Evening Prayer (1662 Book of Common Prayer)

LECTIONS. John Calvin on the Psalms. Keil & Delitzsch: Joshua. Matthew Henry: Isaiah. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown: Gospels. Matthew Henry: Revelation. Dr. Robert Reymond: Systematic Theology. Prof. Berkhof, Systematic Theology: Soteriology. Dr. Philip Schaff, of Christendom. Westminster Larger Catechism, 87-90. For Psalm 11.3-4, Prof. Calvin notes that God loves and succors the righteous, but has other plans for the wicked who…”armed with their tongues go beyond all bounds, and think they can accomplish by this means whatever they please; just as this sort of men so deform every thing with their calumnies, that they would almost cover the sun itself with darkness.” For Joshua 11.22-23, Prof. Keil does a wrap-up on the campaigns including more micro-details about villages and towns. For Isaiah 2.6-8, Prof. Henry talks about the “greed” of the Jerusalemites who are never satisfied, but are ever lusting for more gold, more silver, horses, and other things. They are “discontented” and “covetous.” For Mathew 1.1-18, Prof. Jamiesson discusses how Herod calls for a theological conference with the Sanhedrin, probably 72 theologians, to answer the question: “Where is the Messiah to be born?” Meanwhile, the holy family is unaware of the disturbance in Jerusalem, unknowingly vulnerable but under divine protecton. For Revelation 6.3-8, Prof. Henry further discusses the martyrs’ plea for justice. Further, he notes that we have minds, memories and intellectual content in the next world. For Bibliology, Prof. Reymond discusses his unhappiness with Packer’s use of the term “antinomies” in Scriptures, e.g. human responsibility and divine predestination. He offers four reasons for dismissing Dr. Packer. For Soteriology, Prof. Berkhof discusses the confusions in the terms regeneration and conversion in theology—Rome, Lutherans, and the Reformed are discussed. Augustine, Aquinas, and Scotus get a walk-on appearanc. For Apostolic Christianity, Prof. Schaff compares two church historians, Gieseler of Gottingen with Neander of Berlin, the former showing signs of incipient rationalism with the latter showing signs of life. Both have been translated into English. For Medieval Christianity, Prof. Schaff discusses the effects of the Norman invasion with Anselm and Lefranc bringing Ireland under closer episcopal oversight, establishing three bishoprics, one for the south, one for the north and one reporting directly to the ABC. After this, Celtic Christianity will forever be in the Roman jurisdiction. For the Swiss Reformation, Prof. Schaff outlines the effects of the Diet of Ilanz of 26 Jun 1526, allowing for religious freedom. The Romanist Bishop of Coire wants the Inquisition established but he’s cantoned off (pun intended). For the Creeds of Christendom, Prof. Schaff begins the discussion and outline of Cyril Lucar’s confession. Also, he maintained correspondence with Geneva. Article 1-9 are largely the Catholic articles akin to the 39 Articles in the broad reach. More tomorrow. Westminster Larger Catechism, 87-90. Q. 90. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgment? A. At the day of judgment, the righteous, being caught up to Christ in the clouds, shall be set on his right hand, and there openly acknowledged and acquitted, shall join with him in the judging of reprobate angels and men, and shall be received into heaven, where they shall be fully and forever freed from all sin and misery; filled with inconceivable joys, made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul, in the company of innumerable saints and holy angels, but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father, of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, to all eternity. And this is the perfect and full communion which the members of the invisible church shall enjoy with Christ in glory, at the resurrection and day of judgment.