From the BBC.
One in 10 people in the UK attends church every week and one in seven goes once a month, according to research.
Christian charity Tearfund's survey of 7,000 people puts the UK among Europe's four least observant countries.
Two-thirds of those polled had not been to church in the last year, except for baptisms, weddings or funerals - but 53% identified themselves as Christian.
The poll, conducted last year among people aged 16 and over, suggests that one in four UK adults attends church at least once a year.
Tearfund said 53% of people identified themselves as Christian, compared with almost three-quarters who had in the last census in 2001.
But it said that its survey indicated that three million people who had stopped going to church, or who had never been in their lives, would consider attending "given the right invitation".
This could be a personal invite, the chance to accompany a relative or friend, or the offer of help during difficult personal circumstances, it said.
Tearfund's president, Elaine Storkey, told BBC Radio Five Live that a lot of people would be unsure what to expect if they did visit.
"The church for a lot of people is a very strange place these days. They're not familiar with what's going on inside the building, with the form of service, with the way people gather, with what they say, how they pray.
"So the first thing they have really got to wake up to is that there is this big cultural gap between churched and non-churched."
The Reverend Lynda Barley, head of research and statistics for the Church of England Archbishops' Council, said Britain was a nation "seeking identity".
"At first glance, the past has been left behind to wholeheartedly embrace individual choice and secular consumerism prominently among its modern-day gods," she said.
"But research is beginning to show that there is more, far more, going on out of apparent sight in everyday life in Britain today."
The report, Churchgoing in the UK, found that Northern Ireland was the most observant region, with 45% of people attending services every month.
Regular churchgoing was also three times higher among adults from black ethnic groups than white.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Monday, April 02, 2007
The notice
The NHS has sent me no official notice about the rise in prescription charges so I have done my own as follows.
Prescription Charges
From April 1st 2007 the charge in England is £6.85 per item.
In Wales prescriptions are all free.
This is not a joke.
It is devolution.
Prescription Charges
From April 1st 2007 the charge in England is £6.85 per item.
In Wales prescriptions are all free.
This is not a joke.
It is devolution.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
The English are the April Fools
Click on the title for the BBC report on the prescription charge for England and Wales. In England today the charge goes up to £6.85 per item. But if you live in Wales it goes down to nothing. Free prescriptions for all were the blatant Labour bribe offered for votes to the Welsh Assembly. The supine, phlegmatic English seem happy to subsidise the Celtic fringes once again.
April fool
Spaghetti Harvest is indeed the most famous.
Premier Radio this morning told of a Belfast paper with a picture of a couple with draught beer on tap in their kitchen, piped through their old gas pipe. A number was given for instalation and over a thousand requests were received by the paper.
The best I saw was a prgramme IIRC on Channel 4 and not on April 1. It was before the break up of the USSR and told of top secret co-operation between the USSR and USA to plant a colony on the moon because life on earth was doomed. It was an hour long programe and the only clue to it being a spoof was the date shown at the end of the programme, saying it was made on April 1 that year.
Lastly, my friend Dr RB who was doing a diploma in tropical hygeine and medicine. A rather snooty senior technician got up my friend's nose so on April 1st he took a sample of rat blood infected with sleeping sickness and labelled it as from a Mr Mofulu(think about it)recently arrived from Africa and gave it to the technician for investigation. The technician was really pleased to find a case of real sleeping sickness so he showed it to the registrar who too was impressed. Likewise the consultant to whom the registrar showed the sample. But when the consultant showed the professor, he said it looked rather like rat's blood to him. The result was the consultant asking my friend if it would be a good joke to leave his name off those who would be receiving their tropical medicine diplomas.
Premier Radio this morning told of a Belfast paper with a picture of a couple with draught beer on tap in their kitchen, piped through their old gas pipe. A number was given for instalation and over a thousand requests were received by the paper.
The best I saw was a prgramme IIRC on Channel 4 and not on April 1. It was before the break up of the USSR and told of top secret co-operation between the USSR and USA to plant a colony on the moon because life on earth was doomed. It was an hour long programe and the only clue to it being a spoof was the date shown at the end of the programme, saying it was made on April 1 that year.
Lastly, my friend Dr RB who was doing a diploma in tropical hygeine and medicine. A rather snooty senior technician got up my friend's nose so on April 1st he took a sample of rat blood infected with sleeping sickness and labelled it as from a Mr Mofulu(think about it)recently arrived from Africa and gave it to the technician for investigation. The technician was really pleased to find a case of real sleeping sickness so he showed it to the registrar who too was impressed. Likewise the consultant to whom the registrar showed the sample. But when the consultant showed the professor, he said it looked rather like rat's blood to him. The result was the consultant asking my friend if it would be a good joke to leave his name off those who would be receiving their tropical medicine diplomas.
Growth over the first quarter
Last year I did a monthly blog of the beard, starting short.This year it is quarterly from a longer base as I go for my reformer look. I report practical difficulties once groth gets to chest length. Tying a tie becomes more difficult as one tends to tie up some beard. In fact I think longer hairs are easier to lose than short ones. But they do provide a catch all bib when one feeds. As the cricket season resumes I look forward to hearing comments about W.G. directed to GW. Now I shall have to find a picture of the great Victorian cricketer for the education of friends across the pond. I will link to one from the title of this piece.
Palm Sunday
On this day we remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding a donkey, sign of a humble king, not a proud conqueror. The fickle crowd spread their clothes on the road and hailed him with hosannas as the one who came in the name of the Lord. Five days later they bayed for his blood, preferring the release of a robber to the life of the sinless one.
But as a king he entered David's city in fulfillment of Zech. 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. "
I love the story of the British general, Allenby. I think it was 1917 that he led his army into Jerusalem liberating it form centuries of Islamic rule. Allenby had driven out the Turks. He was a Christian believer. Before entering the city he dismounted from his horse and led his troops on foot. Allenby said that only only man was fit to ride into Jerusalem.
I was told this beautiful story but have no written record of it. If you find one please let me know.
But as a king he entered David's city in fulfillment of Zech. 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. "
I love the story of the British general, Allenby. I think it was 1917 that he led his army into Jerusalem liberating it form centuries of Islamic rule. Allenby had driven out the Turks. He was a Christian believer. Before entering the city he dismounted from his horse and led his troops on foot. Allenby said that only only man was fit to ride into Jerusalem.
I was told this beautiful story but have no written record of it. If you find one please let me know.
Another petition to the P.M.
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to withdraw from the European Union.
Clink on title for link.
Clink on title for link.
Friday, March 30, 2007
End of the super casino?
Three cheers for the Lords who have thrown out government plans for yet more gambling. I am also encouraged to hear a BBC radio report that Brown is not a casino fan, so with him expected to be Prime Minister this summer there is hope that the super casino may not happen. If so it will be a triumph for GB's Presbyterian heritage. I had thought of him as to the left of Blair so no improvement. But if his Christian heritage does influence some policies it will be a big improvement on our present PM who on things Christian is as they say, all mouth and no trousers. He talks about how Christian he is but his own voting record and that of his government are more in line with Alistair Campbell's infamous dictum, "We do not do God". This has been the most secularist and anti-Christian British government since the restoration of Charles II in 1660.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Zac by Worth
Worth is a village near the Kent coast by sandwich. We had a walk through fields which from their drainage look as if they are reclaimed land. Zac had not been feeling too good all weekend hence the less than smiling face for the camera.
Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church, Belfast
It is about 30 years since I visited Paisley's home church but the memory remains vivid.
First of all I had to resist a strong temptation to adorn its walls with the slogan 'No other pope here'. The I felt I had to secrete my RSV bible on my person as I entered as the noticeboard announced it was a Authorised Version only place.
My first surprise was all the images. All those martyrs' busts. I thought it was only papists had images.
The the hymnbook, definitely old fashioned evangelical or US fundamentalist, not really a reformed Presbyterian hymnal.
The Big Man was away. A colleague gave a reasonably competent exposition of a passage from Daniel until he alluded to the things God hates in Proverbs. The first is hands swift to shed blood.'I think we can spiritualize this', said the preacher.
To my dying day I shall regret that I heard this in silence. I am now older and perhaps wiser. I am certainly more confident and bold. What I should have done was to have stood up and interrupted the sermon shouting that of all the places in the world where you need to know God literally hates hands that shed blood, 1970s Northern Ireland was probably the prime location.
Yes I would have been thrown out but I would have been happy to be ejected if I had made one person think correctly.
First of all I had to resist a strong temptation to adorn its walls with the slogan 'No other pope here'. The I felt I had to secrete my RSV bible on my person as I entered as the noticeboard announced it was a Authorised Version only place.
My first surprise was all the images. All those martyrs' busts. I thought it was only papists had images.
The the hymnbook, definitely old fashioned evangelical or US fundamentalist, not really a reformed Presbyterian hymnal.
The Big Man was away. A colleague gave a reasonably competent exposition of a passage from Daniel until he alluded to the things God hates in Proverbs. The first is hands swift to shed blood.'I think we can spiritualize this', said the preacher.
To my dying day I shall regret that I heard this in silence. I am now older and perhaps wiser. I am certainly more confident and bold. What I should have done was to have stood up and interrupted the sermon shouting that of all the places in the world where you need to know God literally hates hands that shed blood, 1970s Northern Ireland was probably the prime location.
Yes I would have been thrown out but I would have been happy to be ejected if I had made one person think correctly.
Oil has mixed with water!
One is pleased for the peace of Northern Ireland that Paisley and Adams say they can co-operate in devolved government.One has an obligation to pray for those who rule. It will need this and more for this unlikely mix to work.
Oil can mix with water and form an emulsion. Milk is a perfect emulsion. But what happens when it sours? The emulsion cracks and the parts separate. How long for sweetness and light to continue at Stormont. I am not a betting man but .....
