Monday, July 04, 2022

A 4th July Reflection

Dear G:

Here are some thoughts from a guy who was taught in grade school U.S. history and respect for the American flag.

I am convinced the quick fire of youth light not their minds today, or in any generation. Seldom does one hear from the younger mindset the discourse on the “seven ages” of life came after the ubiquitous Shakespearean quote, “All the world’s a stage…” (As You like It, 2.7). These younger spirits would just as soon leave the introspection on the stages of life to folks like us.

Two hundred thirty-five years ago, on the last day of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 (eleven years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence), Benjamin Franklin offers a profundity of thought. If the Republic of the United States were to abide as one, the people must accept and defend the governance of the Constitution.

Unequivocally, the Franklin pundit is put to rest. To this day, this country is bruised but not broken, smoldering in upheavals but not quenched. The strong oak of this Republic has not torn asunder since the shot that heard around the world in 1775. To this day, the Constitution of these United States holds. To this day, our Republic stands indivisible.

Notwithstanding learned professors could render the War of Independence and much more in winsome edification to the readers. Nevertheless, from a Christian perspective, apart from the agency of God (cf. Psalm 127:1-2), the ‘A Train’ to Zarathustra pursuits, as it were, are useless of human effort. It is in Christ “in whom are hidden all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). When Christ comes again, He will deliver the kingdom of this world to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24).

It is the special grace He bestowed on His people. In life and in death, (Romans 14:7-9) they belong to Christ the Savior (1 Corinthians 3:23; Titus 2:14).

In the meantime, we thank Him for the showers of general grace, with another celebration of 4th July in this Republic!

L'

4 July 1776, The Declaration of Independence


By the rude bridge that arched the flood, 
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled, 
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world. 

— Ralph Waldo Emerson. 
The Concord Hymn, First Stanza Engraved
The Battle Monument, July 4, 1837.