Not interested!

But their patriotism has nothing whatever to do with power politics or “ideological” warfare. It is more akin to family loyalty, and actually it gives one a valuable clue to the attitude of ordinary people, especially the huge untouched block of the middle class and the better-off working class. These people are patriotic to the middle of their bones, but they do not feel that what happens in foreign countries is any of their business. When England is in danger they rally to its defense as a matter of course but in between times they are not interested.—George Orwell, A Collection of Essays, 294

<idle musing>
I know he's talking about the British of the 1930s–1940s, but I suspect it transfers to just about any country at anytime. I'm pretty sure it's true of the US right now—which explains why Dear Leader™ can get away with all this garbage right now...

Just an
</idle musing>

Victory in Jesus (hymn)

82 Victory in Jesus

I heard an old, old story how a Savior came from glory,
   How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me;
   I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood’s atoning,
   Then I repented of my sins and won the victory

Chorus
   O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever!
   He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood;
   He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him.
   He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood

2 I heard about His healing, of His cleansing pow’r revealing
   How He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see;
   And then I cried, “Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit,”
   And some sweet day I’ll sing up there the song of victory.

3 I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory,
   And I heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea;
   About the angels singing and the old redemption story,
   And some sweet day I’ll sing up there the song of victory.
                         Eugene M. Barrett
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
This hymn, like so many gospel songs, never made it into the Methodist hymnal. But I grew up singing it. I probably learned it at vacation Bible school, which when I was a kid was a whole day affair for a week, later moving to mornings only for two weeks. By the time our kids were born, VBS had become an evening event that lasted for two weeks, but that's another story.

Anyway, with it's rousing melody and decent lyrics, it's been one of my favorites for a long time. Sure, I wish it went deeper, but that wasn't why it was written : )
</idle musing>

Is a half a loaf the same as no loaf? (and other fallacious arguments)

An illusion can become a half-truth, a mask can alter the expression of a face. The familiar arguments to the effect that democracy is “just the same as” or “just as bad as” totalitarianism never take account of this fact. All such arguments boil down to saying that half a loaf is the same as no bread. In England such concepts as justice, liberty, and objective truth are still believed in. They may be illusions, but they are very powerful illusions. The belief in them influences conduct, national life is different because of them. In proof of which,look about you. Where are the rubber truncheons, where is the castor oil? The sword is still in the scabbard, and while it stays there corruption cannot go beyond a certain point.—George Orwell, A Collection of Essays, 261

<idle musing>
Well, I would say that in the US, the "illusions" are losing their appeal to far too many and corruption will soon run (even more) rampant. I'm camping in Habakkuk these days—and not just in chapter 3!
</idle musing>

Trusting Jesus (hymn)

79 Trusting Jesus

1. Simply trusting every day,
   Trusting through a stormy way;
   Even when my faith is small,
   Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain:
   Trusting as the moments fly,
   Trusting as the days go by;
   Trusting Him whate’er befall,
   Trusting Jesus, that is all.

2. Brightly doth His Spirit shine
   Into this poor heart of mine;
   While He leads I cannot fall;
   Trusting Jesus, that is all.

3. Singing if my way is clear,
   Praying if the path be drear;
   If in danger for Him call;
   Trusting Jesus, that is all.

4. Trusting Him while life shall last,
   Trusting Him till earth be past;
   Till within the jasper wall,
   Trusting Jesus, that is all.
                         Edgar P. Stites
                         Hymns for the Family of God

Power worship

Also, the common people are without definite religions belief, and have been so for centuries. The Anglican Church never had a real hold on them, it was simply the preserve of the landed gentry, and the Nonconforrnist sects only influenced minorities. And yet they have retained a deep tinge of Christian feeling, while almost forgetting the name of Christ. The power-worship which is the new religion of Europe, and which has infected the English intelligentsia, has never touched the common people. They have never caught up with power politics.—George Orwell, A Collection of Essays, 256–57

