Friday 31 December 2010

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism Corrupted

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism Corrupted 7

1Kings 21:17-19

‘And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite; saying, Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.’

The victory of Ahab’s power sharing executive in taking over Naboth’s vineyard was rather hollow; the conspiracy against righteous Naboth had apparently went well, as had the crushing of all opposition: the problem was that Ahab and his partners had forgotten about the LORD. How be it, Almighty God had not forgotten about the plight of His redeemed people; yes the Lord had allowed the home call of Naboth’s household; yes He had allowed Ahab to go so far. Suddenly, the Lord sent Elijah the prophet to challenge the corrupting influence of Ahab.

Similarly, the victory over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism by Paisleyism is proving to be hollow; did Paisleyism imagine that they were given a free hand to corrupt the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism? Did they imagine that no one would protest against the uprooting of the vines and the planting of secular herbs? Did they think that God would turn a blind eye on their corrupting activity? Just as surely as the Word of God cut across the path of Ahab’s presumption and sin, the same Word of God is now cutting across the presumptuous path of Paisleyism.

Paisleyism has corrupted the path of spiritual separation by their duplicitous actions; first of all they said come out from among them and be ye separate; now they lead the way of compromise and advocate Protestants to follow them to a shared future. Once the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster declared all other Protestant denominations to be apostate, now their own members are going back to these very same churches; furthermore their ministers are fellowshipping with these same churches. (For political purposes only) At a time Paisleyism protested against Ulster Unionists for sharing power with unrepentant terrorists; now they have crushed the Unionists so that they might take their place in a terrorist inclusive government.

Once Paisleyism condemned Sabbath desecration, gay pride marches, immorality in public offices, heresy, blasphemy, ecumenism, attacks against God’s Word, attacks against God’s people, worldliness, secularism, humanism and a plethora of other errors; now, being clad in their secular robes, they acquiesce.

When Ahab was reproved for his sin by the Word of God, he instantly attacked the messenger; ‘And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?’ he was intent on justifying his position, even though he was in the wrong. This has ever been the position adopted by Paisleyism; shout down your opponent without listening to the message. The corruption of secularism that Paisleyism is pouring into the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has the potential of destroying the Protestant people; this systematic removal of the authority and power of God’s Word permits the creepers of secular humanism to develop and clears the ground for atheism.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism Crushed

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Crushed 6

1Kings 21:15

‘And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.’

For Jezebel, the conspiracy had worked; the voice of protest was silenced and Ahab was ready to step into the vineyard of Naboth. In order for Ahab’s dream to be fulfilled, an entire household had to be destroyed; for Ahab to walk through the gate which led into Naboth’s vineyard, he first had to walk over the testimony of Naboth. Naboth had been no fool when he refused to surrender his heritage to Ahab; he knew only too well that the power greedy Ahab would bring in his friends as well. However, the opposition had been successfully crushed; Ahab along with his friends in government was set to take possession.

For Paisleyism too, the conspiracy had worked according to plan; voices that once protested against compromise and treachery were silenced. Good, saved and respected Ulster Protestant people, who had cared for the Vineyard of Protestantism were left speechless when Ian Paisley sat down with IRA men in government. Even those within the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster watched helplessly as their leader surrendered all of their cherished principles and recanted his former words. Paisleyism has crushed the hearts of Protestant people in Ulster, and farther a field, by conspiring to take control of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.

It would appear that the secular wing of Paisleyism had been taught at the feet of Jezebel; they wanted the power and the position to lord over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism with their new found friends. They would stop at nothing, they would use any means to obtain their goal; opposition from whatever quarter would not be tolerated, the voice of protest must be crushed. As the secular wing of Paisleyism encouraged the party faithful to take possession of the vineyard of Ulster Protestantism in partnership with their IRA Sinn Fein friends, many saved people started to survey the cost.

Christian testimonies have been crushed; many lives have been lost; families have been divided and destroyed; friendships broken; homes broken up; jobs lost; businesses destroyed; communities pulled apart; lives crushed; and what was it all about? A power struggle, as to who would rule over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism; the price has been high indeed. In order for Paisleyism to gain control, the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has been crushed beyond recognition.

