The Glories of America! - 3

The Glories of America! – 3
In pursuit of the Truth – www.cinopsbegone.com – Friday, July 3, 2009

1.) On this day, June 6th 1799, one of America’s great statesmen went to his heavenly reward. A little-known part of Patrick Henry’s legacy to the American people are these words penned on the back of his Stamp Act Resolves as the British pushed further toward war:

“Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.” Henry, Life, 632

2.) On this afternoon, June 17th, 1775, 2,200 British Redcoats advanced up Breed’s Hill toward the redoubt. Why didn’t they fire? Suddenly the top of the hill erupted in flame. The British fell like scythed wheat – and retreated in confusion down the hill. Where, under General Howe, they reformed and went up again. And again – until the defenders’ powder ran out…

Patriot Corporal Amos Farnsworth wrote in his diary: “Oh, the goodness of God in preserving my life, although they fell on my right and on my left! O may this act of deliverance of thine, O God, lead me never to distrust thee; but may I never trust in thee and put confidence in no arm of flesh!” Commager, Spirit, 122

3.) General Washington made no secret of his Christian faith. Or of his desire that others in his command should have the same resource: Toward the end of the terrible ordeal of Valley Forge he issued this order to the army:

“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. In the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to laud the more distinguished Character of Christian.” Federer, America’s, 643

4.) On this day, March 28, 1859, Katherine Lee Bates was born. Her hymn, “America the Beautiful,” remains one of Americans’ most beloved prayers for their country: Felleman, Poems, 422
“O beautiful for Patriots’ dream – That sees beyond the years –
Thine alabaster cities gleam – Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! - God shed His grace on thee.
And crown Thy good with brotherhood – From sea to shining sea.”

5.) On this day, April 14th, 1865, Abraham Lincoln went to the theatre with his wife. Later she would recall his last words to her:

“He said he wanted to visit the Holy Land and see those places hallowed by the footprints of the Savior. He was saying there was no city he so much desired to see as Jerusalem. And with the words half spoken on his tongue, the bullet of the assassin entered the brain, and the soul of the great and good President was carried by the angels to the New Jerusalem above.” Hill, Lincoln, 432-22

6.) On this day, May 8th, 1884, Harry Truman was born. Referring to our Founding Fathers’ understanding of human rights, the 33rd President once said:

“The basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teachings we get from Exodus and St. Matthew, from Isaiah and St. Paul. I don’t think we emphasize that enough these days.. If we don’t have proper fundamental moral background, we will finally end up with a … government which does not believe in rights for anybody except the State.” Barton, Myth,
George H. Kubeck, P.O. Box 865, Stanton, Ca. 90680