My Hope Is in the Lord

78 My Hope Is in the Lord

1 My Hope is in the Lord, who gave Himself for me
   And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary

Refrain
   For me He died; For me He lives,
   And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

2 No merit of my own His anger to suppress,
   My only hope is found in Jesus' righteousness

3 And now for me He stands Before the Father's throne;
   He shows His wounded hands and names me as His own.

4 His grace has planned it all, 'Tis mine but to believe
   And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.
                         Norman J. Clayton
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
I don't recall this hymn, but then, it only occurs in twenty-five hymnals. I feel a special connection to the hymnwriter, though, because when I was in elementary school, Wisconsin Public Radio had a weekly broadcast on Wednesday afternoons that was entitled "Let's Sing," which he hosted (it was part of the Wisconsin School of the Air and it ran from 1956–1974). Many of the songs were written by him, but it also included all kinds of Americana songs.

Every year, at the end of the year, we could purchase our copy of that year's songbook. One year, the teacher allowed us to have it for free if we agreed to sing a song from the book in front of the class. She allowed us to sing in duets, trios, and quartets so we wouldn't feel as embarassed. I always bought them (except for the year when we got it free!). One year, he even came to Menomonie and held a sing-along.
</idle musing>

The Power of Patriotism

One cannot see the modern world as it is unless one recognises the overwhelming strength of patriotism, national loyalty. In certain circumstances it can break down, at certain levels of civilisation it does not exist, but as a positive force there is nothing to set beside it. Christianity and international socialism are as weak as straw in comparison with it. Hitler and Mussolini rose to power in their own countries very largely because they could grasp this fact and their opponents could not.—George Orwell, A Collection of Essays, 252 (emphasis original)

Tozer for Tuesday

What we have in the Bible is true, but not everything that is true is in the Bible. You can learn everything from the Bible that the Bible teaches, but you cannot learn everything from the Bible, for the reason that the Bible does not teach everything. It does not pretend to. We must distinguish between revealed truth and truth. 45 (emphasis original)

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

75 My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

1. My faith has found a resting place,
   Not in device nor creed.
   I trust the ever-living One;
   His wounds for me shall plead.

Refrain:
   I need no other argument,
   I need no other plea,
   It is enough that Jesus died,
   And that he died for me.

2. Enough for me that Jesus saves,
   This ends my fear and doubt;
   A sinful soul I come to Him,
   He’ll never cast me out. [Refrain]

3. My heart is leaning on the Word,
   The written Word of God,
   Salvation by my Savior’s name,
   Salvation thro' his blood. [Refrain]

4. My Great Physician heals the sick,
   The lost He came to save;
   For me his precious blood he shed,
   For me his life he gave. [Refrain]
                         Lidie H. Edmunds
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
Again, more of a gsopel song, in that it addresses sinners, not saints. Yes, those who have trusted Jesus for salvation are no long sinners, but saints. If you've followed this blog for very long, you'll know that's a favorite theme of mine...

By the way, take a few seconds to read the biography of the hymnwriter. Seems she didn't let debilitating health stand in her way, which gives the fourth verse extra punch.
</idle musing>

Change of heart, or change of economic system?

They are all people with something to lose, or people who long for a hierarchical society and dread the prospect of a world of free and equal human beings. Behind all the ballyhoo that is talked about “godless” Russia and the “materialism” of the working class lies the simple intention of those with money or privileges to cling to them. Ditto, though it contains a partial truth, with all the talk about the worthlessness of social reconstruction not accompanied by a “change of heart.” The pious ones, from the Pope to the yogis of California, are great on the “change of heart,” much more reassuring from their point of view than a change in the economic system.—George Orwell, A Collection of Essays, 207

<idle musing>
Not a whole lot has changed in eighty years, has it? Except maybe the grabbing has become more extreme and obvious as the ethos of the country has changed to greed and self-centeredness/narcissism.
</idle musing>

I Am Trusting Thee , Lord Jesus

73 I Am Trusting Thee , Lord Jesus

1 I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
   Trusting only Thee;
   Trusting Thee for full salvation,
   Great and free.

