As Christians we should be aware our hearts desire is to be close to the Lord, to walk with Him, and talk with Him, just as Adam did before he disobeyed and fell into sin. William Cowper also cherished this same desire, and he expresed in one of his best known hymns:

O! for a closer walk with God,
A calm and heav'nly frame;
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb!

Where is the blessedness I knew
When first I saw the LORD?
Where is the soul-refreshing view
Of JESUS, and his word?

What peaceful hours I once enjoyed!
How sweet their memory still!
But they have left an aching void,
The world can never fill.

Return, O holy Dove, return,
Sweet messenger of rest;
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
And drove thee from my breast.

The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be;
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee.

So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb

Normally I am not one for making political comment, well not in public anyway, but I think it would be fair to say that almost everyone has had something to say about the exposures of the M.P's expenses. I have heard all sorts of comments, needless to say some of them I would never repeat or display in writing.

All that we have read in the newspapers and seen on our television screens led me to think of another time when what all the members of the house were doing was looking after their self interests. On that occasion one, Oliver Cromwell, Oh didn't I tell you I was referring to the 20th April 1653, on that occasion Oliver Cromwell told them exactly what he thought about them, and promptly kicked them all out.

His exact words were, and I quote:

“It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.

Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?

Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God, go!”


Annotation: "that shining bauble" refers to the sceptre that lies in the centre of the House of Commons when in session.

Where are all the men of courage and conviction today, has society sunk so low that these people hope it will all go away, and things can get back to the way they were.

This country is ripe for the judgment of God, perhaps our current economic situation is just that, God judging not only our country but the whole of the world, for it's desire of, and dependence on riches.

Remember, that the thing's that are worthwhile cannot be bought, certainly not our eternal destiny. The Scriptures remind us that we are "not redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold,from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers: But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot".