Nationalism

[Hitch]

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this
continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the
proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in
a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so
conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great
battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of
that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their
lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and
proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we cannot
dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.
The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated
it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will
little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never
forget what they did here. It is for us the living rather to be
dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here
have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here
dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these
honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which
they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly
resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this
nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that
government of the people, by the people, for the people shall
not perish from the earth.

[Hitch]

Sunday Morning

Almighty God, and most merciful father, who didst command the children of Israel to offer a daily sacrifice to thee, that thereby they might glorify and praise thee for thy protection both night and day; receive, O Lord, my morning sacrifice which I now offer up to thee; I yield thee humble and hearty thanks that thou has preserved me from the dangers of the night past, and brought me to the light of this day, and the comforts thereof, a day which is consecrated to thine own service and for thine own honor. Let my heart, therefore, Gracious God, be so affected with the glory and majesty of it„ that I may not do mine own works, but wait on thee, and discharge those weighty duties thou requirest of me; and since thou art a God of pure eyes, and wilt be sanctified in all who draw near unto thee, who doest not regard the sacrifice of fools, nor hear sinners who tread in the courts, pardon, I beseech thee, my sins, remove them from thy presence, as far as the east is from the west, and accept of me for the merits of thy son Jesus Christ, that when I come into thy temple and compass thine altar, my prayers may come before thee as incense; and as thou wouldst hear me calling upon thee in my prayers, so give me grace to hear thee calling on me in thy word, that it may be wisdom, righteousness, reconciliation and peace to the saving of my soul in the day of the Lord Jesus. Grant that 1 may hear it with reverence, receive it with meekness, mingle it with faith, and that it may accomplish in me, Gracious God, the good work for which thou has sent it. Bless my family, kindred. friends and country, be our God and guide this day and for ever for his sake, who lay down in the Grave and arose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.


George Washington

1752

[Ryokan]

what is the point of this?:hrm:

[Hitch]

03-03-2003 @ 03:24 PM
Ryokan:

what is the point of this?:hrm: A show of gratitude bringing to mind some of the great things the Lord has done on our behalf as citizens of this Providentaly founded country.

Hitch

[kiwimac]

Interestingly enough, the founders of the US were Deists rather than Theists. You might just want to consider that from time to time.

Kiwimac

[GrayPilgrim]

03-03-2003 @ 11:59 PM
kiwimac:

Interestingly enough, the founders of the US were Deists rather than Theists. You might just want to consider that from time to time.

Kiwimac

It is true that some were, but not all.

[Hitch]

Oh thus be it e'er when free men shall stand
Between their lov'd homes and war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that has made and presrv'd us a nation
And conquer we must when our cause is just
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

[kiwimac]

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Except it seems you are neither any more

Kiwimac

[Ryokan]

brave enough to deal with the world as it is, not as we'd like it to be, and as free as any free nation in the world, and freer than some.

[Ishmael]

03-03-2003 @ 10:59 PM
kiwimac:

Interestingly enough, the founders of the US were Deists rather than Theists. You might just want to consider that from time to time.

Kiwimac

Who cares whether they were Deists or not ...(deleted for content)...
Why do you care you live in New Zealand? Can't you keep your anti-American whiney crap to yourself on any thread about America? I got an idea: Go pick on your own nation and leave mine alone.

...(deleted for content)....

[Ishmael]

03-06-2003 @ 02:23 AM
kiwimac:



Except it seems you are neither any more

Kiwimac

What do you know about freedom you ...(deleted for content)...

(deleted for content).

[Pilgrim]

03-06-2003 @ 03:23 AM
kiwimac:



Except it seems you are neither any more

Kiwimac

Ahh, the penal colony speaks! :tongue:

[Pilgrim]

While I realize that issues such as this one seem to bring out our strongest passions I urge all posters to refrain from foul language and personal attacks. These things are expressly against the TWeb rules which can be found HERE (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/rules/). I especially bring to your attention rules number 1 and 2 regarding profanity and "flamming."

Thanks for your consideration.

Peace,
Pilgrim

Admin note - Additionally, whether said in jest or not, implied threats of violence or in person confrontation are not acceptable. Thank you for your cooperation.

[Hitch]

This great mountain is not concerned with the little squaking birds wandering on its shoulders.




I will continue to echo the great voices of our past , in that with thanksgiving they glorify God, and so deserve our respect and remeberence.


HITCH

[Ryokan]

Not that it has any bearing on the greatness of him, but Lincoln was very skeptical of an after life, partly because of his mother, and struggle with his mortality his entire life. It is one of the things that drove him to greatness.

[GrayPilgrim]

In a speech given days before his assassination, Lincoln gave an autobiographical sketch of his life, in which Lincoln told the different episodes. He ended each episode with the phrase "I was not then a Christian." His use of the phrase goes right up through at least the Gettysburg Address. However, at the end of the speach he changed the phrase to states that he was "now a Christian." I'll will try to find the speecha nd post a link, if possible. So I agree that he was torn for the majority of his life, but from my reading I will tentatively state that just before his death Lincoln became a Christian. I say tentatively because it has been a while since I read teh speech so my memory could be failing me.

