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Well, if you hadn’t heard of Richard Stockton or Thomas Lynch, the previous week’s subjects, I’m quite sure you haven’t heard of John Morton. Morton’s claim to fame is that he was the first signer of the Declaration to pass away. He lived less than a year after voting for and signing the document.

He was a farmer and surveyor, and was elected as a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1774-1777, representing Pennsylvania. Morton was put in a very unique position during the debate on independence. The congress had declared that there must be a unanimous vote in favor of independence or the vote would be considered to have failed. Each colony sent representatives to vote in favor of or against the motion. Each colony received one vote, based upon the majority of their representatives.

Pennsylvania had seven representatives that had been sent to Congress. Of them, two were not present at the time of the vote for independence on July 2, 1776 – Robert Morris and John Dickinson. Dickinson was the leader of the opposition to independence, so he certainly would have voted ‘no.’ Morris is a signer of the Declaration, but was actually against the motion, thinking that they needed to give it more time. He probably would have voted ‘no.’

However, they were not present on the day of the vote. The remaining Pennsylvania delegates were divided. Charles Humphreys and Thomas Willing voted against the resolution. Benjamin Franklin and James Wilson supported it. Deadlocked at two apiece, Morton became the deciding vote that would move the colony of Pennsylvania into the ‘yea’ column or squelch the entire resolution. He did not take this lightly. An ardent patriot, Morton believed in the cause of freedom from the chains of the Mother Country. Yet, he also realized that many of his constituents were Quakers, who opposed any military action. After deliberating, he chose to vote in favor on independence.

This choice, as you can well imagine, was not an easy one. He must have felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. What if things went bad? What if the British swept through America and took vengeance on all “traitors”? This vote could be the cause of much pain for his friends and family. It was up to him whether the motion for independence should pass or fail – that’s a huge responsibility for one man to bear.

And this major responsibility took its toll on Mr. Morton. Many of his friends turned their backs on him, which greatly affected him. The “mental anxiety which he experienced in so novel and solemn a situation, and the great responsibility which he had incurred in case the measure should be attended with disastrous results, preyed upon his peace, and is confidently said to have accelerated, if it did not cause, his dissolution.”

A few months later, in April 1777, Mr. Morton died of a violent inflammatory fever. His last words were for his estranged friends. He wanted a message sent to them that the action for which they blamed him was, “the most glorious service I ever rendered my country.” Although he never saw them himself, we have John Morton to thank for the freedoms we enjoy today.

John Morton pledged his life.

So like John Morton, let’s stay on the narrow path,

Larry

P.S. Next week we will discuss the amazing story of John Hart!

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If you could go back through history and participate in just one major event, what would it be? I believe that if I was given the choice of doing just one historically significant thing in my life, I would choose to sign the Declaration of Independence. Amazingly, that is what a young Thomas Lynch did before his life turned tragic.

Thomas Lynch Jr. of South Carolina is one of the lesser known founding fathers, probably because of his short and tragic life. Thrown into a prominent role rather suddenly, he was gone just as quickly. Historian B.J. Lossing said of Lynch: “Like a brilliant meteor, he beamed with splendor for a short period, and suddenly vanished forever.”

No discussion of this founder would be complete without mention of his father by the same name. Thomas Lynch Sr. was elected to the 1st and 2nd Continental Congress and was then appointed to be a domestic advisor to George Washington in 1775. He made a great impression upon other leaders, such as John Adams and Ben Franklin. Lynch Sr.’s prominent position paved the road for his son.

Thomas Jr., our subject here, was born August 5, 1749. Before the age of 13 he went to England to attend school and later studied law there. He returned to America in 1772 at the age of 23 and wanted to begin a political career. He attended a town meeting in Charleston in 1773 to consider the injuries Great Britain was inflicting on the colonies. This was a major turning point in his life, as he addressed the assembly with patriotic eloquence and won the hearts of the people. This led to him being elected to the First Provincial Congress in 1774.

He was appointed captain of the first provincial regiment in South Carolina in 1775. He made a recruiting excursion into North Carolina, to raise the company he was to command. While on this excursion, due to the harsh conditions and being exposed to the weather, he contracted a terrible illness, either swamp fever, malaria, or some other disease. He never fully recovered from this illness.

