Magyar Egyház, 1955 (34. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
1955-08-01 / 8. szám
12 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ GABRIEL BETHLEN PRINCE OF TRANSYLVANIA Excerpts of The Rev. Zoltán Béky Arch Dean's message at the National Conference of the American Hungarian Reformed Presbyter’s Association. Sept. 4th 1955, Ligonier, Pa. There was no greater defender or a more dedicated warrior to the cause of the persecuted Hungarian Protestantism, than Gabriel Bethlen, the great Reformed Prince of Transylvania. He appears in the most tragic era of Hungarian history when Protestantism and religious liberty was threatened in its existence. The nation was torn into three parts: from the East the pagan Turks, from the West the Habsburg Austrians and the remaining part was divided by two rival kings. The existence of the divided nation was never in greater danger than at this time. Both the Turks and Austrians intended to break down the strenght, national unity and independence of the Hungarians. Persecution The unified efforts of the Jesuits and the Habsburgs was to exterminate Hungarian Protestantism. The persecution with fire and sword was in full scale. Peter Pázmány, Archbishop of Hungary, a fanatic leader of the Counter-Reformation with the support of the Habsburg king issed an order to use drastic measures to take the Churches from the Protestants. Just a few quotations: “Better for the community to perish and if the peasants leave, than to let the Protestants have the Churches.” When Ferdinand II convoked the Diet in 1619 and the Protestants insisted upon the restoration of their Churches, Pázmány said: “It is better that the country be given up to wolves and foxes, than to heretics.” The oppressed Protestants appealed to Bethlen for help, and he hurried with a deep religious conviction and patriotic fervor to defend the religious and national liberties of the Magyars. The Protestants of Upper- Hungary enthusiastically joined the great movement. Their motto was: “For Honor of God and For Liberty of the Nation.!” He fought 49 battles for the freedom of religion. Without his heroic struggles and victorious battles we could hardly speak of Hungarian Protestantism, in 1620 the whole Upper- Hungary, including Pozsony, where he obtained possesion of the Hungarian crown, was occupied. Then the Diet granted religious liberty to the people with the stipulation, that the principle Church of the town shall remain in the possession of the majority of the population. King of Hungary He was elected the first Calvinistic king of Hungary at the national Diet Besztecebánya, but he did not accept the crown. His only aim was to defend the constitution, to reunite the divided country and to insure religious freedom for all. He accomplished this aim at the peace treaty of Nicholsburg Dec. 31, 1621. In this treaty the terms of the former Vienna treaty of 1606 were confirmed and the integrity of the peace and the rights of the Protestants were maintained. The memory of Gabriel Bethlen will live forever not only as a national hero and a defender of the persecuted Hungarian Protestantism but also as one of the most faithful Reformed Christians. His life He was born in 1580 at Maros Ille and became an orphan when he lost his father at the age of 10 and and his mother at 13. He had a very hard, bitter and cruel life. He had to learn that he cannot trust anyone but God. Bethlen was one of the most devoted and humble Reformed Christians of his age. He dedicated his entire life to the service of God and his country. He firmly believed, that God who helped him, who lifted him from the bitterness of an orphan’s life, will neither leave him or his people. This strong faith directed him in all his activities even in politics and his military undertakings. So his life really became an example of practical Christianity. His faith was a living faith, a deep intimate relationship with God. He was convinced, that His life is in God’s hands. In battles he encouraged himself and his troops to bravery by singing Church hymns and psalms. Even when enemy bullets struck his tent, he did not run, because he firmly believed, that God guards the life of the ruler. The source of his faith The main source of his faith was the Bible which he read 26 times and carried with him to battles also. Another source of his faith was prayer. Bethlen believed in the power of prayer. As a statesman and politician he could not open his soul to everyone and discuss his problems and plans, so he took his difficulties to God in prayer. He even wrote hymns in his devotion to God. He endured a long sickness with admirable faith and unshakable trust in the Lord. In his last hour when he was unable to speak any longer, he wrote his favorite text on a piece of paper: “If God be with us who can be against us,? No one, certainly no one!” Bethlen was 49 years old, when he died at Enyed in 1629. Today we commemorate the 375th anniversary of his birth. It is very appropriate to pay tribute to his memory by keeping it alive in our hearts and living up to the great heritage, which he left us.--------------o-------------“DO NOTS” FOR HUSBANDS AND WIVES . . . Do not expect your husband or wife to be perfect. Love each other in spite of faults. — Do not allow trivial affairs to become mountains. — Do not cease minding your personal appearance, yet the quality of your character should be your main attraction. — Do not attempt to dominate each other. Let mutual respect and tactfulness hold the balance between you. — Do not be selfish in any respect. Home-life is essentially a life of sharing. — Do not be a nagger or a pessimist. Optimism is the keystone of progress and happiness. — Do not live with your relatives, if you can avoid it. Hit or miss, try to live your own lives. — Do not live in idleness. “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” — Do not try to live above your means. “Owe no man anything, but to love one another”. — Do not disregard the spiritual side of life. Most homes that break up, do break up for lack of sufficient spiritual foundation either in one or in both of the parties to maintaining it. Cultivate your church relationship and do worship together — regularly.
