To put one’s trust in anything less than God leads to disaster. Such is my experience.
With that in mind, ought we to be hopeful about the present situation in regard to abortion, infanticide and euthanasia?
Yes, without s doubt!
What are we to think, then, of a May 15 Ottawa Citizen article entitled, “Morgentaler On The Move: Safe in the belief that he’s won the abortion rights war in Canada, Morgentaler is taking his campaign to a new venue – the Third World,” followed by remarks such as: “Finally in 1988, he captured the big prize: The Supreme Court of Canada struck down the country’s abortion law opening the way for his clinics and others across the country.
“He’s still skirmishing in the courts in four provinces, but Morgentaler knows he’s won the war.
“With that behind him, Morgentaler, at 70, says it’s time for his next campaign – the Third World.”
What are we to think of that?
To me it feels like misplaced complacency, perhaps a bit of self-satisfied pride, or even arrogance.
The writer, Doug Fischer, seems to feel that way too. He begins his article with these words:
“Perhaps the trait that makes Henry Morgentaler one of the country’s most admired, and reviled, public figures of the past two decades is his clear sense of accomplishment.
“Canadians like generous helpings of humility from their heroes. We prefer them to be tidy, uncomplicated, non-political.
“Henry Morgentaler is none of these things. First and foremost, he’s an abortionist, a very famous one. He’s also passionate, unafraid, certain of his mission – and, it seems, unstoppable.”
If it is true that there is some misplaced pride, complacency, self-satisfaction or arrogance in Morgentaler’s attitude, what significance does that have?
The proverb, “Pride goes before a fall” (16:18), comes to mind.
Also, Jesus’ parable about “a rich man who having had a good harvest” built bigger barns and said to his soul: “’My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come; take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This very night the demand will be made for your soul; and this hoard of yours, whose will it be then? So it is when a man stores up treasure for himself in place of making himself rich in the sight of God.” (Luke 12: 16-21)
Man proposes, God disposes. Only God is “unstoppable.”
Morgentaler, like the rich man, complacent and self-satisfied in “his clear sense of accomplishment” is going to expand his operations perhaps just in time, “this very night,” when “the demand will be made for [his] soul.”
We ought also to take heart in the words of the Psalmist who says:
“Do not worry about the wicked…Quick as the grass they wither, fading like the green in the field.
“Trust in Yahweh and do what is good…live in peace; make Yahweh your only joy and he will give you what your heart desires.
“Commit your fate to Yahweh, trust Him and He will act…
“Be quiet before Yahweh, and wait patiently for Him, not worrying about men who make their fortunes, about men who scheme to bring the poor and needy down.
“A little longer, and the wicked will be no more, search his place well, he will not be there; but the humble shall have the land for their own to enjoy untroubled peace.” (Ps. 37: 1-11)
Is this not reason to hope?
We have God’s assurances that in the end all will be well, good will overcome evil. “God is not mocked.” (Gal. 6:7)
We are encouraged to “trust in God and God will act,” just as Moses encouraged God’s people at the Red Sea over 3,000 years ago: “Have no fear! Stand firm, and you will see what Yahweh will do to save you today: the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. Yahweh will do the fighting for you: you have only to keep still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)
The Morgentalers you see today you will never see again.
Notable Quotes
Fallacy of the century
“I see Henry as one of the truly great people of the 20th century. I really do.” Colorado abortionist, Warren Hern, speaking (seriously) about Henry Morgentaler, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. (Ottawa Citizen, May15,1993)
Irish Docs speak out
“As obstetricians and gynecologists, we affirm that there are no medical circumstances justifying direct abortion, that is, no circumstances in which only the life of the mother may be saved by directly terminating the life of her unborn child.” Statement by Irish Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (Communique – Feb. 5, 1993)
Five Alive
“Vanessa is the embodiment of all that the Spring of Life was about. Can anyone look at her and tell me it wasn’t worth it?” Pro-life spokesperson, Karen Swallow Prior, speaking of Vanessa Laboy – just one of the reported five children who were allowed to live because of the much-maligned May 1992 rescues in Buffalo. (Buffalo News, May 2, 1993)
No Takers
“As of today, we have no takers.” U.S. Col. Ogden DeWitt commenting on the number of doctors who have agreed to perform abortions in military hospitals since Bill Clinton dropped the ban. (Los Angeles Times, March 30, 1993)
No Rules
“They pass out condoms, teach sex education and pregnancy-this and pregnancy-that…but they don’t teach us any rules.” High school student in Lakewood, CA. speaking to a reporter on why he and nine of his school-mates have been accused of setting up a sex-ring. (Globe and Mail, March 30, 1993)
