Morning Prayer: 10/10/2022

Halley’s “Bible Handbook:” concludes this section on the importance of writing in the ANE period, including some notes on the Dead Sea Scrolls—several 100 manuscripts with 100 Biblical manuscripts. The Isaiah scroll of about 100 BC is a photograph of a 900 AD manuscript. How’s that for textual criticism? For Psalm 31, Prof. Calvin comments on the assurance of salvation, assurances given even in dark periods. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Israel:” comments on the geo-political situation of Egypt, the Hittites to the north of Israel, and the Babylonians to the east. In that intersectionality of powers, Israel has its judges and no monarchy. For Genesis 28: Prof. Keil concludes chapter 28 with comments on the vision of Jacob’s ladder with angels and the assurance to him of the gracious covenant made to his Grandfather and Father. For Judges 17-21, Prof. Keil notes that the first appendix was from the early period of Cushan-rishathaim. For Isaiah 14.4-23, Prof. Henry continues the commentary on Babylon’s fall. For Mathew 12.9-21, Prof. Jamieson comments on the stunned and hostile reaction of the Pharisees to Jesus’s healing of the man with the atrophied hand. Done by Jesus with infinite ease. For Romans 8.12-28, Prof. Hodge comments on our joint-heirship with Christ and the Spirit of adoption bearing witness with our spirits. Frederick Copleston’s “History of Philosophy: Greece and Rome (1.1):” discusses Plato’s academy in Athens—for the study of science, mathematics, philosophy and other disciplines. The goal is to produce thoughtful and effective citizens and politicians. EDT: “Law of God:” the expression of gratitude by the redeemed saint and Israel. For Theology Proper (locus 2): Prof. Hodge is still wonking-away on Huxley’s view of chemistry. In time, he’ll get to pantheism and its history, the predominant mindset of our time. For Theology Proper (locus 2), Prof. Reymond comments on the imago Dei as restored in knowledge, holiness and righteousness—as the WSC and other confessions note. For Theology Proper (locus 2), Prof. Berkhof concludes his section on the incommunicable attributes focusing on the simplicity of God—He’s one in His Essence with His inherent attributes. For Apostolic Christianity, Vol. 1 (1-100) Prof. Schaff discusses the growing alterations to the Circus Maximus, ultimately holding 385,000 people. The fire breaks out and only 4 of 14 quarters of Rome survive. It’s a massive fire and massive graveyard of humans and animals. For Medieval Christianity, Vol. 4 (590-1073), Prof. Schaff comments on the character of Aelfred the Great, a truly noble Anglo-Saxon King, shaped and formed by his indubitable faith. For the Swiss Reformation Vol. 8 (1519-1605), Prof. Schaff notes that Calvin’s system of church government allowed for hierarchy, e.g., his letter to the Polish authorities on its allowance, but also to Cranmer and other Englishmen. Our Scots brethren paid the highest cost in opposing Papacy and Prelacy in the assertion that there is only One Head of the Church. For Dr. Cranmer, Prof. MacCulloch comments on the stalls, fits-and-starts, in the Anglo-German negotiations at Lambeth. Henry writes a letter to the German delegation 5 Aug 1538 turning down the points on auricular confession, communion in one kind, clerical celibacy and the four lesser sacraments. Westminster Confession of Faith 18.4: 4. True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as, by negligence in preserving of it, by falling into some special sin which woundeth the conscience and grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation, by God's withdrawing the light of his countenance, and suffering even such as fear him to walk in darkness and to have no light: yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart, and conscience of duty, out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may, in due time, be revived; and by the which, in the meantime, they are supported from utter despair.