I hear that IRKP's Free Presbyterian Church is in turmoil over this. The Times quoted a friend and ministerial colleague of the Big Man who was very sad about it. He said Adams and his pious, daily mass attending mate McGuiness, had hands covered in blood and should be turning themselves in as murderers. How can Paisley continue as moderator for life of his Free Presbyterian Church?
BTW the concept of a moderator for life is more akin to episcopacy than reformed church order and the FPC's dual practice of infant baptism and dedication is again most un-presbyterian. When I visited Paisley's congregation I thought it owed more to his time with the American fundamentalists than to his time in the Reformed Presbyterian seminary.
Oil can mix with water and form an emulsion. Milk is a perfect emulsion. But what happens when it sours? The emulsion cracks and the parts separate. How long for sweetness and light to continue at Stormont. I am not a betting man but .....
I hear that IRKP's Free Presbyterian Church is in turmoil over this. The Times quoted a friend and ministerial colleague of the Big Man who was very sad about it. He said Adams and his pious, daily mass attending mate McGuiness, had hands covered in blood and should be turning themselves in as murderers. How can Paisley continue as moderator for life of his Free Presbyterian Church?
BTW the concept of a moderator for life is more akin to episcopacy than reformed church order and the FPC's dual practice of infant baptism and dedication is again most un-presbyterian. When I visited Paisley's congregation I thought it owed more to his time with the American fundamentalists than to his time in the Reformed Presbyterian seminary.
Friday, March 23, 2007
My link to slavery
When we went to Vom Christian Hospital, Nigeria, in 1970 there was an old lady, Mama Tabitha, who was warden of the student midwives' hostel. She must have been in her seventies at least as she remembered being freed from Muslim slavery in 1900. This was one of the blessings of the British colonisation of Northern Nigeria. Slave markets were closed and slaves freed.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Love the sinner, hate the sin
If one publicly opposes homosexual acts one is inevitably accused of hating homosexuals. In response to such accusations elsewhere I give this long quote from an Anglican source which pretty well states my own position. One opposes acts not orientation.Quoptes are also from RCC sources. My catholicity is showing.
"What has the Christian church said?
Some .... might argue that something like 1998 Lambeth Resolution I.10 rules out the Church's support for anti-homosexual civil legislation a priori:
We commit ourselves to listen to the experience of homosexual persons and we wish to assure them that they are loved by God and that all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ.
and
...while rejecting homosexual practice as incompatible with Scripture, [this Conference] calls on all our people to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual orientation and to condemn irrational fear of homosexuals...
This resolution coheres with something like The Episcopal Church's 1976 General Convention resolution A069 that stated that
Homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral care of the Church.
It also can be said to fit with the official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, for example that homosexual persons
must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided;[8]
and that with homosexual persons, as with others,
the intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law.[9]
The Anglican Primates at Dromantine (2005) themselves said something in this vein, when they asserted that:
the victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us.
But do convictions like this necessarily imply that homosexual activity or the promotion of gay sex ought to be protected by the civil law, and that churches should support such protective legislation? Obviously not. The Roman Catholic church's concurrent opposition to such legislation attests:
The proper reaction to crimes committed against homosexual persons should not be to claim that the homosexual condition is not disordered. When such a claim is made and when homosexual activity is consequently condoned, or when civil legislation is introduced to protect behavior to which no one has any conceivable right, neither the Church nor society at large should be surprised when other distorted notions and practices gain ground, and irrational and violent reactions increase.[10]"Human Rights, Homosexuality and the Anglican Communion: Reflections in Light of Nigeria
by Ephraim Radner and Andrew Goddard http://www.fulcrum-anglican.org.uk/news/2006/20061121radner.cfm?doc=167
"What has the Christian church said?
Some .... might argue that something like 1998 Lambeth Resolution I.10 rules out the Church's support for anti-homosexual civil legislation a priori:
We commit ourselves to listen to the experience of homosexual persons and we wish to assure them that they are loved by God and that all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ.
and
...while rejecting homosexual practice as incompatible with Scripture, [this Conference] calls on all our people to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual orientation and to condemn irrational fear of homosexuals...
This resolution coheres with something like The Episcopal Church's 1976 General Convention resolution A069 that stated that
Homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral care of the Church.
It also can be said to fit with the official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, for example that homosexual persons
must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided;[8]
and that with homosexual persons, as with others,
the intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law.[9]
The Anglican Primates at Dromantine (2005) themselves said something in this vein, when they asserted that:
the victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us.
But do convictions like this necessarily imply that homosexual activity or the promotion of gay sex ought to be protected by the civil law, and that churches should support such protective legislation? Obviously not. The Roman Catholic church's concurrent opposition to such legislation attests:
The proper reaction to crimes committed against homosexual persons should not be to claim that the homosexual condition is not disordered. When such a claim is made and when homosexual activity is consequently condoned, or when civil legislation is introduced to protect behavior to which no one has any conceivable right, neither the Church nor society at large should be surprised when other distorted notions and practices gain ground, and irrational and violent reactions increase.[10]"Human Rights, Homosexuality and the Anglican Communion: Reflections in Light of Nigeria
by Ephraim Radner and Andrew Goddard http://www.fulcrum-anglican.org.uk/news/2006/20061121radner.cfm?doc=167
Monday, March 19, 2007
The new house name post
We had a new porch and I could not easily fix our house name on it so I found this "post" over 100 years old.
London can celebrate with the Irish but ....
What celebrations will our dear multicultural mayor be leading on St. George's Day? If previous years are any indication the answer is nil for multiculturalists are usually ashamed of one culture, their own.
Since posting I have found this so repent of my accusation.
"For the fourth year running the Mayor will celebrate St George’s Day with a series of free events in central London. In Trafalgar Square there will be a celebration of English humour, with classic English comedy on film including Monty Python and the Holy Grail being shown on a large screen.
The programme also includes the popular Shakespeare’s Birthday celebrations at the Globe Theatre plus outdoor screenings of historic silent Shakespeare films, a festival for St George at Covent Garden, and parade at the Cenotaph."
Since posting I have found this so repent of my accusation.
"For the fourth year running the Mayor will celebrate St George’s Day with a series of free events in central London. In Trafalgar Square there will be a celebration of English humour, with classic English comedy on film including Monty Python and the Holy Grail being shown on a large screen.
The programme also includes the popular Shakespeare’s Birthday celebrations at the Globe Theatre plus outdoor screenings of historic silent Shakespeare films, a festival for St George at Covent Garden, and parade at the Cenotaph."
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Farewell for Syl and Janet Jacobs
Syl and Janet were among the origianal members of the Ealing International Presbyterian Church in late 1969. We had a farewell fot them as they go to live in the USA.
Syl with Hristo from Bulgaria, one of our newer church members.
Diedre Ducker knew the Jacobs form their days in Swiss L'Abri.
Syl still does magic tricks, a favorite with children.
Farewell cake. There were so many tributes it was like an early obituary for Syl.
Syl with Hristo from Bulgaria, one of our newer church members.
Diedre Ducker knew the Jacobs form their days in Swiss L'Abri.
Syl still does magic tricks, a favorite with children.
Farewell cake. There were so many tributes it was like an early obituary for Syl.
Wembley Stadium opened to the public
We live just over the border of Brent into Ealing. Brent residents and business people were invited to this opening jamboree. I tipped off a friend resident in Brent so he could get tickets for his family.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Theatre in March
1. Much Ado About Nothing.
Ealing Questor's production of Much Ado is set in 20-30s America. It makes
for some very good dance scenes but the accents were thin and off
putting initially. Some people did not carry them well, some did not
seem to do them. They would have been better off leaving them alone.
I particularly liked the menacing villain Don John. With his side
kicks, Conrade and Borachio they were straight out of the Mafia.
Special credit too for the comics, Dogberry and Verges. Their three
constables whose heights seemed to be from five foot nothing to seven
foot were wonderful. At times I thought music masked diction and we
were in the front row. But overall a most enjoyable evening and the
beer in the interval at The Grapevine was superb. They well deserve
their CAMRA accolade.
2. Eugene Onegin - Riverside Opera at Richmond Theatre
Katy's choice this one. I an not anti-opers so long as it is sung in English. But the only Russian music I really like is the 1812 and that is because it celebrates a French defeat. Tchaikovsky has some decent tunes here, especially the dances. But for a plot based on the wrings of Puskin, Russia's greatest dramatist, it is very thin indeed. For me the stars were Lensky ans Triquet for best voices and Tatyana for beauty.
Ealing Questor's production of Much Ado is set in 20-30s America. It makes
for some very good dance scenes but the accents were thin and off
putting initially. Some people did not carry them well, some did not
seem to do them. They would have been better off leaving them alone.
I particularly liked the menacing villain Don John. With his side
kicks, Conrade and Borachio they were straight out of the Mafia.
Special credit too for the comics, Dogberry and Verges. Their three
constables whose heights seemed to be from five foot nothing to seven
foot were wonderful. At times I thought music masked diction and we
were in the front row. But overall a most enjoyable evening and the
beer in the interval at The Grapevine was superb. They well deserve
their CAMRA accolade.
2. Eugene Onegin - Riverside Opera at Richmond Theatre
Katy's choice this one. I an not anti-opers so long as it is sung in English. But the only Russian music I really like is the 1812 and that is because it celebrates a French defeat. Tchaikovsky has some decent tunes here, especially the dances. But for a plot based on the wrings of Puskin, Russia's greatest dramatist, it is very thin indeed. For me the stars were Lensky ans Triquet for best voices and Tatyana for beauty.
Friday, March 16, 2007
The Prime Minister's Office responds
This is the official bland response to my petition to scrap the local tram plans.
In London, proposals for introducing most public transport schemes, including trams, are a matter for the Mayor. How schemes are funded is also for the Mayor to decide.
The West London Tram proposals were subject to extensive consultation in 2004 and 2005, allowing local residents to have their say on the scheme. Further consultation is being carried out this year on proposed modifications to the scheme design.
