Two hundred twenty-six years ago today, the Second
Continental Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of
Independence. The document's chief architect, Thomas
Jefferson, had capable assistance from men like
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston and
Roger Sherman.
This Declaration stated that "All men are created equal"
and that they have certain "unalienable rights" including
"the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The
Declaration was signed in the State House at Philadelphia,
known thereafter as Independence Hall. There, on July 8th,
the Liberty Bell proclaimed the adoption of the Declaration
to all the people. Recently, I stood in front of that beloved
bell and read its inscription:
"Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the
inhabitants thereof."
In case that phrase sounds familiar to you, it should--it was
taken from the Old Testament book of Leviticus, chapter
25, verse 20.
Today, we still loudly and strongly proclaim that liberty. It
is not easily gained nor is it easily kept. I am frightened
by how many American kids graduate from high school
knowing next to nothing about our national heritage. They
seem unaware of the horrific prices that have been paid
through the years to maintain our liberty. It was not
achieved through some national lottery but through the
blood, sweat, and tears of patriots who loved their nation
and did whatever was necessary to vouchsafe its future.
On this day of days, we salute our valiant fallen warriors.
We pray for those now in power that God will strengthen
them and give them the courage to stay the course. You
might want to say it with me: God Bless America!
--Reprinted with permission from ByLine Online, a free email subscription.
Copyright (c) 2002
Media Ministries of the Assemblies of God.
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