Use Us to Bless the USA
An essay by Samuel Adams in the Boston Gazette dated 1771 states: "The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors. They purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood and have transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us . . . without a struggle or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men."
389 years ago, a small band of courageous men and women stepped ashore at Plymouth Rock. Months of hardship and much loss of life were the sacrifices that had to be made in order to achieve religious freedom in a new, uncharted land. For 150 years, this "new frontier" flourished, colonized by the British empire and strengthened by the blood, sweat, and tears of noble individuals who believed that freedom was worth risk, hard work, and even sacrifice. BUT, control by the British crown increased during that first century and began to choke off some the freedoms that these people had risked their lives to attain. It has always been true that as the size of government increases, the true freedom of the governed decreases. So small groups of colonial citizens began to rebel with such tactics as the famed 'Boston Tea Party." Thus was born the American spirit . . . a prevailing attitude that was instrumental in winning our freedom. This spirit, perhaps the most formidable weapon employed by this rag-tag colonial army, became known as the "Spirit of 76."
In the spring of 1776, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Hancock, and Henry. They were all there. The course of action taken that spring literally changed the course of the world. It was there that Patrick Henry said, "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death." Thomas Jefferson penned these words: "The God Who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy but cannot disjoin them."
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was presented and proclaimed its foundation in this way: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certian unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Note that phrase ". . .endowed by their Creator . . ." With all their faults, with all the shadows that loom over their private lives, with all the allegations concerning their personal characters, these men recognized that the true Source of life and liberty was God. It was the birth of the greatest nation in human history.
In the last full paragraph of the Declaration, the framers stated, "We, therefore . . . appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions . . ." Are you familiar with that word 'rectitude?" Its definitions are "quality or state of being straight; moral integrity; the quality or state of being correct in judgment." Throughout the process, these flawed men sought the wisdom of God. Then, by their signatures, they each pledged their "lives, fortunes, and sacrd honor" to birth a new nation. 50,000 patriot casualties was the cost of freedom.
Freedom never has been free. it requires sacrifice and perseverance. It is tempered with responsibility and respect. It flows from the hearts of people, not from the seats of governments. And it is NOT to be taken lightly. We are privileged to live in a great nation and we still have a responsibility to be the 'salt of the earth" and the "light(s) of the world." God is waiting for His people to stand in the breach and intercede for a nation that He desires to bless. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
So, this Independence Day, amidst the Barbeques and ball games, between the late morning brunch and the late night fireworks, consider renewing these commitments:
- PRAY -- Become a prayer warrior for our nation. Yes, we have problems, but become the one who stands in the gap interceding for our leaders, our warriors, and our children and grandchildren. I Timothy 2:1-4
- STRIVE TO BE LIKE CHRIST -- "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27
- BE INVOLVED -- Salt is little value if it stays in the shaker. If we are to be the salt of the earth, we must get out into the world in order to positively affect our environment. Matthew 5:13-16
iF YOU'D LIKE TO READ THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, GO TO WWW.USHISTORY.ORG/DECLARATION
Have a great 4th!