After stepping into the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism, Paisleyism with their IRA colleagues, have set about uprooting the vines so that room can be made for the saplings of secular humanism. Anyone in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster found protesting against Paisleyism has to be disciplined; their testimonies will be crushed and their places taken by a secular humanist herb. Church elders are being disciplined by their own sessions; this is not Presbyterianism, this is Paisleyism at work uprooting the vines. There is an instance in a Free Presbyterian church, where the oversight have refused to shake hands with some of the congregation; when the minister ordered his oversight to shake hands with these people they simply refused. Paisleyism is busy uprooting the vines; Why? Because, they have signed up to this folly with their Sinn Fein partners at St Andrews; they must implement cohesion, sharing and integration to guarantee success for equality legislation and pave the way for a shared future. The vines of Protestantism must be uprooted to make way for the secular herbs; the dark jack boot of Paisleyism is crushing Ulster Protestantism under foot.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

Thursday 30 December 2010

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Conspired Against

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Conspired Against

1Kings21:7

And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? Arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.’

Ahab’s covetous spirit was insufficient of itself to secure Naboth’s vineyard; no amount of huffing and sulking would achieve his ambition either. If Ahab was ever to take control of and to lord over Naboth’s vineyard, then a more sinister approach would be required. The plot would have to be carefully planed, skilfully implemented and subtly executed, if success was to be guaranteed; being wedded to Ahab, Jezebel had the perfect qualifications to construct, implement and execute such a pernicious plan. So it was with Paisleyism as plans were drawn up to capture the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.

Jezebel’s plan was to silence the voice of protest; she wanted a flawless transition of power, so that Ahab could become lord over Naboth’s vineyard. The Jezebel plan was drafted on government paper; this was in order to give the impression of authority. Jezebel targeted the ‘elders and the nobles that were dwelling with Naboth’; she wanted to undermine the voice of opposition and where better to start than amongst Naboth’s friends. The centre piece of the conspiracy was the establishment of a national fast day where Naboth would appear to have the seat of honour; then false witness would be arranged against this lonely voice of protest and it would be quickly silenced.

In the case of Jezebel it would have taken some time for such a deep conspiracy to be fully implemented and executed; so it was with Paisleyism. For years, Paisleyism had tried every trick imaginable to secure the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism; recruitment of the Third Force and the Red Berets failed to win sufficient Protestant support, signing of a covenant ‘to love the things that Christ loves and to hate the things that Christ hates’ failed to achieve the desired aim. Even association with Protestant Paramilitaries and the Loyal Orders was not enough to deliver the Vineyard of Protestantism into the cunning hands of Paisleyism; and so the Jezebel wing of Paisleyism set to work in conspiratorial mode.

Paisleyism entered into negotiations with the elders and nobles of GB and Ireland at St Andrews with a view to gain control of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism. A power sharing agreement was reached without the voice of Ulster Protestants; like Naboth, they had been silenced by falsehood. Protestants believed Paisleyism’s opposition to power sharing with unrepentant terrorists was non negotiable; they had been disappointed at the treachery of the Good Friday agreement, and genuinely believed that Paisleyism’s word was its bond. Like Naboth, Ulster Protestants were unaware of the falsehood that was ready and waiting to silence them.

The trap was sprung at the subsequent Assembly Elections; Paisleyism ensured loyalty among its ranks by asking all its MLAs to sign their resignations, which would be held by their party leader; any dissent or objection, would have marked the resignation as being accepted. Paisleyism had silenced the voices of protest from within its own dark ranks, but what of the electorate without? Well, falsehood was to take care of that; Ulster Protestants voted for Paisleyism, not knowing that Paisleyism had already signed up to Power sharing with former terrorist leaders. So the conspiracy to take over of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism, had been planed, implemented and executed by Paisleyism; for the first time in many generations, the voice of protest from Ulster Protestants has been wickedly silenced.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

Tuesday 28 December 2010

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism Coveted

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Coveted 4

1Kings 21:1 – 3

And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or if it seem good to thee, I will give the worth of it for money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.’


