The Legacy Collection

© 2017 Dennis Fischer ®
All rights reserved

Volume XIV

"An American Epitaph" Part 1

By
Dennis Fischer

Summary: By Blow the Trumpet

The message you are about to hear was presented by Mr. Dennis Fischer in two installments to two congregations of the United Church of God. Both messages were delivered on consecutive Sabbaths in June 24^th and July 1^st 2017 and were given in commemoration of America’s birth as a nation and its ensuing struggle for independence.

It was prompted by an emerging discussion among members regarding America’s roots.  Some believed its underpinnings were grounded in Judeo-Christian values while others believed this nation was built on a secular foundation with a clear patrician erected by its founders to insure a separation between church and state. Those who held this later view claimed that the idea of America possessing Judeo-Christian roots was a myth and were confident Mr. Fischer could not present a sustainable contrary position. However, they were more than willing to let him try. Thus, he was invited to share his wisdom on the issue and because he had recently given similar presentations to prominent conservative groups such as The California Young Republicans that were well received he readily agreed.

Although not an ordained minister Mr. Fischer is a long-standing member of God’s Church and has spoken as well as written prolifically about God’s Kingdom, His Plan and His People. This particular message revealed his level of preparation when giving such presentations and his audience expressed their sincerest appreciation for his thoroughness and its persuasiveness. 

And now Blow the Trumpet is honored to include “An American Epitaph” Part I as the fourteenth installment of its Legacy Collection.

Sermon

Salutation:

Good morning everyone—and a good Sabbath to you all!

Brethren, in just over a week millions of Americans across this land will participate in a national celebration.

For most it is a time of:

• family gatherings, 
• concerts,
• picnics, 
• pot lucks, 
• block parties, 
• ball games, 
• beach trips
• BBQs 
• and of course, fireworks

An American Story

However, for some this day is defined less by its festivities and more by its story.

A story of the birth of:

• the richest, 
• the strongest 
• the freest 
• and the fairest nation in human history—
• “a nation of destiny” if you will

Brethren, this morning I would like to speak of that nation and her story, 

• how it began, 
• the inspiration behind it 
• and where it tragically appears to be heading

My friends, this particular message will be presented in two installments.

The first will be given today and will address, in part, the remarkable tale of America’s birth and literally the inspiration behind it.

Part II will be given next week and will include cautionary words from none other than our nation’s founding fathers—words, that if heeded, will assure every generation that they will continue to be the recipients of the “choicest blessings of heaven.” But if ignored the price they will have to pay will be catastrophic.

For those who like titles this one is called “An American Epitaph”

So let’s begin.

Introduction:

Brethren, the story begins in a place called Philadelphia where a fledgling republic is desperately clinging to life.

One particular moment during this struggle occurred on Thursday, June 28, 1787 during a gathering of its first Constitutional Convention.

It was at this time that a serious rift was fomenting between some of the delegates.        

At issue was how each state would be represented in its new government.

The smaller states were concerned that their constitutional influence would be offset by the larger states—thus reducing them to nothing more than observers

Some even feared their state’s sovereignty could be stripped by a strong centralized government.

The Division Grew

Brethren, the friction over this issue became so intense that some of the delegates actually walked out of the convention.

And at this point the fate of the greatest experiment in freedom ever attempted was on the brink of collapse even before its government was fully formed.

The Franklin Solution 

This situation prompted Benjamin Franklin to propose an idea he was absolutely convinced would remedy the crisis.

Mr. Franklin was the governor of Pennsylvania at the time and one of the convention’s delegates.

He was also a man of extraordinary talents.

He was a prominent inventor, an author and statesman—and his intellectual skills were legendary.

Not only was he a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and later, the Constitution.

He was also a gifted representative of American interests in Europe.

He, along with John Jay, Henry Laurens, and John Adams personally negotiated the Treaty of Paris, which secured American independence and which many to this day consider the single greatest achievement in the history of American diplomacy.

More on Franklin 

Franklin was also considered a literary genius through his annual publication of Poor Richard’s Almanac

But there was so much more to this extraordinary man.

