Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

In Congress, July 4, 1776

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness ...”

So begins that great document signed by 56 patriots of the thirteen colonies of this great country which precipitated the Revolutionary War with England, ending in the successful separation from that country, and the rise of a free and independent United States of America. Today, the actions of our forefathers of that generation are being largely ignored together with the most excellent documents they forged at tremendous cost to themselves, their families and their fortunes. It behooves every citizen to be reminded that “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” Prov. 14:34. Now we come to celebrate that courageous and most noble event. Let us thank our heavenly Father for the privilege of living under the best government ever conceived and employed by men, while beseeching Him to help us now in our time of increasing turbulence and trials. On a personal note on the fourth of July: have a safe and happy holiday!

FOR THOUGHT: What do you know about the Constitution of the United States of America? How long has it been since you read it? Are you depending on the good will of others to keep your rights and liberties secure? Think about it!