Today we celebrate the day Independence came to 13 colonies with the writing of the Declaration of Independence. But what is the real significance of July 4th? What meaning is held behind that single piece of paper to which 56 men pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor? Is there more to celebrate than a day off work, a picnic, barbeque, and fireworks? What made these 13 colonies separate from their mother country and how did they defeat the greatest military? Were they really men of faith? What did they believe? The price the paid for freedom was high. Hear what the actual signers of the Declaration of Independence said:
~ John Adams, written on June 28, 1813 in a letter to Thomas Jefferson.
~The Autobiography of Benjamin Rush, pp. 165-166.
"Christianity is the only true and perfect religion, and that in proportion as mankind adopts its principles and obeys its precepts, they will be wise and happy."
~Essays, Literary, Moral, and Philosophical, published in 1798.
"I know there is an objection among many people to teaching children doctrines of any kind, because they are liable to be controverted. But let us not be wiser than our Maker.
"If moral precepts alone could have reformed mankind, the mission of the Son of God into all the world would have been unnecessary. The perfect morality of the gospel rests upon the doctrine which, though often controverted has never been refuted: I mean the vicarious life and death of the Son of God."
~Essays, Literary, Moral, and Philosophical, published in 1798.
~Benjamin Rush, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever."
~ John Adams, written in a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776.
"While we give praise to God, the Supreme Disposer of all events, for His interposition on our behalf, let us guard against the dangerous error of trusting in, or boasting of, an arm of flesh ... If your cause is just, if your principles are pure, and if your conduct is prudent, you need not fear the multitude of opposing hosts.
"What follows from this? That he is the best friend to American liberty, who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion, and who sets himself with the greatest firmness to bear down profanity and immorality of every kind.
"Whoever is an avowed enemy of God, I scruple not to call him an enemy of his country."
~Sermon at Princeton University, "The Dominion of Providence over the Passions of Men," May 17, 1776.
~ John Witherspoon, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Clergyman and President of Princeton University
"I have carefully examined the evidences of the Christian religion, and if I was sitting as a juror upon its authenticity I would unhesitatingly give my verdict in its favor. I can prove its truth as clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the mind of man."
~ Famous American Statesmen, p. 126.
~ Alexander Hamilton, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution
~Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237.
"I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ."
~The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, p. 385.
"I have said and always will say that the studious persual of the sacred volume will make better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands."
~ Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President, Drafter and Signer of the Declaration of Independence
~ John Hancock, 3rd president of the Continental Congress
"Of all the dispositions and habitudes which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indespensible supports. Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
It is impossible to rightly govern... without God and the Bible. ~ George Washington
The truth is evident, but must be realized by each of us to make a difference. History is real, it is in the making; if we do not learn from it, we are doomed to repeat it. May you treasure your heritage, reflect on the sacrifice of those brave, and stand for truth. Happy 4th of July!!!