To better understand his wealth of intellect and skill, a little background is necessary.

The Franklin Pedigree (:45)

Ben Franklin’s was the 15^th of 17 children. 

And although his family couldn’t afford a formal education for him, he had an insatiable appetite for learning.

Brethren, there are so many things in our modern world that still have this remarkable man’s signature all over it.

For example:

Franklin the Inventor 

As an inventor Ben Franklin’s contribution to his world was truly extraordinary, and was made more so by a genuine desire to make that world better.

This truth is evidenced by the fact that he never patented any of his designs or inventions. 

His own philosophy regarding this decision was really quite simple.

Here is how he expressed it.

“That as we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours, and this we should do freely and generously.” 

Mind you this philosophy came from a man who stood to profit significantly from his scientific and creative talents.

For example:

Dr. Franklin made important discoveries in electricity, coining such terms as:

• “positive and negative charges,” 
• “conductor,” 
• “condenser,” 
• “battery,” and 
• “Electric shock.” 

What was required? 

Brethren, it is an undeniable fact that Benjamin Franklin stands as one of the most celebrated historical figures of all time in any generation and as the senior delegate at the convention at 81 years of age, he commanded enormous respect.

A Great Irony (:35)

But ironically his solution to the dilemma at hand was not related to intellect or skill. 

It had absolutely nothing to do with talent and resource.

And it didn’t even hint at a political solution.

Nevertheless, he was steadfast in his conviction that the country’s survival would be assured if its leaders would follow his advice.

How many here know what he proposed?

Well brethren, for those who don’t, you’re going to find out right now.

Franklin addresses the delegates 

Franklin then stood and addressed George Washington; the convention’s recently elected president.

Brethren, these are the words the delegates heard in the stillness of that chamber.

Mr. President: 

The small progress we have made after 4 or five weeks close  attendance & continual reasonings with each other—our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many nows as days, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. 

We indeed seem to feel our own wont of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. 

We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist.

And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.

In this situation of this Assembly groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understanding?

In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for Divine Protection. 

Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. 

All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of Superintending providence in our favor.

To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity.

And have we now forgotten that powerful FRIEND? 

Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance?

I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men. 

And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? 

We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that "except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it."

I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: 

[Rather], we shall be divided by: 

• our little partial local interests; 
• our projects will be confounded, 
• and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a bye word down to future ages. 

The Proposal

I therefore beg leave to offer the following motion—that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more [members] of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that service.

Jonathan Dayton Reports (:120)

Brethren, so moving was this address that Jonathan Dayton, a delegate from New Jersey wrote of its impact on Washington as well as the other delegates.

Here are his exact words.

“The Doctor sat down; and never did I behold a countenance at once so dignified and delighted as was that of Washington at the close of the address; nor were the members of the convention generally less affected.

The words of the venerable Franklin fell upon our ears with a weight and authority, even greater than we may suppose an oracle to have had in the Roman senate.”

Brethren, Franklin’s proposal was approved with the full concurrence of the delegates.

And to this very day every session of both houses of congress is opened with prayer.

At this point it is also interesting to note that Mr. Dayton offered another observation concerning the impact of Franklin’s proposal and the profound change that came over the delegates when they reconvened on July 2^nd.

Remember that the prior meeting was filled with rancor and division.

However, this was a new day—and here is how Mr. Dayton described it.

“We assembled again and every unfriendly feeling (they had experienced in prior meetings) had been expelled and a spirit of conciliation had been cultivated.”

Think of those words when set opposed to the rancor and vitriol that saturates the political discourse in congress today.

A National Contempt 

Sadly however, nearly 2 1/2 centuries later, the wisdom of Franklin is viewed with disdain and outright contempt by many of our nation’s legislators, its courts and even its most esteemed leaders.

And I suspect there isn’t a chance on earth the current congress would ever vote to adopt the Franklin proposal without intense debate and opposition.

Today, instead of appealing to the wisdom of the Creator of eternity itself a secular voice now cries out in an attempt to systematically expunge from our national discourse any acknowledgment of the God Franklin so eloquently referred to as “Our Friend”. 

