Richard Johnson Research

I've been going through the 18th century English newspapers, and I've found some absolute gold. Here is a little gem about Richard Johnson that no other historian has yet reported on. It is from the London Advertiser, 17th January, 1787 -

The following is a short but authentic account of the eighteen unhappy convicts, who were executed on Tuesday last, in the Old Bailey. On the Sunday preceding their death, they heard a sermon from the words (by the Rev. Mr. Johnson, Chaplain to the intended Colony at Botany Bay), "But truly as the Lord liveth, and as the soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death;" Samuel 1st Book, the latter part of the 3d Verse.

This is historically significant, as we do not have much info about what Johnson was doing in the months before the First Fleet sailed, and he has been criticised for not spending more time ministering to the convicts. This report shows that he did have an active ministry during these months. You, gentle reader, have just witnessed a small piece of history being corrected...

10 in 2

Ben sets himself an ambitious goal. Encouraging to read...

Writing Night

Monday night is writing night. Wrote my SA article for Wednesday, and also finished the first draft of a longer article (which I'll discuss when it's finished and accepted!) Unfortunately, book progress has been a bit limited the last couple of weeks. I'm writing about Johnson's household, and I need to spend some time transcribing more of Johnson's memoirs. It's a painful exercise, and I've been avoiding. On the upside, I've found some excellent information in Tim Flannery's "The Birth of Sydney". A great book that I recommend. I wish someone would turn it into a TV series, along the lines of Ken Burn's "The Civil War"...

GSP vs Penn II

Finally got to watch this on last weeks "UFC Unleashed". Fully engrossing fight, and much closer than I had imagined...

Little Miss Sunshine

Watched this for the first time over the weekend. Enjoyed it, and it was good to see Steve Carell in a role where he is not a complete goof-off.

"Insolence Upbraided"

Interesting little exchange recorded on Pyromaniacs. I agree the original writer was rather judgmental, but I must admit to great unease with visiting preachers who "pass around the plate". I've been to evangelistic events where this has happened! Not a good look. I feel it's much better to have the event sponsors and the speaker agree on a fee beforehand, with no special offering taking place. If costs need to be covered (a venue, for example), then the most above board method is to sell tickets. 

Howard's Gun Buy-back

The unexpected results

Bill Leak

Did you see Bill Leak's excellent cartoon in the Australian, "Turning Back the Votes"? Brilliant. Click here and scroll through the gallery...

Final Score

Village United - 2
Petersham All Saints - 2

Good times...

A great comment about the hung parliament

Alan Dungey made this great comment on the SA forums, regarding the hung parliament, and the call for a new election - "A Parliament has been elected; it should be expected to produce a government." Absolutely.

qanda

Just watched last weeks qanda. The Mark Arbib "spinning chair" tweet was a classic. I found myself warming to Turnbull more than I have in the past. Getting tossed from the leadership was a good experience for him in terms of character formation, I think, and he's always been a smart cookie. I would really like to see him take over the Treasury portfolio.

Crazy to "can do"

Mikey talks about the Geneva Push

The Nolan Chart

I still reckon this is a pretty good summary of contemporary political positions -

Feminists speak out against burqa

Click here. I still think the idea of banning it is appalling, though...

Latest tally

ALP 72, Coalition 72, Independents 4, Green 1, In doubt 1

Village Church Annandale

Our new website

Natural Law

MJ is blogging about it. This subject fascinates me...

Russia a century ago, in colour

Amazing photos

10 announces new free-to-air channel

Some decent content, too

Devoted 2010

I've got something else on myself, much to my dismay. But I reckon this conference is a fabulous idea, and you should sign up if you haven't already...

A Canadian take on Australian politics

"For blood-on-the-floor politics, nothing beats Australia"

Good evening, m' lord...

Wayne Swan knows who's boss

Would you like to buy a MiG?

Well, click here. (h/t Mark)

The Good Old Days

My latest post on SA

Hands up if you are thoroughly enjoying the election drama...

Farewell to Friends

Our community group had it's final, farewell meeting tonight. I've been part of it for two years, and it's been a sweet oasis every Wednesday night. But two of our couples (including the host) are moving on, and so it was time to bring things to a close. We had a yummy dinner, prayed and shared, and sang some songs. A great time, but very sad as well, lots of tears. I will cherish these memories...

Abbott detractors in denial

Yep

Labor infighting continues

Bligh suggests NSW Labor is diseased, Keneally shoots back, and takes a swipe at Rudd in the process. Keneally really, really dislikes Rudd...

Pendulum may be swinging to ALP

"JULIA Gillard's chances of forming government look more likely - with the support of at least two of three independents and the lone Greens member from Melbourne." (more here)

Arbib is running scared

And well might he...