In 1776, his father became ill while serving on the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, and resigned from the position. Thomas Jr. was elected to replace his father and went to Philadelphia to assume that amazing responsibility and to care for his father. He supported the proposition of independence and signed the document as the 52nd signer. At the age of 26, he was the second youngest signer of the declaration, only three months older than Edward Rutledge.

Sadly though, signing the Declaration was the final act of his political life. With both his and his father’s health declining, they traveled slowly for home. At Annapolis, his father suffered another stroke, and died. With a sad heart, the son returned home.

With his health continuing to decline, his physicians recommended a change of climate, so in 1779 Thomas and his wife set sail for the West Indies. They were never heard from again, presumably due to a ship wreck.

He died at the age of 30 with no children.

Lynch’s story is short and rather sad. He made a choice, and it cost him his life. He didn’t die dramatically at the hands of the enemy, but there is no doubt that his stance for independence cost him his life.

Thomas Lynch Jr. pledged his life to this new nation.

So, if you could participate in just one historically significantly event in your life, what would it be?

Post your answer!

And, stay on the narrow path,

Larry

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Honestly, have you heard of Richard Stockton before? It is a shame that most Americans have never heard of this man who sacrificed all that he had so that we can live in freedom today. I think you will be amazed when you hear his story.

The (somewhat) dry facts: Richard Stockton of New Jersey was a successful attorney and farmer. He graduated in the first class of the College of New Jersey (later Princeton University) at the age of 18. He had a very successful law practice and became a Supreme Court Judge in New Jersey in 1774 at the age of 44. He owned 6,000 acres and amassed a considerable fortune. He, like many of the other founding fathers, was prospering under their current system. Yet, he sacrificed all for the cause of liberty.

The more exciting part: The original New Jersey delegates to the Second Continental Congress were against independence and were recalled. Five new delegates were elected, including Stockton. They arrived rather dramatically on July 1, 1776 when the motion was being reconsidered. They were present when John Adams made his famed speech summing up his desire for independence (“All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it”). Stockton gladly voted in favor of independence, moving New Jersey from the ‘no’ column to the ‘yea’ column. This was crucial, since a unanimous vote was required by the assembly.

Now, the amazingly sad part: The British army spent a lot of time in New Jersey during the early part of the war, chasing Washington. And while they were there they destroyed as much of the “traitors” property as they could. As a signer, Stockton and his family were in grave jeopardy. He was able to move his wife and six children to a place of safety, but he was captured by the British after being given up by those loyal to the Crown. Stockton was taken to a prison in New York and was treated horribly. When news of his starvation and exposure to extreme cold reached the Continental Congress, they pressed Brittan’s General Howe to end this cruel treatment. Stockton was later released in a prisoner exchange, but his health was so shattered that he never recovered. Meanwhile, his estate was devastated. The British destroyed the contents of this house and burned his library, one of the best in the country. His valuable farmland laid in waste and Stockton, once a very wealthy man, was forced to ask temporary aid from his friends. Richard Stockton pledged his fortune.

Richard Stockton died on February 28, 1781, before ever seeing American independence. His last words to his children begged them to remember that “the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” Richard Stockton pledged his life.

Now, will you ever forget this amazing man? I trust that you will not. I trust that you will think of him (and others like him) when enjoying the freedoms we have in America.

And, I trust that you will stay on the narrow path,

Larry

P.S. To read more about Stockton and the other signers, I highly recommend For You They Signed!