SPS: 

This now brings us to the question of the day.

How did America get to this place?

And where will her path ultimately lead?

Furthermore, what would the founding fathers think of the course this country has taken?

Brethren, over the next two weeks, I intend to answer each of these questions—and do so truthfully, and without apology.

So let’s begin.

Body:

Censoring Prayer 

Brethren, perhaps the greatest single decision affecting America and its values today was rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1962. 

How many here know what the court ruled?

Well here’s the answer.

In its decision (Engel v. Vitale) the court determined that the Union Free School District in Hyde Park, New York had violated the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution because it facilitated a prayer at the beginning of each school day.

Brethren, this is the prayer they found so threatening.

"Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country." (Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421).

What it Meant 

In a very real sense these unelected jurists reversed nearly two centuries of legislative and judicial pronouncements, not to mention several longstanding traditions that had played a significant role in American life since the founding of our Republic. 

So appalling was the court’s ruling that Representative Frank Becker of North Carolina called it, 

“The most tragic decision in the history of the United States”

Senator Sam Ervin, also from North Carolina, likened it to the “segregation of God” from society. 

My Friends, it is my personal belief that this single judicial pronouncement marked the beginning of the end to the most blessed nation in human history

I say this because I am fully persuaded that the disintegration of our nation’s moral fabric has actually been facilitated by this particular court’s rendering of the constitution—not to mention it became a slippery slope and the catalyst for inviting future attempts to expunge any expression of faith out of our national landscape.

Post Engle V. Vital 

Brethren, since Engle v Vitale, numerous rulings by our nation’s highest judicial body have affirmed that any expression of faith by children attending public schools now poses an imminent threat to our liberties and as such is a violation of our nation’s most sacred legal document. 

Here is what the High Court has done since to remedy this threat:

This particular piece of judicial wisdom was handed down in 1992. 

Mind you every one of these practices was a visible component of the character development of America's children—and now (if you will pardon the irony) has been expelled by judicial fiat.

A Great Tragedy 

Brethren, the great tragedy to all of this is that what was once a nation that cherished its faith has now become one that feels obligated to protect others from it. 

In the words of Justice John Paul Stevens who was appointed to the court in 1975 by President Gerald R. Ford—thirteen years after Engel v. Vitale:              

Notice how he justified the court’s ruling.

"School sponsorship of a religious message is impermissible because it sends the ancillary message to members of the audience who are non-adherents that they are outsiders, not full members of the political community, and an accompanying message to adherents that they are insiders, favored members of the political community,"

Brethren, what Justice Stephens failed to understand is that by banning any expression of faith in public schools he creates the same problem he was trying to avoid only this time the believer in prayer is the outsider while opponents are the favored members of the political community.

In other words Justice Stevens was persuaded that the framers of the Constitution actually thought the will of atheists should trump the will of the believer.

But it goes even further than that.

A Great Indignity

Perhaps the greatest indignity today is that the overwhelming majority of high school students have absolutely no idea how the architects of this nation genuinely felt about the role of faith when fashioning our government. 

For example: Do you think they know?

Fisher Ames, the primary author of the first amendment was a champion of retaining the Bible as a prominent textbook in America’s schools. 

Or that:

Thomas Payne, the great revolutionary author once wrote, 

“It has been the error of schools to teach astronomy, and all the other sciences, and subjects of natural philosophy, as accomplishments only; whereas they should be taught theologically, with reference to the One Being who is the true author of them”

He also made the following observation concerning America’s roots.

“The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. Where, say some, is the king of America? I tell you, friend, He reigns above.”

Brethren, do you think any teacher of American History today would ever tell your children that:

Or that:
 

By the way this Primer was reprinted and used for 210 years, until 1900 (the beginning of the 20^th century). 

Well brethren, they wouldn’t teach such things because they don’t want your children to know them—rather they want them to see this country’s roots through the eyes of secularists and agnostics who promulgate their doctrine by distorting the true historical record including the very words and actions of the patriots who staked their lives and their fortunes in the cause of freedom.

But there is more.

They also don’t want your children to know.