Before the scheme can go ahead, a Transport and Works Act Order application must be submitted. The Secretary of State for Transport will then determine whether a public inquiry is necessary. Following this, all the evidence will be considered and a decision made as to whether to grant powers for the scheme.
I did total 1461 signatures so am pleased.
In London, proposals for introducing most public transport schemes, including trams, are a matter for the Mayor. How schemes are funded is also for the Mayor to decide.
The West London Tram proposals were subject to extensive consultation in 2004 and 2005, allowing local residents to have their say on the scheme. Further consultation is being carried out this year on proposed modifications to the scheme design.
Before the scheme can go ahead, a Transport and Works Act Order application must be submitted. The Secretary of State for Transport will then determine whether a public inquiry is necessary. Following this, all the evidence will be considered and a decision made as to whether to grant powers for the scheme.
I did total 1461 signatures so am pleased.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Olympic folly
One of my big regrets is that a couple of years ago I did not contact the French Embassy and offer to organise the London supporters of the Paris Olympics. They might have paid me for the opportunity to pour Euros down the Olympic drain instead of my taxes. Do not get me wrong. I am not anti-sport. I sleep through a lot of sport on TV. No. I merely object to paying for other peoples' sweaty activities. If you want sport, you pay for it, like I do at Lords or The Oval.
I particularly object to paying towards the London Olympics. That I in West London have to pay extra local tax for a fortnight that will have as much benefit to me as to a fellow Briton in the Outer Hebrides is a gross injustice.
Now I read that BBC reports
The Olympics Minister added that Londoners will not be expected to contribute any more of their council tax — a total of £625 million — than they are already paying towards the cost of the Games and that transport fares would not be increased to meet the bill. But she said that the Mayor of London would contribute a further £300 million over the "lifetime of the Games."
I never knew Ken had such a stash of money. I know he gets a ridiculously big salary. But where does he get £300 million except out of our pockets? Can someone
explain?
I do have a grand scheme to recoup my losses. I want to let our house for the 2 Olympic weeks. But my dear wife forbids me to put it on ebay for a nice little earner. Any takers?
I particularly object to paying towards the London Olympics. That I in West London have to pay extra local tax for a fortnight that will have as much benefit to me as to a fellow Briton in the Outer Hebrides is a gross injustice.
Now I read that BBC reports
The Olympics Minister added that Londoners will not be expected to contribute any more of their council tax — a total of £625 million — than they are already paying towards the cost of the Games and that transport fares would not be increased to meet the bill. But she said that the Mayor of London would contribute a further £300 million over the "lifetime of the Games."
I never knew Ken had such a stash of money. I know he gets a ridiculously big salary. But where does he get £300 million except out of our pockets? Can someone
explain?
I do have a grand scheme to recoup my losses. I want to let our house for the 2 Olympic weeks. But my dear wife forbids me to put it on ebay for a nice little earner. Any takers?
John Weeks, Bristol publican
Thanks to Barb Drummond for this photo of his memorial in Bristol Cathedral.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Gambling to be advertised, inheritances confiscated.
TV ads are to now be allowed for gambling other than the Morons' Tax. aka The National Lottery. Until now the government only allowed TV advertising for its own money making scheme. This governmental hypocrisy has now been overturned and the gambling industry moves out of that select group of advertisers led by political parties and tobacco companies still not allowed to flash their wares on our screens. According to the BBC 'Adverts must not show gamblers behaving in a way which is irresponsible or could lead to "financial, social or emotional harm". 'As IMO all gambling is irresponsible and brings financial and social harm, this should mean that no actual gambling is televised. Somehow I do not think that will be the case.
Gambling is the one vice I have heard defended by Bible believing Christians. One asked me the moral difference between going to Las Vegas on a fixed budget and going to Disneyland with the same. It was not the best of comparisons as I would not wish to visit either location. But that apart why do I oppose all gambling? Because its appeal is to selfish greed which God condemns. It is enrichment at the expense of another, a robbery by consent. The Bible gives three ways by which we may be lawfully enriched. They are gainful employment, lawful inheritance and receiving gifts. Incidentally I believe the government has no right to the second which it tries to steal by taxation. If you house is worth £250,000 you need finacial and legal advice to keep your inheritance intact for your heirs.
Gambling is the one vice I have heard defended by Bible believing Christians. One asked me the moral difference between going to Las Vegas on a fixed budget and going to Disneyland with the same. It was not the best of comparisons as I would not wish to visit either location. But that apart why do I oppose all gambling? Because its appeal is to selfish greed which God condemns. It is enrichment at the expense of another, a robbery by consent. The Bible gives three ways by which we may be lawfully enriched. They are gainful employment, lawful inheritance and receiving gifts. Incidentally I believe the government has no right to the second which it tries to steal by taxation. If you house is worth £250,000 you need finacial and legal advice to keep your inheritance intact for your heirs.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Church weekend at home
This weekend we had a church conference of special meetings but for logistical and economic reasons we had it at home, at the church in West Ealing.
Alasdair MacLeod of the Free Church of Scotland, St. Andrews, spoke three times on Christ our prophet, priest and king. Excellent challenging Bible talks given without a note in front of him.He also preaced on Sunday saying it was a new liberty to be in a church where the preacher did not need to wear a tie. Of course that is true in lots of churches but the others may reqire a clerical collar and we do not ask for that either.
Paul Meiners spoke about witnessing to those around us.
Bill Nikides spoke on becoming an international, interdependent denomination.
Alasdair MacLeod of the Free Church of Scotland, St. Andrews, spoke three times on Christ our prophet, priest and king. Excellent challenging Bible talks given without a note in front of him.He also preaced on Sunday saying it was a new liberty to be in a church where the preacher did not need to wear a tie. Of course that is true in lots of churches but the others may reqire a clerical collar and we do not ask for that either.
Paul Meiners spoke about witnessing to those around us.
Bill Nikides spoke on becoming an international, interdependent denomination.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Chalk must work with cheese
So Paisley's DUP is the majority party in the N Ireland Assembly elections followed by Adam's Sinn Fein. They now have to work together to establish a devolved government. This is going to be most interesting. It is as if Westminster has said no matter what mixture you put in the tank you are going to have to get the engine running and drive the car forwards. Now they have mixed Unionist petrol with Republican diesel, how will the engine fire? History does afford a precedent for Protestant and Roman Catholics together in coalition government. Abraham Kuyper did it in The Netherlands just over 100 years ago. But they had a common enemy, the liberal secularists, to unite them in coalition and the none of the leaders were former terrorist commanders. I shall pray for IRKP to be as gracious as the grace he preaches. Personally I would find it hard to shake hands with the SF leadership. Too much blood on their hands for me.Yes I can and must forgive, but real forgiveness requires repentance for it to be sealed.
Life sentences for murder
Yesterday a judge said that life sentences for murder should be shorter. If not our jails would have lots of senile geriartric lifers.
Of course one might have thought judges were there to put people in jail rather than to get them back into the community ASAP. No-one seems to have suggested the obvious way of getting murderers out of jail quickly. Remove them in a coffin after execution.
Of course one might have thought judges were there to put people in jail rather than to get them back into the community ASAP. No-one seems to have suggested the obvious way of getting murderers out of jail quickly. Remove them in a coffin after execution.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Reform of the Lords
Oliver Cromwell abolished the House of Lords and the bishops. Egalitarian New Labour wants rid of an unelected House.They have voted for an elected upper chamber. ths will give the Commons problems as the upper chamber would be seen to have an increased influence. Elect it and why should the Prime Minister not run the governmentfrom that chamber? I ama firm believer in the principle that if it is not broken, why try to fix it. The traditional hereditary and appointed house has served us well as a check on the government. The only reason to change was a hatred of the hereditary principle. But we lie in a constitutional monarchy, The hereditart principle is part of our national life. It should have beenleft alone.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Zac is one year old
Zac usually sucks his thumb but sometimes tries a toe for a change. We has an Afghan feast to celebrate the day.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Germany to introduce “European history textbook”.
Annette Schavan, the German Education Minister, has set out plans to introduce a European Union history textbook to be taught in schools across Europe . The aim is to foster a “common cultural identity” across the EU. The idea is said to have the backing of both German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the EU Commission. A spokesperson for the German education ministry said: “A common history book could contribute to a common European identity and knowledge about what is important for European culture and history". (Telegraph, 22 February)
The only time I am happily identified as European is when I am in Africa. There it means I am a white man. I own no common cultural identity with all the citizens of the E.U. except for a common humanity. That I also share with everyone on the planet and the only history book I need to teach this reality is the Bible.
My favorite European history book is "1066 and All That", totally anglocentric and too funny for any E.U.rophile. (N.B. a E.U.rophile loves the E.U.. OTOH I am a lover of Europe aka a Europhile.)
The only time I am happily identified as European is when I am in Africa. There it means I am a white man. I own no common cultural identity with all the citizens of the E.U. except for a common humanity. That I also share with everyone on the planet and the only history book I need to teach this reality is the Bible.
My favorite European history book is "1066 and All That", totally anglocentric and too funny for any E.U.rophile. (N.B. a E.U.rophile loves the E.U.. OTOH I am a lover of Europe aka a Europhile.)
I'm a fan of our national anthem.
Some want to petition for an English anthem. Personally I am happy with God Save the Queen.
My reasons are two-fold. First I believe in praying for the powers that be and this lady has done an excellent job overall. Secondly, I love the verse no-one ever sings.
Lord grant that Marshall Wade
May by Thy mighty aid
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush,
And like a torrent rush
Rebellious Scots to crush
God save the King.
National Anthem, circa 1745, the verse everyone omits
My reasons are two-fold. First I believe in praying for the powers that be and this lady has done an excellent job overall. Secondly, I love the verse no-one ever sings.
Lord grant that Marshall Wade
May by Thy mighty aid
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush,
And like a torrent rush
Rebellious Scots to crush
God save the King.
