Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1928 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 63
many generations no Covenanter communion was ever observed
without the preparation of a Fast Day. At present the mind of
both Ministers and congregations seems to have changed as
to the importance of any such preparation. Ever since the first
appointment of a Committee on Signs of the Times, one of the
recommendations adopted annually has been the appointment
of a Fast Day. Concerning the observance of this the mind of
the Church seems to have changed. True, these recommendations
are still being made, but only in rare cases is the day
being observed in anything like the true spirit of that institution.
In some congregations it is given no recognition whatever.
Formerly in the Reports of the Presbyteries to this
Synod, certification was made each year that the Days of
Thanksgiving and Fasting had been observed in all congregations.
Of late no such reference is being made, and none seems
to be expected. In only one State of our Union is there legal
provision for the observance of Public Fasts. Within the past
twenty-five years is the recollection of one of our most worthy
and able Ministers making to this Court the serious proposal
that the appointment of any such days by Synod be discontinued.
The Issues Involved
It is from the viewpoint of how we are observing our days
of Thanksgiving and Fasting that we wish to discuss our own
times. There are a thousand other aspects of public life more
pleasant to consider, and perhaps more welcome in discussion.
But these have their own significance. And as they indicate a
situation wholly at variance with our own sworn testimony
(Test. XXVI,2); as it is assumed that a recommendation for
our observance of other Thanksgiving and Fast days will accompany
this Report; and as the things for which such days
stand have a vital relation to the life of all moral beings, your
Committee feels justified in giving particular attention to this
subject.
For as we understand it, Thanksgiving is intended to be
an expression of gratitude, and Fasting of godly sorrow—
thankfulness for what we are receiving from God, and repentance
for what He is not receiving from us. These twin-institutions
are exponents of correlative duties and graces, and broadly
speaking they represent the two great hemispheres of that
full orb of right feeling which we all owe to our Gracious God,
both as individuals, churches, and nations. This we owe to
Him everywhere and evermore, and in no half-hearted way. If
at any time or place these feelings toward God are lacking, we
have practical heathenism. Of course it is not expected that our
Thanksgiving and Fast days shall correspond in every particular
with those of the Pilgrims and early Covenanters, for outward
circumstances change. But as divinely appointed institutionhonored
which than from spirit America's faith they in each institutions all to should ages. stood, secularism?
transition And how live marks if always else in period our the can and day from passing our be the age godliness animated passing of be those known to of by godlessness,
things these history time-
same for