Thursday, March 12, 2009

My affinity with Richard Baxter (it is not theological by the way)

The Puritan Richard Baxter once had a load of books fall on him from a great height. I on the other hand, whilst reaching for some books at a great height, have managed to break my wrist in three places. Tomorrow I will be having a metal plate inserted into my wrist to solve the problem.

Now, ironically, all of this happened within an hour of my posting these words:
Most of us are more comfortable looking at doctrines neatly displayed in glass cases than in those moments when our eyes focus on the letters that read "Emergency Break Glass." But the real test of how much we truly understand and really believe them (and by doctrine I don't mean abstract ideas but God's written truth about himself, his purposes, us, and his world in which we live), is discovered not in a classroom but more likely in a hospital waiting room, or by the side of a grave.
So there I was, sat in the A & E department of the Countess of Chester, thinking of how much I needed to apply what I had just written.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was sorry to hear this, Martin. I trust that God will give you rapid healing as you prove what you have written and - more importantly - prove what HE has written.

Guy Davies said...

Did the combined weight of Bavinck's Dogmatics land on your wrist or something? I hope they didn't get damaged.

Seriously, may the Lord grant you a speedy recovery.

Anonymous said...

Ouch. Time to go ebook, brother. A hard disk doesn't cause so much damage, even if it doesn't smell so nice. Broke my wrist similarly when attending Anglican confirmation classes as a teenager and took it to be a sign to be a life long baptist......

Speedy recovery.

KiwiChronicles said...

Downes Downed by Doctrine!

sorry to hear about your injury. Will be praying for a swift healing and a continuing sense of humour in it all.

we do indeed often learn best the lessons we have preached when we come under the weight of their convictions!

Ben Carswell said...

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when reading this post! Does this mean you'll get to wear something on your arm like Alfie did whilst playing?
Hope your arm improves soon, surgery goes well & that it doesn't affect your thumbs for PS action...

Anonymous said...

Martin, Martin, Martin .. looks like you are not going to be an option for Gatlan now either!

Alan said...

Sorry to hear about this, Martin.

Praying that you'll heal quickly and well and be back fully in harness soon.

Every blessing !

Anonymous said...

The story is much more interesting when told by your wife.
Get well soon.
The Poiles xxx

Martin Downes said...

Interesting or embellished?

She has been looking after me well.