Page:Southern Presbyterian Journal, Volume 13.djvu/740

 of upbringing, of education, of the cultural and historical conditions of one's age, no one pattern of experience fits everybody. Some are too fearful of presumption, others are not fearful enough. Elijah went to heaven in a fiery chariot, but Jeremiah may have died in despondency. Assurance of salvation, like other blessings, does not come to all Christians; but it is a part of the fullness of God's grace which we may legitimately and consistently hope to enjoy.

VICTORY IN FIGHT TO SECURE RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES FOR PERSONNEL UNDER MILITARY JURISDICTION IN SPAIN CLAIMED BY AMERICAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN

By Rev. G. Aiken Taylor. Ph.D.

"We got what we wanted," proudly announces Father Raymond M. Stadta, of a pact which he claims to have the approval of Cardinal Spellman and which allegedly grants religious rights to American service men and civilian workers under military jurisdiction in Roman Catholic Spain, allowing to these certain detailed religious freedoms.

Originating from its Madrid offices and datelined December 27, 1954, the Associated Press has released what may well be one of the most remarkable stories of all time. An American Roman Catholic is given the credit for maneuvering Roman Catholic Spain into a pact which includes the right to worship and marry according to one's own faith. The pact, which Cardinal Spellman is said to have approved, was negotiated by Father Stadta (a Lt. Col. in the Air Force) with Archbishop Luis Alonso Munoyerro, vicar general of the Spanish armed forces.

Thus Rome gains the credit (and a lot of publicity) for conquering Rome's own prejudices. And Americans may marry other Americans in the manner they believe they should be married and worship as they believe they should worship, thanks to the noble efforts of Rome's American representative, negotiating with Rome's Spanish representative.

Presumably the heart of the matter is an understanding between the U. S. and Spain as to the religious aspects of the U.S.'s relationship with Spain in the event American bases become a reality in that Catholic country. Thus the story chronicles a move on the political scene. But no more remarkable story will ever come from the file of Rome's record in the delicate art of international diplomacy.

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ANGLERS

(By The Editor Of The Testament For Fishers Of Men)

Lesson No. 91

Method—3—Landing the Catch

(Taken from Page XIII of the F.O.M. Testament)

A careful fisherman makes sure to land the fish when he hooks one. Fishing even as a sport would lose its charm for many if the fish could not be taken home, or utilized.

Much of soul-winning pans out poorly because "fishers of men" fail to secure and land their catch. Vast numbers of people are induced to join the church, only to lapse into the old life, although continuing to be nominal church members. This is largely because the church often fails to give new converts personal attention and something to do.

When you have brought one to a decision for Christ, see to it that he makes his public profession (Matthew 10:32) and becomes a member of some evangelical church. But remember, this is only the beginning of his Christian experience and growth, and though mature in years, he is a "babe in Christ" and will need friendly assistance for some time.

Encourage your convert to give his testimony as occasion suggests. This will help him break with the old life and line up with the new. Show him how to go now and win another. He, too, must become a "fisher of men" if he would grow in grace and become strong in his new-found faith. Secure your catch by seeing him if possible at frequent intervals and helping him to get nourishment. Show him how to gain strength by daily prayer and Bible study. Perhaps you need to tighten up on your own program. You will yourself grow stronger while helping him to grow. Get your pastor and Sunday school superintendent interested in finding something for him to do, be it ever so simple—something that will identify him with his new life in Christ and with the church. If your church has not an organization for Bible study and Christian service, start one. This of course applies to men. Similar provision can be made in the church and Sunday school for women and young people as well. The point is to give new converts something to do. One of the happy facts about God's Vineyard is that there is work for all.

Athens Presbytery Votes "NO"

Athens Presbytery meeting in Gainesville, Ga., on Tuesday, January 11th, voted 32 against Union and 16 for Union. This makes 12 Presbyteries voting against Union and one for Union as of that date. PAGE 6 THE SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN JOURNAL