"...unconditional election of individuals to eternal life was not taught by the Apostles. God did elect or predestinate, that all those who would be saved, should be saved in Christ Jesus, and through obedience to the Gospel...."

"You probably caught that 'Our Lady of the Underpass' story. I admit I tend to roll my eyes when people see the Blessed Virgin in pieces of toast and parking garage walls. However, lately I've been smiling at the idea of the Child Jesus scribbling pictures of Mommy all over -- just because he can, you know?"

And as to what concerns ourselves at present, we are taught by that means, that it is our duty and our safety to consent universally and absolutely in the ministry of Jesus Christ. That which he was so designed to, in the infinite wisdom and grace of God; that which he was so furnished for the discharge of by the communication of the Spirit to him in all fullness; that which all other priesthoods were removed to make way for, must needs be sufficient and effectual for all the ends to which it is designed. It may be said, "This is that which all men, all who are called Christians do fully consent in the ministry of Jesus Christ." But if it be so, why do we hear the bleating of another sort of cattle? What mean those other priests, and reiterated sacrifices, which make up the worship of the church of Rome? If they rest in the ministry of Christ, why do they appoint one of their own to do the same things that he has done, namely, to offer sacrifice to God?

If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest expression every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefield besides, is mere flight and disgrace, if he flinches at that point.

I am glad you enjoy Steve's music.
Grace
Mac

This guy's about half a step away from "Bible-thumpin' fundamentalism," right down to his view about the RCC (according to some Plymouth Brethren I know, Jews are saved, and RC's are damned). If I ever respected James White for any reason, I've lost every bit of it. I was so angry last night I could hardly talk to my girlfriend without flipping out over his portentious, conceited, tactles, loveless response to Michael's essay.

Why close IM?
IM is going to be closed till this storm passes. I know what I'm doing. Trust me folks.
I will not have the IM comment threads turned into a James White debate. I know how he does this. It can destroy my audience. People don't want to read the comment threads that will result from this.
I don't want White into my archives right now. I'll open again shortly when he's moved on to something else and when I have prepared my boss and co-workers for the fact that White's supporters may start harassing the school.
I know what my next post is going to be and where I am going. It's my ship and I am still captain. I just engaged the cloaking device :-)

A company of mean-spirited, wicked men, who are no bigger than bees, mentally or spiritually, can get together, and sting a good man in a thousand places, till he is well-nigh maddened by their scorn, their ridicule, their slander, and their misrepresentation. Their very littleness gives them the power to wound with impunity. Such has been the experience of some of us, especially in days now happily past. For one, I can say, I grew inured to falsehood and spite. The stings at last caused me no more pain than if I had been made of iron; but at first they were galling enough. Do not be surprised, dear friends, if you have the same experience; and if it comes, count it no strange thing, for in this way the saints have been treated in all time. Thank God, the wounds are not fatal, nor of long continuance! Time brings ease, and use creates hardihood. No real harm has come to any of us who have run the gauntlet of abuse; not, even a bruise remains.