Aug
18
Written by:
Bob Flynn
8/18/2008 7:35 AM
The title was a thought from the book by John Bunyan by the same name, The Holy War, wherein he talks about the arrival of the enemy forces at the city of Mansoul (Man's Soul). By which gate will they enter (the eye gate, the ear gate, etc.)?
I therefore beg leave to move 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 of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service. Dr. Benjamin Franklin, at the Continental Congress
The title was a thought from the book by John Bunyan by the same name, The Holy War, wherein he talks about the arrival of the enemy forces at the city of Mansoul (Man's Soul). By which gate will they enter (the eye gate, the ear gate, etc.)?
How do we as Americans reconcile in our minds the fact that the majority of the peoples of the world wish to see our destruction. The words across the headlines brought attention to the fact that there were "Iraqi terrorists caught along the Mexican border" (WordNetDaily). The radical Muslim extremists vs. the now rather secular humanist nation that was once thought to be Christian.
The first chapter of the Holy War (The Conquest) describes a famous land called Universe that is situated between the two poles and amid the foru points of the heavens. The people of Universe are not all of one race, culture, or religion, but thye are as different as the planets. In this wonderful country was a pleasant little town called Mansoul that was built by the founder named, Shaddai.
Were not our forefathers wise in ensuring that there would be no central or national religion here in America from among the many denominations of the time. Yet at the same time, because of the eloquent urging of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, the Continental Congress stopped its deliberations and debate to pray because of the impasse reached with regard to the suggestion of a Senate where all states (large and small) would have an equal voice. Perhaps is would be good if we now in the midst of this current crisis would give our attention to this holy obligation and lift our eyes heavenward to Him who lets no nation rise without His consent.
It was in the midst of these difficulties that Dr. Franklin, on the morning of the 28th of June, 1787, rose, and delivered the following address—
Mr. President—The slow progress we have made, after four or five weeks’ close attendance and continual reasoning with each other—our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many nays as yeas—is, methinks, a melancholy proof of the imperfection of human understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want 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 prayers in this room for the 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 a 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 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. We shall be divided by our little, partial, local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves become a reproach and by-word down to future ages. And, what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate circumstance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom, and leave it to chance, war, and conquest.
I therefore beg leave to move 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 of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.
The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States
Copyright ©2009 Robert Flynn