Or, that

“The moral principles and precepts contained in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws."

It also contained this one.

“All the miseries and evils which men suffer from—vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery, and war—proceed from the despising or neglecting of the precepts contained in the Bible."

Imagine our children reading such things.

In Contempt of God

Sadly, today, as a direct result of a tangible contempt for God and His moral authority, America’s judicial leaders have ushered the Holy One of Israel to an unseen corner of our nation and forbidden Him to speak in public.

According to these brilliant legal thinkers, great truths like the Ten Commandments, which reveal the very mind and virtue of the Architect of heaven and earth, cannot be displayed as an expression of faith in any public setting because it might offend someone. 

Can you imagine the founding fathers drawing this conclusion?

Well, if you have trouble answering this question, here’s a clue.

On July 4^th 1776 a committee was formed to design a seal which would embody the spirit of the nation.

Benjamin Franklin proposed Moses holding up his staff and parting the Red Sea, with pharaoh in his chariot overwhelmed by the waters, adding the motto “Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.”

Thomas Jefferson proposed the children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. 

Now with this piece of information, how great of a threat to our children do you honestly think these founders saw in the Ten Commandments?

A False Premise

Tragically however, instead of embracing the Almighty’s great moral code as our founders intended, our laws are now built on a hugely false premise which asserts that America, which was once sincerely regarded as "one nation under God," must now accommodate every superstition and perversion as the moral equivalent of Holy Writ.

In other words, today, Christianity and witchcraft enjoy the same legal and moral standing in the eyes of our government—in the name of the Constitution no less.

Moses v. Satan

Brethren, one of the more recent episodes of this wisdom took place just a few years ago when the supreme court of Oklahoma ordered a monument of the Ten Commandments be removed from the grounds of its capitol because its presence (Brace yourself Brethren) offended the Church of Satan who, on Constitutional grounds, threatened to erect their own statue there. 

After all, according to them freedom of religion must be respected equally regardless of the religion.

Once again, can you imagine the founding fathers struggling with this issue?

Sadly however, those who promote this madness are relentless in advancing their cause by redefining the intent of the founding fathers and even redefining the founding fathers themselves

Consider just one example: Thomas Jefferson

America vs Jefferson

As I’m sure you know, Jefferson is one of America’s premier architects. 

He wrote the Declaration of Independence when he was 33 years old at the urging of John Adams—some regard it as the greatest manifesto of freedom ever composed

Jefferson was a Christian.

However, today the enemies of any expression of faith in the public square attempt to redefine him; claiming he wasn’t a Christian at all but rather a deist

Now brethren, I am acutely aware that Jefferson had some serious issues with the trappings of organized Christianity, which he actually referred to as “rags,” however, to assert that he didn’t believe he was a Christian is patently false.

But don’t believe me, here is what he said

“I consider the doctrines of Jesus as delivered by himself to contain the outlines of the sublimest system of morality that has ever been taught”

But there is more.

“The sole use of Christian Indians and the Moravian Brethren for civilizing the Indians and promoting Christianity”

Being stripped of Freedom

Speaking of Jefferson:

At one point in his illustrious political career he expressed concern regarding how the freedoms enjoyed by this nation could be lost

Brethren, I want you to ponder his words very carefully.

“God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people, that these liberties are a gift from God?

Sadly, today in the United States a great movement has emerged dedicated to proving Thomas Jefferson wrong. 

Those who lead this movement attack as “religious fanatics” anyone who believes in that God and His word. 

The irony to this is that America was once proud to express its faith in the Creator and the scriptures that so exquisitely describe Him. 

Furthermore, those who did so were regarded as anything but fanatics. 

Consider just a few examples: 

In Their own words

He also wrote:

“A Bible and a newspaper in every house, a good school in every district—all studied and appreciated as they merit—are the principal support of virtue, morality, and civil liberty.”

Then in a letter to the French ministry in March 1778 He offered his unqualified endorsement of Christianity acknowledging that:

“Whoever shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the whole world.” 

But there is more.

He actually said that those who built this country “staked the whole future of American civilization” on obedience to God.

