6-23-14 <\/p>\n
We approach the Fourth of July again. I am going to suggest we save a little time apart from our backyard barbecues, or town parades if your town still holds them. In addition to ketchup and mustard, add some of these patriotic condiments to your picnic fare; in addition to cheering the flag or the Boy Scout troop in the parade, cheer some of these quotations.<\/p>\n
In fact, in addition to prayers, or the Pledge, at your gatherings \u2013 even if your family does not already exercise those traditions — draw together and exchange the quotations by our distinguished \u201cguest bloggers\u201d here. (And they are verified quotations, not those manufactured by well-intentioned patriots or challenged by Snopes and Urban Legend watchdogs.)<\/p>\n
Long ago, a Frenchman visited the United States, toured the great cities and smallest towns, and came away astonished. Alexis deToqueville reportedly said, \u201cNot until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.\u201d<\/p>\n
Our president has denigrated the term of current popularity, \u201cAmerican Exceptionalism.\u201d He has said that he is sure every nation thinks of itself as exceptional. We can worry that his complete misunderstanding of that term reflects his complete misunderstanding of America. Americans are not exceptional by virtue of birth certificates or driver licenses. American farmers or American firefighters are not different, or \u201cmore exceptional,\u201d than human beings anywhere doing their jobs honorably. Heroes are heroes. And American villains can be as villainous than any others.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmerican Exceptionalism\u201d refers to the American system. What \u201cis\u201d the USA? The first of nations, not to declare independence, but to enshrine Liberty. To acknowledge God in the foundational documents of its Declaration and Constitution. To be a nation of laws, not men. To be a Republic, not a Democracy: elevating individualism, under law, over institutions and governmental whims. To respect religion, and religious freedom, as vital components of our American system. In revolutionary fashion \u2013 yes, the first; exceptional in world history \u2013 to protect minority rights but guard against majority tyranny.<\/p>\n
Here, our guest bloggers may remind Americans of things we might have forgotten, God forbid.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.\u201d George Washington, first Inaugural Address. <\/p>\n
\u201cOf all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens.\u201d George Washington, Farewell Speech, 1796. <\/p>\n
\u201cI therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning.\u201d Benjamin Franklin, 1787, Constitutional Convention.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ve lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing Proofs I see of this Truth \u2014 That God governs in the Affairs of Men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that except the Lord build the House they labor in vain who build it. I firmly believe this\u2026\u201d Benjamin Franklin.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.\u201d John Adams. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a sinner. I look to Him for mercy; pray for me.\u201d Alexander Hamilton.<\/p>\n
\u201cProvidence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.\u201d John Jay, Constitutional framer, First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. <\/p>\n
\u201c[The Bible] is the rock on which our Republic rests.” Andrew Jackson.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon.\u201d Abraham Lincoln, Proclamation Declaring the National Day of Fasting.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.\u201d Abraham Lincoln.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian.\u201d United State Supreme Court, 1892.<\/p>\n
\u201cEver throughout the ages, at all times and among all peoples, prosperity has been fraught with danger, and it behooves us to beseech the Giver of all things that we may not fall into love of ease and luxury; that we may not lose our sense of moral responsibility; that we may not forget our duty to God, and to our neighbor.\u2026 We are not threatened by foes from without. The foes from whom we should pray to be delivered are our own passions, appetites, and follies; and against these there is always need that we should war.\u201d Theodore Roosevelt. <\/p>\n
\u201cCan we resolve to reach, learn and try to heed the greatest message ever written, God\u2019s Word, and the Holy Bible? Inside its pages lie all the answers to all the problems that man has ever known.\u201d Ronald Reagan<\/p>\n
These are exceptional credos. It would be an exceptional disaster if a free people would forget such an inheritance. Happy Fourth. GO forth.<\/p>\n
+ + +<\/p>\n
Many songs, many hymns, many patriotic airs could be the background music for this essay. \u201cFaith of Our Fathers,\u201d \u201cBattle Hymn of the REPUBLIC,\u201d many would be appropriate. But since I have quoted aphorisms of the past, I offer you a recent song about America a different-yet-similar rallying cry. \u201cAmerica First\u201d by the poet of the common man, Merle Haggard.<\/p>\n