How did this story end?

???????????

Why aren't 'emerging adults' emerging as adults

This is a tedious piece from Mohler criticising the so-called "failure to launch". It reflects a very narrow and culturally dependent view of what "proper" adulthood looks like. To take a biblical counter-example, Isaac was 40 years old before he married, and he didn't leave his father's household even then. That was normal for the culture. Having said all that, I'll be encouraging my boys to leave home sooner rather than later - I think there are some great experiences to be had by leaving the nest and striking out on your own.

Sarah Palin and the Rise of the Feminist Right

Haven't read it, but interesting title

Simone slams private schools

Provokes some comment

Update: Looks like it's been removed

Rudd's future?

The ALP is beginning to craft it's narrative to explain Saturday night's disaster - it was all the fault of the leaks and, therefore, the fault of Rudd. He's going to cop a lot of flak from the party room in the coming weeks. I reckon there is an outside chance he might switch to the cross benches.

Politics - what next?

Seems to me that whoever reaches 73 seats will get to form government, with the three conservative independents acting as a bloc. I suspect the indies will be a little more inclined to the ALP, as there is some bad blood between them and the Nationals. However, if the ALP only reaches 72 seats, I can't see them joining an ALP-Indie-Green coalition - Bob Katter and Bob Brown just don't mix...

Lay Presidency

Updated to protect the (relatively) innocent...

A friend recently asked when Sydney Anglicans would be giving up on the pursuit of lay presidency. A very sensible question, IMO. It seems to me that lay presidency gives us nothing positive, but potentially alienates us from those who would otherwise be our allies. This is not a new position for me - I was saying something similar 3.5 years ago.

Election coverage...

Click here for Tim Blair's highly amusing (and very partisan) election coverage...

How Tony Abbott's daughters overthrew a Government

Haha - some truth in this

Congratulations to Rach and Pete!

Jedi misses out

Only just saw this. Labor's candidate for the safe coalition seat of Farrer was Christian Emmery, described as a "20-year-old Metallica fan and Jedi". 

Hung parliament

Looks like we will have a hung federal parliament. Extraordinary times...

Carols...

Yes, it's a little while away, but I like to plan early. I was thinking of using the following 10 carols in December. What do you think? Anything obvious I've left out?

Away in a Manger

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Joy to the World

Mary's Boy Child

O Come all Ye Faithful

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 

O Holy Night

Silent Night

The First Noel

We Three Kings

Berkeley History Podcast

Great stuff

Devoted 2010

This conference looks great... Hosted at our church - I love how our building is being used for these things, it's fabulous...

Federer's Bottle Shot

Not bad

Interactive Election Map

Click here

A men's channel

7 will launch a men's TV channel

Coalition back in the hunt

Polling today suggests that the ALP may be in more trouble in NSW than first thought. The election just got tighter...

Shadow Treasurer...

Saw Hockey this morning on TV and wasn't terribly impressed with his performance. There's one obvious choice for the treasury portfolio, and that's Turnbull. Arrogance and narcissism aren't a hindrance in that role - in fact, they almost seem a prerequisite...

ALP to hang on...

A comprehensive poll suggests the ALP will cling to power with a majority of just 4 seats...

Sing a New Song(list)

My latest post on SA

Military Family Reunions

Very sweet...

Knowing God...

The girl just phoned and asked if she could borrow my copy of Packer's "Knowing God" - they are reading it at her church as part of a book club. I read this book when I was n my early 20s, and it profoundly impacted my theology - took me a fair distance along the Reformed path, which I'd been resisting until that time. I'd still rate it as one of the most influential books I've read. Funny thing though - I've tried to re-read it several times, and I've never gotten past the first few chapters. Not sure why...

Young Mums

There is a trend toward younger motherhood

Yes We Can, um, Will...

Tim Blair cracks me up -

In Brisbane: "Julia Gillard has conjured the spirit of US President Barack Obama to urge Australians to vote Labor at next weekend's poll."

In the US: "Obama hits new low in Gallup's daily tracking poll."

List of US Presidential Slogans

Interesting, though not too many are inspiring

Mary Johnson to a friend, 1795

"I wish that I could tell you that the Gospel flourished in this distant part of the world, but on the contrary every sermon is treated with contempt. They neither regard the joys of Heaven nor the torments of Hell - it is all alike to them. But they will be left without excuse, for they cannot say that they have not been told the consequences of sin. I trust Mr Johnson has been faithful to these poor hardened souls, and he can do no more. Conversion is the Lord's own work, and when he is pleased to work none can hinder."