National Anthem, circa 1745, the verse everyone omits
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Books read in March 2007 (9)
1. Honouring the People of God: 4 (Collected Shorter Writings of J.I.Packer)by J.I. Packer
Packer is the best living theologian from the evangelical Anglican tradition. He is also a gifted writer, moving the reader's mind and heart. Here he honours Luther,Calvin, Baxter, Whitefield, Lloyd-Jones and Schaeffer with biographies. He also writes on the history and theology of Luther, Erasmus, Calvin, Cranmer, Baxter, sola scriptura, inerrancy, predestination, justification, Arminianism and 20th century British theology. Ordinary Christians will need some perseverance with some theological articles but the biographies are more accessible. Particularly moving are two gracious tributes to Lloyd-Jones. The two men parted company in the sixties yet Packer graciously calls him the greatest man he ever knew.
2. Eyebrows on Fire- Bristol and Abolition' Barb Drummond, available by mail order : send £4.50 to PO Box 2460. Bristol BS3 9WP See link on post title.
This booklet is unique being the only one with a picture of a namesake of mine, John Weeks. on the cover. Until the author informed me I did not know of this portrait and grave in Bristol cathedral. John was, as is written, an unusual man. I have not heard of any other publican in the forefront of anti-slavery campaigning. Now I cannot as yet claim any link to this Weeks other than the name but a man famed for his hospitality, a man who knew Burke, is a man after my own heart. Bristol, the author admits is well known as one of the three British ports which prospered from the infamous triangular trade. But here she recounts John and other Bristolians opposed to this iniquity. They aided Clarkson and helped in other ways, even, as in the case of John, on the stage.
3. Valley of Vision by A. Bennett
The late author was known to me as a lecturer at All Nations Christian College . His lectures were not memorable but his book is. This is at least my second time of reading it. I recommend it as a devotional guide for Christian prayer. Puritans were usually against set forms of prayer. The prayers here are more according to Puritan theology than to there practice. A young Christian may have to study to understand them. The language is thee and thou but this is an excellent collection of reformed, Calvinistic spirituality. In language, Bennett is not Cranmer but he has given us a great aid to devotion.
4. What They Didn't Say: A Book of Misquotations by Elizabeth Knowles
The author has a wide definition of misquotation. "Play it again,Sam" and Elementary my dear Watson " were never said but we are told how close they are to a less memorable source. Horatio never knew Yorick well. Burns has schemes that gang aft agley, not plans. Another sort of misquote improves upon the original making a more pithy saying. All sorts of misquotes are here save for what I take to be the commonest of all. It is the love of money, not money which is the root of all evil. Why leave that out from this helpful little reference work which could help end many an argument
5-8. Madame Petite, Mr Trouble, Mr Happy, Mr Cheerful - Roger Hargreaves
I have two grandchildren in Canterbury which is closer to France than to London. perhaps this explains how it was then when I picked up a book to read to my granddaughter I found it was in French. I ploughed on, understanding some from remnants of schoolboy french 45 years ago. I do not think Sahara understood it but she liked the next three volumes I read to her.
My memory is that her father was in his infancy, Mr Happy and his elder brother, Mr Chatterbox. I think Hargreaves had a brilliant idea, an idea better than much of his storytelling as the tales seem very thin at times. I am left wondering how Miss in English became Madame across the channel. Something cultural i do not know. I shall have to ask a native.
9. Have I Got Views For You - Boris Johnson
Boris is the living proof that the age of the English eccentric is not yet over. These days journalists become politicians and vice versa but no-one has done it with the eccentric humour of Boris. He is enough fun to make one reconsider voting Conservative. He writes with originality, good style and much humour. He is a one off.
The book is arranged topically going from politics to who are the British, Literary Heroes, foreign affairs, personal interviews, manners and morals etc. I found myself longing for the dates and sources to be put by each chapter for the book is not chronological. I think it would have been better arranged chronologically and not by category as the articles span 1995 to 2006.
Highlights are finding his daughter to be Belgian not British, his flight in the Americans' top fighter plane, his horror at the death of a stag together with his defence of hunting, his incompetence with a shotgun and the one piece of British journalism I have read in admiration of Dubya Bush. Boris is a man for clear blue water. If only Cameron was. He confirms to me one reason why I never passed on to the Conservatives approved candidates list. I had more than a whiff of Euroscepticism about me when interviewed in the same hotel as Boris.
I love his self deprecating humour. Why did he agree to go on the TV show from which he got his title? Honest Boris says, a thousand pounds, enough for a family holiday. Have we here that rara avis, an honest politician? He is certainly the only one who is such good fun.And to think all this for the grandson of a Turk.
Packer is the best living theologian from the evangelical Anglican tradition. He is also a gifted writer, moving the reader's mind and heart. Here he honours Luther,Calvin, Baxter, Whitefield, Lloyd-Jones and Schaeffer with biographies. He also writes on the history and theology of Luther, Erasmus, Calvin, Cranmer, Baxter, sola scriptura, inerrancy, predestination, justification, Arminianism and 20th century British theology. Ordinary Christians will need some perseverance with some theological articles but the biographies are more accessible. Particularly moving are two gracious tributes to Lloyd-Jones. The two men parted company in the sixties yet Packer graciously calls him the greatest man he ever knew.
2. Eyebrows on Fire- Bristol and Abolition' Barb Drummond, available by mail order : send £4.50 to PO Box 2460. Bristol BS3 9WP See link on post title.
This booklet is unique being the only one with a picture of a namesake of mine, John Weeks. on the cover. Until the author informed me I did not know of this portrait and grave in Bristol cathedral. John was, as is written, an unusual man. I have not heard of any other publican in the forefront of anti-slavery campaigning. Now I cannot as yet claim any link to this Weeks other than the name but a man famed for his hospitality, a man who knew Burke, is a man after my own heart. Bristol, the author admits is well known as one of the three British ports which prospered from the infamous triangular trade. But here she recounts John and other Bristolians opposed to this iniquity. They aided Clarkson and helped in other ways, even, as in the case of John, on the stage.
3. Valley of Vision by A. Bennett
The late author was known to me as a lecturer at All Nations Christian College . His lectures were not memorable but his book is. This is at least my second time of reading it. I recommend it as a devotional guide for Christian prayer. Puritans were usually against set forms of prayer. The prayers here are more according to Puritan theology than to there practice. A young Christian may have to study to understand them. The language is thee and thou but this is an excellent collection of reformed, Calvinistic spirituality. In language, Bennett is not Cranmer but he has given us a great aid to devotion.
4. What They Didn't Say: A Book of Misquotations by Elizabeth Knowles
The author has a wide definition of misquotation. "Play it again,Sam" and Elementary my dear Watson " were never said but we are told how close they are to a less memorable source. Horatio never knew Yorick well. Burns has schemes that gang aft agley, not plans. Another sort of misquote improves upon the original making a more pithy saying. All sorts of misquotes are here save for what I take to be the commonest of all. It is the love of money, not money which is the root of all evil. Why leave that out from this helpful little reference work which could help end many an argument
5-8. Madame Petite, Mr Trouble, Mr Happy, Mr Cheerful - Roger Hargreaves
I have two grandchildren in Canterbury which is closer to France than to London. perhaps this explains how it was then when I picked up a book to read to my granddaughter I found it was in French. I ploughed on, understanding some from remnants of schoolboy french 45 years ago. I do not think Sahara understood it but she liked the next three volumes I read to her.
My memory is that her father was in his infancy, Mr Happy and his elder brother, Mr Chatterbox. I think Hargreaves had a brilliant idea, an idea better than much of his storytelling as the tales seem very thin at times. I am left wondering how Miss in English became Madame across the channel. Something cultural i do not know. I shall have to ask a native.
9. Have I Got Views For You - Boris Johnson
Boris is the living proof that the age of the English eccentric is not yet over. These days journalists become politicians and vice versa but no-one has done it with the eccentric humour of Boris. He is enough fun to make one reconsider voting Conservative. He writes with originality, good style and much humour. He is a one off.
The book is arranged topically going from politics to who are the British, Literary Heroes, foreign affairs, personal interviews, manners and morals etc. I found myself longing for the dates and sources to be put by each chapter for the book is not chronological. I think it would have been better arranged chronologically and not by category as the articles span 1995 to 2006.
Highlights are finding his daughter to be Belgian not British, his flight in the Americans' top fighter plane, his horror at the death of a stag together with his defence of hunting, his incompetence with a shotgun and the one piece of British journalism I have read in admiration of Dubya Bush. Boris is a man for clear blue water. If only Cameron was. He confirms to me one reason why I never passed on to the Conservatives approved candidates list. I had more than a whiff of Euroscepticism about me when interviewed in the same hotel as Boris.
I love his self deprecating humour. Why did he agree to go on the TV show from which he got his title? Honest Boris says, a thousand pounds, enough for a family holiday. Have we here that rara avis, an honest politician? He is certainly the only one who is such good fun.And to think all this for the grandson of a Turk.
An encouraging meeting
Today we had the first of our four annual presbytery meetings. Churches were from England, Azerbaijan and Romania. We also had workers from Belgium, Turkey, Korea and Italy. We heard about plans for support from American churches. We were visited by a young Englishman who having declined ordination in the Church of England is being supported by a church in New York to evangelise in London. There is real hope for the growth of Presbyterian churches.
Petitions to the Prime Minister
I have been signing quite a number as well as initiation my own on the proposed West London tram.
1. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/englishflag/#detail for St. George's flag to be flown over the Palace of Westminster on St. George's Day.
2. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/England/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to agree to the setting up of an English Parliament
3. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SupportStGeorge/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Show support that the English people be allowed to celebrate their patron saints day,St George's Day each 23rd of April with a Bank Holiday.We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Show support that the English people be allowed to celebrate their patron saints day,St George's Day each 23rd of April with a Bank Holiday.
4. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/forfaithschools/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to continue the support for faith schools and to ensure that in all schools the teaching of traditional ‘faith’ views of origins is included alongside the more recent scientific ‘theories’ which many scientists ‘believe’
5. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/beliefs/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Protect the teaching of creationism and other religious beliefs in all schools.
6. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/HomeSchool/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Keep Home Schooling Legal.
7. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ScrapMegaMosque/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Abolish plans to build a £100 million mega Mosque.
8. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Repeal1972ECACT/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Repeal the 1972 European Communities ACT and withdraw the UK from the EU.
9. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/CULeaders/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Defend the right of Christian Unions to control who may come into leadership of them.
10. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/makeitfair/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to end Europe's unfair trade barriers against developing countries, and scrap the CAP.
1. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/englishflag/#detail for St. George's flag to be flown over the Palace of Westminster on St. George's Day.
2. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/England/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to agree to the setting up of an English Parliament
3. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SupportStGeorge/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Show support that the English people be allowed to celebrate their patron saints day,St George's Day each 23rd of April with a Bank Holiday.We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Show support that the English people be allowed to celebrate their patron saints day,St George's Day each 23rd of April with a Bank Holiday.
4. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/forfaithschools/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to continue the support for faith schools and to ensure that in all schools the teaching of traditional ‘faith’ views of origins is included alongside the more recent scientific ‘theories’ which many scientists ‘believe’
5. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/beliefs/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Protect the teaching of creationism and other religious beliefs in all schools.
6. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/HomeSchool/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Keep Home Schooling Legal.
7. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ScrapMegaMosque/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Abolish plans to build a £100 million mega Mosque.
8. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Repeal1972ECACT/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Repeal the 1972 European Communities ACT and withdraw the UK from the EU.
9. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/CULeaders/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Defend the right of Christian Unions to control who may come into leadership of them.
10. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/makeitfair/ We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to end Europe's unfair trade barriers against developing countries, and scrap the CAP.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Me a Marxist?
A Russian customer told me my beard reminded him of Karl Marx. I shall have to take steps to ensure it is as per Calvin or Knox as the only Marxist tendency I have is of the Groucho party. Especially the cigars. All credit to my customer for when I mentioned Calvin he did not express ignorance as did a previous commenter on my pride and joy. Look at the link. Not a bit like me.
IVF funding
Radio 4's Today programme has again highlighted the post code lottery of NHS IVF provision. But why was not the obvious source of funding for this raised? NHS prescriptions for contraceptives are free. If they bore the prescription charge I think it might well fund all the IVF needed. BTW when the pill was introduced in the sixties it was only on private prescription not the NHS. But the government wants to give priority to sex not birth it seems. As the good book says, those who hate me love death.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
The myth persiats
In today's Times I read,
"I wasn’t aware till recently that exactly 200 years ago, on May 1, 1807, the slave trade was banned in Britain. Or that, within eight years, the British Government was pursuing what the historian of the slave trade, Hugh Thomas, has described as “one of the most moral foreign policies in British history”. This partly consisted of coercing other nations, who still retained their enthusiasm for kidnapping black people and treating them as property, into desisting." - David Aaronovitch
As I posted before on this, it was a trade. Whites rarely had to kidnap blacks. They bought them from blacks who had enslaved fellow blacks. The enthusiastic kidnappers were black. I point this out for reasons of historical accuracy, not to limit white guilt. Whites should have known better. The Africans were still in the dark as to a Christian moral base.
"I wasn’t aware till recently that exactly 200 years ago, on May 1, 1807, the slave trade was banned in Britain. Or that, within eight years, the British Government was pursuing what the historian of the slave trade, Hugh Thomas, has described as “one of the most moral foreign policies in British history”. This partly consisted of coercing other nations, who still retained their enthusiasm for kidnapping black people and treating them as property, into desisting." - David Aaronovitch
As I posted before on this, it was a trade. Whites rarely had to kidnap blacks. They bought them from blacks who had enslaved fellow blacks. The enthusiastic kidnappers were black. I point this out for reasons of historical accuracy, not to limit white guilt. Whites should have known better. The Africans were still in the dark as to a Christian moral base.
Drivers face new phone penalties
"The Department for Transport says 21% of drivers break the law. Motorists who use hand-held mobile phones while driving will now face tougher penalties.
The maximum fixed penalty fine has doubled to £60, and three points can be added to offenders' licences. "
I would suggest there should be provision for police to immediately confiscate the offender's phone. I would also suggest that any motorist seeing an offender at the wheel should continuously sound their horn while still near them.
The maximum fixed penalty fine has doubled to £60, and three points can be added to offenders' licences. "
I would suggest there should be provision for police to immediately confiscate the offender's phone. I would also suggest that any motorist seeing an offender at the wheel should continuously sound their horn while still near them.
Yet again Labour is anti-Christian
Family policy must not be biased in favour of married parents, Alan Johnson is to say at a Relate conference. While marriage is the "pinnacle of a strong relationship," not all children raised in them fare well and not all other families are "doomed to failure". He will say: "Our family policy must be bias free... it's not who or what the parents are, it's what they do."
I am sick of Blair being reported as a Christian when nothing in his party suggests they have any credible Christian profession whatsoever (Frank Field is the exception to the rule and I shall be very happy to hear of any others)
Johnson should know the elementary fact that married couples stay together longer than cohabitees. That means marriage favours the children and the country. It deserves fiscal reward. It is the married who, in general,are paying for the irresponsibility of others.
I am sick of Blair being reported as a Christian when nothing in his party suggests they have any credible Christian profession whatsoever (Frank Field is the exception to the rule and I shall be very happy to hear of any others)
Johnson should know the elementary fact that married couples stay together longer than cohabitees. That means marriage favours the children and the country. It deserves fiscal reward. It is the married who, in general,are paying for the irresponsibility of others.
Monday, February 26, 2007
The first Sonday in Lent, Collect, the 1549, Book of Common Prayer
O LORD, whiche for oure sake dyddeste faste fortye dayes and fourtie nightes; Geve us grace to use suche abstinence, that, oure fleshe beyng subdued to the spirite, wee maye ever obeye thy Godlye mocions in righteousnesse, and true holinesse, to thy honoure and glorye, whiche lyveste and reigneste, with the Father and the holy Ghost, one God world without end. Amen.-
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Amarylis and Orchid
Katy grew the amarylis (what is the plural?) from one given four years ago. The orchid was my Christmas present to her.Well done the Irish
One is encouraged when people can look forward and not be bound in the past. So to see Croke Park show respect during the singing of 'God Save the Queen' was very pleasing to this Englishman. The Irish had more than a victory on the rugby field. Here was a magnanimous triumph by the crowd too.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
I'm an Englishman. Get me out of here!
This is from the P.M.'s url.
20 February 2007We received a petition asking:"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Offer the British people a referendum on continued membership of the European Union."Details of petition:"The last referendum on the EU in 1975 asked the public if they wanted to be part of the EEC - a trading agreement between Britain and other European countries. They were never asked if they wanted political integration."
I had signed.
Government's response
Under UK's constitutional arrangements, while the Government may make a recommendation, it is ultimately for Parliament to decide whether to hold a referendum on a particular issue. Referendums in the UK are rare. Parliament - the elected representatives of the British people -has the right to take important decisions on their behalf. This was the case when the UK joined the (then) European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973.There was, of course, a referendum on UK membership of the EEC in 1975 because the Labour Government was committed to seeking the approval of the British people for the renegotiated terms of membership which it had obtained. Thereafter, each Treaty change - notably the Single European Act and the Treaties of Maastricht, Amsterdam and Nice - has been ratified following the passing of an Act of Parliament. Subject to Parliament's agreement, the Government has committed itself to a referendum on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe before its ratification by the UK. Following the 'no' votes in referendums in France and the Netherlands, however, the future of the Constitutional Treaty is now unclear.--
Well, first a correction. There was, of course, a referendum on UK membership of the EEC in 1975 because the Labour Government was committed to seeking to unify the then divided Labour party on the issue. Asking the country if it wanted to stay in when it never voted to join was like the couple who two years after a shotgun wedding were asked if they wanted to keep the baby. Of course they said yes.
Votes to join the E.U. and subsequent E.U. legislation by Westminster was in my view unconstitutional as parliament has no mandate to reduce its own sovereignty of that of its successors. IMO H.M. is in breach of her coronation oaths in assenting to these bills when she made herself a mere E.U. citizen. That the three major parties were all in favour of the then Common Market and never gave the people a choice was a disgrace. That they all lied and said it was about economic not political union was IMO morally indefensible to the point of treason. Heath should have faced the then penalty for that crime.
Vote for U.K.I.P. in E.U. elections!
20 February 2007We received a petition asking:"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Offer the British people a referendum on continued membership of the European Union."Details of petition:"The last referendum on the EU in 1975 asked the public if they wanted to be part of the EEC - a trading agreement between Britain and other European countries. They were never asked if they wanted political integration."
I had signed.
Government's response
Under UK's constitutional arrangements, while the Government may make a recommendation, it is ultimately for Parliament to decide whether to hold a referendum on a particular issue. Referendums in the UK are rare. Parliament - the elected representatives of the British people -has the right to take important decisions on their behalf. This was the case when the UK joined the (then) European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973.There was, of course, a referendum on UK membership of the EEC in 1975 because the Labour Government was committed to seeking the approval of the British people for the renegotiated terms of membership which it had obtained. Thereafter, each Treaty change - notably the Single European Act and the Treaties of Maastricht, Amsterdam and Nice - has been ratified following the passing of an Act of Parliament. Subject to Parliament's agreement, the Government has committed itself to a referendum on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe before its ratification by the UK. Following the 'no' votes in referendums in France and the Netherlands, however, the future of the Constitutional Treaty is now unclear.--
Well, first a correction. There was, of course, a referendum on UK membership of the EEC in 1975 because the Labour Government was committed to seeking to unify the then divided Labour party on the issue. Asking the country if it wanted to stay in when it never voted to join was like the couple who two years after a shotgun wedding were asked if they wanted to keep the baby. Of course they said yes.
