.org
Horizon Baptist
Covenant Seminary
Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics


Blessings, Pam <><

Ground Hog Day 2008 ....

Feb. 2nd is an important day here in PA. It is GROUND HOG DAY! Punxatauny Phil, that infamous ground hog who has now gone internationally famous. People are camping out just to be there when 'Phil' comes out of his den and fortels the weather for the next few months. ... This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. In olden times, many people used to say that the Christmas season lasted for forty days - until the second day of February which was called Candlemas's. They also thought it was the day that decided what sort of weather there would be for the rest of the winter. Hence - Ground Hog Day in the US.

People believe that Ground Hog Day predicted the weather for the rest of the winter. The weather proverbs express the idea that a fine bright sunny Ground Hog day means that there is more winter to come, whereas a cloudy wet stormy Ground Hog day means that the worst of winter is over.

http://www.wjactv.com/news/15202057/detail.html#

Above link takes you to a video of this year's prediction of no shadow ...

The weather here in my neck of the woods has been awful ... low temps, snow, sleet, freezing rain, wind ... trees down, roads are bad, electric is out in someplaces and just good days to stay inside .... so I predict by my aching bones what the Hog predicts ... 6 more weeks of winter it will be!

So after the big event on TV, I got out my coffee pot and brewed up some Groundhog Brew!

So here's to the cold days ahead ... have a good one!

Blessings, Pam <><

This Lord's Day Eve ... Samuel Rutherford

Rev. Samuel Rutherford
(1600-1661)
One of the most influential
Scottish Presbyterians in the Westminster Assembly.

Christian Directions
by Rev. Samuel Rutherford

1. That hours of the day, less or more time, for the Word and prayer, be given to God;
not sparing the twelfth hour, or mid-day, howbeit it should then be the shorter time.

2. In the midst of worldly employments, there should be some thoughts of sin, death,
judgment, and eternity, with at least a word or two of ejaculatory prayer to God.

3. To beware of wandering of heart in private prayer.

4. Not to grudge if ye come from prayer without sense of joy. Downcasting,
sense of guiltiness, and hunger, are often best for us.

5. That the Lord's Day, from morning to night, be spent always either in private or public worship.

6. That words be observed, wandering and idle thoughts be avoided, sudden anger and
desire of revenge, even of such as persecute the truth, be guarded against; for we often
mix our zeal with our wild-fire.

7. That known, discovered, and revealed sins, that are against the conscience,
be avoided, as most dangerous preparatives to hardness of heart.

8. That in dealing with men, faith and truth in covenants and trafficking be regarded,
that we deal with all men in sincerity; that conscience be made of idle and lying words;
and that our carriage be such, as that they who see it may speak honourably of our
sweet Master and profession.

Friends, I know that I have posted this hymn previously but it is
one that I have come to love ...

The Sands of Time Are Sinking
by Rev. Samuel Rutherford

Notation: Anne R. Cousin in 1857 took Rutherford's ideas and composed this song based on his notes on Revelation 22:4. The original arrangement was set by Chretien Urhan in 1834, and then arranged for Cousin's song in 1867 by Edward F. Rimbault.

1. The sands of time are sinking,
The dawn of heaven breaks;
The summer morn I’ve sighed for -
The fair, sweet morn awakes:
Dark, dark had been the midnight
But dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.

2. The king there in His beauty,
Without a veil is seen:
It were a well-spent journey,
Though seven deaths lay between:
The Lamb with His fair army,
Doth on Mount Zion stand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land

3. O Christ, He is the fountain,
The deep, sweet well of love!
The streams on earth I’ve tasted
More deep I’ll drink above:
There to an ocean fullness
His mercy doth expand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.

4. The bride eyes not her garment,
But her dear Bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory
But on my King of grace.
Not at the crown He giveth
But on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Emmanuel’s land.

5. O I am my Beloved’s
And my Beloved is mine!
He brings a poor vile sinner
Into His house of wine
I stand upon His merit
I know no other stand,
Not e’en where glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.

Blessings to you and yours the Lord's Day eve!

Pam <><

An excellent thought ... you must read it

Jump on over to Pipe and Pint and read Jeremiah's post on Diversity, Death, Taxes and Hope.

You'll be glad you did!

