“The Rights of God in Respect to Calls”

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 43, 19 April 1940, Page 4

“The Rights of God in Respect to Calls”

THEME OF AN ADDRESS BY REV. A. C. RANDERSON PARABLE OF THE HOUSEHOLDER The theme of the Rev. A. C. Randerson’s address at St. James’ Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening was “The Rights of God in Respect to Calls.” The Lexl was taken from SI. Matthew (chapter 2b verse I<>), “Many are called hut few chosen. "’ with which puzzling and oft-misinterpreted words Jesus concluded the parable of the householder, who went out and hired men lo work-in his vineyard at all hours of the day up to Hie 11th hour, and paid them all Ihe same wage. Some commentators challenged Hie authenticity of the final words, “Many called hut few chosen, - ’ hut Ihe truth as to the universal call to service by the Divine Householder was in the parable itself. So also was the clear teaching Iliai. the Creator had the" right to call whom lie would, as and when He would, to assign them all their tasks, and assess their rewards.

This right of God the preacher claimed to he applicable io all calls or appointments of ministers of the Gospel. No satisfactory system of Church government had yet been devised that did not recognise this Divine right to have the first and last words in calling men to serve their fellows, and the sovereign right of Hie Almighty to control their messages ar.d ministries throughout Hie day of life.

The vexed question of the duty of men to enrol for military service was also in Hie last analysis solved by this parable, for no person, group nor government had the right to intervene between individuals and their Creator and Supreme Commander as to when and in what way they should render such national and universal service as besi suited their gifts and energies.