But it doesn’t end there.

"For my own part, I sincerely esteem it [the Constitution] a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests." 

Then, when speaking of Christianity and its influence on his own life, Hamilton asserted the following:

"I have carefully examined the evidences of the Christian religion, and if I was sitting as a juror upon its authenticity I would unhesitatingly give my verdict in its favor. I can prove its truth as clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the mind of man."

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!”

He then articulated one of the benefits of this great TRUTH: 

“It is for this very reason people of other faiths have been afforded asylums, prosperity and freedom of worship here."

Here was his point.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is NOT the presence of the Bible and Christianity that poses a threat to other faiths, as many falsely assert today; it is the absence of it

But there’s more.

"It is only the fear of God that can deliver us from the fear of man." 

"He is the best friend of American liberty who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion.”

Witherspoon also made the following appeal

“God grant that in America true religion and civil liberty may be inseparable and that any unjust attempts to destroy the one, may in the issue tend to the support and establishment of both." 

Then there is John Jay.

He expressed the following:

“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.”

President Lincoln acknowledged that Jesus Christ was the Savior of the world and that the Bible was literally a gift from God Himself.

“I believe the Bible is the best gift that God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.”

Brethren, this is only a minuscule compendium of testimonies from some of the great champions who shaped this nation every one of which enthusiastically proclaimed their unqualified acknowledgment of God’s providential hand in the forming of and sustaining of this nation. 

And I am not exaggerating when I say I could provide you with over 1000 citations from these great heroes of liberty.

But alas the story continues.

America vs Judge Roy Moore

Brethren, one of the more celebrated examples of a secular assault on faith today occurred when the Chief Justice of a southern state prominently displayed the Ten Commandments in the rotunda of its Supreme Court building.

This action prompted a collection of America’s "great legal thinkers" presiding over the nation’s highest court to conclude that he had somehow offended the intent of the framers of the Constitution.

As a result the High Court ordered the display removed.

Once again, I’m just curious, but how do you think the framers themselves would have adjudicated this matter?

Well, here’s another clue.

And by the way this is something that the opponents of faith don’t want you or your children to know ever happened;

For example:

They don’t want you to know:

 And why did it establish this law? Here is their answer.

“Because children must be able to read if they are to read the Scriptures.”

Adams also declared the following:

"Statesmen...may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand”

Then there is this.

They don’t want you to know:

A pretty glowing endorsement if you ask me.

 “…confess before God their aggravated transgressions and to implore His pardon and forgiveness through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ “

Governor Bartlett also expressed his desire that, 

“the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be made known to all nations, that pure and undefiled religion universally prevail, and that the earth [would] be filled with the glory of the Lord”

But there is more

They don’t want you to know:

• The Declaration of Independence was considerably based on John Locke's book, Two Treatises of Civil Government which referenced the Scriptures 1700 times.
   
• The inscription on the Liberty Bell is a citation from the Book of Leviticus (25:10) which reads "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof"
  
  
• That each door leading to the main chamber of the U.S. Supreme court is engraved with the Ten Commandments.
  
  
• The preamble of all fifty state constitutions contains an invocation to God recognizing Him as the Benefactor of their blessings and the source of their freedom.
  
  

   

They don’t want you to know:

• Elbridge Gerry a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the governor of Massachusetts once called on his state to pray with one heart and one voice and that:

“…we may prostrate ourselves at the throne of heavenly grace and present to our Great Benefactor sincere and unfeigned thanks for His infinite goodness and mercy towards us from our birth to the present moment and for having above all things illuminated us by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

They don’t want you to know:

The number one source was the Bible. 

From these writings it was determined that Jeremiah 17:9 and Isaiah 33:22 were the basis for the separation of powers and America's three branches of Government. 

That Ezra 7:24 was the premise for tax exemptions. 

That Article 4 Section 4 of the Constitution was derived from Exodus 18:21 which formed the basis of a Republic form of Government. 

That the judicial branch of government in Article III Section 3, was derived from Deuteronomy 17:6 and Ezekiel 18:20.

"Human law must rest its authority ultimately on that which is Divine."