Votes to join the E.U. and subsequent E.U. legislation by Westminster was in my view unconstitutional as parliament has no mandate to reduce its own sovereignty of that of its successors. IMO H.M. is in breach of her coronation oaths in assenting to these bills when she made herself a mere E.U. citizen. That the three major parties were all in favour of the then Common Market and never gave the people a choice was a disgrace. That they all lied and said it was about economic not political union was IMO morally indefensible to the point of treason. Heath should have faced the then penalty for that crime.
Vote for U.K.I.P. in E.U. elections!
Friday, February 23, 2007
How would Sprurgeon travel today?
I hear it does five point turns but it won't go though a normal car wash as it rejects sprinkled water.
Lent
The fyrst day of Lent[, commonly called Ash-Wednesday] The Collect.
ALMIGHTYE and everlastyng God, whiche hatest nothyng that thou haste made, and doest forgeve the sinnes of all them that be penitente; Creat and make in us newe and contrite heartes, that wee worthely lamentyng oure synnes, and knowlegyng our wretchednes, maye obtaine of thee, the God of all mercye, perfect remission and forgevenes; thorough Jesus Christ. - Book of Common Prayer 1549
ALMIGHTYE and everlastyng God, whiche hatest nothyng that thou haste made, and doest forgeve the sinnes of all them that be penitente; Creat and make in us newe and contrite heartes, that wee worthely lamentyng oure synnes, and knowlegyng our wretchednes, maye obtaine of thee, the God of all mercye, perfect remission and forgevenes; thorough Jesus Christ. - Book of Common Prayer 1549
A New Wicket
Following England's horrendous whitewash Down Under help is at hand. I found a wicket more suited to their batsmen, one which would give Gilchrist and the Aussie slips a few problems.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Britons fall out of love with marriage
From The Times February 22, 2007
The number of Britons choosing to marry has fallen to the lowest levels in a hundred and eleven years. ... The average age that men and women marry increased to 36.2 years for men and 33.6 years for women — up by three years for both sexes since 1995.
When we married we were both 23. All our children married older but none as old as above and none of us cohabited first.
It is high time government gave more fiscal incentives to marriage as it is the bed rock of a stable society. Ours is being built on the sand of cohabitation, civil partnership and easy divorce after feelings of romance have fled.
The number of Britons choosing to marry has fallen to the lowest levels in a hundred and eleven years. ... The average age that men and women marry increased to 36.2 years for men and 33.6 years for women — up by three years for both sexes since 1995.
When we married we were both 23. All our children married older but none as old as above and none of us cohabited first.
It is high time government gave more fiscal incentives to marriage as it is the bed rock of a stable society. Ours is being built on the sand of cohabitation, civil partnership and easy divorce after feelings of romance have fled.
SORs and Cameron
I have emailed on Cameron's blog.
"I joined your party in 1986 to fight against the loony Labour promotion of the social acceptability homosexuality in the London Borough of Ealing under the then 'chair' of education, Hilary Benn. From 1990 to 98 I represented your party as an Ealing councillor. I left the party when London members were given the choice of a serial adulterer or a homosexual as London mayoral candidate following the Archer debacle. Your proposed support for SORs will gain you the homosexualist vote but you will lose many Christian votes. If you have not the principle to oppose SORs you might at least have the pragmatism to do so. If you support SORs my vote will be lost at the next general election."
Unless Cameron changes track he will be confirmed as Blair's great achievement. He will not be the leader of a conservative party but of the Conservative's New Labour Tribute band.
BTW homosexualist is an approver of homosexual genital acts. It does not imply any sexual orientation, only moral orientation. I never use the word gay with reference to homosexuality. To use it is to accept their language.
"I joined your party in 1986 to fight against the loony Labour promotion of the social acceptability homosexuality in the London Borough of Ealing under the then 'chair' of education, Hilary Benn. From 1990 to 98 I represented your party as an Ealing councillor. I left the party when London members were given the choice of a serial adulterer or a homosexual as London mayoral candidate following the Archer debacle. Your proposed support for SORs will gain you the homosexualist vote but you will lose many Christian votes. If you have not the principle to oppose SORs you might at least have the pragmatism to do so. If you support SORs my vote will be lost at the next general election."
Unless Cameron changes track he will be confirmed as Blair's great achievement. He will not be the leader of a conservative party but of the Conservative's New Labour Tribute band.
BTW homosexualist is an approver of homosexual genital acts. It does not imply any sexual orientation, only moral orientation. I never use the word gay with reference to homosexuality. To use it is to accept their language.
Do visit the link and vote for Cameron to attend to the matter of SORs.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Big Brother
Today I learned from my wife that when our bathroom is renovated we must install an extractor fan and a light pull in place of the wall switch. Big Brother is watching me in the bathroom now!It was bad enough when we had our chimney breasts removed and the builder insisted we tell building control at the town hall. They then sent me an ethnic monitoring form. I told them my ethnicity is no concern of theirs but if they must know, the chimney was black. Ethnic monitoring and leaflets in community languages are a waste of tax payers money.I am sick of this over-regulating nanny state.
Friday, February 16, 2007
What happened to the horses?
This morning's Today programme on Radio 4 had a piece on prison overcrowding. Interviewer and interviewee both said the prison population has now stabled. So where did they put the horses after this innovative solution to overcrowding? The next news bulletin did tell us that the population had stabilized.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Anyone for turkey?
Sainsburys report a 10% drop in poultry sales since the bird flu among Norfolk turkeys. But has the price come down? No. In the wretched E.U. there are no market forces only a foolish common agricultural policy to featherbed farmers, especially French ones. Those of us who do not think we are facing a health risk are not to be rewarded. It was just the same with BSE. No cheap steak. Let us get out of this protectionist cartel and return to a freer market.
The Unexpected Guest
We are regular patrons of Richmond Theatre and prefer it to the West End. It is half the price, free parking and quieter streets.
This was a classic Agatha Christie whodunit with an unexpected twist in the tail The setting is 1950s and the ladies looked to be from there if the victim's wheelchair did not. The cast was well known to TV soap devotees but not to me. Several smoked on stage and a lighter was a clue. What will they do after July when the nanny state bans smoking in enclosed public spaces?
7 marks out of 10. I prefer something with a message. Katy is the Agatha fan.
This was a classic Agatha Christie whodunit with an unexpected twist in the tail The setting is 1950s and the ladies looked to be from there if the victim's wheelchair did not. The cast was well known to TV soap devotees but not to me. Several smoked on stage and a lighter was a clue. What will they do after July when the nanny state bans smoking in enclosed public spaces?
7 marks out of 10. I prefer something with a message. Katy is the Agatha fan.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
John Weeks Publican
In 18th century Bristol a John Weeks was a famed host, coach proprietor and shipowner.
The first type of sign for a place of alcoholic refreshment was a bush outside the door, leading to the name of the Bush. There was a famous Bush Tavern in Corn Street The word Tavern derives from the Roman word for an inn 'taberna'. In 1775 it was presided over by Mr John Weeks and the directory of that year notes 'Birmingham diligence and a Bath coach go from this inn, post chaises to let'. He served turtles every day and advertised greatly in the newspaper. Later known as the Bush Hotel it was replaced by the South Wales and West of England Bank which was erected in 1858. www.bristolinformation.co.uk/pubs/home.asp
September 15th 1784Vincenzo Lunardi, secretary to the Neopolitan Ambassador in London, at last lifted off infront of a crowd of 100,000 or so impatient spectators at the grounds of HonourableArtillery Company to become England's first aerial traveller. Overnight the young Italianbecame a popular hero, with the ballooning craze in this country reaching its peak soonafter. Balloons were all the rage, with Lunardi's ascent being depicted on Bristol Delftbowls, and other items of crockery, while similar designs figured on glasses,handkerchiefs, fans, head dresses, and clock faces, as well as on copper tokens. Anumber of astute businessmen used the balloon's title to christen their commercialundertakings, and in Bristol John Weeks, the patriotic proprietor of the Bush Tavern in Corn Street, started a "Balloon Coach" to London, while others ran from the White Hart inBroad Street, and from Bath . -fishponds.org.uk/balloon.pdf
The first type of sign for a place of alcoholic refreshment was a bush outside the door, leading to the name of the Bush. There was a famous Bush Tavern in Corn Street The word Tavern derives from the Roman word for an inn 'taberna'. In 1775 it was presided over by Mr John Weeks and the directory of that year notes 'Birmingham diligence and a Bath coach go from this inn, post chaises to let'. He served turtles every day and advertised greatly in the newspaper. Later known as the Bush Hotel it was replaced by the South Wales and West of England Bank which was erected in 1858. www.bristolinformation.co.uk/pubs/home.asp
September 15th 1784Vincenzo Lunardi, secretary to the Neopolitan Ambassador in London, at last lifted off infront of a crowd of 100,000 or so impatient spectators at the grounds of HonourableArtillery Company to become England's first aerial traveller. Overnight the young Italianbecame a popular hero, with the ballooning craze in this country reaching its peak soonafter. Balloons were all the rage, with Lunardi's ascent being depicted on Bristol Delftbowls, and other items of crockery, while similar designs figured on glasses,handkerchiefs, fans, head dresses, and clock faces, as well as on copper tokens. Anumber of astute businessmen used the balloon's title to christen their commercialundertakings, and in Bristol John Weeks, the patriotic proprietor of the Bush Tavern in Corn Street, started a "Balloon Coach" to London, while others ran from the White Hart inBroad Street, and from Bath . -fishponds.org.uk/balloon.pdf
A Puritan ancestor?