Biography of Richard Johnson

Commenced my survey of sources for chapter 17 this evening, which describes Johnson's household. Realised that I will almost certainly have to have a separate chapter focusing on the friends he had in the colony. I am now looking at 23 chapters, and a final length of 75-80k words. 

MTD Trailblazing and KCC Pastor's Conferences

My friend Arend is attending the MTD Trailblazing and KCC Pastor's Conferences, and doesn't know anyone else who is attending. He is looking for some people to hang out with while he's there. If you are attending, or know someone who is, please drop me a line on Facebook...

Battleground God

Interesting little test that alleges to determine if your beliefs about God are logically consistent or not. 

The polls are all over the place

A weekend Galaxy poll of marginal seats suggested a coalition victory, though most analysts still seem to think Labor will sneak across the line. 

Gillard's woes

Even if she wins on Saturday, Paul Daley argues that Gillard faces a troubled second term. I also agree with him that the Coalition look a little under-cooked for office - partly because they didn't think they'd get anywhere near office this election. It will be a nail-biter on Saturday night...

We've been called out!

Greetings Village Church,

The Saints from Petersham Anglican and Petersham Evening Church hereby challenge you to a soccer match on Sunday 28th August. Venue to be decided. Having recently been defeated by Petersham Baptist Church we felt it necessary to find a team that are a little easier to beat in order to practise. We immediately thought of you. Knowing you journo types to be long on the 'talk' and short on the 'walk' we imagine you shouldn't be too hard to beat...

On the day of the match it may be worthwhile to send a news van and some photographers to cover events. Perhaps the photographers could camp down your end of the pitch because that's most likely where all the action will be. We'd be very willing for your players to bring their copywriting quills and microphones onto the pitch to report on this great match as they play. Meanwhile we'll be scoring goals...

We play in red shirts. You can play in either blue, white, green black or yellow. Actually, yellow may be an excellent colour choice for you.

Game on or forfeit? We await your reply.

Tax Payers funding election campaigns

The business regarding the campaign launches has gotta stop

Should we be driven?

Simone is wondering

Labor ahead in polls, will probably win

Labor have reclaimed the lead. Not that surprising. They had a couple of terrible weeks, and the Coalition only just managed level pegging in the polls. You would expect a swing back as things return to normal. In the end, the advantages of incumbency, the Gillard honeymoon effect, and they fact they are a first term government will probably see them across the line. They've been given an enormous shock, however. Meanwhile, Tony Abbott can be buoyed by the fact that he presented himself as a credible alternative PM - something few people expected. And he gave the Coalition a fighting chance in the election. He has done well and will retain the leadership for the next term, and put plenty of heat on the government. Labor will have to lift their game significantly...

Abbott Time Warp Ad

I saw this for the first time tonight on "Gruen Nation". I thought it was hilarious! I don't know if it will encourage anyone to vote labour, though...

Anne Rice and the problem with Christian Communities

My latest article for SA

Abbott's Career

Interesting little comment by Ross Cameron. I must admit, Abbott has far exceeded my expectations. It's nice when a pollie does that...

Nathan's Christian Values Election Scorecard

classic

Election Week 3

Another good analysis from Karin

Richard Johnson Biography

Finished chapter 16, concerning Johnson's agricultural pursuits. It ran to 4,000 words, which is a bit long. But I'm pleased with it...

Village Church Sermon Library

Our sermon library is now back up online. It looks really nice too!

New Testament Talks

Old Testament Talks

Topical Talks

Gould's Bookshop

Been heading up to Gould's recently and buying cheap, old sci fi books. Lovin' it...

Sometimes you set out to write one article...

...and end up writing a different one entirely. I look forward to seeing what sort of feedback my SA post on Wednesday gets.

Abbott's Political Values

He described himself like this -

"As a liberal, I support lower taxes, smaller government and greater freedom. As a conservative, I support a fair go for families and respect for values which have stood the test of time. As an Australian, I support policies which work and which don't trifle with our country's future."

These are essentially my values as well, and it's a reasonable summary of why I am on the side of politics that I am...

Coalition Campaign Launch

Most interesting thing here was a rather vague promise to implement some of the Henry Tax review recommendations on income tax reform. I would be in favour of dramatically lifting the tax free threshold, as well as flattening out the upper brackets...

Catching the train today...

...for the first time in ages, while my car is sick. Will be a nice walk up to Newtown station, and also a chance to do a bit of reading...

Female teachers...

Missed this robust discussion over on Simone's blog. I'm pretty conservative in this area. However, I agree with the point someone made about abstracting out essential qualities of "manhood" and "masculinity" - these are pretty hard to defend, scripturally. Unfortunately, the CBMW build a fair bit of their applied ethics upon these abstractions, and it's a shaky foundation. They would be better off, IMO, sticking to pretty straight exposition...

