Return to faith of country's founders

Was published in the Register-Herald....

Return to faith of country's founders


Many are unaware that the Declaration of Independence did not come into being until a day of fasting and prayer had been observed. Appointed by the Continental Congress, it was kept by all the colonies on May 17, 1776. At that time in our history, God and the Bible were given much more reverence and recognition than they are today.

When the nation was finally born, our forefathers rang the Liberty Bell with great enthusiasm, and a legend says that it cracked as they zealously proclaimed their freedom. Years later, the White Chapel Foundry of London offered to recast the huge carillon, but their proposal was, of course, refused.

Apparently the symbolic value of the damaged bell, which recalls the religious and patriotic fervor of those early days, is good; but in view of our nation's moral decline, the crack may also suggest a break in our basic ideals and a serious defect in our spiritual attitudes.

We can remedy the situation and avert the judgment of the Lord only by repentance, prayer, and a return to the faith of our fathers. In this sense, there is no time for delay in "mending the bell."

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14



Pastor Scott A. Lester
Gatewood Brethren Church