The husbandman of Paisleyism looked covetously over the wall into the ‘Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’; like Ahab, Paisleyism had great plans for that which belonged to another. While Ahab wanted to turn the vineyard of Naboth into a ‘garden of herbs’; Paisleyism wanted to turn the ‘Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ into a dictatorship. Ahab did everything in his power to obtain Naboth’s vineyard; and in the same mode of operation, Paisleyism set to work.

Paisleyism set about destabilizing the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism by attacking backslidden Protestant leaders, while at the same time, opposing Protestant politicians. The pulpit, once central to the proclamation of the gospel of Christ, became the fountain head of Paisleyism; from this platform there went forth messages on separation which were designed to destroy other protestant denominations, while portraying the Free Presbyterian Church as the only refuge for Biblical Protestantism: simultaneously, messages against Unionism and Irish Nationalism were used to destroy political opponents, while presenting the DUP as the only trustworthy Protestant political party.

So the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was coveted by Paisleyism; this militant and aggressive husbandman set about attacking the diseased and unfruitful vines with a view to creating a totally controlled environment, in which Paisleyism could flourish. The vines of Christ likeness were to be uprooted and the herbs of Phariseeism were to be carefully planted.

Everything without the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was considered by Paisleyism to be apostate and Papist; so much so, that the Pope of Rome was depicted as the Antichrist and the system of Popery was depicted by the term, ‘Mystery Babylon the Great’, the ‘Harlot church.’

Despite the arguments and the power of persuasion that Ahab had adopted, Naboth’s answer was, not for sale; in like manner, the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism responded to the rational of Paisleyism. If Paisleyism was ever to take control of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism, then tactics would have to change.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6

Elton John and David Furnish have Christmas baby

‘Elton John and David Furnish have Christmas baby’

Response to the article carried in the Guardian.

As a Christian, I am appalled at the article you have published entitled, 'Elton John and David Furnish have Christmas baby'; my objection is not against your journalist, it is against the subject matter. The article, from a Christian prospective is revolting, sickening and outrageous in the extreme; our nation is considered as Christian, where the Word of God is foundational to the state and to every sphere of society. Quite simply, there is only one word that can adequately sum up this article and that is sin; 'sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God'; moreover, according to the shorter catechism, the moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments.

Homosexuality along with all unrighteousness is described as sin; (1Cor6:9-11) 'Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.' The clear teaching from the Word of God here is that adultery, theft, homosexuality, fornication, drunkenness etc are all described as sin, which comes under the condemnation of Almighty God; but the verses from 1Corinthians, show that such sinners can be saved from sin's penalty through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this instance, where 'Elton John and David Furnish have a Christmas baby', not only exposes homosexuality as sin, but forces the conclusion that surrogacy in this connection, is sin as well; although the details are not furnished, it is understood that a female egg is fertilized by a male sperm for conception. Human procreation, according to God's Word is between a man and a woman within the bonds of marriage; (Heb13:4) 'Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.' The Scriptures make distinction between legitimate and illegitimate seed; (Deut23:2) 'A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD'



Rev Mervyn Cotton

Monday 27 December 2010

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Controlled

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Controlled 3

1Kings 21:1 ‘Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel’

In order for Naboth’s vineyard to be fruitful, it had to be regulated or controlled; this would involve the application of the rules of husbandry. The husbandman would be guided by the standards laid down in the manual; his responsibility was to keep the vineyard under strict control. Evidently Naboth was good at his job; his vineyard at Jezreel, won the admiration of the King. Without doubt, Naboth laboured diligently and kept his vineyard under control.

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has in the past, been admired by many from across the continents; it has prospered under the doctrines of grace revealed in the inerrant and infallible Word of God. However the control of Protestantism began to show substantial slippage in the early 1960s; there was the emergence of the ecumenical movement which desired integration between the Reformed Faith and Roman Catholicism. This canker that had been carried into the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was helped to spread its infectious spores by political unrest and paramilitary violence. What Ulster Protestantism needed then, was for control to be reestablished under the Word of God; Protestant leaders should never have sought dialogue with the Papacy, rather, they should have controlled their vineyard by obeying the Scriptures which their forefathers had depended upon. Protestantism in the past had stood against the heresy of Popery, and stood in ‘defense of the faith once delivered’; all the leadership had to do was to stand firm, take control of the situation and not compromise their Biblical principles.