 He also stated, 

"Far from being rivals or enemies, religion and law are twin sisters."

They also don’t want you to know:

“If the people, during the Revolution, had a suspicion (even an inkling) of any attempt to war against Christianity (which is precisely what is taking place today), that Revolution would have been strangled in its cradle...”

In other words if America’s colonial leaders had the same approach toward Christianity as its leaders do today there wouldn’t have been a United States.

The committee then punctuated this point with the following:

“In this age, there can be no substitute for Christianity... That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they [fully] expected it to remain the religion of their descendants.” 

This same Congress also passed a resolution which declared:

“The great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and divine truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

At this point it is interesting to note that on December 5, 1974, less than four months after taking the oath of office as America’s 38^th President, Gerald R. Ford upheld that:

“Without God there could be no form of American government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first—the most basic—expression of Americanism. Thus the founding fathers of America saw it, and with God’s help it will continue to be.”

And although not a founding father perhaps President Calvin Coolidge said it best.

“The foundation of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.” 

I suspect they wouldn’t want you to know that either.

Transition: 

My friends, although modern secularists routinely dismiss the Judeo-Christian underpinnings of the United States any honest and objective examination of the facts leaves one to draw no other conclusion. 

Furthermore, the numerous pronouncements offered by the champions of freedom who built this nation are also punctuated by the way Americans in colonial times comported themselves and how they saw that comportment as being directly linked to blessings from Heaven.

To better understand this point, consider the following:

The Franklin Pamphlet

Benjamin Franklin once composed a pamphlet entitled Information to Those Who Would Remove to America.

It was written to Europeans considering migrating to the colonies. 

In it Franklin presented an argument outlining the advantages of becoming citizens of this new country.

As one reads what he wrote it becomes clear that Franklin was extolling the benefits of numerous virtues that defined Americans—virtues that were shaped by a deeply entrenched faith and included such things as being responsible role models who understood their duty to set a positive example for children to emulate.

He also specifically identified as an American virtue the rejection of atheism, and a commitment to marital fidelity as well as strong religious instruction. 

Franklin also identified Christian forbearance and kindness being practiced by various denominations in their treatment of each other.

In other words, although there was a diversity of faiths these various denominations were not given to vilifying each other.

Here is how Dr. Franklin expressed these qualities. Notice he didn’t mention free stuff like health care, welfare or food stamps that seem so attractive to people today. 

Rather his focus was on qualities that would make a person a better person, one who felt duty bound to honor and respect God and country.

“Bad examples to youth are more rare in America, which must be comforting to parents. To this may be truly added that serious religion is not only tolerated, but respected and practiced.

Atheism is unknown there; infidelity rare and secret; so that persons may live to a great age without having their piety shocked.”

Virtue and Divine Favor

Franklin concluded by attributing these qualities directly to God’s divine favor on the entire nation—a belief that was becoming widespread.

“And the Divine Being seems to have manifested His approbation (approval) of the mutual forbearance and kindness with which different denominations treat each other;” “by the remarkable prosperity with which He (God) has been pleased to favor the whole country.”

Brethren, it is demonstrably evident that as one of the greatest leaders of colonial America Franklin placed great value on personal character and virtue. 

In his Autobiography he mentioned a small book he carried with him regularly.

In it was a list of 13 virtues he had as lifetime goals. They were:

Thirteen Virtues

1) Temperance

2) Silence (Don’t gossip)

3) Order

4) Resolution

5) Frugality

6) Industry

7) Sincerity

8) Justice

9) Moderation

10) Cleanliness

11) Tranquility

12) Chastity

13) Humility

At this point it is important to understand that Franklin’s regard for personal virtue was profoundly influence by his faith. 

When describing his understanding of God he said:

“I believe He (God) is pleased and delights in the happiness of those He has created; and since without virtue man can have no [real] happiness I firmly believe He delights to see me virtuous, because He is pleased when He sees me happy.

I love Him therefore for His Goodness, and I adore Him for His wisdom.”

Brethren, Franklin was not the only one who saw God’s favor on America.

