Celebrate Independence Day with “America The Beautiful”
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. – Psalm 33:1
The summer of 1776 was a difficult time for the British colonies in America. Open warfare with England had erupted a year earlier at Lexington and Concord and the future was filled with political and military uncertainties. In this tense climate, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia with the intention of voting for independence from England. On June 7, Richard Henry Lee from Virginia introduced the following resolution to declare the colonies free and independent from England:
“Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved . . .”
In anticipation of this vote, the Congress selected a committee composed of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. They, in turn, instructed Jefferson to write the declaration.
The first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence appeals to the Laws of Nature and to God who created those natural laws. The second paragraph is probably the best known which says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; they are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The real “meat” of the Declaration, however, is the last paragraph, which was the formal legal declaration of the United States as a separate and free country. This paragraph reveals the true extent of the first colonies faith and reliance in God. It says,
“We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world . . . solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be free and independent states; that they be Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and outright to be totally dissolved . . . And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
Thomas Jefferson later wrote, “I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man . . . the God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.”
The most inspiring words came from Patrick Henry, one of the declaration’s signers when he 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!”
So why am I reminding us of this civic lesson of our country’s history today? So we will never, never, never let anyone tell us that our country was not founded on the principles of Almighty God, our Creator and the one to whom they looked to for guidance. Aren’t we glad they did? And aren’t we glad we still do?
Happy Fourth of July. Maranatha!