GP

[Ryokan]

please post it, I am curious.:smile:

[Captain Ochre]

Not what GrayPilgrim was talking about, but it does seem to have a theological air about it:
http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/inaug2.htm

[Alden]

03-06-2003 @ 12:23 AM
kiwimac:



Except it seems you are neither any more

Kiwimac

Why am I not suprised by this statement?:doh:

[Reba]

Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1777

Mr. [William] Clingan, a delegate from Pensylvania, attended and took his seat.
Congress proceeded to the choice of a president; and, the ballots being taken,
The Honble. Henry Laurens was elected.1
[Note 1: 1 Roberdeau wrote: "Henry Laurens, Vice President of South Carolina, a worthy, sensible, indefatigable Gentleman, was this day chosen by a unanimous vote, except his own, President of Congress." Pennsylvania Archives, First Series, V, 735.]
The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to these states, to set apart a day of thanksgiving, brought in a report; which was agreed to as follows:[p]


Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with graitude their obligation to him for benefits received, and to implore such farther blessings as they stand in need of; and it having pleased him in his abundant mercy not only to continue to us the innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also to smile upon us in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defence and establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased in so great a measure to prosper the means used for the support of our troops and to crown our arms with most signal success: It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of these United States, to set apart Thursday, the eighteenth day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart1 and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby they had forfeited every favour, and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance; that it may please him graciously to afford his blessing on the governments of these states respectively, and prosper the public council of the whole; to inspire our commanders both by land and sea, and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude which may render them fit instruments, under the providence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States the greatest of all human blessings, independence and peace; that it may please him to prosper the trade and manufactures of the people and the labour of the husbandman, that our land may yet yield its increase; to take schools and seminaries of education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurturing hand, and to prosper the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which consisteth "in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."
[Note 1: 1 The original read: "That at one time and with one voice."]
And it is further recommended, that servile labour, and such recreation as, though at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the purpose of this appointment, be omitted on so solemn an occasion.2[p]


[Note 2: 2 This report, in the writing of Samuel Adams, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 431.]
∥The several matters to this day referred, being postponed,∥
Adjourned to 10 o'Clock on Monday.

[Captain Ochre]

You're just proving that the Founding Fathers were deists.
:wink:

[Pilgrim]

No one has yet mentioned the obvious assent to the Christian background of our frammers....the fact they used the Presbyterian system of church government as the model for ours.

[HerodionRomulus]

Nartionalism or Jingoism?

[Ryokan]

Unsubstantiated hypothetical or :spam: ?

[Hitch]

Robert E lee


Excerpt from a letter to his wife regarding Gettysburg

…You will, however, learn before this reaches you that our success at Gettysburg was not so great as reported--in fact, that we failed to drive the enemy from his position, and that our army withdrew to the Potomac. Had the river not unexpectedly risen, all would have been well with us; but God, in His all-wise providence, willed otherwise, and our communications have been interrupted and almost cut off. The waters have subsided to about four feet, and, if they continue, by to-morrow, I hope, our communications will be open. I trust that a merciful God, our only hope and refuge, will not desert us in this hour of need, and will deliver us by His almighty hand, that the whole world may recognise His power and all hearts be lifted up in adoration and praise of His unbounded loving-kindness. We must, however, submit to His almighty will, whatever that may be. May God guide and protect us all is my constant prayer."

[Reba]

wow

I feel so very blessed thank you LORD for my home!

[Pilgrim]

What I find so remarkable about Lee's letter is the humility it demonstrates in recognizing that God may very well not be on his side politically and militarily. It takes a strong person to stand solidly on such convictions.

[GrayPilgrim]

You should read sermons from the period. They are full of that sentiment, especially Southern sermons. While they asked for victory they understood that the Lord was on His own side and not either the South's or the North's per se. Now of course you will find some, but by and large the South saw the War as God's wrath against them as the war progressed.

GP

[Hitch]

The following prayer was offered by Rev. Byron Sunderland, D.D.


Almighty and everlasting God, be not angry with us for our sins, which we only confess and deplore; but pardon our offenses and extend to us Thy favor. We thank Thee for Thy goodness on this anniversary of the nation a day tenfold more precious by reason of our present troubles, and sacred to the heart for the ever memorable Declaration of our fathers, in which Thou didst begin more openly to give us a name among the nations of the earth. We thank Thee for all Thy manifold and abundant mercies hitherto to make our nation exceedingly great and glorious; but now disasters have befallen us and darkness broods in the land. And now we ask Thy mercy as the Senate is convening at a most momentous crisis of our history. Give to Thy servants all needed help. Add to their deliberations wisdom and unanimity, and profit and speed to their conclusion. Bless Thy servant, the President of the United States, our veteran Commander-in- Chief, and all that have functions in the civil and military power. May the angel of Thy presence walk in the Cabinet and in the Congress and in the camp, to go before, to purify, and to direct the now greatly and universally-awakened love of country. And we beseech Thee to guide us, to overrule and order all things, and so to cause that nothing shall fail, that the disorders of the land may be speedily healed, that peace and concord may prevail, that truth and righteousness may be established, and that Thy Church and Kingdom may flourish in a larger peace and prosperity, for Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.


(Source: Congressional Globe, 37th Congress, first session, new series, 1, 4 July 1861.)

[Hitch]

The Special Forces Prayer

Almighty God Who art the Author of Liberty and the Champion of the oppressed hear our prayer.

We the men of Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the preservation of human freedom. Go with us as we seek to defend the defenseless and to free the enslaved.

May we ever remember that our nation, whose oath "in God We Trust," expects that we shall requit ourselves with honor, that we may never bring shame upon our faith, our families, or our fellow men.

Grant us wisdom from Thy mind, courage from Thine heart, and protection by Thine hand. It is for Thee that we do battle, and to thee belongs the victor's crown. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and glory forever,

Amen!