This View from the Pew is written weeks in advance due to various publishing deadlines, and for my need for cool surroundings during the summer. The Sun does not shine on the windows of our north facing kitchen, and so for the past two hundred plus years it has been a cool spot to savour in summer and to heat in the winter.
This observation brings me to my theme for the month, it being that for every effect we encounter in life there is always a cause.
Cause and Effect is one of the three starting points in philosophy, by which people seek The Truth behind the creation of this material world, and for life itself. A life in which we self-consciously identify ourselves in relation to others. A world, much of which we can measure, delineate and predict.
Broadly speaking the First Cause is also thought of as being intelligence, such as a Creator God. Other options however include Energy so great that it caused a Big Bang, and more recently the notion that Mathematics existed prior to the formation of the world and is somehow related to its cause.
But now, away from the really big question to some smaller ones occasioned by what appears to be serious loss of control by our civil establishment, over our nation’s law enforcement, economy, borders and most importantly its direction.
There are effects we all can see, but which the establishment cannot or will not agree on the causes. As my own mind tries to make sense of the chaos and retain a sense of ordered perspective and balance, I draw on two items of satirical humour in the Operetta Iolanthe by Gilbert & Sullivan.
First, words by Private Willis a Sentry outside the House of Parliaments as he ruminates on the Intellect of MP’s.
- When all night long a chap remains
On sentry-go, to chase monotony
He exercises of his brains
That is, assuming that he’s got any
Though never nurtured in the lap of luxury, yet I admonish you I am an intellectual chap
And think of things that would astonish you
[Chorus]
I often think it’s comical – Fal, lal, la! How Nature always does contrive – Fal, lal, la! That every boy and every gal
That’s born into the world alive
Is either a little Liberal
Or else a little Conservative!
Fal, lal, la!
2. When in that House MP’s divide If they’ve a brain and cerebеllum, too
They’ve got to leave that brain outside and vote just as their leaders tell ’em to.
But then the prospect of a lot
Of dull MPs in close proximity
All thinking for themselves, is what No man can face with equanimity. Chorus
Secondly. words by the pompous Lord Mountarrat who whilst ‘showing off’ to the eligible maid Phylis, fondly recalls the Napoleonic wars by singing, “When Wellington Thrashed Bonaparte as any child can tell, The House of Lords throughout the War did nothing in particular, but did it rather well.” Does he remind you of any one today?
I ended last month’s article by asking those readers who felt powerless to do anything to turn Britain away from its decline, to pray for direction for those who lead or influence public affairs and for mercy and help for themselves.
I have good reasons to believe in the power of prayer and, although prayer may rarely give you what you want, it will assuredly give you what you need.
For those who don’t know how to pray, just talk quietly as you are already in the presence of Jesus. (He is ever present) Speak first of gratitude and ask for mercy. Clear the mental decks so to speak. He cannot be fooled, so be honest with yourself. At first, avoid pretentiousness by praying for the whole world. Pray for our own leaders. Do not list their failures and judge them, “Judgement is mine” saith the Lord, and each of us will all be in front of him soon enough. But ask that you will be able to feel his presence, likewise with your family, neighbours and those you know who are in need.
View from the Pew 