Sadly, history records a very sorry chapter regarding the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism; protestant church leaders encouraged ecumenical dialogue while protestant politicians caved in to Irish nationalist and republican demands. The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism had run out of control; backsliding prevailed in the pulpits and accelerated in the pews; in some cases the unconverted held church office. The weeds of worldly compromise were maturing within Protestant congregations; the wall of separation was being pulled down from within, creating opportunity for the winds of error to ravish the vines.

At this critical time, the leadership of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster entered the political arena; Ian Paisley, gospel preacher, launched himself into the world of politics. Paisleyism claimed the moral high ground, preaching separation and labeling the main Protestant denominations as apostate. This is precisely where the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism ran totally out of control; Protestants were calling their brethren apostates which gendered division, distrust and disunity. The term ‘apostate’ means to fall away from the faith; it refers to a person that has come close to embracing the truth of the gospel; but never actually being saved, and then turning fully and finally away from the claims of Christ in salvation. (Heb6:4-6) ‘For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.’

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was no longer controlled by the traditional principles and precepts of God’s Word; the weeds of spiritual backsliding and compromise had taken root; many of the vines were diseased and unfruitful. There was, close by, an ambitious husbandman that wanted to gain control and to lord over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

Monday 20 December 2010

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Cared For

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Cared For

1Kings 21:1 ‘Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel’

Naboth, as the husbandman, cared for his vineyard; as such he would have been prominent in Jezreel; he would have been held in high regard in the community as one that genuinely cared about a future harvest. Interestingly the name ‘Naboth’ means prominence; while the name ‘Jezreel’ means God sows. By adding these two names together, the idea of Naboth occupying a position of prominence in the place where God sows, takes shape. Naboth’s vineyard had been handed down through the various generations, now it was his responsibility to care for the heritage of his fore fathers. The time had come for Naboth to care for the vineyard in the town of Jezreel; it was now his responsibility to ensure that the vineyard would produce fruit.

Down through the centuries the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has been cared for by many and varied Protestant leaders; although differing in style and appearance, they all had the same task in hand; that was to care for the flock of God represented by the branches of the ‘true vine’. (Jhn15:1 &:5) ‘I am the true vine’ ‘ye are the branches’ They were brought to the place of prominence so as to care for that which God had sown; it was their duty to care for the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.

In the natural sense, the husbandman cared for the vineyard; he would have ensured that the wall was secure; he would have been diligent in his care for each individual branch, tending to their particular need. The husbandman would have ensured that adequate support was available for the fruit laden branches; he would have watered and fed the vines. The husbandman would have pruned and tended the vines so as to eliminate disease; he would have rooted out the weeds and been watchful for wild growth; he would have cast out the stones.

Now in the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism there has been much to occupy the attention of those that have had the responsibility of caring for the branches. The heresies of Arianism, Arminianism, Unitarianism and the Charismatic Movement, have all attacked the bulwarks of Protestantism. Many good church leaders have, in their day, stood in the gap and have made up the spiritual hedge about the vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.

Regrettably, there have been those in leadership that have not cared for Protestantism in Ulster; they have carried in the weeds of modernism, liberalism and secularism into their churches. Consequently the vines have been denied good spiritual food; they have grown wild in the climate of carnality; there is very little genuine fruit being borne. These unfaithful husbandmen have allowed the vines and branches to become diseased and barren through ecumenism; instead of wholesome fruit being produced, there are the false professions forced on with the fertilizer of emotionalism.

Protestant church leaders that once cared for the preaching of the whole counsel of God, have now left off preaching hell fire judgment against sin; they no longer uphold the sanctity of marriage; they accommodate civil partnerships; they no longer condemn homosexuality as sin; they deal in political correctness and deplore sound doctrine. They have left off caring for the vineyard of Ulster Protestantism and have taken up caring for the environment; they are more concerned about their carbon footprint than they are about walking with God. This careless attitude amongst some Protestant leaders in Ulster is causing Protestantism to be destroyed from within.