2 I am trusting Thee for pardon;
   At Thy feet I bow;
   For Thy grace and tender mercy,
   Trusting now.

3 I am trusting Thee to guide me;
   Thou alone shalt lead,
   Ev'ry day and hour supplying
   All my need.

4 I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus;
   Never let me fall;
   I am trusting Thee forever,
   And for all.
                         Frances Havergal
                         Hymns for the Family of God

Faith Is the Victory

71 Faith Is the Victory

1. Encamped along the hills of light,
   Ye Christian soldiers, rise.
   And press the battle ere the night
   Shall veil the glowing skies.
   Against the foe in vales below
   Let all our strength be hurled.
   Faith is the victory, we know,
   That overcomes the world.

Refrain
   Faith is the victory!Faith is the victory!
   O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.

2. His banner over us is love,
   Our sword the Word of God.
   We tread the road the saints above
   With shouts of triumph trod.
   By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
   Swept on o’er every field.
   The faith by which they conquered death
   Is still our shining shield. [Refrain]

3. On every hand the foe we find
   Drawn up in dread array.
   Let tents of ease be left behind,
   And onward to the fray.
   Salvation’s helmet on each head,
   With truth all girt about,
   The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
   And echo with our shout. [Refrain]

4. To him that overcomes the foe,
   White raiment shall be giv’n.
   Before the angels he shall know
   His name confessed in Heav’n.
   Then onward from the hill of light,
   Our hearts with love aflame,
   We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
   In Jesus’ conqu’ring name. [Refrain]
                         John H. Yates
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
This section of the hymnal is loaded with what we used to call Gospel Hymns. They are generally theology-lite and have rousing tunes, designed to move the crowd. When you understand that, it's easier to just enjoy singing them and not get into the weeds of theology. Inevitably, I find singing them drives the blues away—and we could definitely use that in these days of topsy-turvy weather and news.

So, enjoy the tunes and sing them!
</idle musing>

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

66 My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

1 My Shepherd, you supply my need,
   most holy is your name;
   in pastures fresh you make me feed,
   beside the living stream.
   You bring my wand'ring spirit back.
   when I forsake your ways;
   you lead me, for your mercy's sake,
   in paths of truth and grace.

2 When through the shades of death I walk,
   your presence is my stay;
   one word of your supporting breath
   drives all my fears away.
   Your hand in sight of all my foes,
   does still my table spread;
   my cup with Blessings overflows,
   your oil anoints my head.

3 Your sure provisions gracious God
   attend me all my days;
   oh, may your house be my abode,
   and all my work be praise.
   Here would I find a settled rest,
   while others go and come;
   no more a stranger, nor a guest,
   but like a child at home.
                         Isaac Watts
                         Hymns for the Family of God

They swallow the lie—and get indigestion

With the working class it is the other way about. Too ignorant to see through the trick that is being played on them, they easily swallow the promises of fascism, yet sooner or later they always take up the struggle again. They must do so, because in their own bodies they always discover that the promises of fascism cannot be fulfilled. To win over the working class permanently, the fascists would have to raise the general standard of living, which they are unable and probably unwilling to do. The struggle of the working class is like the growth of a plant, the plant is blind and stupid, but it knows enough to keep pushing upwards towards the light, and it will do this in the face of endless discouragements.—George Orwell, A Collection of Essays, 202

<idle musing>
OK, I don't like his demeaning classist outlook, but he does shine the light on an important truth. The "lower class" may empower their overlords, but when the leaders fail—which they inevitably will, because their real goal is power and money—the "lower class" will rise up and rebel. It might take a generation or two, but they will. Cue reference to Hab 3.
</idle musing>

Moment by moment (Hymn)

65 Moment by Moment

1 Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
   Living with Jesus, a new life divine;
   Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
   Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.

