"Life begins at the Edge of your Comfort Zone”
As the Great American Experiment was being developed and the Constitution was being finalized, Benjamin Franklin observed that it will be a rising sun, a success.
From “The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787”. Page 339
“The Constitution which Franklin and his Friends gave to us resulted in the greatest nation in history. With the adoption of our Constitution our nation became a nation based on law, the Constitution being the Supreme law of the land.” This Rising Sun became a beacon of freedom and liberty to the rest of the world.
What would Benjamin Franklin say today concerning the Republic, is it ascending or descending? Why? Here are five statements to consider in finding reasons for the answers.
1. We have not followed the admonition of our Founding Fathers.
An old adage tells us, “A people must from time to time, refresh
themselves at the wellspring of their origin, lest they perish.”
Ayn Rand told us “I want you to look at the birth of a miracle, the United States of America. If it is ever proper for men to kneel, we should kneel when we read the Declaration of Independence.”
2. We have not assigned the maintaining of our Freedoms a high priority.
From the
Massachusetts Bill of Rights, 1780. “A frequent recurrence to the fundamental
principles of the constitution, and a constant adherence to those of piety,
justice, moderation, temperance, industry, and frugality are absolutely
necessary to preserve the advantage of liberty and maintain a free government.”
Peter Marshall said “May we think of freedom, not to do as we please, but
as an opportunity to do what is right.”
Ezra Taft Benson, “I thank the Lord for the eternal principle of
FREEDOM…
I cherish patriotism and love of country in all lands.”
3. We have allowed the mortal enemies of freedom to dominate the debate.
George Washington
letter to Lafayette, 1788. “Though, when a people shall have become
incapable of governing themselves and fit for a master, it is of little
consequence from what quarter he comes.”
Thomas Jefferson
letter to Charles Yancey, 1826. “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a
state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”
Patrick Henry “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!
4. We have elected some of the most undesirable persons to high office.
The Federalist, No. 28, Alexander Hamilton. “Effective resistance to usurpers is possible only provided the citizens understand their rights and are disposed to defend them.”
Today we have become a
nation of “rule by man”. It has been
said that many political leaders think they know more than God.
Harold B. Lee, “Men may fail in this country…there may be great drought, disasters, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail…This is a favored land in all the world…this nation won’t fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America… We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges.
5. We have evicted "Providence" from our counsels, schools, courts, and assemblies.
John Quincy Adams,
Secretary of State, Oration celebrating July 4th, 1821.
“From the day of the
Declaration … the American people were bound by the laws of God, which they
all, and by the laws of the gospel, which they nearly all acknowledged as the
rules of their conduct.”
Sir William
Blackstone (Eminent English Jurist)
"Man ... must necessarily be subject to the laws of his Creator… This will of his Maker is called the law of nature.... This law of nature...is of course superior to any other.... No human laws are of any validity, if contrary to this: and such of them as are valid derive all their force...from this original." - Sir William Blackstone (Eminent English Jurist)
In closing, let's read from the 2nd and 3rd verses of “America the
Beautiful”
2. Oh, beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat Across the wilderness
America! America! God mend thy every flaw,
Confirm they soul in self-control, They liberty in law.
3. “Oh, beautiful for
heroes proved In liberating strife,
Who more than self
their country loved, And mercy more than life!
America! America! May
God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness, And every gain devine.”
Until next time, “May God
Bless America”
