The Industrial Revolution swept across England in the 1700s, bringing with it a new grid of machines, child labor, factories, soot, smoke, and ashes. Many believed that the effects of the Industrial Revolution were destroying their culture born of the soil and their work ethic reliant upon God. In the early 1800s, frustrated by the social decay in England, British poet William Blake called for necessary reforms in a stirring poem about Jerusalem.1 These verses have become a popular anthem that calls for a return of peace, justice, and compassion—the building of the holy city Jerusalem not only on “England’s green and pleasant Land”2 but also in the hearts and minds of believers everywhere.
Blake used bold images to stir a nation consumed with greed to a remembrance of their God and religion. “Bring me my Bow of burning gold . . . my Arrows of desire,” he wrote. “Bring me my Spear . . . my Chariot of fire.”3 That resolve, to rise up and fight for the right, has characterized the faithful for centuries.
Similarly, in Old Testament times, the ancient prophet Elisha confronted forces of evil. With his youthful servant at his side, he faced a vast army who had surrounded the city in the dark of night. Standing on the battlefield, Elisha reassured the young man that their cause was just and they were not alone. “Open his eyes, that he may see,” Elisha petitioned the Lord. “And, behold,” the young man saw “the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire.”4 In their resolve to fight for righteousness, God was at their side.
Like William Blake, like Elisha and his people, we too are faced with a battle against social decay and evil. And we too can receive a promise of protection and strength from the Lord, for as Elisha witnessed, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”5
Only as we draw closer to the divine, as we strive to make our lives holy and build
Jerusalem in our hearts and in our homes will our battle be won. Then will fairness override injustice and integrity prevail over hypocrisy. Then will we be able to carry light to others with our mercy, tenderness, charity, and courage. In the words of William Blake,
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.6
Program #3913
1. This is a short poem in the preface of another of William Blake’s works, the epic poem Milton (1804–1808).
2. Milton, plate 1, preface, line 16.
3. Milton, plate 1, preface, lines 9–12.
4. 2 Kings 6:17.
5. 2 Kings 6:16.
6. Milton, plate 1, preface, lines 13–16.