June 30, 2009

Number26

VIEWPOINT

Peter Marshall, before the United States Senate,  uttered these words in a prayer many years ago.

“Lord Jesus, thou who art the way, the truth, and the life; hear us as we pray for the truth that shall make all free.  Teach us that liberty is not only to be loved but also to be lived.  Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books.  It costs too much to be hoarded.  Help us see that our liberty is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to please to do what is right.”

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John Adams, one of the most persevering of the patriots, had the benefit of having a wife with insight to the times as well as spiritual faith. Abigail wrote to John on June 18, 1776:

“I feel no anxiety at the large armament designed against us.  The remarkable interpositions of heaven in our favor cannot be too gratefully acknowledged. He who fed the Israelites in the wilderness, who clothes the lilies of the field and who feeds the young ravens when they cry, will not forsake a people engaged in so righteous a cause, if we remember His loving kindness.”

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The kindergarten teacher was showing her class an encyclopedia page picturing several national flags.  She pointed to the American flag and asked, “What flag is this?”

A little girl called out, “That's the flag of our country.” “Very good,” the teacher said. “And what is the name of our country?”

“’Tis of thee,” the girl said confidently.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday.  RA

Faith of our FATHERS

It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ! – Patrick Henry

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: that it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity. – John Quincy Adams

Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers. – John Jay, 1st Chief Justice of Supreme Court: One of the three men most responsible for the Constitution

Do not let anyone claim the tribute of American patriotism if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics. – George Washington from his Farewell Address to the Nation

And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever. – Thomas Jefferson, inside the Jefferson Memorial

Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side. My great concern is to be on God's side. – Abraham Lincoln, when asked if he thought God was on our side.

He who shall introduce into public affairs the principles of Christianity will change the face of the world. – Benjamin Franklin, 1774, Ambassador to France

If this court doesn't stop talking about separation of church and state, someone will think it is part of the Constitution. – Bear v. Colmorgan, 195, by one of the justices, in a stinging dissent