Francis Nigel Lee, R.I.P. (1934-2011)
Posted on 25 December 2011 | Category: Heroes
Francis Nigel lee died early Friday morning peacefully and that after a prolonged struggle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. He is now with the Lord serving and beholding Him in glory. His daughter conveyed that although the disease gradually stripped him of his speech, mobility and ability to write, he conducted himself with dignity and grace to the end. Amazingly when we were last in communication, back in October, he shared with me the status of his condition. Little did I know then that when he was taken to a neurology appointment, he was already wheelchair-bound. His daughter conveyed that the doctors and specialists sympathized with his condition and remarked that it would be natural for him to be angry given what is happening to him. But Francis Nigel Lee was a different man, he possessed an extraordinary spirit and it was in full display right up to the moment he went home to be with the Lord.
Francis Nigel Lee had the spirit of Caleb. Earlier this year as I recalled conversing and asking him, why he contended for the faith in the manner that he did, his reply was, ‘God has commanded us all to use our gifts to advance God’s kingdom with every fiber of strength that is in our being.’ Whether I asked him concerning his position on credo-communion or the Sabbath or whatever subject I brought to him he was always gentle, brilliant, teaching, loving, patient and above all, passionate and always wanting to make sure I understood ‘what God said.’
Francis Nigel Lee had the intellectual and theological mind of John Calvin. When I first encountered his books back in the mid-nineties I quickly became convinced that he was a modern day reformer and one who wanted to see the world image the Son in every realm of life. As John Calvin’s Institutes and his optimistic eschatology transformed the West so it has been with the works of Francis Nigel Lee. His Magnum Opus ‘Communist Eschatology’ is a testament of the way his prodigious mind operated. Like very few men I know, he understood the power of eschatology. He comprehended that Marx and Engels were imbued with an optimistic view (albeit communistic) toward the future and as such they were convinced that social and cultural change would only come through the disciplined and organizational endeavors of the workers for the purposes of the State. Ideas die long and hard deaths, and Europe and the world over, since the late 1700’s, would learn how difficult it is for such insipid ideologies to go away. So as the 19th century concluded, new and emboldened followers of Marx & Engels emerged. As is customary with the experience of new disciples, the new adherents challenged the old ways but without discarding the core premises of the founders. Representative of the new 20th century Marxists were the likes of Herbert Marcuse and Antonio Gramsci. These two believed that a society’s fabric could be altered by radically infusing the thought world of key social institutions with ideas of chaos and revolution. In order to change the West, they believed, man needed to be remade in the image of a new idea, one which extricated God as the center point of life and to be replaced by the ‘all knowing’ State. Like their eschatological forebears, Marcuse and Gramsci believed that modern 20th century man had to change every fiber of society in order to bring about pure communism. To do this Gramsci suggested that the new Marxists discard the old Stalinist methods of attaining change through social obedience by terror, and instead began disseminating nihilistic philosophies and methods which sought to eradicate ‘old’ Christian ideas of culture. Remake society with ‘new and better’ norms through public school education. And perhaps no other figure in the 20th century understood the implications of the philosophy of Statism more clearly than Francis Nigel Lee.
I engaged with Francis Nigel Lee at length on a number of these Statism issues and true to his character as a man of God, he was always willing to respond in kind. During our conversations he would always explain things with accuracy and detail, often doing so all the while referring me to one of his books or the thousands of books that he had read. I know of only two other men who have read and studied as widely as he did. Needless to say, each and every time we communicated with one another I always sensed that I had so much more to learn.
Lastly and perhaps most important, Francis Nigel Lee had the living hope of the Lord Jesus Christ. This hope was in vivid display when after first being told of his condition, he calmly replied, “Whether I die in two years or two months, my life is in God’s hands. My hope is in the next life.” So when I learned of Dr. Lee’s condition back on October 13, 2011 I wrote the following letter. Note my letter and his reply:
Dr. Lee,
I wanted to tell you that I became very sad upon hearing the news of your newly contracted illness. I am saddened not because I am uncertain of the glory you will soon behold, it will be more glorious than any human description can provide. But I am saddened because, though unknown to you as of at least 2 years ago when we met, you have been a deep source of encouragement to me and my household and I will miss knowing that you are no longer with us in this world. I will, however, rejoice because you will have joined the saints triumphant. It is no secret that through your writings you have changed the life of an entire family here in the United States. The impact you have had cannot be measured and I would be remiss if I did not tell you what you mean to me.
Your book, Communist Eschatology, alone has aided me and provided my mind with ideas that I now use to teach high school students the Christian worldview. Having narrowly escaped the clutches of communism, particularly when my parents decided to fight back against the government of Salvador Allende in Chile, I can say that your words through your great work stands the test of time and have helped me to identify the counterfeits faiths that have robbed the minds of men and women, the world over. Communist Eschatology has inspired a generation of freedom fighters who bear the name Christian. Your ‘Christian Manifesto’ with your book is a classic and it serves as the intellectual force that drives virtually everything I do in life.
