1789 Pastoral Letter from the General Assembly (quoted in Jim Singleton's August 25 talk)

1789 Pastoral Letter from the General Assembly (quoted in Jim Singleton's August 25 talk)

“Dear Friends and Brethren: The aspect of divine providence, and the extraordinary situation of the world, at the present moment, indicate, that a solemn admonition by the ministers of religion and other church officers in General Assembly convened, has become our indispensable duty . . . A solemn crisis has arrived, in which we are called to the most serious contemplation of the moral causes which have produced it, and the measures which it becomes us to pursue . . . Formality and deadness, not to say hypocrisy; a contempt of vital godliness, and the spirit of fervent piety; a desertion of the ordinances, or a cold and unprofitable attendance upon them, visibly pervade every part of the Church, and certain men have crept in amongst us, who have denied, or attempt to explain away the pure doctrines of the gospel; to introduce pernicious errors which were either not named, or named with abhorrence, but which have, within a few years since, been embraced by deluded multitudes . . . God hath a controversy with us – Let us prostrate ourselves before him! Let the deepest humiliation and sincerest repentance mark our sense of national sins; and let us not forget, at the same time, the personal sins of each individual, that have contributed to increase the mighty mass of corruption.” (in Keith Hardman, Seasons of Refreshing, 108)

 

3 Responses

  1. Margaret Walters says:

    I have had a strange experience. The other night I awoke early in the morning and the name “Jim Singleton” was on my mind…..he had pastored at First Presbyterian in San Antonio just before we arrived. I kept returning to the question, “Why would he just pop into my mind?” Then last night I was reading through the PC(USA) newsletter and saw the last article …. about Jim Singleton! I applauded the Mexico movement and marvel that with all the struggles and killings going on there, this ray of faith in The Word would stand out in force. I am a deacon at Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church and have been a member for five years since we moved from San Antonio. Truth be known, I have no idea where the CL church stands on “the” Amendment; it is just never discussed. I just know that I support this new Fellowship and will do anything needed. Thank you.

  2. Lonny Hopkins says:

    I believe that God will honor our move however we do it if our message is right with Him. I’m unaware of any talk discussing it. we have here an oppertunity to amend our ways and return too what made the presbyterian church to begian with. judgement has came to America and we don’t want to fall asleep waiting for the bridegroom if we do how will wake us up.

  3. Bruce Hesselman says:

    Somehow lost in all of the controversy relating to “the amendment” is the pure word of God found in scripture. It has been contravened. The 1st chapter of Romans is crystal clear in language and intent. God’s word is not a menu, yet many now choose just the desserts and ignore the vegetables. The Bible says what it means and and means what it says. Please convey the spirit of this message for me.

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