Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1993

158 1993 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEIf I as an elder am guilty of setting the example of using beveragealcohol, and a weaker brother, who may or may not realize his tendencytoward addiction, follows my example rather than my words and becomesaddicted, I bear some of the blame. If I had voted to abandon this historic"total abstinence" requirement I would also share in the guilt of the sin ofdrunkenness. Elders are required to live a more exemplary lifestyle thanis required of a person to become a member of our denomination. Both arerequired to continually bring their lives into more complete and totalcompliance with God's requirements.The scholars who have led us into abandoning our total Abstinencestance seem to feel that their 25 or 30 years of scholarship is more valid thatthe 450 years of Puritan scholarship which preceded them. I am notquestioning the scholarship of these present scholars. I am saying that ourPresbyterian philosophy demands that we yield to Puritan wisdom andexperience, in true submission. There were many venerated, skilleddevoted and Reformed scholars among themI must record my opposition to the action taken by our Synod.Wilbur CopelandThe Minutes were read for the final time and approved.Synod took a fifteen-minute recess at 10:45 a.m.Synod joined together for the closing worshi p service. Jay Worshamled Synod in the singing of Psalm 133A and Greg Adams led in prayer.Synod sang Psalm 132B. Glen Chin read Judges 5:1-9 and RobertHemphill preached God's Word from Judges 5:2 on the theme,"When the Plane Lands or the Car Parks Back Home." Bill Robertsled in a prayer of sending. Synod sang Psalms 127A and 126A. RobertHemphill concluded the service with the benediction.Synod adjourned at 11:40 a.m., being led in prayer of adjournmentby Paul McCracken.