Needless to say your work, The Central Significance of Culture is another classic that has made an indelible impact on my soul. The beauty of the Christian worldview and the significance of Christ as the center of all culture would not make the sense it does had it not been for your inspired words. I can go on and on about other material you have written but this brief email should suffice in telling you how you changed the life of a man born in Chile who now resides in the United States and who will always be thankful for your contributions. Like a father who rears his son in the faith so have you done with me, albeit through the printed page. I count it a glorious privilege to know you and to have exchanged correspondence via email. Men like you and R.J Rushdoony will forever be remembered and revered in my household.
You should know that I have disseminated your works throughout the United States and the world. I have also bought multiple copies of your books (whichever ones I could find) and given them away as gifts. I have my own copies but the world needs to know more about you and the Lord whom you serve. From my end, I will continue to disseminate your material as God allows. If ever you decide to reprint books that are out of print please let me know, I will help to spearhead any endeavor in your honor and for the advancement of the kingdom. I will even help financially to get it done. To say that you are honored in our home with our memories is an understatement. Having never met you I can say this without hesitation, I love you.
So from me and my entire family, thank you!!! My three children are the proud recipients of the knowledge you have shared and may they grow to have your passion and love for our Lord. I will always remember you! I will always recall how you changed my life through your books.
Your friend Bracey
Typical of Dr. Lee’s immediate answers he responded and wrote back;
Dear Bracey,
I am thrilled by your letter. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Dr. Lee
So as I began working on this obituary my friends throughout the blogosphere began writing as well, and one particular piece caught my attention. It did so because it captured the spirit of the man whom I had the privilege of calling a friend. Here is Francis Nigel Lee writing on God’s sovereignty back in 1996. May this note from Dr. Lee serve as a reason for why we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus.
The Sovereignty of God in the Salvation of My Father’s Slayer.
By the Rev. Prof. Dr. F. N. Lee
Copyright 1996 © Dr. F. N. Lee. Published here with Permission.
In April 1994, I was invited to fly round the world and expound the Lord’s Prayer in the U. S. A. during September. Having acquired the plane ticket, as an only child I was much looking forward to visiting my parents in Barrydale (near Swellendam in South Africa) on my way from Australia to America.
However, in July 1994, my father (almost 86) was robbed and left for dead in his home. My mother (having lost her mind and the use of some of her bodily functions) was permanently hospitalised. One week after being assaulted, my father died in hospital and went to be with the Lord.
Upon my arrival in South Africa in September, I headed for Swellendam (where my mother is still in hospital). There, I was amazed that the police had apprehended a young man in connection with the death of my father, and that the young man had signed a statement alleging that he alone had attacked my father. I also learned that my father, before dying, had given a description to the police of the young man (which description is altogether in harmony with the appearance of the accused) and that the latter was being held in jail precisely in Swellendam, while awaiting his preliminary trial just one week after my own arrival there.
I immediately contacted the jail, requesting permission to come and speak to the accused (of whom it is alleged that he had killed also someone else even before attacking my father). The police warmly supported my request, but informed me the accused had the right to refuse to see me. He, however, being told who I was, agreed and even requested to meet with me.
On the 15th of September I went to the jail, where I was told to surrender my camera and tape-recorder and any firearms I may have been carrying. I was escorted to a room where three armed policemen and their officer were doing clerical work. One minute later, the accused was brought through the door into the room and stood there in front of me.
He was a strongly-built medium-sized man, answering exactly to the description given by my father to the police. He stood there, just looking down at the ground. I silently prayed to God for guidance as to what to do next. Then I got up from my chair; addressed him politely by his full name; greeted him with a handshake; thanked him sincerely for granting me the interview; and requesting him to sit down before I again did so.
I then said: “Mr. W., are you getting enough to eat here?” He replied: “Yes, thank you.” I said: “Have you peace of mind here?” He replied: “Sir, I am very unhappy. I have been praying to God in my cell for the last three nights, but it’s as if my prayers bounce back off the ceiling and don’t get through.”
I then said: “Mr. W., I am the only child of the old man who was left for dead behind the front door of his house in Barrydale on the 10th of July whom you are accused of having assaulted. I had been looking forward to spending a week with him in September, but as you can see this is now impossible.” The young man nodded; looked down; and said nothing. I then continued: “Mr. W., my father was not a Christian many years ago, but there came a time in his life when he turned from his sins and received Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. That is why he is now in heaven, and waiting for me to join him.