Churches are ordaining women into oversight and the ministry, which is contrary to the Word of God. (Titus1:6) speaks of an elder being ‘the husband of one wife’. Now equality legislation is placed above the authority of God’s Word and equal opportunities and rights win the day. In many Protestant churches, dress is casual and sometimes careless; women no longer wear head covering. Rather than preaching the Word of God, there is a nice little reflective talk about some abstract notion; old Psalms and hymns that have doctrinal foundation are discarded while an orchestra strikes up a racket of sentimental nonsense. Such a careless attitude will not go unpunished; God will treat carelessness with chastisement.
Isaiah 5 1Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: 2And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. 3And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. 4What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? 5And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: 6And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. 7For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

Sunday 19 December 2010

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Created

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism

1Kings 21:1 ‘Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel’

Protestantism in Ulster has been greatly polluted of late; in fact, since the establishment of the power sharing executive, it is well nigh unrecognizable. Biblical Protestantism, from its inception has been the object of every hellish attack imaginable; Roman Catholicism has worked consistently and tirelessly to try to reassert its dominance as the universal church, thus extinguishing the lamp of Protestant testimony and faith. There is but one true church and that is the church of Jesus Christ; the door is Christ; membership is by way of ‘the new birth’; and the head of that church is Christ. (Eph5:23) ‘Christ is the head of the church’.

What the Papacy failed to do over the passing centuries, Secular Humanism is now attempting; Humanism is now bare facedly attempting to destroy Ulster Protestantism by pulling down the surrounding wall and by introducing puppet pastors. (Jer 12:10-11) ‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.

Because this subject weighs so heavily upon the hearts of God’s redeemed people, it must be handled carefully and sympathetically; however, because God’s honour is at stake, the subject of ‘The vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ must be handled scripturally.

The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’... Created
A vineyard in the natural sense is enclosed by a wall; it is separated from the surrounding corrupt environment. The boundary not only protects the choice vines from the raging storms, the intruding weeds, the wild boar and such like; the boundary signifies ownership. The owner ordered the construction of the wall; moreover, the owner provided for and supervised the wall’s construction. The husbandman, chose the vines, he engrafted the branches; he sunk the well and delivered the water.

‘The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ was created by Almighty God; the surrounding walls of the Reformed Faith were raised up by God. It is the purpose of Protestantism to protest against the great erroneous teachings of the Papacy; while at the same time testify to the truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, as the only Saviour of sinners. ‘The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ has separated from the heresy of Roman Catholicism, and has separated unto the Biblical doctrine of Salvation. 'Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,' (2Cor6:14 & :17)

It is God therefore that has created this vineyard of Protestantism in Ulster; He is the Husbandman; He is the Sovereign owner; He ordered and raised up the walls of separation; He has chose the vines and engrafted the branches; He provides the water of His Word. This ‘Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ is created for God’s eternal glory.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

Sunday 12 December 2010

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism unto a New Cart

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism unto a New Cart 5

The Catastrophe of the Cart

And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.’ (2Sam6:6-7)

We have been comparing the new cart that David used to carry forward the ark of God, with the new cart on which Paisleyism is proposing to carry Protestantism into a shared future. Catastrophe overtook the procession of David’s new cart at the threshingfloor of Nachon; interestingly the name ‘Nachon’ means stroke, which brings into prominence the Word of God which says, ‘Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee’ (Job36:18) This great procession which exalted the world, the flesh and the devil was brought to an abrupt and solemn end when the stroke of Almighty God fell; all the cohesion, sharing and integration were to no avail when God’s judgment fell that day and the parade was over.

The new cart of Paisleyism, led forth by the two sons of Ulster, Ahio Johnstone and Uzzah Robinson, will be stopped when divine vengeance will fall. The stumbling of the oxen, typifies the uncertainty of the electorate as they are expected to bear the burden of Paisleyism’s new initiatives; for years the Protestants of Ulster were guided by the principles and precepts of the Reformed Faith, now they are being subjected to the humiliating load of Secularism, that Paisleyism demands that they haul forward to a shared future; just as the oxen stumbled, so too will the Ulster electorate.