Refrain:
   Moment by moment I’m kept in his love;
   Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
   Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
   Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.

2 Never a trial that he is not there,
   Never a burden that he doth not bear,
   Never a sorrow that he doth not share,
   Moment by moment, I’m under his care. [Refrain]

3 Never a weakness that he doth not feel,
   Never a sickness that he cannot heal;
   Moment by moment, in woe or in weal,
   Jesus, my Savior, abides with me still. [Refrain]
                         Daniel W. Whittle
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
The words sound trite, but that doesn't detract from their truth. It's not a very popular hymn, only occurring in about 150 hymnals. I don't recall ever singing it. Seems the author also published under the pseudonym El Nathan. Not a whole lot more is known about him.
</idle musing>

In it for the long haul

In the long run—it is important to remember that it is only in the long run—the working class remains the most reliable enemy of fascism, simply because the working class stands to gain most by a decent reconstruction of society. Unlike other classes or categories, it can’t be permanently bribed.—George Orwell, A Collection of Essays, 201

Hope in a dark place

59 Plans While in Prison

“The most important part of our task will be to tell everyone who will listen that Jesus is the only answer to the problems that are disturbing the hearts of men and nations. We shall have the right to speak because we can tell from our experience that His light is more powerful than the deepest darkness. . . How wonderful that the reality of His presence is greater than the reality of the hell about us.”
—Betsie ten Boom, to her sister, Corrie
Hymns for the Family of God

The power of literature and stories

Nourished for hundreds of years in a literature in which Right invariably triumphs in the last chapter, we believe half-instinctively that evil always defeats itself in the long run. Pacifism, for instance, is founded largely on this belief. Don’t resist evil, and it will somehow destroy itself. But why should it? What evidence is there that it does? And what instance is there of a modern industrialised state collapsing unless conquered tram the outside by military force?—George Orwell, A Collection of Essays, 200

<idle musing>
Ah, but he is wrong about a state collapsing without being overrun. The most recent example is the Soviet Union. It dramatically collapsed in 1980. And, we are currently seeing the collapse of the US. So, military force isn't necessary. Economic collapse can happen from within.
</idle musing>

Prayer for Strength

55 Prayer for Strength

O God, You have given us life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. You have given us the security of faith in a world that longs for something on which to rely. We thank You for Your gifts to us.

Teach us to stand strong for Your Kingdom: to be free in this world in order to be Christ’s men and women.

Help us to know Your love and the love of each other. Set us free to become our true selves because we are loved, and to free others because we love.

Give us enough tests to make us strong;
enough vision and endurance to follow Your way;
enough patience to persist when the going is difficult;
enough of reality to know our weaknesses;
and enough humility to know these gifts come from You.

Go before us to prepare the way;
walk behind us to be our protection;
and walk beside us to be our companion,

through Christ our Lord, Amen.
—Richard Langfold
Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
The portion of the hymnal I'm reading through right now is entitle Comfort. Seems appropriate in light of the wholesale destruction of everything that going on right now. Perhaps it's time to pull out Augustine's City of God to get a bit of perspective!
</idle musing>

A prayer for writing and checking footnotes!

There's remarkable post today at the Christian Scholar's Review on set liturgical prayers and their value. But the thing that jumped out at me is their prayer for writing footnotes:

A Liturgy for the Writing of Citations

O Lord, you have placed me
in a community of scholars,
working together to explore your world.

As I place commas, periods, and parentheses
Let me see that care and attentiveness
Are attributes of your creativity and grace.

As I take pains to attribute my work aright
Help me be grateful for the labor of others
And see the joy of communal discovery.

You are King of Details, O God.
You send planets swirling in a dangerous dance
Just as you choreograph the cells in my own body.

You have given me this small task to do.
Clear my heart of frustration and boredom.

For annoyance, bring gratitude
For impatience, bring absorbing care

Help me to neither take for granted the work of others
Nor the work of your Son
Nor the work you give me to do in your world.