Gough Whitlam, 11 November and the Jerusalem Hymn

There has been a sign in Australia pointing to 11 November.  On Tuesday 21 October 2014 a former Prime Minister - Gough Whitlam - died at the age of 98 years.  Now I won't go into all the details, but one of the most memorable days in Australia's long political history was the sacking of the elected Gough Whitlam (federal) government on Remembrance Day - 11 November 1975 (by the Queen’s representative the Governor-General). 

One remarkable aspect is that this would normally be one of the least likely days for such an event - the very day when the nation should be focused on remembering those who have been killed and wounded in wars.  This November (2014) will be the start of the 40th year, obviously finishing on 11 November 2015. His State funeral was held on Tuesday 4 November 2014 - seven days prior to Remembrance Day on 11 November.  His wife had died previously.  Neither Gough Whitlam or his wife Margaret were religious, albeit they did have somewhat of a Christian upbringing (Gough Whitlam was closer to a secular humanist).

Both Margaret and Gough Whitlam, however, made an unusual choice for their recessional hymn:  Jerusalem (not the I saw a New Jerusalem hymn).  The last two lines are just below, and the full lyrics further down.  An unusual choice!  For those who consider that the Antichrist may come from England (possibly WILL-I-AM) this hymn is even more interesting.    

Till we have built Jerusalem,

In England’s green and pleasant Land

Here’s the full text

And did those feet in ancient time

Walk upon England’s mountains green:

And was the holy Lamb of God,

On England’s pleasant pastures seen!

And did the Countenance Divine,

Shine forth upon our clouded hills?

And was Jerusalem builded here,

Among these dark Satanic Mills?

Bring me my Bow of burning gold;

Bring me my Arrows of desire:

Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!

Bring me my Chariot of fire!

I will not cease from Mental Fight,

Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand:

Till we have built Jerusalem,

In England’s green and pleasant Land

 

Denis  Maranatha!!