John Adams to his wife Abigail.
But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.—I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not.—I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.—Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.
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While Adams was incorrect in saying that future generations would celebrate on the 2nd, he was correct that we out to celebrate it as a day of deliverance and praise to God. It is by His grace that this nation was founded. It is only by Him that we can do any good – in this land or anywhere. We can do nothing by our own reason or strength. Let us strive this day not only to remember what our founders sacrificed to give us this great country but also praise and give thanks to God for the blessings He gives us everyday, long before and long after this nation exists, and who saved us from more than a tyrannical government. He is our rock and our fortress (Psa. 18:2, 19:14).
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.
~ Psalm 33:12 ~
I pray you have a wonderful independence day, but let us not forget Him on whom we depend.
~Rose
The Fingerprints of God 