So far I have not established a genealogical link but I am sure we are related spiritually
WEEKS, JOHN. Vicar of Buckland Newton, Dorset. 1662. Adm. 2 Oct. 1657: presented by Crown 25 July 1660. Successor inst. 8 Oct. 1662; (L. 998. 108: 46 R. 120: B.C. Bristol: Cal. 262, 415.)Nephew of S. Hardy (q.v.). At Shaftesbury in Feb. 1656-7, when surety for a composition of firstfruits. After ejection pastor of a congregation at Bristol. Discharged at Bristol Sessions after 6 months' imprisonment under Five Mile Act 22 Feb. 1668-9 (D.W.L. Turner MS. 13). 1669, preaching in 4 Wiltshire and 3 Somerset parishes. Licensed (P.), as of St. James Back, Bristol, 19 April 1672. Imprisoned by mayor of Bristol 15 Feb. 1674-5. Took out a writ of habeas corpus, 15 May 1675, that his case might be tried in London, but by the mayor's influence he was remanded back to Bristol, with an order that the sheriff should provide a better prison: released 2 Aug. 1675 (Broadmead Records, 222 ff.). His name occurs as presented 16 times in the bishop's court 1677-8 (Turner MS. 13). Sent to prison for 6 months, 31 May 1682, for preaching and refusing the Oxford Oath (ib.). The meeting-house removed from St. James Back to Tucker Street 1686: another meeting-house built in Lewin's Mead 1694 (ib.). 'Minister of a Congregation of fifteen hundred People, all of his own gathering.' Buried at St. Philip and St. Jacob 24 Nov. 1698, age 65. Funeral sermon by Joseph Kentish. Joseph Standen, who married his daughter, published a poem on his death (Bristol 1699: D.W.L.). Calamy went to Bristol, 1692, with possibility of becoming his assistant. 'I found Mr. Weeks a very frank, sincere, plain-hearted man, and as popular a preacher as most in England. He had an unwieldy body, broken with infirmities; but a mighty voice and a great spirit. He had a most affecting way of pleading for God with sinners, and of setting forth the odiousness of sin to make it detected. He had a wonderful interest in the affections of his people, to whom God had made him exceeding useful' Calamy Revised by AG Matthews page 517:(Life, i. 314).
Buckland Newton: Mr. John Weeks. He was afterwards for many Years, Minister of a flourishing Congregation in the City of Bristol. One of great Prudence; and as popular Preacher as most in England. He met with Hardships on the account of his Nonconformity, but pass'd through them with great Patience and Meekness. His Spirits were elevated by the Zeal of his Enemies. The Thoughts of his Persecutors would revive him, if he was dejected and dispirited before. As he was preaching in Froom-Woodlands, some informers came, who had vow'd to Pistol him: And he directed his Discourse to them with that Majesty and Boldness, that they rode away, without giving him any Disturbance. He was very submissive to the divine Will in sore Pains, And when reduc'd to great Straits. He never complain of GOD, but was abundant in blessing and admiring him: And would rejoyce that he could find his Heart inclin'd to love GOD, even when under manifold Afflictions at once. He was charitable beyond his Ability. He was a most fervent Expostulator with Sinners. With what Life and Warmth, would he utter those Words, I beseech you by the Bowels of JESUS CHRIST, hear a poor dying Worm, upon the Account of your inmorst Souls! He was a Minister in the Pulpit and out of it. A most affectionate sympathising Friend: and one that became all things to all Men. He discover'd a most divine Temper in his Sickness; and was most serene and satisfy'd, content and joyful in the approach of Death. He exchang'd this for a better Life, November 23. 1698, Aged 65. His Funeral Sermon was preach'd by Mr. Joseph Kentish (who assisted, and afterwards succeeded him) from 2 Kings 2. 12. And Mr. Joseph Standen (who marry'd his Daughter) publish'd a Funeral Poem, which gave his Character.- Calamy on the Great Ejection,1713 volume II, pages 262
WEEKS, JOHN. Vicar of Buckland Newton, Dorset. 1662. Adm. 2 Oct. 1657: presented by Crown 25 July 1660. Successor inst. 8 Oct. 1662; (L. 998. 108: 46 R. 120: B.C. Bristol: Cal. 262, 415.)Nephew of S. Hardy (q.v.). At Shaftesbury in Feb. 1656-7, when surety for a composition of firstfruits. After ejection pastor of a congregation at Bristol. Discharged at Bristol Sessions after 6 months' imprisonment under Five Mile Act 22 Feb. 1668-9 (D.W.L. Turner MS. 13). 1669, preaching in 4 Wiltshire and 3 Somerset parishes. Licensed (P.), as of St. James Back, Bristol, 19 April 1672. Imprisoned by mayor of Bristol 15 Feb. 1674-5. Took out a writ of habeas corpus, 15 May 1675, that his case might be tried in London, but by the mayor's influence he was remanded back to Bristol, with an order that the sheriff should provide a better prison: released 2 Aug. 1675 (Broadmead Records, 222 ff.). His name occurs as presented 16 times in the bishop's court 1677-8 (Turner MS. 13). Sent to prison for 6 months, 31 May 1682, for preaching and refusing the Oxford Oath (ib.). The meeting-house removed from St. James Back to Tucker Street 1686: another meeting-house built in Lewin's Mead 1694 (ib.). 'Minister of a Congregation of fifteen hundred People, all of his own gathering.' Buried at St. Philip and St. Jacob 24 Nov. 1698, age 65. Funeral sermon by Joseph Kentish. Joseph Standen, who married his daughter, published a poem on his death (Bristol 1699: D.W.L.). Calamy went to Bristol, 1692, with possibility of becoming his assistant. 'I found Mr. Weeks a very frank, sincere, plain-hearted man, and as popular a preacher as most in England. He had an unwieldy body, broken with infirmities; but a mighty voice and a great spirit. He had a most affecting way of pleading for God with sinners, and of setting forth the odiousness of sin to make it detected. He had a wonderful interest in the affections of his people, to whom God had made him exceeding useful' Calamy Revised by AG Matthews page 517:(Life, i. 314).
Buckland Newton: Mr. John Weeks. He was afterwards for many Years, Minister of a flourishing Congregation in the City of Bristol. One of great Prudence; and as popular Preacher as most in England. He met with Hardships on the account of his Nonconformity, but pass'd through them with great Patience and Meekness. His Spirits were elevated by the Zeal of his Enemies. The Thoughts of his Persecutors would revive him, if he was dejected and dispirited before. As he was preaching in Froom-Woodlands, some informers came, who had vow'd to Pistol him: And he directed his Discourse to them with that Majesty and Boldness, that they rode away, without giving him any Disturbance. He was very submissive to the divine Will in sore Pains, And when reduc'd to great Straits. He never complain of GOD, but was abundant in blessing and admiring him: And would rejoyce that he could find his Heart inclin'd to love GOD, even when under manifold Afflictions at once. He was charitable beyond his Ability. He was a most fervent Expostulator with Sinners. With what Life and Warmth, would he utter those Words, I beseech you by the Bowels of JESUS CHRIST, hear a poor dying Worm, upon the Account of your inmorst Souls! He was a Minister in the Pulpit and out of it. A most affectionate sympathising Friend: and one that became all things to all Men. He discover'd a most divine Temper in his Sickness; and was most serene and satisfy'd, content and joyful in the approach of Death. He exchang'd this for a better Life, November 23. 1698, Aged 65. His Funeral Sermon was preach'd by Mr. Joseph Kentish (who assisted, and afterwards succeeded him) from 2 Kings 2. 12. And Mr. Joseph Standen (who marry'd his Daughter) publish'd a Funeral Poem, which gave his Character.- Calamy on the Great Ejection,1713 volume II, pages 262
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Books read in February 2007 (8)
1. Mayflower: A Voyage to War by Nathaniel Philbrick
An excellent account of the first half century plus of the settlement of new England. We start with the Pilgrims leaving Lincolnshire for Holland seeking freedom to worship God according to their consciences. We learn of life in Holland and the hazardous decision to cross the ocean. Here their sufferings began. The ocean voyage was bad enough but being tricked by the captain of the second boat was among the other hazards.As is well known, survival oh a hostile coast was only possible thanks to the co-operation of the friendly local inhabitants. It was a miracle that they survived the first winter. These people were like Cromwell, providentialists, who believed that God was watching over them by his providence. I do not think the author shares their faith but he writes with a sympathetic understanding of it including how the next generation lacked the vital faith of their fathers so later Puritans had the Half Way Covenant rather than requiring credible profession faith from church members. Philbrick writes well. The book reads like an adventure story at times, especially during the hostilities of King Philip's war when the proportion of the population lost was far higher than any other war on U.S. soil. We also hear that the settler's victory was in part due to the help they received from Praying Indians, converts from the missionary work of John Eliot. The author is thankfully free from the modern trend of political correctness which would view Native Americans as saints and Pilgrims as rapacious colonisers. This is a fair treatment of the good and bad in both communities.I found it a moving read, especially when one read what William Bradford wrote late in life.
Fear not, poor soul, in God still trust,
Fear not the things thou suffer must;
For, whom he loves, he doth chastise,
And then all tears wipes from their eyes.
An excellent account of the first half century plus of the settlement of new England. We start with the Pilgrims leaving Lincolnshire for Holland seeking freedom to worship God according to their consciences. We learn of life in Holland and the hazardous decision to cross the ocean. Here their sufferings began. The ocean voyage was bad enough but being tricked by the captain of the second boat was among the other hazards.As is well known, survival oh a hostile coast was only possible thanks to the co-operation of the friendly local inhabitants. It was a miracle that they survived the first winter. These people were like Cromwell, providentialists, who believed that God was watching over them by his providence. I do not think the author shares their faith but he writes with a sympathetic understanding of it including how the next generation lacked the vital faith of their fathers so later Puritans had the Half Way Covenant rather than requiring credible profession faith from church members. Philbrick writes well. The book reads like an adventure story at times, especially during the hostilities of King Philip's war when the proportion of the population lost was far higher than any other war on U.S. soil. We also hear that the settler's victory was in part due to the help they received from Praying Indians, converts from the missionary work of John Eliot. The author is thankfully free from the modern trend of political correctness which would view Native Americans as saints and Pilgrims as rapacious colonisers. This is a fair treatment of the good and bad in both communities.I found it a moving read, especially when one read what William Bradford wrote late in life.
