The tolling bell!

In 17th-century England, church bells tolled out the news of what was happening in a parish. They announced, not only the times of the various worship services, but also important events such as weddings, and funerals. Indeed, I believe that, in many places, the custom continues to this day.

When John Donne, the Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral and also an author, lay desperately ill with the plague that was killing Londoners by the thousand, he could hear the bells ringing constantly, announcing death after death. he kept a "devotional diary" that was to become a classic of the English language and, writing down his thoughts, he urged his readers: "Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."!

How true those words and, if nothing else good comes out of the current Covid-19 pandemic, it appears to have reminded people of their own mortality! Certainly, the author of the great Letter to the Hebrew disciples of Jesus made the point that: "... it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment," (9:27).

That is not news that many wish to hear! However, if we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus; if our salvation rests solely, and wholly, on His atoning sacrifice at Calvary; if we acknowledge that ".. there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12), then the thought of death does not need to arouse dread. We know, as Paul joyfully assures us, that by His resurrection from the dead, the Lord Jesus has broken, for ever, the power of death. He has "... abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (II Tim. 1:10). Death has been "... swallowed up in victory ..." (I Cor. 15:54) and we may ask, triumphantly: "O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" (v.55).

Another occasion on which, traditionally, church bells have been rung, is to announce a great victory, or the end of hostilities. So, when the bell tolls for the true disciple of Jesus, it announces the good news of Jesus' victory over death, and hell, and the grave.

He is our Certainty, in uncertain times.

Ode to Carrickfergus - from an exiled son.

I'm just back from my annual visit to Carrickfergus, in order to tend to my parents' grave. Today, I was greatly helped by my second cousin, Jackie who, with Karen and young Rachel, have been such good friends for many a year. I am very grateful to them for all of their assistance.

Just over seven years ago, while sitting in the Ferry Terminal at Larne Harbour, I jotted down the following. It's maybe time to share those passing thoughts!

Old Carrick town - my childhood home;
What memories you hold
Of days gone by, when I was young,
'Though you, already old!

Your castle, built on ancient rock,
has guarded you so well
o'er centuries of conflict;
as other bards do tell.

Within its walls I often played,
when I was but a boy;
and every time I gaze on it
my heart is filled with joy.

St Nicholas' spire doth upward point;
'minds us of God above
Who, through the Son, at Calvary,
did show to us His love.

On Fisherman's Pier I often sat -
my dad was there to watch -
but length of string, and V-shaped pin,
left me without a catch!

At Joymount end, the Town Hall stands;
its stage I knew so well
when, as a lad, I medals won -
as 'Feis' records will tell.

The Big Lamp, and the Tramway bridge,
Legg Park, and Shaftesbury, too;
the Model, and the old Barn School;
all memories hold of you.

The North Road graveyard - special place;
my parents' grave is there.
Indeed, their deaths the reason why
my visits, now, are rare.

So, in the autumn of my life,
my thoughts towards you turn;
and, for those days in Carrick town
I find I often yearn.

And 'though I live a hundred years,
or go a thousand miles;
the thought of you, old Carrick town,
will wreathe my face in smiles.

But only death can bring me back,
when parents' grave I tend;
and, on that somewhat solemn note,
my Ode to you must end.

Easter Day. April 20^th 2003.