Today, July 3, the Continental Congress still had lots of work before it. After they made resolutions to look at the board of directors for Indian affair and to send as many troops from Pennsylvania o Monmouth County, New Jersey, the Congress settled into making revisions to Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence.
John Adams was busy writing Abigail, noting that had “a Declaration of Independency been made many months ago, it would have been attended with great and glorious Effects” but that the delay had many advantages. “The Hopes of Reconciliation, which were fondly entertained by Multitudes of honest and well meaning though weak and mistaken People, have been gradually and at last totally extinguished.”
Writing that he was “well aware of the Toll and Blood and Treasure” it would cost, he could still see “through the Gloom…Rays of light and glory.” Considering our future, as difficult as it is to look beyond gloom we may feel, dedicating ourselves to the promise of that astounding document, will enable us to see rays of light and glory.
Prayer for the Day
God of wisdom, often confused, not knowing which way to turn,
Bring to us your Spirit of understanding and grace;
Often looking for answers before asking questions;
And caught up in endless compilations of facts, we falter.
Guide us, enlightening One, in our thoughts and actions.
So we may direct a future for our Nation that is open and gracious.
In the name of the One who asked questions without fear,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Our ancestors ... possessed a right, which nature has given to all men, of departing from the country in which chance, not choice has placed them. Thomas Jefferson, 1774
Great necessities call out great virtues
Abigail Adams (1744-1818)
O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you.
Be our arm every morning, our salvation in time of trouble.
At the sound of tumult, peoples fled;
Before your majesty, nations scattered.
Isaiah 33: 2-3