Posted by
peripheral on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 4:57:13 AM
From My Perspective - - -
For
almost 235 years, the United
States of America has existed as a Republic
– for many of those years - the envy of
the world. We had representative government; regular and orderly elections;
prosperity beyond comparison; ingenuity and creativity that allowed for great
advancement; and freedom for which people sacrificed so they could become part
of the “new world” with the new opportunities.
The earliest documents of
this nation indicate the desire to both promote and preserve the freedom of
all. The Mayflower Compact was a written agreement
composed by a consensus of the new Settlers arriving at New Plymouth in November of 1620. All 41 of the
adult male members on the Mayflower signed the Compact. Being the first written
laws for the new land, the Compact determined authority within the settlement
and was the observed as such until 1691. It is simple and forthright in its
assertion. The Mayflower Compact reads: "In
the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of
our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France
and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the
Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King
and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of
Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God
and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body
Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends
aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and
equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as
shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony;
unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we
have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the
Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the
eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620." Some of
those affixing their signatures to this document were: John Carver,
William Bradford, Edward Winslow, William Brewster, Isaac Allerton, Myles
Standish, and John Alden. Among some the
earliest settlers and observers of this new nation stated:
EDMUND BURKE (1729-1794), "There
is but one law for all, namely, that law which governs all law, the law of our
Creator."
PATRICK HENRY
(1736-1799), "It cannot be emphasized too strongly, nor too often that this
great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on
religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ…"
THOMAS JEFFERSON
(1743-1826), third U.S. President,
chosen to write the Declaration of Independence, said: "I have little doubt that the
whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our Creator, and, I hope, to
the pure doctrines of Jesus also." In his 1805 inaugural address, he
stated: "I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are,
who led our forefathers, as Israel
of old, from their native land and planted them in this country."
Consider these things with me - - - and remember that the US
Constitution and the Bill of Rights are only valid when the elected Government
is committed to maintaining and defending these principles of freedom. We are
approaching a dangerous threshold that might allow for many of these rights and
freedoms to be jeopardized. Egalitarianism means: “Affirming,
promoting, or characterized by belief in equal political, economic, social, and
civil rights for all people.” While we are to pray for and show respect for our
elected leaders, we must not jettison the work ethic and championing the
individual’s responsibility to work, earn, utilize thrift, sacrifice to achieve
purposes and goals worthy of seeking. The Holy Scriptures emphasize the beauty,
reality and necessity for freedom. In Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do
not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Freedom from
religious legalisms, and freedom from governmental intrusion in personal
matters of life. When one allows himself to benefit from largess from the
treasury of the Government – “Liberality in bestowing gifts, especially
in a lofty or condescending manner” – it always comes with an eventual
personal cost, namely – bondage and slavery! You can be free in Jesus Christ!
He said: “Know the truth – it will make you free indeed!”