The words of our Founding Fathers are in common with the Word of God, in that both are as alive today as the day they were written. Disparity is a consequence when both are forgotten.
Thomas Jefferson, along with John Adams, were extended many invitations to participate in America’s celebration of the fiftieth birthday of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In 1826, Jefferson was 83 and Adams 90. Both men died on July 4, 1826, within 5 or 6 hours of one another. How profound!
In a declination written by Thomas Jefferson to the mayor or Washington in response to an invitation sent him to be part of the festivities, Jefferson wrote the most potent and significant piece that quickly was published nationwide. It still rings true to this day. Here is part of what he wrote:
“May it be to the world, what I believe it will be (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government……All eyes are opened or opening to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few, booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately by the grace of God. These are the grounds of hope for others; for ourselves, let the annual return to this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”
Let everyday be Independence Day!
Tom Remington
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