The Rev Dr John Douglas signs a copy of his book entitled �Psalm 119 - The Complete and full-orbed alphabet of Heaven� for the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley. Looking on is Lisburn Mayor, Councillor James Tinsley, who launched the book on Saturday 1st March, in the Assembly Room of the Linen Centre, Lisburn.	The Rev Dr John Douglas signs a copy of his book entitled �Psalm 119 - The Complete and full-orbed alphabet of Heaven� for Councillor James Tinsley (Lisburn Mayor), who launched the book on Saturday 1st March in the Assembly Room of the Linen Centre, Lisburn. Looking on is (seated right) the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley and (back row) Rev Dr Stanley Barnes, Mrs Ina Barnes, Mr Eric Graham (Clerk of Session of Lisburn Free Presbyterian Church), Mrs Eunice Douglas and Baroness Eileen Paisley.	Cover of the book entitled �Psalm 119 - The Complete and full-orbed alphabet of Heaven�

The Rev Dr John Douglas, Senior Minister of Lisburn Free Presbyterian Church launched his book entitled �Psalm 119 - The Complete and full-orbed alphabet of Heaven� on Saturday 1st March in the Assembly Room of the Linen Centre, Lisburn. Dr Douglas, a well-known minister and evangelist in the Lisburn area and beyond, recently retired as Clerk of Presbytery, a position he has held for thirty-seven years.

In launching the book, Lisburn Mayor Councillor James Tinsley, recalled how Lisburn was destroyed by fire 300 years ago and the town wiped out, reminding those gathered that God�s word would never be wiped out. The Mayor, a lifelong member of Lisburn Free Presbyterian Church, congratulated his senior minister on writing his book and thanked him for his hard and dedicated work.

The Rev Dr Stanley Barnes, who recently retired as minister of Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church, said, �This eagerly awaited commentary on the longest psalm of the Bible fulfils every expectation. Dr Douglas has already demonstrated his Old Testament scholarship in previous works and this commentary is the fruit of his many years spent lecturing the students of the Whitefield College of the Bible of which he is principal. It is rich in pastoral and practical application and will quickly become an indispensable tool for anyone wanting an in depth study or a devotional treatment of Psalm 119.

In an interview with Dr Barnes, Dr Douglas spoke of his burden to teach what the passage is all about saying that it was material for serious Bible study. He thanked the session and committee of Lisburn Free Presbyterian Church saying that it was with their encouragement that the book was on the table tonight. He concluded by speaking of his wish that the book would inspire people to prayer and help readers as they come before the throne of God.

The Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley closed the formal part of the evening with a prayer of dedication saying that the book represented the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.

Refreshments were served afterwards, allowing the invited guests to chat with Dr Douglas and obtain a signed copy of his book.

Dr Douglas�s book is available from The Faith Mission Bookshop and other Christian bookshops and at Free Presbyterian Churches, price �11.99.

About the book
On the cover of his book, which he also describes as an �ABC of the Holy Scriptures�, Dr Douglas says: �Firstly, and obviously, this is the longest of all the Psalms and it draws attention to itself on that account. The shortest is 117 and mention is made there of that Word which is the truth of the LORD�. Secondly, a prominent Alphabetical design lends distinction to the Psalm, the sections throughout extending to greater length than in any other similar portion. The student is led forward in these pages by the suggestion that he is looking at each sequential letter of Hebrew script as a Divinely given, living emblem of the heritage of God�s people. Thirdly, a special feature is its intense concentration on Scripture; indeed the Psalm celebrates the written Word to a degree seen in no other part of the Word of God. This is essentially the Psalm of the Bible. Fourthly, this volume is exceedingly suitable for family devotions, and Bible in hand, one can take from this book, a paragraph at a time, to help supply uplifting guidance for each day, ministering lessons to young and old alike�. The author concludes, �Psalm 119 is part of the young person�s �Body of Divinity�. It is the sacred repository of formative teaching especially for the children, and for the young man who desires to cleanse and regulate his way�.
 

At the book launch in the Assembly Room of the Linen Centre, Lisburn on Saturday 1st March are L to R: (seated) Councillor James Tinsley (Lisburn Mayor), the Rev Dr John Douglas and Mr Eric Graham (Clerk of Session of Lisburn Free Presbyterian Church). (back row) Lisburn Free Presbyterian Church elders and committee - Councillor Allan Ewart, Mr Noel Thompson, Mr Samuel Norton, Mr Michael Crow, Mr Donny Managh, Mr Samuel Collins and Mr Ian Martin.	At the book launch in the Assembly Room of the Linen Centre, Lisburn on Saturday 1st March are L to R: Councillor Allan Ewart, Councillor James Tinsley (Lisburn Mayor), the Rev Dr John Douglas and Alderman Edwin Poots, MLA.
At the book launch in the Assembly Room of the Linen Centre, Lisburn on Saturday 1st March are L to R: (seated) Rev. Ken Elliott (Bethany Free Presbyterian Church, Portadown and Homiletics and Pastoral Theology tutor in Whitefield College of the Bible) and the Rev Dr John Douglas. (back row) Rev David Park (Hebron Free Presbyterian Church, Ballymoney and Lecturer in Christian Doctrine and Personal Evangelism), Rev Gary Goodes (Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church) and the Rev Dr Stanley Barnes (recently retired minister of Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church).	At the book launch in the Assembly Room of the Linen Centre, Lisburn on Saturday 1st March are L to R: (seated) The Rev Dr John Douglas and his son David (left) a Graphic Designer, who produced the Book Cover art work. . (back row) Joe Costley (Managing Director of JC Print), Councillor James Tinsley (Lisburn Mayor) and the Rev Dr Stanley Barnes (recently retired minister of Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church)..

Joe Costley (Managing Director of JC Print) presents Dr John Douglas with a leather bound copy of his book.

01/03/2008