“All right, gentlemen, step right up, and don’t miss your chance to commit treason!” says John Hancock in the film 1776, and one by one, each stepped forward to sign a document which not only was the rallying cry for us in America but became a model for other revolutions seeking to overthrow tyranny.
Benjamin Franklin was right: It had never been done before, that a colony would declare its independence from the mother country. The 56 who signed understood what they were doing and the possible consequences of their actions. Some of the grievances listed may seem antiquated but several lay a foundation for our civil liberties today.
Many of the signers suffered severe consequences for their actions. Four were held as prisoners, 17 had their properties destroyed, a wife was held captive for months, leading to her untimely death, and several had sons who were either imprisoned or killed in battle. We must ask ourselves: what would we sacrifice for liberty? For our beliefs? It’s far easier to celebrate what others did in the past than to act to protect our liberties today.
Prayer for the Day
O God, Source of life, Creator of Peace,
Help us in this confusing time
Granting us the ability to stretch across boundaries
Whether political, religious, or national.
Give us the courage to confront fear and hatred
As we search fulfilling the promises we have made,
In the name of the Onr who offers us a vision of justice,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We must all hang together or assuredly we will all hang separately.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
I do not wish women to have power over men but over themselves.
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)
Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them so that those who love your name
May exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover them with favor as with a shield.
Psalm 5: 11-12
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