Arthur Roberts

Last week, as we began the work of updating our print catalog, I was reminded of the huge investment many have made in Barclay Press. Nearly one in five Barclay Press titles, for instance, lists Arthur Roberts as a writer, editor, or contributor. Arthur edited a modern-English edition of Robert Barclay’s A Catechism and Confession. Arthur shared his poems in collections like Heavenly Fire, Let the Spirit Soar, and Look Closely at the Child. Arthur closely studied the life and work of George Fox in Through Flaming Sword. Then, in Prayers of Twilight, he explored his own mortality (and ours).

Arthur passed away this last December at the age of 93.

As a way of remembering Arthur’s contribution to Barclay Press, to George Fox University, and to Friends, we’re offering a 20 percent discount on all of Arthur’s titles for the next month. Click here to see the full collection. I hope that many of these might be books you already own and love.

In closing, I want to offer this excerpt from a letter Arthur sent to pastors in April 2003. His words for then still matter today (something that remains true for many of the words Arthur offered over the course of his life):

“Look through the lens of sovereign purpose to spot virtues shining in rough and parochial settings, e.g., soldiers risking their lives for each other, sorrowing families finding solace from caring neighbors, hungry children bonding with relief workers, medics healing broken bodies. In such activities the Spirit sows seeds of loyalty and love that when nourished will grow and flower in broader fields of humanity. Watch the Holy Spirit etch images of a million peace marchers into the consciences of the people world-wide. Anticipate not only a growing repudiation of war but also minds newly opened to embedded injustices that feed violence. 

“Watch the Spirit prod religious leaders of the world into affirming full religious freedom, without monopolistic tyranny. Watch idealists search for foundational truth in the rubble of Babel’s tumbled towers. Witness lessons of compassion learned from refugees and from the families of the slain. Through communities of suffering God teaches everyone lessons about love. Rejoice in the bond of peace that will fuse into Kingdom solidarity humanitarian aid workers and the families they assist.

“My companions in the Gospel, rest your faith in the power and presence of the Lord, as expressed in Psalm 46:” 

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD; see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” 

Eric Muhr