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“I was determined to see how they all looked,
as they signed what might be their death warrant”

~~~ William Ellery, signer of the Declaration ~~~

Fifty-six men signed the Declaration. In doing so, they pledged their life, their fortune, and their sacred honor.

We all know that Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration. Yet, did you know that he was very upset that it was not his original version that was adopted? The other members of congress made changes to the document, deleting some things that seemed too harsh and adding other things. One line that the signers required be added to the end of the document was the phrase, “with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence.” So, the final line now reads:

‘And, for the support of this declaration,
with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence,
we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.’

They were unable and unwilling to make this large commitment without stating that they fully trusted in God Almighty for protection. The Declaration of Independence was truly also a declaration of dependence on God.

There is no doubt that each of the men who voted in favor of independence knew the potential ramifications of their actions. We must remember that these men who we consider to be brilliant patriots were the worst of traitors to the British. Once the Declaration had been placed on parchment, the representatives gathered. As each of the men approached Mr. Hancock’s desk to attach their signature on the document, a solemn hush prevailed in the room. As Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts, a small man of barely four feet in height, approached the desk to sign the Declaration, Benjamin Harrison from Virginia, a large man, said “when the hanging scene comes to be exhibited, I shall have all the advantage over you. It will be over with me in a minute, but you will be kicking in the air for an hour after I am gone.”

As the members of Congress were preparing to sign the Declaration, Mr. Hancock stated, “We must be unanimous; there must be no pulling different ways; we must all hang together.” “Yes” Benjamin Franklin replied, “we must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Thomas Jefferson prayed that the principles of the document these men signed at the risk of being “exalted on a high gallows” would be eternal. Yes, there can be no doubt – these men knew the risk they were undertaking. They understood the potential loss of life for them and their families. But they were willing to take that risk. They were willing to suffer and die for their cause. But, did any of them actually have to follow through with their pledge? Well, of the 56 men who signed the Declaration, nine died before the war was completed and never saw a free America.

In the coming posts we will look at some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and see how they willingly followed through with the pledge they made to give their life in support of the Declaration.

Look for the next post in one week. We will discuss a man that you may have never even have heard of – Richard Stockton. His story is amazing!

Until then, stay on the narrow path,

Larry

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‘And, for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.’
~~~ Final line of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 ~~~

“We demand our rights!” has been a familiar battle cry of protesters outside of Congress or City Halls throughout the country, throughout the years. We all love to think about and talk about our rights. As a matter of fact, the phrase most often quoted from the Declaration of Independence is:

‘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’

Now I love the fact that this country acknowledges these God-given rights. It is fully appropriate for us to honor the rights that God has established. However, it saddens me to see us shift the source of our rights from God-given to government-given. I also detest that these basic rights have been expanded to include additional things, like our “right” to have a good job, home ownership, a nice car, and a thousand other things that simply are not truly “rights.” We, as a nation, have come to expect our government to provide everything for us – hence, our entitlement society.

There have been a gazillion books and articles written about our rights as citizens of the United States of America. I promise not to make this a gazillion and one. Rather, I want to focus this series of articles on the final line of the Declaration – the quote at the top of the page. This series of articles will be entitled, “They Pledged.”

In this series, we will look at the pledges contained in the Declaration. Then we will look at specific signers who followed through with these pledges. It’s easy for us to determine if the signers of the Declaration really meant that they were pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors; all we have to do it to follow the lives of these 56 men until their deaths. Did any of them sacrifice their life so that you and I could have our right to life? Did any of them sacrifice their fortune so that we could experience our right to liberty? Did they sacrifice their sacred honor so that we could pursue happiness in the way we choose? Hang with me through this series, because we will answer each of these questions.

Look for another post in one week entitled, They Pledged Their Lives.

Until then, stay on the narrow path,

Larry

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Happy Independence Day! I send this to you today, as it was July 2, 1776 that the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. On that day they approved the resolution that said:

“Resolved, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states: that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connections between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

So, if the founders voted for independence on July 2nd, why do we officially celebrate Independence Day on July 4th? Well, that was the day that Congress approved the Declaration of Independence itself. The Declaration had already been written, in anticipation of the resolution passing. Once the resolution was passed, the specifics of the Declaration were debated and formally passed on the 4th.

John Adams predicted that July 2nd would be the day we celebrate, but the Declaration document was what put teeth to the resolution that was passed. The Declaration eloquently expressed, in detail, the reasons that America was breaking away from Britain. It makes perfect sense for us to set aside July 4th as our Independence Day.

So, enjoy today as Independence Day, and then celebrate again on the 4th!

And, this weekend as always …

Stay on the narrow path,

Larry

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We’d like to wish a happy 275th birthday to Founding Father Patrick Henry!

On his 29th birthday, May 29, 1765, young Patrick Henry gave one of his most famous speeches. Having just become a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses nine days prior, Henry introduced what we now know of as the Virginia Resolutions. He introduced these resolutions by making a very famous speech. The fiery Henry concluded the speech with these lines:
“Caesar has his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third …” He was interrupted with cries of “Treason, Treason!” Undaunted, Henry went on — “and George the Third may profit by their example! If this be treason, make the most of it!”