When Uzzah saw the problem with the oxen, he took hold of the ark; this was a fatal error; Uzzah exposed himself to the righteous judgment of Almighty God by presuming to touch the symbol of the Divine presence with an unrighteous hand. The steadying hand of man’s unrighteousness is always visited by God’s wrath and judgment; ‘All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;’ Uzzah’s hands were unclean and so it was inappropriate of him to presume to touch the ark of God. The hand’s of Paisleyism are far from clean, all be it, they are using the laver of Secularism, as did Pilate, to establish their self righteousness; even now the dark clouds of God’s judgment are quickly gathering.

The slaying of Uzzah stopped the parade; the march was instantly rerouted to the house of Obededom and the new cart was neither seen nor heard of again. This was something that David’s administration had not prepared for; this was to bring them to their senses. Similarly, Paisleyism, has not anticipated ‘Nachon’s threshingfloor’ where judgment is waiting; in a moment, their new cart could be stopped by divine providence and the two sons of Ulster exposed to God’s chastisement. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;’ (Gal6:7)

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism unto a New Cart 4

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 4

The Carnival about the New Cart

‘And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.’ (2 Sam6:5)

The new administration in Israel under David was like Paisleyism, forward looking and inclusive; this New Cart was designed to have popular appeal and support. This new image or new initiative was presented in such a way, that everyone was invited to join in the parade; there was a carnival atmosphere developed so as to maximise cohesion, sharing and integration among the people. This was to be the greatest parade exhibiting moral rectitude of all time in Israel; the world, the flesh and the devil had all a vital role to play at the expense of God’s honour and testimony.

So too, there is a kind of carnival atmosphere being developed as the New Cart of Paisleyism is rolled out into the public arena; its wood is not covered with gold but with the veneer of political sleaze; the wheels are constructed from the every best hypocrisy known to fallen man; the shafts of the New Cart are of the best duplicity that public money can buy; it is being pulled along by a voiceless and misled electorate; and the two loyal sons of Ulster are in charge, Ahio Johnstone and Uzzah Robinson.

The New Cart in David’s day was the centre or the hub of worldly applause; there was a concerted effort made by all around the new cart to display a cohesive effort to accomplish orchestral finesse. Today, Paisleyism places Protestantism on their New Cart and exhibits it as a focal point for social cohesion; this reduces Biblical Protestantism to nothing more than mere entertainment value. It is an affront to evangelical Protestantism to be portrayed as popular entertainment which is applauded by the world.

As David’s new cart rolled along the road to Jerusalem, sharing was the conception as the waves of emotionalism rolled over the people. Now, as Ahio Johnstone and Uzzah Robinson drive the new cart of Paisleyism forward towards a shared future the waves of hyper emotionalism is overwhelming the Ulster people. After all the shouting about separation in the past; separation that pulled families, churches, political parties, communities and governments apart; all has now apparently changed, people are being encouraged by these two loyal sons of Ulster to share the same music sheet as the orchestra strikes up a march, entitled ‘Separation to Sharing’.

The carnival atmosphere surrounding the new card in David’s day exhibited an integrated society; the people were one, as they worshipped, as they walked and as they worked together. This is precisely what the new cart of Paisleyism is seeking to advance in Ulster. As they amerce our society deeper and deeper in equality legislation, these sons of Ulster are advancing the devil’s cause of multifaith and multicultural paganism.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

Sunday 5 December 2010

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 3

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 3

The Confidence of the New Cart

1Chron13:7 & 9 ‘and Uzzah and Ahio drave the cart’ ‘And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzzah put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.’
David and his team, full of enthusiasm for their proposals for the new dispensation, had total Confidence in their new cart. After all they had it carefully constructed, they were very well satisfied with the contents; in general they were confident in their forward looking plans; in their minds they had left nothing to chance, every eventuality was well covered; they were confident that they could deliver their new deal for Israel.