An awareness of the nation’s good fortunes even extended to Europe and actually inspired some to investigate how this country appeared to be so great and prosperous..

One such investigation was undertaken by a man named Alexis de Tocqueville.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Tocqueville was a prominent 19^th century French statesman and historian. 

In 1831 he and an associate named Gustave de Beaumont visited the United States with the express purpose of identifying the source of the extraordinary fortunes that befell this country. 

To achieve this, they took upon themselves the task of engaging in an exhaustive examination of the American people and her institutions. 

The result was a two-volume work published in 1835 and 1840 entitled Democracy in America. 

This work has been described as: 

“the most comprehensive and penetrating analysis of the relationship between character and society in America ever written”

My friends, while secular voices today argue that this nation was not built on Judeo-Christian principles Tocqueville reported it quite differently.

Notice how he describes the scope of his investigation.

“I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors…; in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her public-school system and institutions of [higher] learning. I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution.”

Tocqueville then revealed his conclusion.

“However, not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.”

Tocqueville Continued:

Brethren, this was an observation this man drew early in his visit because America was so uniquely transparent in the expression of her faith—a characteristic that Tocqueville believed distinguished her from every other country on earth, including his own France.

Here is how he described it.

“Upon my arrival in the United States the religious aspect of the country was the first thing that struck my attention; and the longer I stayed there, the more I perceived the great political connection resulting from this new state of things.

In France I had almost always seen the spirit of religion and the spirit of freedom marching in opposite directions.

But in America I found them intimately united and that they reigned in common over the same country.”

Later he wrote regarding Americans and the impact Christianity had on their view on liberty itself: 

“The Americans combine the understanding of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other.”

A Critical Thinker

Mind you this is coming from a man thoroughly trained in critical thought. 

As a historian of first rank he was acutely aware of the importance of accuracy when documenting his research—much of which was formulated as an eye witness.

Two examples of this approach became instrumental in supporting his conclusion concerning how Christianity demonstrably shaped American life.

The first involved a story of how he would take Sunday evening walks in residential neighborhoods and hear multiple homes on virtually every block filled with the sounds of families singing hymns—a practice which had become a normal part of American life

The Second Example

The second example involved Tocqueville observing a court case in Chester County New York shortly after his arrival, and how the judge presiding over it actually refused to allow witness testimony because the witness was an avowed atheist.

The case was even reported by the New York Spectator on August 23^rd 1831.

“The court of common pleas of Chester County (New York), a few days since rejected a witness who declared his disbelief in the existence of God

The presiding judge remarked, that he had not before been aware that there was a man living who did not believe in the existence of God; that this belief constituted the sanction (rejection) of all testimony [he could offer] in a court of justice: and that he knew of no case in a Christian country where a witness had been permitted to testify without such [a] belief.”

The Goodness of America

Brethren, perhaps the most penetrating, and certainly the most famous observation offered by Tocqueville came in the form of his conclusion concerning the reason for America’s greatness.

When set in the context of America today his words are heartbreaking.

“America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great”

A Final Thought:

With that said we now come to the conclusion of the matter.

And it is here that I would like to leave you with something to ponder.

My friends, today you have seen just a small glimpse of the birth and infancy of the most celebrated and blessed nation in human history—a nation whose very foundation—in the words of her framers was built on the wisdom of Biblical History and Judeo-Christianity.

Tragically, her story continues to be written and if things play out as they appear to be headed, America’s future will not be filled with prosperity and abundance but rather with ignominy and shame—a shame brought about by a plethora of moral defects that saturate our country today.

Even more tragic is the fact that many of America’s greatest historical figures have joined their voices with those of the ancient prophets of Israel and Judah and like them have issued a very sober warning to every succeeding generation—including the one were in—a warning concerning how the land of the free and home of the brave could ultimately become a nation of beggars and slaves and a reproach to the entire world.

Next week we are going to hear their warnings.

And if you are like most, I believe you will be shocked by every one of them.

Until then my friends, have a good Sabbath—and as always, it’s been an honor.

Volume XV
"An American Epitaph" Part II

DIRECTORY