Patrick Henry was an amazing man: He received his education from his father and his uncle; he failed as a farmer and twice as a business owner; and got married at the age of 18. Young Patrick seemed as if he was drifting with no real purpose in life. Then, at the age of 23 he decided that he wanted to become a lawyer. After studying for a mere six weeks, he passed the bar and became an attorney. At this, Henry found his calling. He studied and discussed politics and was elected to the House of Burgesses in 1765, just before his 29th birthday.

Well, you probably know the rest of his amazing life. He is known as the Fiery Orator of the Revolution. His “Give Me Liberty” speech on March 23, 1775 fanned the flames of the American Revolution. Henry later served on the committee in the Virginia Convention of 1776 that drafted the first constitution for the state. He was elected governor the same year and was reelected in 1777 and 1778, and then again in 1784. He greatly opposed the new Federal Constitution, fearing that it gave the federal government too much power and left too little power to the states (hmmm, looks like maybe he was right!). Once the Constitution was ratified he greatly favored the Bill of Rights, which he worked to get enacted. He declined a series of offers for high positions with the new federal government, including Secretary of State, mainly due to ill health and family responsibilities (he had 17 children!).

He died in 1799 at the age of 63, just a few months before the death of another Virginian, George Washington.

We owe much to Patrick Henry and men like him. He gave of himself for his country and was willing to die for the cause of liberty. Let’s honor him, and others like him, on his birthday and throughout this Memorial Day weekend.

Let’s honor him by staying on the narrow path,

Larry

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Wait … tax day is April 15th, right?

Well, actually today is!  On this day in 1913 the 16th Amendment was ratified, providing for a federal income tax.  There had been a temporary tax enacted in the 1860′s to pay for the Civil War, but it was ended when the bills were paid.

How in the world did the government run for all of those years without a federal income tax?

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Congratulations to our winners of the free e-book, Washington’s Prayers!

On Facebook, the winner was Fruit Bearer; the winner from the blog was Carol T.; and the winner who responded to the newsletter was Mrs. Aly.

However, everyone who participated was a winner!  All of those who answered correctly, but whose name was not drawn, received a coupon worth 50% off of Washington’s Prayers.

This contest was our way of honoring George Washington’s birthday and a great way to announce this new release, Washington’s Prayers. Please take a look at this reprint of the 1907 classic — I think you will like what you see!

Here’s the link to the page with all the information about the book:  Washington’s Prayers

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Okay folks … It’s time to cast your answer!

Tell me who said this …

“I am sure there never was a people who had more reason to acknowledge a divine interposition in their affairs, than those of the United States, and I should be pained to believe that they have forgotten that agency, which was so often manifested during our revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God, who is alone able to protect them.”

Here’s how to win the contest. Everyone who correctly tells me Who Said It? within the next 24 hours will get a coupon code for 50% off our newest e-book. I can’t even tell you what it is yet, but it will be available VERY soon — and you will love it!  HINT: The book is about the person who is the answer to the contest …

ALSO, three people will win the book FREE! I’ll choose one of the correct answers here on the blog, one from my newsletter list (sign up here ) and one from my Facebook page!   The more places you enter the correct answer, the more likely you are to win!

So, comment here with the correct answer and then go to the other sources for more chances to win!

Larry

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Here’s another quote for you:

“There is a time for all things, a time to preach and a time to fight… and now is the time to fight!”

So … who said it?

Go to my Facebook page and answer this question … and I’ll send you a coupon code worth 10% off your entire next purchase!

Larry

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We are excited to announce our newest product available on our website — Josh & Pat!

What does Joshua from the Bible have in common with Patrick Henry?  Well, click on the link to see the description of Josh & Pat for the answer!

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Gentlemen may cry peace, peace. But there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!”

Leave a comment here to tell me who said this quote and I’ll send you a free copy of my newest product, coming soon!

And it may just help you to stay on that narrow path,

Larry

P.S. Come ‘like’ us on Facebook! Here’s the link to our Facebook page!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Back to our question: Why did the Pilgrims come to America?

Well, as I said in the last post, one reason the Pilgrims came to America was to protect their children from the bad influences in Holland.  Another reason was … well, I’ll let William Bradford tell you himself.  This quote comes from page 21 of his classic book, Of Plymouth Plantation:

Last and not least, they cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying good foundations, or at least of making some way towards it, for the propogation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be but stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work.”

