In This Free Land by Thee Our Lot is Cast

As we get closer to the 4th of July, the day recognized as American Independence Day, I keep reflecting on what it means to me.  Right now, my thoughts are a mixture of the current images and voices of chaos and confusion.  We are being overwhelmed with individuals and institutions demanding our attention.  The vast majority of it is just so much noise.  People wanting to tear the system down.  Lusting after a revolution akin to the French revolution and its mob rule, its mob terror and justice. 

While my senses are being assaulted on every side, my mind settles on one of my favorite hymns.  A hymn written by Daniel C. Roberts, an Episcopal priest, in 1876.  He wrote it to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

God of Our Fathers

1. God of our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band.
Of Shining worlds in splendor through the skies
Our grateful songs, before thy throne arise.

2. Thy Love divine hath led us in the past.
In this free land by thee our lot is cast.
Be thou our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay.
Thy Word Our Law, thy Paths our chosen ways.

3. From wars alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be thy Strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy Bounteous goodness, nourish us in peace.

4. Refresh thy people on their toilsome way;
Lead us from night, to never ending day;
Fill all our lives, with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever thine.  

I thank my God for the education and experience that I have received.  I’m thankful for the understanding I have of correct principles.  Of the truths found in the Declaration of Independence.  Of the truths and wisdom captured on parchment in the Constitution by some of the greatest individuals that ever lived.  Anyone who is a friend to liberty and freedom, is a friend to these documents.   Anyone who is not, I see through you and your deceptions. 

I will not kneel for you or your Marxist cause. 

I find it now my calling in life to not only teach the profession of Arms, but to also educate those that will listen about these two inspired documents and the ideals they capture.  If society and this nation, as now presently constituted, crumble and fall, it will be pockets of those who understand and adhere to those ideals that will build an even greater nation to take its place. 

No matter what may happen or who may side with tyranny, I will hold aloft my Title of Liberty, The Constitution of the United States until my dying breath.   

“Be thy strong arm our ever sure defense”

Jared