Blessings! Pam <><

Blast of Arctic Air moving in ... SouthCental Pa Weather

Your Stormtracker 10 Forecast

Forecast Details
An arctic front will approach the area tomorrow. We'll still have a mix of clouds and sunshine Saturday but the front will bring scattered flurries and snow showers. A heavier, blinding snow squall is also possible with the passage of the front. The best chance will be during the afternoon hours. If you get caught in a white out while driving, do not make sudden changes to your speed as people behind you may not be able to see your movements. Behind the front, a blast of arctic air will move in for Saturday night through Monday morning. Temperatures will drop to near 10 Saturday night, and despite some sunshine, temperatures will only rebound into the teens Sunday. Lows Sunday night will be in the single digits with some places dropping below zero. The wind will also make it feel colder. The way to combat this wind chill is to wear several layers of clothes and cover all exposed flesh. Some sunshine will allow temperatures to the 20s on Monday. Another disturbance can bring snow showers Tuesday with more settled weather Wednesday and Thursday. Reported by: Joe Murgo

The Sap will soon be flowing in the Maple Trees. During the January Thaw my Clematis started to bud, some trees had buds growing larger yet I often wonder about God's Glory of His Creation. They will wither and die then new buds come pushing off the old dead stuff and will bring forth beautiful hues of Springtime color. Harsh winter is a time of nurturing and preparation which recoils only to spring forth new revitalized life. New life is waiting to break the surface of winter then a seemingly dead world is fully bedecked in greens and the fragrance of springtime blooms. Glorious spring is born from the preceding bleak and barren winter. The sap of life is coursing beneath the dreary gray and lifeless landscape just awaiting to burst forth.

Doesn't this sound like our Christian walk? We all have bleak and barren days. Days spent on the mountain tops and days spent in the valleys. But God will meet us there, wherever we are and walk with us along the way. The hymn In The Garden comes to mind just now "And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own, the joy that we share as we tarry there none other has ever known." And that brings to mind this verse of scripture -- Isaiah 26:3-4 KJV -- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD Jehovah is everlasting strength.

Keep in the Word and Under the Word and He will keep you warm!

Blessings! Pam <><

For 2008 ...

To all my friends who sent me best wishes in 2007,
or promises of good luck if I forwarded something,
it did NOT WORK.
For 2008, could you please just send
either money, chocolate or gas vouchers.

Thank you!

Received this cutey in an email and had a good chuckle.
I thought I would share it with you all! thanks Lynne!!!

January Thaw ... is over ...

Hal Borland expressed the mystique of the January Thaw best in his book Sundial of the Seasons.

"The January thaw is special because it opens Winter's door a crack just when it seems that the ice has locked it tight. Through that crack one can see the certainty of March and April somewhere up ahead....The worst one can say about the January thaw is that it never lasts. It lifts the heart, then drops it with a cold thud when the warm spell passes and the chill congeals the earth again....But when January does relent, even for a day or two, we can celebrate, cautiously."

A January Thaw is expected usually following a strong cold snap, but need not occur every year.

In prime January Thaw country, the ideal weather pattern characteristic of the Thaw period unfolds in this manner. It begins after a cold air mass from northern or western regions has slid over the region (A), eventually moving out over the Atlantic Ocean. As that air mass leaves, the Bermuda High strengthens (B,C,D) and becomes positioned over the southern Atlantic Coast or southeastern US states while a broad low pressure trough moves slowly across northern Ontario and Quebec (B-E). The juxtaposition of the isobar patterns of these two map features (E) places the northeastern US and southeastern Canada border region into a south-southwesterly flow of warm air from the Gulf of Mexico. This air advects over the northern snow and ice fields and begins a thawing.

Often during this time, the upper air wind patterns are in a period of readjustment, and thus surface weather systems stall or creep slowly across the eastern continent's mid-latitude belt. After several days of warmth, the regional weather again comes under the influence of a strengthened polar high (F,G), and cold weather returns.

The period of thaw usually results in a significant reduction of snow cover and ice thickness that is welcomed by many as a release from winter's uncomfortable grip.

Here is PA the January Thaw is over as temps are dropping daily. With the warm up I see I lost one of my Goldfish in my pond. A beautiful gold shimmer is seen floating just under a lite ice coating. We reached a high of 67 degrees and now it is dipping into the 40's and falling.

Enjoy the sunshine -- cold. blustery days are coming again ...