Can you believe it?  I did not learn this in school, yet this is a primary source quote from the Governor of the Pilgrims himself!  They came to America to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to America!  They realized that this task was huge, and that they probably would not live to see this come to completion.  Yet, they were willing to be stepping stones — to lay the foundation — and to make it possible for others to come along later to accomplish this amazing goal.

So, think of this as you celebrate Thanksgiving this year.  Thank the Lord for Godly people like the Pilgrims who were willing to sacrifice all they had for the advancement of the gospel in America.  These unselfish and God-centered goals led directly to the foundation of the United States of America on Biblical principles.

And, ask the Lord to give you dreams and goals that will extend not just for your lifetime, but for generations to come.  Ask for dreams and goals that are so big that you may only be able to be “stepping stones” for future generations to accomplish.

And don’t forget to stay on the narrow path,

Larry

P.S.  Be the first to go to my Ancient Paths Christian Bookstore Facebook page and answer my question, and you will win Of Plymouth Plantation FREE!   Here’s the answers:  1) to protect their children and 2) to bring the Gospel to America!

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I love Thanksgiving!

I love the turkey and pie, yes … but I love the history behind the holiday even more.  My question for you today is: why did the Pilgrims come to America?  We know that it was not for religious freedom, as they enjoyed that in Holland for 12 years prior to coming to America.  It wasn’t for riches or adventure, as that was not the type of voyage on which you would bring the family along.  So why did they come?  Fortunately we don’t have to guess or speculate — William Bradford told us clearly in his book, Of Plymouth Plantation.

Among other things, here is what Bradford tells us in chapter 4, “Reasons which led the Congregation at Leyden to decide upon Settlement in America”:

“Of all the sorrows most heavy to be borne (in Holland), was that many of the children, influenced by these conditions, and the great licentiousness of the young people of the country, and the many temptations of the city, were led by evil example into dangerous courses, getting the reins off their necks and leaving their parents.  Some became soldiers, others embarked upon voyages by sea and others upon worse courses tending to dissoluteness and the danger of their souls, to the great grief of the parents and the dishonour of God.  So they saw their posterity would be in danger to degenerate and become corrupt.”

Can you believe it?  One of the main reasons the Pilgrims left Holland was to protect their children!  They went to amazing extremes to give their children a better opportunity.  And, this reason is crucial to the next reason they came to America … which I’ll discuss in part 2 of Why did the Pilgrims Come to America?  It’ll be here soon!

Until then … stay on the narrow path,

Larry

P.S.  I have more information about Of Plymouth Plantation here!

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Hey, I hope you are all gearing up for the big holiday this Sunday.

What?    Halloween?  No, no, no. I’m talking about the REAL holiday on Sunday — Reformation Day!

On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the church door at Wittenberg, sparking the Protestant Reformation. At Ancient Paths Christian Bookstore we are celebrating this holiday by offering some excellent works by and about the Reformers at excellent prices.

Take a look here for these amazing specials!

And, on Reformation Day and always …

Stay on the narrow path,

Larry

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Election Day is almost here!

Now I would never presume to tell you for whom to vote. However, I would like to let some Founding Fathers remind you of some very good principles to follow when voting.

Have you decided yet for whom to vote? If so, what criteria did you use to make your decision? We all certainly look at the positions of the candidates on the issues that are most important to us and try to find the one that matches our positions the best. But, have you considered the most important quality? Here’s what Noah Webster said about character.

When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers, ‘just men who will rule in the fear of God.’”

John Jay, one of the authors of the Federalist Papers and the First Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, gave one clear rule when choosing who to vote for:

Providence 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.”

Founding Father John Witherspoon said,

The people in general ought to have regard to the moral character of those whom they invest with authority either in the legislative, executive, or judicial branches.”

I know that this seems foreign to most of us today – just men, Christians, moral character. Today we are bombarded with messages from the media that character isn’t important, and that the public life and the private life of the candidates should be kept separate. However, this is a very recent phenomenon. Founding Father Samuel Adams, in 1775, said,

Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust be men of unexceptionable characters. The public cannot be too curious concerning the character of public men.”