“I assure you Mr. W., that if you make your peace with God – whether you die right now of a heart attack; or are to be put to death for murder; or die naturally later on – you too will go to heaven. I also assure you that my father, whom you are accused of having murdered, will then be the first to welcome you there. However, Mr. W., if you do not repent and if you die in your sins, I assure you that you will spend eternity in hell-fire and damnation forever! “Mr. W., whether you repent and become a Christian, or you harden yourself and die in your sins, know for sure that if found guilty by the court I would want you to receive the maximum penalty. “I will plead no leniency whatsoever for you, even if you become a Christian, but I am offering you everlasting life in heaven after you die, if you will repent and come to Jesus.
“Mr. W., three men died on a little hill called Calvary. Two were guilty robbers; but the One in the middle, the Lord Jesus, was innocent. Robbers, as you know, include those who go around beating up old people and leaving them for dead after stealing from them. Both of those robbers jeered at the innocent Jesus crucified between them. “But then one of the robbers repented, turned to the other, and said: ‘We are being condemned justly. For we are receiving the punishment due, for our deeds. But this man (Jesus) has done nothing amiss!’ Then the penitent robber said to Jesus: ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!’ So Jesus said: ‘Truly, I tell you, today you shall be with me in paradise!’
“Mr. W., do you not see yourself as one of those two robbers next to Jesus on Calvary? Will you die in your sins and go to hell like the impenitent robber? Or will you, like the other robber, repent of your sins; receive Jesus as your Lord; and be assured by Him that you will go to heaven when you die?
“Mr. W., if you wish, I will leave this jail right now. But if you prefer, I would be privileged to show you right now how you too can become a Christian. Which is it to be?”
Mr. W. then tried to look in my eye. He said: “Sir, would you please show me how to become a Christian?” I then realised that the four policemen in the room had all put down their pens; had stopped working; and were straining their ears, listening to us. So I said: “Officer, could you kindly get us a Bible?” The officer went galloping out of the room, and immediately returned with a Bible and put it on my lap with great respect. I opened it at John 3:16, and asked Mr. W. if he could read. When he so indicated, I handed him the Bible, and asked him to read it. Loudly and clearly, he read it out, and then said: “I am too big a sinner!” But I replied: “Mr. W., it says here: ‘whosoever’; and that includes you too, if and when you put your trust in Jesus.”
The atmosphere was electric. All in that room felt the awesome presence of God the Holy Ghost. The silence was terrifying. Then I said: “Mr. W., will you come to Jesus?” He replied: “I will!”
So, two wicked hell-deserving sinners Rev. Prof. Dr. Nigel Lee and his father’s slayer Mr. W., then went down on their knees in that jail together. I put my arm around his shoulder, and prayed first. I thanked God for our meeting; (re)confessed all my own fresh sins to the Lord; and then asked Him to have mercy on Mr. W., for Christ’s sake.
Mr. W. then prayed. He said: “Lord, I’m a miserable sinner! Please don’t let Satan destroy me! I am sorry for all my sins. Forgive me, for the sake of Jesus who died for people like me!”
We then got off our knees. I assured him: “Mr. W., if you really meant that, you are now my brother. In that case, here is my right hand of fellowship. I will help you in any way I can. Here is my address in Australia. If you write to me, I promise to reply to every letter you may write, for the rest of my life. When is your trial?” He replied: “Thursday 22nd September.” I promised to pray for him on that day (when I would be overseas), that justice would be done and that he would continue to receive God’s grace whatever the outcome. I then again shook his hand and left the jail to the astonishment of both the grateful police and the bewildered convicts there who just kept on staring at me in amazement.
Driving back to Barrydale, I praised God and sang His Psalms the whole time – realizing anew that God is not dead but very much alive on this great planet earth. For God had revived my soul – and, I trust, those of all in that room in the jail.
Four days later, I visited the jail again. This time Mr. W. was waiting for me with a smile. He had been reading the Bible since I last saw him, and claimed to have peace. I urged him to speak to the other prisoners about what had happened to him; to tell the full truth at his trial. I also urged him to work and witness for the Lord for the rest of his earthly life (be it short or long). He then prayed for both of us; thanked God for my visits; and boldly asked the Lord to bless me wherever I went (that same day to England, and thereafter to America). God heard his prayer. In London, the Lord spoke powerfully even through my there relating the above events. In America, the effect was electrifying, and the tape-recording of my account is spreading like wildfire and producing awesome enquires and results. I used it there, as an illustration, while preaching on the fifth petition in the Lord’s Prayer: “And forgive men their debts, as we forgive our debtors!”
My fellow sinner, how stands it with your soul? Are you certain you are right with God for time and eternity? For Jesus assures us: “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses!”
O that God would melt the heavens and come down, and touch and revive His hard-nosed children here on earth! Do you have the certainty that all your sins have been forgiven, for Christ’s sake? If not, settle this matter forthwith!
Sincerely in the Lord’s service, from a sinner saved by grace
(Rev. Prof. Dr.) F. N. Lee,
Queensland Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Ret.
Brisbane, Australia.