What type of calendar person are you?

So tell us ... what works best for you?

Planner
Wall Calendar
DayTimer
One Day Calendar
Do you make your own?
Do you use a Calendar online like Google, Outlook, Yahoo?
Weekly Calendar
Pocket Calendar
Desk Calendar

When the boys were in sports I kept a large Desk Calendar on the frig with Velcro.
Each of us had our own colored pen and we would record in color-code for the activity.
With my husband working a swing-shift I really needed it!
I'm thinking this year of foregoing that big calendar since the boys are no longer using it and I just continued using it out of habit.
I'm heading in to Barnes and Noble and to see what they have available ...
I am usually already ready by mid December with my calendars but this year I'm behind!

So let me know what works for you!

UPDATE: Those who use a PDA - what brand are you using? What programs do you have on it? Would you use a Palm or a Pocket PC? I have a Sony CLIE SJ22 and am looking to upgrade but wondering what to go to. I want, well, I think I want to have a PDA separate from my phone. I use Olive Tree for Bible software programs.

New Blog you Gals need to visit ...

South Central Pa Weather ... updates Daily

Rebecca is looking for our weather forecasts ... right now my temp gauge says 17 ... if it is 55 next Tuesday I will be getting my motorcycle out for a ride!

Your Stormtracker 10 Forecast

Forecast Details
The cold wave is now poised to end. There are still some clouds and flurries scattered about the area this evening, but then it will turn out to be mainly clear later tonight. With light winds and the clear sky, it will turn cold. Lows will drop into the single digits with some of the isolated colder valleys dropping to near or perhaps below zero. The area of high pressure that brought the cold wave will sink to the south over the next several days and will then usher in a major warm up. Despite a cold start, temperatures will rebound into the 30s tomorrow. The mercury will continue to climb as we head through the weekend. There will be a couple of disturbances in the warm up. There could be some showers later Saturday into early Sunday and again on Monday. But despite the clouds and shower possibility, temperatures will rise to near 40 Saturday, into the 40s on Sunday and to near 50 on Monday. It will turn even warmer Tuesday despite sunshine giving way to clouds. Temperatures will reach well into the 50s on Tuesday. A front will bring some rain later Tuesday into Wednesday. This front will put a dent into the warm up, but temperatures will still reach above average into the middle of the month.

What's on your desktop? ...

Kim at Hiraeth askes us what's on our desktops ... here's mine ...
This was taken before Christmas when my oldest had Bella and Dakota out for a walk ... Dakota (the male) has the BIG stick ... now in my mind I can just hear his thinking ... "Woman, I can handle this by myself. Now let go!" Notice his sideways glance, the slight look of doubt and iritation, male chauvinist all the way ... click on the pic, you can really see THE LOOK! (this ought to get some responses! Ha!)

Disheartening ... Christians Asking for Allahs Forgiveness ...

The following video from The Way of the Master Radio reveals much about those professing the One & Only True God, surprising indeed ...

Try these Resolutions for 2008 ...

THE RESOLUTIONS of Jonathan Edwards

---

BEING SENSIBLE THAT I AM UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING WITHOUT GOD' S HELP, I DO HUMBLY ENTREAT HIM BY HIS GRACE TO ENABLE ME TO KEEP THESE RESOLUTIONS, SO FAR AS THEY ARE AGREEABLE TO HIS WILL, FOR CHRIST' S SAKE.

---

Print these off and remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. July 30.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. (Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one setting in New Haven in 1722)

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God' s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Proverbs 20:6,‹A faithful man who can find?Š may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, to do always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,- what sin I have committed,-and wherein I have denied myself;-also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord' s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, never to do any thing of which I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.

43. Resolved, never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God' s; agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12, 1723.

44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. January 12, 1723.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye: and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving and sincere temper; and to do at all times, what such a temper would lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5, 1723.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age, say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if, I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as providence orders it. I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty, and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty, and then according to Ephesians 6:6-8, to do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man:‹knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.Š June 25 and July 13, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. January 14 and July 13, 1723.

64. Resolved, when I find those ‹groanings which cannot be utteredŠ (Romans 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those‹breakings of soul for the longing it hath,Š of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness, of which I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton' s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what am I the better for them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. August 11, 1723.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. August 17, 1723.