By choosing to run for public office, the candidates thereby open their private life to the public for scrutiny. The issue of character is simply too important to be overlooked. Why is this so important? Mr. Noah Webster answers:

The preservation of government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty (voting); if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizens will be violated or disregarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.”

Hmmmmm. Does that sound familiar? We, as citizens of the United States, have failed in our duty to elect ‘just men’ to rule. The consequences are obvious.

In God’s grace though, we still have an opportunity to turn this country back around. We all must do our part, and voting for candidates of character is a good place to start. You might ask: How can we be expected to know this much about the candidates? Well, it’s going to take some work. John Adams, the second president of the United States, gives us the answer:

It becomes necessary to every subject then, to be in some degree a statesman: and to examine and judge for himself of the tendencies of political principles and measures.”

So, for whom should you vote? The candidate that best demonstrates the character of being a just Christian person of good moral character. How do we know which candidate best fits that description? The answer is to do your homework. Analyze the character of the candidates. Do they follow through with their promises? Are they consistent in their words and deeds? Do they live a godly lifestyle? Do their positions on issues line up with Scripture? Could you call the candidate a ‘just man’ or ‘just woman’ who fears God, a ‘Christian’, and a person of ‘moral character’? If so, you’ve got your decision made. If not, keep looking.

Let me encourage you to take some time to analyze the candidates and then vote for the one who best meets these criteria. Become a statesman. Examine the candidates and judge for yourself. I can’t tell you the exact candidate to vote for, but the criteria mentioned here will eliminate most of them, unfortunately. Then, pray for the wisdom to vote for the person that best exemplifies a godly character. Do that, and you will be faithfully discharging your duty to your country.

And remember that God is in control, even when it doesn’t seem much like it.

And, remember to stay on the narrow path,

Larry

P.S.  I have a dramatic reading that would be perfect to perform before a church, family or tea party group entitled, To Vote Or Not to Vote. Because I want to get this out to as many folks as possible ahead of the election, I have it on sale right now at 50% off — only $2.49!!

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August 1st is the birthday of Francis Scott Key.  Key, as you know, is the author of the Star Spangled Banner.

Years ago I was standing at attention during the national anthem. The scoreboard overhead displayed the words (probably because so many of us forget them!). At then end of the song, the displayed words ended with a question mark:

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

My friend next to me said, “why is there a question mark at the end?” That’s a great question. And, it’s a question that must be answered if we are to understand our own national anthem in America.

Unfortunately, we normally just stop after one stanza and get on with our game, event, etc. However, Key does answer the question! The second stanza says:

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

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Posterity: you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”

~ John Quincy Adams ~

This is one of my favorite John Quincy Adams quotes. I post it here in honor of Mr. Adams, whose birthday is today. He was born on July 11, 1767.

John Quincy was in a unique position during the time of the American Revolutionary War. The eldest son of John and Abigail Adams, John Quincy was just a few days shy of his ninth birthday when his father voted in favor of the Declaration of Independence. That was a risky move, to say the least. When John affixed his signature to that document he was pledging his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor. However, the families of the signers sacrificed much as well.

Many of the signers of the Declaration lost their lives before seeing the end of the Revolutionary War. And, many of the family members of the signers were hunted and captured by the British. I’m sure there was a fear that went through the Adams home when they learned of this bold move. The capture of Abigail Adams or John’s children would have been a valuable prize for the British. However, John and Abigail Adams were amazing people with a resolve that went far beyond any fear of temporary reprisal. When John wrote to Abigail informing her of the vote for independence he said this:

“I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. — Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means…”   Read More

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On June 15, 1215, The Great Charter, better known as The Magna Carta, was signed. How does that impact us today? More than most people know, that’s for sure!

During the Middle Ages there was very little liberty in the world. Kings ruled over and owned everything. This was a period of serfdom, where very few men owned land. The king and a few of his fortunate friends owned that, of course. The serfs would work the land and be allowed to keep only a small portion of the harvest. In England, even the deer belonged to the king. Common men were not allowed to hunt the deer that ran abundantly throughout the land, even as their families starved.

After King Richard the Lionheart died in 1199, his younger brother John became king. John was spoiled and clueless as a leader. He had Richard’s wars to pay for, so he imposed even higher taxes than had already been in place. If any leaders in his empire would not obey his orders, King John would seize their sons and throw them in prison. John was a tyrant. Read More

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