Reformátusok Lapja, 1970 (70. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1970-03-01 / 3. szám

12

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

and to prepare all men by wholesome doctrine to receive them; to preserve the faithful in a holy unity; and to check schisms; to catechize the unlearned, to commend the needs of the poor to the Church, to visit, instruct, and keep in the way of life the sick and those afflicted with various temptations. In addition, they are to attend to public prayers or supplications in times of need, together with common fasting, that is, a holy abstinence; and as diligently as possible to see to everything that pertains to the tranquility, peace and welfare of the churches.

But in order that the minister may perform all these things better and more easily, it is especially required of him that he fear God, be constant in prayer, attend to spiritual reading, and in all things and at all times be watchful, and by a purity of life to let his light to shine before all men.

Discipline. And since discipline is an absolute necessity in the Church and excommunication was once used in the time of the early fathers, and there were ecclesiastical judgments among the people of God, wherein this discipline was exercised by wise and godly men, it also falls to ministers to regulate this discipline for edification, according to the circumstances of the time, public state, and necessity. At all times and in all places the rule is to be observed that everything is to be done for edification, decently and honorably, without oppression and strife. For the apostle testifies that authority in the Church was given to him by the Lord for building up and not for destroying (II Cor. 10:8). And the Lord Himself forbade the weeds to be plucked up in the Lord’s field because there would be danger lest the wheat also be plucked up with it. (Matt. 13:29 f.).

Even Evil Ministers Are to Be Heard. Moreover, we strongly detest the error of the Donatists who esteem the doctrine and administration of the sacraments to be either effectual or not effectual, according to the good or evil life of the ministers. For we know that the voice of Christ is to be heard, though it be out of the mouths of evil ministers; because the Lord himself said: “Practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do.” (Matt. 23:3). We know that the sacraments are sanctified by the institution and the word of Christ, and that they are effectual to the godly, although they be administered by unworthy ministers. Concerning this matter, Augustine, the blessed servant of God, many times argued from the Scriptures against the Donatists.

Synods. Nevertheless, there ought to be proper discipline among ministers. In synods the doctrine and life of ministers is to be carefully examined. Offenders who can be cured are to be rebuked by the elders and restored to the right way, and if they are incurable, they are to be deposed, and like wolves driven away from the flock of the Lord by the true shepherds. For, if they be false teachers, they are not to be tolerated at all. Neither do we disapprove of ecumenical councils, if they are convened according to the example of the apostles, for the welfare of the Church and not for its destruction.

The Worker Is Worthy of His Reward. All faithful ministers, as good workmen, are also worthy of their reward, and do not sin when they receive a stipend, and all things that be necessary for themselves and their family. For the apostle shows in 1 Cor., ch. 9, and in 1 Tim., ch. 5, and elsewhere that these things may rightly be given by the Church and received by ministers. The Anabaptists, who condemn and defame ministers who live from their ministry are also refuted by the apostolic teaching.

3 C7oo

rose

When Jesus rose on Easter morn He did not rise alone;

For all the ransomed Heaven-born Ordained to flank His throne Arose in Him that Eastertide Eternal praise to give—

For, as in Adam all had died,

In Christ all now should live.

Yes, even I was in that throng Whose number none can count;

I, too, shall sing the victors' song On Zion’s glorious mount.

Our Second Adam, Christ our King,

Had conquered all my foes;

Now resurrected, I can sing,

In Him I, too, arose!

Harrison Palmer

Hungarians in Africa

During the Turkish occupation of Hungary, many Hungarians were taken to Africa. The Turks took many Hungarians into slavery for themselves, and a group of Hungarians were taken to Egypt where they were settled on an island in the Nile River. Now they no longer speak Hungarian but they know of their Hungarian origin. Several years ago, articles appeared in our Hungarian American newspapers about them.

In 1776, Count Morice Benyovszky settled in Madagascar and organized a colony for France. When he wanted to join the Americans, the French killed him.

Count Samuel Teleki with an expedition went to Africa in 1888. He discovered Lakes Rudolf and Stefánia, and on the south side of Lake Rudolf a volcano which was named after him.

In the French Foreign Legion there were many Hungarians stationed in the French colonies of Africa. One of our ministers, the late László Geren- day, who was also a legionier in Africa, wrote a novel about his adventures in the Legion. Among the workers of Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Africa, there were also Hungarians.

After World War II and especially after the 1956 Revolution, Hungarians were scattered all over the world. A group of them settled in Krügersdorf, South Africa. Seven years ago, the Rev. Kálmán Papp organized a Hungarian Protestant congregation there. Worship Services are held in both the Hungarian and African languages because of mixed marriages.

May the Lord guard and protect His scattered children and gather them together here or beyond.