The late Rev
Professor Fredrick Leahy, a well-known Christian author, lived
in Manor Park, Lisburn for almost 18 years where he spent his
retirement years. He was minister of the new congregation of
Dromore Reformed Presbyterian Church for 8 years prior to the
installation of the present minister, the Rev David McCullough,
in 2003.
In the last two years of his life his pen was particularly
productive when he wrote the manuscript of a book entitled ‘The
Hand of God’. On Wednesday 4th January 2006
he walked to Lisburn Post Office with his wife Margaret and
posted the manuscript to the publisher. When returning home,
they walked past Eason’s Shop in Bow Street and Margaret
jokingly said to him, “Fred, should you not buy some notepaper
to write your next book?” to which he replied, “Margaret, I have
said all I need to say”. It is particularly poignant when we
realize that regrettably, Fred died that evening.
Prof Leahy’s book has just been launched and
the Rev Professor Robert McCollum, minister of Lisburn Reformed
Presbyterian Church gives this informative review of the book,
which he says, “demonstrates the comfort of having a Sovereign
God looking after our lives”. He continues, “Some people get
the opportunity to give a few words of counsel to their family
before their death. In this book we have Prof Leahy’s parting
message to his spiritual family - and what a message it is”.
The book begins with a foreword by Geoff
Thomas (Aberystwyth), a tribute to Prof Leahy by the publisher,
‘Banner of Truth’ and an introduction by the author in which he
defines that the aim of his book is “to show that the
sovereignty of God, as revealed in Scripture, is a comforting
truth”. In the 10 chapters that follow the thoughtful
reader will find much to comfort as this great doctrine is
taught and applied to many life situations. Picking up the
common refrain from Scripture, ‘the hand of God’, we are
introduced, in successive chapters, to the hand that Creates,
Governs, Provides, Redeems, Keeps, Guides, Chastens, Blesses,
Enables and Judges.
A short paragraph from the foreword
illustrates the value of this spiritual gem.
“Here are the mature reflections of an old
Christian who has longed to pass on to those coming after him
some insights from his life-long service of our Lord Jesus
Christ. It is utterly safe and full of wisdom. To read it has
been a means of grace to me; more than that, it has been a
delight.” (Geoff Thomas)
In a world of apparent chaos and
bewildering uncertainty this book reminds us that God is in
control and He is working out His purposes in everything that
happens. Some personal experiences of the author bring back
fond memories to those who were acquainted with him.
Buy this book and read it. If you are a
Christian, you will be able to face each day with a smile on
your face and a spring in your step. If you are not a
Christian, you will be constantly challenged to put your trust
in this great God by accepting His Son, Jesus Christ, as your
Saviour. The book (cost Ł6.00) is available at the Covenanter
Bookshop, 39 Knockbracken Road, Carryduff, BT8 4SF. Tel. (028)
9081 4110 or online
www.covenanterbookshop.com
 |
