FELLOWSHIP FOOTNOTES

Newsletter of Hamilton Bible Fellowship
February 2008

     In the current alumni publication my alma mater listed the 25 graduates who most influenced the world: 24 men and one woman. Not surprising, considering for the first 200 + years of operation the institution only admitted men. Number one on the list was someone from the class of ‘71 (1771!). He would go on to become the fourth president of the United States. His name was James Madison. This man was apparently small in stature, but large in mind - like one of his contemporaries across the Atlantic, England’s William Wilberforce. Madison has been described as “an astonishing ratio of mind to mass.”   
     In this presidential political season, long and laborious as it has been (and it’s only February!), it is good to revisit some of the founding principles of our republic. Madison was a contributor to the Federalist Papers, which were written to advance ratification of the newly drafted United States Constitution. Much of what he wrote provides a realistic reminder of the forces which still drive our democratic process:

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. . . . It may be a reflection
on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses
of government. But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections
on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If
 angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government
would be necessary. . . . You must first enable the government to control the
governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself. . . . Enlightened
statesmen will not always be at the helm. There is a degree of depravity in
mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust.
Federalist 51

     Can you even imagine a politician these days describing “the people” in terms of depravity? They wouldn’t last the first caucus. We have been told by virtually every candidate in the modern era that they are for the “good people” of America. Madison was much more of a biblical realist - and that position gave us the wonderfully balanced document that is the basis of our constitutional republic. But depraved does not mean hopeless. Jesus is in the redemption and transformation business. Madison acknowledged that there are “other qualities in human nature which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence.” These are the direct result of humans being created in the image of God. As fallen as we all are, we retain the dignity of that fact. So we need to keep these views in balanced perspective - especially as we approach this “Super Tuesday” (was it orchestrated this year to follow on the heels of the Super Bowl?). With so many primaries that day (including New York), the outcome will probably largely determine who we have to choose in November. Remember: God is in control, no matter who controls the White House.

NEWS AND PRAYER UPDATES:

Pray for health concerns of Linda Cox, Jean Deiter, John Hubbard, Janet Griffith, and many of our aging parents - and anyone else in need at this time.

Pray for the Coxes’ legal matters, especially as the other side has indicated it may want to settle.

Pray for Young Life - Bob & Erica (and volunteer leader Jen McGowan) all went to Staff (4000!) Conference in January, and just took several HCS kids to Campaigner Weekend in Niagra Falls.  Also, the date of the first Young Life Club (in several years) is Feb. 12th! Pray also for new members for the Committee.

THE QUOTE CORNER


Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light.
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

Charles Wesley





COMING EVENTS CALENDAR:

Wednesday, Feb. 6th: Community Ash Wednesday Service, 7:00 at First Baptist Church.

Sunday, Feb. 10th: Kickoff for the Teenagers’ Biblical Basics class, 9:00 - 9:45, led by Putter. The concurrent Adult Sunday School class will be led by Michael Hayes. The kids will do a follow up discussion with Shannon Young during the sermon time.

Traditional Tunes get together for all interested musicians (and listeners) is the first Sunday of every month in the Worship Room. It is very informal and always very enjoyable!

February Birthdays: 6 Deb Pils; 8 Carolyn Hsu; 12 Leroy Hodge; 16 Ashley Button; 23 Jeff Schindler;
                             25 Norm Button; 26 Nicole Smith