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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 �6.00) is available at the Covenanter Bookshop, 39
Knockbracken Road, Carryduff, BT8 4SF. Tel. (028) 9081 4110
or online https://www.covenanterbooks.com/
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