A lot of forward planning had been invested in this new initiative; Uzza, meaning ‘strength’ and Ahio, meaning ‘brother’ were the men entrusted in steering and supporting the new cart. Interestingly these two men were the sons of Abinidab; this was a family affair, it was seemingly the safe option so as to guarantee success. The oxen were there to do the heavy work in moving the whole process forward; but their confidence was shattered at the threshingfloor of Chidon, Chidon means ‘destruction’. They were ill prepared when the judgment of God was executed. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’

In the same way, Paisleyism has a lot of Confidence in their new cart initiative; they too have invested heavily in forward planning; they too, seemingly have left nothing to chance. Their new cart of Secularism has been carefully constructed, its contents have been politically manipulated; it’s a family affair that is in charge; Uzza and Ahio are represented in party leader and church leader, where Mr Robinson exhibits political strength and Rev Johnstone shows a safe pair of hands; the oxen are representative of the electorate that are expected to move the whole process forward. Paisleyism evidently has every confidence that their new cart of Secularism will move them on to victory; they would do well to consider what happened to David’s new cart at the threshingfloor. ‘Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.’

The subtle steering of Ahio did not prevent the oxen stumbling; the rash and impulsive support that Uzza gave to the Ark of God was foolish in the extreme. Uzza in a moment of utter folly touched the Ark without having regard for a mediator; he had presumed to have his own way, he had imagined that God would give way to his authority. ‘There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.’ Confidence in the new cart of Secularism that Paisleyism is showing off will be shaken when the oxen, that is when the electorate begin to stumble.


Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 2

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 2

Contents of the cart

As David had in mind to advance his ambitions for Israel, he had the new cart Constructed; then with that phase of the process completed, he went forward with stage two; this now leads us to view the Contents of the cart. David had his eye on the Ark of the Covenant and wanted to fit this into his plans for a new era in Israel. In that David wanted to carry the Precepts of God’s Word; the Principles that the Word of God supported and the Power that God’s Word reveals into Israel, is, on the surface to be commended. However, when this is examined more closely, it is discovered to be a serious error of judgment on the part of his team. ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you’

The Ark of the Covenant was never meant to be conveyed by any type of cart; no, the Ark of God was to be carried only by the Levites; it was only to be carried by those that were set apart for that particular task. The Ark of God was to be uplifted, it was to be held up above all human agency and means; it was to be held aloft by those whom God had sanctified or separated to that great work; it was never to be supported by some corporate cart of man’s making. ‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:’

So when it comes to the Contents of the new cart of Paisleyism; Protestant Precepts are only contained in the Word of God; they are not to be found rattling along in the new cart of Secularism. For Paisleyism to try to place the Precepts of Protestantism on the rag and bone cart of Secularism is a disgrace to all that are saved by grace. To couch the precepts of God’s holy Word in a Secular pragmatic cart is to devalue the Scriptures and to dishonour Almighty God. The Precepts of Protestantism are the precepts of Scripture and as such, must not be debated or debased by the unclean. ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’

Furthermore the Principles or the moral code of Protestantism are never to be loaded unto the devil’s hand cart; the moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments, it does not evolve from society as the Secularist implies. Protestant principles are shouldered by people of deep Scriptural principle that have been reconciled unto God on the ground and merit of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It is morally wrong for Paisleyism to attempt to load Protestantism unto their new cart of Secularism.

Finally, any attempt by Paisleyism to load the Power of Protestantism onto their new cart must be resisted. The power of God is not dispensed from some cart of man’s making; Ulster Protestants are not to be made feel that they can only receive power from the hand cart of Paisleyism. The power of Protestantism to stand against Secularism and Popery comes from Almighty God; it does not fall from the new cart of Secularism. ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth’.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 1

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 1

The Construction of the New Cart

As David considered the construction of the new cart in his day, so we have the parallels to Paisleyism of our day. Evidently the new cart in David’s time would have been constructed out of wood; he followed the pattern of the idolatrous Philistines.

Wood, in Scripture is associated with man and therefore has an association with sin and judgment. When wood was used in the construction of Noah’s ark, it was covered with pitch; this is of course a picture of the atonement which depicts the covering. When wood was used in the tabernacle and temple furnishings, it was covered with precious gold and such like, so too, in the construction of the Ark of God, it was overlaid with pure gold. So wood, uncovered is associated with sin and man’s hatred for his maker; it was to a cross of wood that sinful, degenerate and wicked man nailed the Son of God. We must always remember that it is not the wood of the cross that saves, but it is the blood of the cross of Christ that saves; ‘the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin’.

