St James Garlickhythe

The Church of St James Garlickhythe is an impressive building at the heart of London’s square mile. Sadly, it was closed when I called, though it has a detailed website, but a pity that a Bible text could not have been added. Its name comes from the practice of landing imported garlic close by for selling in the City’s markets during Saxon times. Garlic is mentioned in the Bible, in a rather tragic section in Numbers 11:4-6:

And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.

I am rather fond of ‘garlick’ in my food, though it is here employed as a carnal alternative to the godly manna of God’s gracious provision. Manna might have been sweet and wholesome, but pottages of Egypt contained more savour and variety. To many raised in the Christian faith, especially teens and young adults, it seems restrictive. Boozing, drug taking and sexual incontinence are to be avoided; attending a mid-week Bible Study is seldom as socially rewarding an experience as amateur sport or the delights of a local pub. Yet such pleasures are passing away. Only the things of God will survive our short lives; returning to Egypt for the sake of garlic and cucumber is also to return to the shackles and whips of the overseers. Leaving Christ for the sake of temporal amusements would be as foolish a desertion as a trafficked person returning to the stinking cellar in which they had been held captive, in order to watch TV again.

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62

The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. Proverbs 14:14