Morning Prayer and the Litany (1662 Book of Common Prayer)

LECTIONS. John Calvin on the Psalms. Keil & Delitzsch on Joshua. Matthew Henry on Revelation. Dr. Robert Reymond on Systematic Theology. Dr. Philip Schaff on the Swiss Reformation, namely, Ulrich Zwingli. Westminster Shorter Catechism, 11-20. Psalm 7: In his imprecation of his enemies, David knows his life accords more with God's ways than his enemies. He asks for judgment on the nations. Calvin explores that theme more fully, calling the reader to serve God and, yet, being aware of the abominations in the nations which God will handle. Prof. Keil outlines the 3-fold game-plan for the Israelites in the conquest of Jericho, a city that is about to fall under divine judgment as sinners who have fallen into the continuing estate of sin and misery--bearing the guilt of Adam's sin, falling with Adam and sinning in Adam, lacking and wanting conformity to God's laws and holiness--having lost communion with God, being under his divine judgment and curse. The Israelites were agents to give a foretaste in this life of the horrors of the next life. Prof. Henry wraps up the third letter in Rev 2, the one to Pergamos. The one who overcomes will eat manna, possess the "white stone" and will have communion with God in this life and in the next. The "white stone" is a allusion to ancient judicial trials. If guilty, one received a black stone. If absolved and acquitted, the defendant was declared justified and free from the penalties of the law. The white stone here is reminiscent of Romans 1-11, an epistle that is despised in Episcopal seminaries. Prof. Reymond handily, fulsomely and effectively outlines Jesus's view of the OT Canonical Scriptures--the standard, historically accurate, and the arbiter in theological discussions. It also is the sword in theological combat. For the dogmatic Vandals teaching in Episcopal seminaries, it is the Grenade in their hands that explodes and takes them to the next life. One cannot claim to be a Christian and deny, as a wicked sinner, the teachings of Jesus on the Bible. One who does that, even as a seminary Professor, is under God's wrath and curse, deserving condemnation in this life and that which is to come. Prof. Schaff continues to expound on life in Zurich, including the interactions with the Radicals, or, the Anabaptists. The WSC in 11-20 remind us of hated topics and subtopics--original sin and actual sin with the consequences of them before the tribunal of the infinite, eternal, most wise and most holy God. Buying indulgences, talismanic passes from a priest's lips, and logging millions of miles on rosary beads won't suffice. It took the priceless and infinitely valued life and blood of Jesus Christ to atone for, expiate and propitiate for our sins as a ransom for many. God give us renewed clarity on these things being so ably obscured by sinful obscurantists with collars in robes and hats.