What I don't like about the Coalition

Friends and long-time readers know I'm a conservative voter, and that ain't gonna to change in the foreseeable future. I may blog about why sometime, though not now. But, for a bit of balance, I thought I'd discuss some of the things I *don't* like about the policies of the party I'm going to vote for -

* Mining Tax Abolition - The ALPs mining tax was doubtless too high in it's original form, and the new form seems to kill the low and mid-tier operators in favour of the big three. But I am unhappy that the coalition have chosen not to implement *any* reforms in this area. The industry can and should be coughing up a bit more.

* Asylum Seeker Policy - I fully agree that we should stop people smuggling, and I'm even quite content about off-shore processing, so long as conditions are acceptable. But I don't like that this policy issue is used to appeal to and encourage the xenophobia of some sectors of the community. Both sides are guilty here.

* The Debt Bogey - Australia has relatively low levels of public debt, even with Labor's wasteful spendathon, so I don't like the coalition trying scare people about our debt. It is manageable.

* Lack of commitment to infrastructure - High levels of immigration coupled with low infrastructure spending have made Sydney a difficult place to live, and the same is probably true of other capital cities. The coalition has responded by vowing to slash immigration - fair enough, but I still think we desperately need some infrastructure investment.

* Death of the broad church - I think it's a shame that moderate voices such as Bruce Baird were largely silenced under Howard. I think a "broad church" Liberal party will see much better ideas and outcomes for the country.

* The overly generous maternity leave scheme - I am fully in favour of paid maternity leave, and I think the coalitions scheme is a much better one than the governments. But I think it is probably a bit too generous, and might prove unsustainable. Better to have something a bit more modest, that you know you can afford.

As I said, they are still getting my vote - a post about what I don't like about the ALP would be three times as long, never mind the fact that the party is currently a joke hoping to graduate into a farce. And don't even mention the Greens...

Bleah, bleah and bleah

About six bleah things happened this morning, and left me in a pretty bleah mood. One of them is that my car's power steering has gone kaput, and it's squealing now when I do a sharp turn, and the steering is super heavy. Got to organise a repair, and will be catching the train to work in the mean time. Car stuff is such a hassle. On the other hand, cars enable us to do so many things we couldn't otherwise, a small amount of time spent on maintenance is certainly worth the effort...

Gillard answers the ACL

Click here

The Real Tony Abbott

A rather balanced piece from Adele Horin

I know what you did last Summer

I watched this for the first time tonight, on TiVo. Very solid teen horror pic...

Air Force Cadets

One of my boys starts Air Force Cadets tonight. He is mad-keen on all things piloting...I'm sure he'll have a great time...

Gotta go shopping 2nite

doh. Wanted to relax, watch a bit of TV, do some writing. But life intrudes...

The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God

I just discovered this little classic by Carson is online

The Power of the Cross

My latest post for SA

Carols

Been starting to think about carols already, for some reason. I'm pretty keen to do "O Holy Night" this year. Will stretch us all, but I think it will be great...

The Future of Evangelicalism

Looks like a interesting collection of essays

Biography of Richard Johnson

Made some solid progress with chapter 16 this evening. (The girl is in Adelaide on a business trip, so I've got some time up my sleeve). It looks like I'm going to end up breaking my 3,000 word chapter limit, but it may get tidied up in editing. I'm not going to be dogmatic about the chapter length. I've found the whole agricultural and land issue to be quite interesting, partly because it was so political, but also because it shows how and why the colony spread beyond Sydney Cove. Johnson had amassed a fair amount of land by the time he left the colony - over 400 acres. There's some evidence that he was duped in the selling of it after his return to England, but I'm still chasing that down...

Campaign Diary 2

I'm enjoying Karin's election blogs

I changed my mind

I do it all the time. In this particular instance, it was during a long online discussion with Mark Baddley. The topic was this "Should we only forgive people when they repent?" You can read Mark's posts here. (My comments are primarily in Part 4, and a little in Part 5). 

I miss cracker night

I'm not alone

Keep Your Greek

Con's new book

Writing Night

Now that I've quit Kung-fu, Monday night is writing night. Wasn't quite as disciplined as I should have been - spent about an hour watching UFC 87 on the TiVo. But then I got stuck into the book and wrote through about half of chapter 16. This concerns Johnson's agricultural activity in the colony. He made a significant contribution in this area, and I've enjoyed chasing down all the sources. Still, I can't help but wonder if this chapter is going to be of interest to anyone outside of farmers! I guess it will be if my writing is good enough...

Creepy Japanese Childrens Book Art

These are all from children's books