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#8 In This Issue:Articles
Quote When George Washington was elected President of the United States, he said, "The most gracious Being, who has hitherto watched over the interests and averted the perils of the Unites States, will never suffer so fair an inheritance to become prey to anarchy or despotism." I certainly do hope that is true. But I am reminded of the children of Israel, who perhaps had the same expectation. By 556 BC they had become a byword among the nations. The next time you
see a bumper sticker or neon sign that says "God Bless America!"
think about the part of America you would expect God would bless. Is
the it the part that sends missionaries around the world, or the part
that worships godlessness on television? Is it the righteous remnant
in America that can expect God's blessing, or those responsible for
the millions of lives lost from abortion? I wonder… Enjoy your Thanksgiving. I'm sure the next newsletter will not
come out until December... We would love to hear any questions, comments, or ideas for future articles, just e-mail us at info@faithofourfathers.org Chris
Van Buskirk Like the millions of immigrants who would come after him, James McHenry was not born in the United States. But less than five years after first landing in Philadelphia, McHenry was serving with the continental forces which surrounded Boston in 1775. The young Irish immigrant became a member of Washington's personal staff, a member of the Constitutional Convention, Secretary of War, and the president of the first Bible society in Baltimore. McHenry came to accept the belief that independence from Great Britain was the only option so he offered his services to the Continental Army. He served until resigning his commission at the end of 1781 to enter Maryland politics. Elected to the state legislature, he served for thirteen years, using this forum to argue the cause of federalism. Between 1783 and 1786 he sat in the Continental Congress, and in the following year he represented Maryland at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Although he played no leading part in the deliberations of the Convention, McHenry continued to support the call for a strong central government. His military staff training was reflected in his meticulous notes of the Convention's proceedings - notes that have proved invaluable for generations of American historians. In 1796 President Washington once again called on his old wartime aide, this time to assume the duties of Secretary of War. McHenry, who would preside over the Army under both Washington and John Adams, was the third of seven Continental soldiers to hold that position. As Secretary of War, McHenry was instrumental in the establishment of West Point Active in community
affairs, he served as president of the first Bible society in Baltimore
in 1813. In an article to solicit funds he writes, "Neither, in
considering this subject, let it be overlooked, that public utility
pleads most forcibly for the general distribution of the Holy Scriptures.
It is for the purpose of distributing this divine book more effectual
and extensively among the multitudes… that your cooperation is
most earnestly requested." For more information,
read our biography
of James McHenry. I hope when the smoke clears and historians are able to put his life and accomplishments into perspective that Ronald Reagan will be rated as one of the greatest presidents our country has known. But in the mean time, I thought I'd share some "Reaganisms," a small taste of who he was and what he believed in… and laughed at! "Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose." "The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help." "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant: It's just that they know so much that isn't so." "Of the four
wars in my lifetime, none came about because the US was too strong." "The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination." "If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." "The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program." "Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." "Politics is
not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you
disgrace yourself you can always write a book."
When the American Tract Society ran an advertisement in the New York Tribune, offering $50* for the best tract on a certain subject, Harare Freely, the editor, ran an editorial where he made a suggestion for further tracts: $20 for the best tract on 'The rightfulness and Christianity of a Christian's spending $5,000 to $10,000 a year on the appetites and enjoyment of himself and his family, when there are a thousand families within a mile of him who are compelled to live on $200 a year. $10 for the best tract on 'The rightfulness and Christianity of a Christian's building a house for the exclusive residence of himself and his family, at a cost of $50,000 to $100,000, within sight of a hundred families living in hovels worth less than $100. $5 for the best tract on the Christianity of building churches which cost $100,000 each, in which poor sinners can only worship on sufferance, and in the most out-of-the-way corners.** It might be a little early to "let the cat out of the bag," but Faith Of Our Fathers will be presenting our own tracts for church use in the near future! Look for more information in our next newsletter! *Harare Freely was
the editor of the tribune during the Civil War, which should help to
put some of these dollar amounts in perspective!
There never seems to be a shortage of news stories about some issue or another related to our "rights." This week's flavor revolves around a Supreme Court nominee and her stand on property "rights" and abortion "rights." Next week will bring a different flavor, but the arguments will be similar. Americans, it seems, are fanatical about their rights. But the real question is, "Where do human rights begin?" And the answer is they are a rational construction of human society, they are bestowed as a gift from the government, or they are endowed by God. Needless to say,
you know where Faith Of Our Fathers stands on the question. But for
a more detailed explanation, please read our latest essay! "No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women." - Ronald Reagan ABOUT Faith Of Our Fathers Faith Of Our Fathers is dedicated to spreading revival in America by teaching Americans the true and inspiring story of their godly heritage. For more information, visit our website at faithofourfathers.org
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