July 4, 2015

Every Independence day I wonder what has happened to the true meaning of “July 4th”. In South Central Pennsylvania we have picnics, eat hot dogs and hamburgers, drink adult beverages, and maybe set off some fireworks. However, I have never stopped and read the “Declaration of Independence” on the 4th, or recited anything to do with the “Founding Fathers”. But according to John Adams, we are celebrating in the right manner, just on the wrong date.

He wrote the following words on July 2nd 1776. The Continental Congress had just adopted the Resolution for Independence and he wrote to his wife Abigail, describing how he thought future generations would celebrate this special day. He got the celebration correct but the wrong date. We actually celebrate the date Congress approved the specific wording of the Declaration which Adams had helped Thomas Jefferson write.

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations (the 18th Century term for fireworks), from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.

You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. 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. And that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not…

It may be the will of Heaven that America will suffer calamities still more wasting, and distress yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will have this good effect at least. It will inspire us with many virtues which we have not, and correct many errors, follies and vices which threaten to disturb, dishonor and destroy us. The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in States as well as individuals…But I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe.”

On this 4th of July, may we remember that the founding fathers thought it appropriate to celebrate this day with devotions to G*d — so invoking G*d’s name in a prayer or two, asking that our country may be a blessing to the world, would be a good start.

Pastor Dave