The Declaration of Dependence
This is a slight diversion from my serious of posts on the “Christian nation” thesis. I would like to make all my readers aware of a unique opportunity made available to them by one of my favorite blogs, written by Stephen Palmer, a free-lance writer and author, who joined my Friends of Liberty blogroll some time ago. Mr. Palmer has drawn up a “Declaration of Dependence,” based on the original Declaration of Independence, but as it applies to the situation of Americans today. Here is the preamble of the Declaration of Dependence:
In the course of human events, it has become necessary for our People to resurrect the Political Bands once established through Divine Inspiration, because we the People failed in our Duties to God and our fellowman, and assumed among the powers of earth rights without understanding corresponding Duties, and have believed that we were entitled to the fruits of another man’s labor, and have ignored the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God. Now, a decent respect to Those Who Have Gone Before requires that we Repent and repair our failing Union.
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created Equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain Unalienable Rights that require the fulfillment of corresponding Duties and Responsibilities, that among these are Life, Liberty, Property, and the Pursuit of Happiness—that to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the People to alter or to abolish it and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such Principles and organizing its powers in such Form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and Happiness.
I heartily encourage you to read the full text.
But before you consider signing, I would like to give you a very solemn precautionary note. As was the case with our Founders, signing the Declaration was no show. It was a very serious and dangerous commitment. Before you sign, I would ask you to seriously consider the rules laid forth for becoming a member of my Friends of Liberty blogroll. In 1776, our Founders knew their commitment could cost them their lives, and more. Maybe a look at the signature of Stephen Hopkins would give you an idea of what they were feeling at that time. His reported words match his signature: “My hand trembles, but my heart does not!”(1)
Readers of my blog(s) know that it is my strong conviction that a return to our Constitutional form of government cannot alone save America. Freedom does not work unconditionally, because lasting freedom is not the natural course of nations or societies of men. Freedom must be continually preserved and maintained, not by waging wars in the name of democracy, or by voting for “conservatives,” or by signing petitions to the government and our school boards. It must be maintained by virtue and morality on the part of the people. The standards of virtue and morality, that is, which are laid out in the Bible.
I would like to close with the some wise insight from the great American patriot, John Adams. Please, pay careful attention to the following:
Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone, which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue; and if this cannot be inspired into our people in a greater measure than they have it now, they may change their rulers and the forms of government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty. They will only exchange tyrants and tyrannies. You cannot, therefore, be more pleasantly or usefully employed than in the way of your profession, pulling down the strong-holds of Satan. This is not cant, but the real sentiment of my heart.
Letter to Zabdiel Adams, June 21, 1776
2 Responses to “The Declaration of Dependence”
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:19 am
I’m glad to see you emphasized the need for sober-mindedness with this statement. I “signed” it. It is thrilling and encouraging to see others taking the stand for liberty and godliness.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:19 am
Hi Cato! It’s been a while since you commented on MY blog; happy to see you over again.
Yes, it is thrilling. I think that many others are quickly catching on to this great reformation!
God bless your weekend!
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