The construction of the new cart was based upon sinful association; so too the new cart of Paisleyism has abandoned the Biblical principles of Protestantism where the Word of God is foundational and absolutely essential in every aspect of the Reformed Faith; they have turned away from the golden principles of separation and went to the wood of Secular uncleanness. ‘He that putteth his hand to the plough and looketh back is not fit’.

This new cart that David’s team had constructed from wood, revealed the craft of fallen man. Here was a vehicle constructed by human effort; the new cart overshadowed the power of Almighty God and brought into prominence the paltry power of man. Human effort, human ability and human resource brought the new cart to the fore; it was an invention, it was an innovation of man the fallen and sinful creature. Undoubtedly it would have necessitated a team effort to construct the new cart; and so it is with Paisleyism today. They have taken their hands away from the work of God; which work requires ‘clean hands and a pure heart’; and have set their hands to the construction of their new cart of ungodly Secularism. ‘ye cannot serve God and mammon’.

In order for David’s team to construct their new cart, there had to be a plan, there had to be a certain layout of specification details. A team of experts would have been commissioned to work on this new Davidic project; without doubt they would have depended upon human reasoning. So too with Paisleyism, as they view this so called new era; they are relying upon human reasoning to come up with the right design of vehicle to move their policies forward. Just as David used a secular vehicle to carry his ambitions forward, so, Paisleyism is rolling the new cart of Secularism out into Ulster society with the intention of carrying Protestantism to ruin and judgment. Any ‘new cart’ constructed from sinful association, crafted by human ability and designed by human reasoning is an unworthy vehicle indeed. ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me’

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart

Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on ‘A New Cart’

In 1Samuel ch4, with the backsliding of old Eli and the great wickedness of his sons Hophni and Phinehas, the glory of God had departed from Israel and the Philistines had invaded the land; consequently the Ark of God was taken by the victorious Philistine armies. The Ark of God or the Ark of the Covenant was the symbol of God’s presence amongst His people; it was where God’s redeemed people could meet with their Redeemer; only on the ground and merits of shed blood. The Ark of God speaks primarily of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ; He is the Mediator of the new covenant, ‘the only mediator between God and men’

The Ark of God had been in the land of the Philistines for seven months; during this time the LORD plagued the ungodly Philistines and so it was in 1Samuel ch6, that the Philistines make ‘A New Cart’, placed the Ark of God upon it, and send it back to Israel. The Ark of God entered the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite; here the Levites remove the Ark of the LORD, cut up the wood of the cart, and offer the animals that pulled the cart, for a burnt offering unto God. The people of Bethshemish were slain of the LORD because they removed the mercy seat of the Ark and looked upon the pure law of Almighty God; they had foolishly exposed themselves to the law of God without a Mediator; consequently the Ark was taken to ‘the house of Abinidab in the hill’; there it remained throughout the long reign of Saul, Israel’s first king.

When the leadership of Israel came into the hands of David, he decided to do things very differently; in 2Samuel ch6 ‘they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinidab’. This new cart is typical of the new image that Paisleyism has been adopting of late; since entering power sharing with unrepentant terrorists, Paisleyism has been undergoing a remarkable change. Separation-ism has been totally abandoned and Secularism has been fully embraced and implemented.

In order for David to implement his new power base, he needed a fresh start, he wanted a new beginning, he was seeking to establish a new order; so he set his team to work on a new image for his radical forward looking proposals; ‘A New Cart’ was needed to carry the work forward.

This is a mirror image of Paisleyism today in Ulster; they have had a long and critical look on their past; it is now time to present their newly found Secular uniform; they have grown out of the robes of the righteousness of Christ; there is a yearning now for the new leadership to stamp its image on the brand name. After a short time of transition, Paisleyism is now rolling out their ‘New Cart’ upon which they vainly imagine to place Protestantism in Ulster.

Next time we are going to examine the Construction of the ‘New Cart’.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)