Fear not, poor soul, in God still trust,
Fear not the things thou suffer must;
For, whom he loves, he doth chastise,
And then all tears wipes from their eyes.
2. Stop Dating the Church (Lifechange Books) by Joshua Harris
My title might have been appropriate for this book if had been written on this side of the pond and not by an author who found youthful success encouraging Christians to stop the American cultural pattern of dating.He writes at a popular level. His target is Christians with a low view of church who therefore lack commitment to any one local church. In these days when some Christians do not see the need to be part of a local church the message of this book is badly needed. Commitment to Christ means commitment to his body in its manifestation as the local church.
This message is well communicated by the author though there are I think a couple of large gaps in his small book. There is no mention of the church triumphant, how the church on earth is related to the church in heaven, how worship unites us all around God's throne. Secondly, while the author gives marks of a faithful church and would encourage believers do leave ungodly, unscriptural churches, he does not really discuss what are sufficient reasons to leave one church for another. this is really a glaring omission when the aim of the book is to teach commitment to the local fellowship. My experience is that people often move for wrong reasons and also may stay in churches that are not really functioning with the three traditional marks of a gospel church, teaching Scripture, administering the sacraments and exerting biblical discipline. Nevertheless this is an excellent primer on the need to be part of a local church.
3. American Yesterday (Americana) by Eric Sloane
A delightful look at pre 20th century America, well written and illustrated. It covers many aspects of American life starting from church which I was interested to find would be an unheated building. He says that now people go to church to get something, then they went to give something, thanks to God.
4. While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam Is Destroying the West from Within by Bruce Bawer
The author is a homosexual man form New York living with his partner in Norway. This a a brief residence in Holland are influential factors in his writing and the lack of contact with the U.K. is a limiting factor in this book. His politics are right of centre and he laments that in most European countries the major parties are but like the two wings of the U.S. Democrats. Much of his writing seems rather anecdotal and unstructured. His constant theme is the dhimmitude of European governments who fail to stand up to the ever increasing demands of Muslim minorities. He grants that there is a peaceable majority but says their voice is not heard. They do not come onto the streets to condemn co-coreligionists the way they demonstrate against the U.S.A. European anti-Americanism is one of his themes. His heroes are the Dutch, Fortuyn and Van Gogh who were martyrs to his cause.As is usual in anti-islamist writing, he is long on diagnosis, short on prescription. Encourage the peaceful majority to take control and teach integration like the American melting pot. Are these realistic hopes? Not surprisingly he does not encourage the indigenous minority who are committing demographic suicide to take the necessary action and boost their birth rates.
5. Letters of Samuel Rutherford: With a Sketch of His Life and Biographical Notes of His Correspondents by Samuel Rutherford
No books come near to Scripture as being inspired by God but among the books that can most inspire I rank Rutherford at the top. For devotional reading he is incomparable. There are 365 letters in this edition so one can read one a day for a year. This i did with a few days off at times. These letters span 1627 to 1661, years of great turmoil in Scotland. If you have a romantic view of history, here is the remedy. Rutherford suffered. 231 letters were written while he was imprisoned in Aberdeen. He writes comfort to the bereaved and strength and perseverance to the persecuted. He writes later while a commissioner to the Westminster Assembly and also after his nation's surprising defeat by Oliver Cromwell at Dunbar. These latter letters are the only one's where I would differ from the author's sentiments.
Close communion with Christ is the hallmark of Rutherford's writing. They are wonderful examples of pastoral care from a man whose great sorrow was to be forcibly removed from his pastoral charge at Anwoth. Here is the most challenging spirituality written since the apostolic era. This book should be read by all Christians. In fact I did encourage the publishers to produce this edition as it was out of print for many years.The only drawback is that you have to keep looking up the meaning of Scots words in the glossary.
6. A Political Philosophy by Roger Scruton
Former Dutch prime minister Abraham Kuyper said that the difference between liberals and conservatives was ten years. If Scruton was read and adopted by Conservatives today we would see some clear blue water. He is a philosopher so do not expect an easy read but you will find a most rewarding one. Scruton starts with citizenship in a nation state as fundamental. He is no admirer of any sovereignty above the nation for that is where loyalty stops. Conservatism should mean the conserving of nature. Environmental concerns are not limited to the left. Animals are friends we can eat. Humans are not merely higher animals. Their lives must be protected from predatory apostles of euthanasia. Marriage is fundamental to the stability of society. It is more than a mere contract but I do not accept his high Anglican assertion that it is a sacrament. Scruton does not seem conversant with the Protestant covenantal view of marriage. He gives us a good critique of the cultural negativity of post-modernism. He enlightens one with his analysis of religion before and after the Enlightenment and rightly contends that religion must be studied not merely for its utility but for its claims to truth. His analysis of totalitarianism, particularly the power plan that is Marxism is masterful. "It is not the truth of Marxism that explains the willingness of intellectuals to believe it, but the power that it confers on intellectuals, in their attempts to control the world. And since, as Swift says, it is futile to reason someone out of a thing that he was not reasoned into, we can conclude that Marxism owes its remarkable power to survive every criticism to the fact that it is not a truth-directed but a power-directed system of thought.". Eurospeak is exposed as the current Newspeak though he omits the most fundamental of all Eurospeak, to hijack the Euro preface for the E.U. alone and to remove it from Europe as a whole. So I am labelled a Europhobe when what I fear is not Europe but the E.U. Evil is seen as more than humans being bad. Sexual evil is brilliantly analysed.Finally Eliot is critiqued as the literary apostle of Scruton's conservatism. This is a good book to encourage political thought beyond the realm of present day pragmatism.
7. Truth with Love: The Apologetics of Francis Schaeffer
by Bryan A. Follis
Bryan Follis's book on the apologetics of Francis Schaeffer (FAS) came out of an academic dissertation and it shows. It is not an easy read for an average Christian unacquainted with academic Christian schools of apologetics. Follis's thesis is that FAS was influenced by different schools of apologetics but not a follower of any one school.
Follis puts the American development of that tradition and its denominational splits. I sometimes had the impression hat not enough emphasis was given to FAS's Calvinism which meant that he believed that though evangelism through apologetics was his calling, he could convert no-one. Regeneration is God's sovereign work and all of FAS's effort was done under that understanding.The history of Schaeffer's mission to Europe with the Bible Presbyterian Church is given with the circumstances that led him to leave that denomination and be a missionary to young people in Europe and to develop his apologetics. FAS resisted any attempt to get him to systematically teach an apologetic method. His apologetics are discerned from his writings, particularly the first three books, and the way FAS dealt with people. It was speaking truth in love. There is true truth and there are no little people. Every questioner deserved and received an answer. There is much personal testimony from those who met and worked with FAS as to his love for individual people.As to wheer his apologetics came from there is much academic discussion of the influences, Princtonian old school evidentialism, Carnell's verificationalisn and Van Tillian presuppositionalism. The latter is the most contentious. No-one would doubt how much FAS used a presuppositional approach but Follis seeks to show the two men has a different understanding of presuppositions and a different approach to unbelievers. I agree with him that the strict Van Tillian approach leaves no real point of contact with the unbeliever. FAS sought to show the non-Christan that they could not consistently live by godless presuppositions. He believed in bringing the non-Christian to see the shortcomings of whatever world-view he was following and then present the truth of the Christian gospel.But what marks FAS out wa his insistence on a life of dependence on God to evidence the reality of the truth of the faith proclaimed. FAS sought to show that Christianity is both rational and supernatural. Follis brings this out well. Much space is given to the difference between FAS and Van Til. The late Edmund Clowney told me that he had them both together in his office at Westminster Seminary and they got on well personally and the was to substantial disagreement between them.Follis concludes that FAS apologetic is still relevant in a post-modern environment. Speaking the truth with love will always be needed to communicate the gospel God's Spirit is needed to see lives changed.
Minor criticism, this book lacks an index and while telling us Pinnock's criticism of FAS he failed to tell us that from writing a book based on FAS's approach Pinnock has now moved beyond the limits of Reformed Biblical Christianity.
8. Dunn and Dusted: Diaries and Memories of North Yorkshire Farmer Paul Dunn - Paul Stuart Dunn
This is the first book I have reviewed where Amazon had misspelled the title. My review title corrects the mistake.The author and I are contemporaries and our late fathers were friends as Methodist local preachers. I wa re-intoduced to the author when I saw a Channel 4 television programme on how the crisis in farming was driving men of the land and even to suicide. But one farmer was shown starting hius day before dawn, singing hymns while he fed his sheep. hat was Paul Dunn. He farms on the Yorkshire moors and hius story brought back many memories of growing up in North Yorkshire, where though I was not on a farm, my uncle farmed nearby. Paul's account is strong on his Methodist family upbringing and local schools. He never went further than secondary-modern education then worked for his expectations, board, lodging and pocket money with the hope of running the farm after his father. he did take over the tenancy of the farm which was mainly dairy and sheep. Ther eis alot here that is diary with a bit too much of weather and stock prices prices for me. In fact an appending tabling the fluctating prices would have been helpful, also an index. Nevertheless I did find three of my family mentioned. As to the weather, because farming depends on it, one does understand how much is related and certainly in Dunn's area there is a lot of snow. Interestingly he is sceptical about global warming. he is also rightly critical of government farming policy and DEFRA inefficiency, especially over foot and mouth. This is an account of how farming has been destroyed by E.U. policies. Set aside should be set aside with our E.U. membership.As well as the decline in farming there is the decline of Methodism. The author has left for a charismatic church some distance away. many others have joined reformed churches. Mr Dunn has some theological traning but does not forcefully lay the blame for this decline where it lies, liberalsm in metodist ministry for may years. But his kind of methodism was the old school, evangelical and evangelistic. This book will tell you how North Yorkdhie used to be. There are plenty of pithy local sayings and tales of humorous chracters. It is a story of faith in adversity and an honest tale. the author admits to depression. The state of farming is depressed too.
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