As then, so it is now, lest we misunderstand. If we survive as the free nation our founders envisioned from all our troubles in this present hour, our hope must be the same. We cannot look to a President, we cannot trust in the patriotism of our people, we cannot hope in our political system or political party. We cannot rest in the loyalty of our people to rally under a flag, we as a people could never be trusted with power and authority vested in ourselves. We have never proven ourselves worthy of the blessing we have received in this American experience. As it was at Sini, so at Philadelphia, the principles by which we were to be governed were to guide our way. These wise councils were not a product of our own wisdom, but a gift of grace to an undeserving people.
"No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy . . . I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens . . . . [it is] announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord . . . . It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American People." ~ President Abraham Lincoln, October 3rd, 1863.
The President's instructions were not for peace and blessing, but thanksgiving and praise in the midst of death and despair. It was requested not from the North only, but from all parts of the United States and from those who would find themselves afar. Whether he was accepted or not, Lincolns devotions were as a President of a whole nation, North as well as South. I do not know how well this proclamation was distributed, or how many took this request to heart. Perhaps no one knows, however, the fact we are here is evident God heard and showed mercy and preserved our land. However, we are at a grave disadvantage in our current position. We have not the leadership with such confidence in the overruling Providence of God, nor do we have a people groomed by a culture vested in the theology and religion of the time.
"If it were not for my firm belief in an overruling Providence, it would be difficult for me, in the midst of such complications of affairs, to keep my reason on its seat, But I am confident that the Almighty has His plans, and will work them out; and, whether we see it or not, they will be the best for us." ~ President Abraham Lincoln, December 23, 1863.
Nevertheless, a disadvantage to us does not deter or hinder the purpose and plans of Him who governs all things. Whatever the outcome of this strife and confusion in our nation today, it is not outside of his plans. He will accomplish that which He has set out to do, it will be to His Glory and the Praise of His Majesty. His people will find their rest in Him.
May God bless,
David
