In 1776 these words were written and agreed to as a course of action...
“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.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among
Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That
whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the
Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,
laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such
form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence,
indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed
for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that
mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right
themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a
long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object
evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it
is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for
their future security….
…We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of
America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the
world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of
the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, 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 connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought
to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have
full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce,
and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. 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.” – Declaration of Independence
And with the last sentence, the signers of the declaration
put their all on the line for a nation to be formed. And with seeking the
Supreme Judge of the World, these founders took a stand to establish a secure
government guided by the Bible as the standard of moral laws, and with their
stand a nation was created that allowed men to feel free from the oppression of
government overstepping its bounds as the King of England had done. To be a
nation with individuals which are free to create a life for one self and a
future for one’s family.
Through the years the United States has not always been perfect, but by the system these founders established people of all creeds are
allowed opportunity and protection. Our constitution has endured while those of
other nations like France and Italy have been rewritten time and time again.
Amidst the cookouts, flag waving and fireworks, we can give
thanks for the freedoms as individuals we have the pleasure of knowing. Happy
Independence Day.
