America was a blessed nation....Praise be to God .... and watch and see why we may one day soon cease to be the same great nation we once were ..... Laus Deo! On the aluminum cap atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC are two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact ... most visitors to the monument have no idea they are even there and.... for that matter ... probably couldn’t care less! But there they are ... 555 feet, 5.125 inches high ... perched atop the monument to the father of our nation ... overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia ... capital of the United States of America. Laus Deo! Two seem insignificant, unnoticed words ... out of sight and, one might think, out of mind ... but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the world. And what might those two words ... comprised of just four syllables and only seven letters ... mean? Very simply ... “Praise be to God!” Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848 when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with the tribute Laus Deo! Praise be to God! From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure ... a visitor can take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. And from that vantage point one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l’Enfant ... a perfect cross imposed upon the land... with the White House to the north ... the Jefferson Memorial to the south ... the Capitol to the east... and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. A cross ... you say? How interesting! And ... no doubt,... intended to carry a meaning for those who bother to notice. Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God! When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848, deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy... “one nation, under God.” I am awed by Washington’s prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well now is your opportunity... read on! “Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to govern; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large.” “And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean our with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. “Grant our supplication, we be Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
And yet, our nation, forgets our God. Could it be, they have forgotten that inscription? Could it be, they have forsaken looking up? Thanks PT for reminding whoever reads this what our nation was founded on. Bobby
Well... it's actually a bit more complicated than all that PT. "Laus Deo" is actually used quite heavily by Freemasons.. and several of our founding fathers were in fact Freemasons.. including Washington.. although history teaches us Washington himself wasn't a very "good" Freemason. And no.. I'm not a Freemason.. but I've read a few books on the subject including one I'm just about to finish. My wife keeps telling me to become a history professor or something because of m
Mike ...study how the greatest fighting fleet in the world at that time, The Spanish Armada, was defeated .... it was the Hand of God ... read the quotes from our founding fathers .... this country was founded on faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ .....
BTW, the Bible says Mat 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. .... Laus deo faces the East
I know and understand fully that our country was founded by many members of faith. Many is not ALL. However, I agree more with Jefferson that their should be a separation of church and state. For practical reasons. I wasn't at all refuting some of our founding fathers involvement with the church and "Laus Deo".. I was simply showing that it was more of a Freemason ideal than an entirely and 100% backing of all our founding fathers of the faith... or any faith in the future Republic (us). Just pointing out... "Laus Deo" is a very rehearsed "motto" of Freemasonry. It was no coincidence it was also put ontop Washington's monument by yet another Freemason (Polk)50 years after Washington's death.
So, I guess our nation is going to hell in a handbasket because they still have the faith and dedication to God that they once had? No, the Freemason stuff is just that. Stuff. Does not amount to a hill of beans. The message is as clear as ever though. You turn your back on your Creator and you have little hope of leading anyone to anywhere but the ditch. Our "leader" today, is as far from trusting his Creator as a person can get. Yet, I still feel he is not blind as to what he is doing. Those who follow him are the ones who will wind up in the ditch he is preparing for them though. Bobby
I'm not even sure I know that their is an intended point you're trying to make here. Huh? to the bolded.
The seperation of church and state had EVERYTHING to do with the STATE staying out of the church (study Church of England) not the Church staying out of the state .... EDIT ...that reads wrong .... I meant that those in government and everywhere else, had ever right to worship the way they saw fit ....
Right ... so GOVERNMENT could not make laws regarding someones freedom to worship as they see fit ...it reads exactly as I knew it read .. I just posted unclear in the post before this ....my bad
The point I am making here is (however, maybe unclear) that even though the Freemason stuff is of no value "spiritually", most who lived in those times were more aware that "Praise unto God" was of utmost importance. Most politicians in general today, do not have a clue about this "motto" as you call it, much less do they lean on their creator for guidance in deciding "our" fate in this world. I guess my remarks kinda stem from the other thread about "this guy is gonna get us killed". You are spot on Duke. Just not realizing it the way I do. No jab at you at all. Bobby
I don't mean to be a pooper.. but actually both you PT and Gmmat are correct. The viewing of church and state was argued much during our nation's youth. Washington believed in a different manner for separation of church and state.. as well so did Jefferson. I simply stated that I side with Jefferson's view of the separation of church and state.. being as any man can worship their own God free of will without the need of government to even have a word in this. As in.. no creation of amendments or anything of the sort. Madison.. Washington and others wanted this in writing.. to be put into the constitution.. however.. and I agree.. Jefferson knew that involving state with church (even in writing it down as a seperation) would ultimately lead to church and state's involvement with one another. So.. as this refers back to the inscription on top of Washington's monument.. "Laus Deo"... I do not agree that it should be there. Why? Because then it is in writing for all to see.. conspire.. and use as their own will (and our own) to force another into thinking their God is right.. their way is right. Jefferson was a VERY brilliant man who knew what this (in writing) could and would bring. Jefferson was spiritual.. not religious.
And I understand this Bobby... But it is better to be left out of state entirely than intermediately. Otherwise it will send the wrong message that we are right... you are wrong. And no harm to me Bobby.. I'm just calling it human intervention rather than Divine creation. This inscription.
You are right Duke. I do not, and have never believed that forcing religion on anyone is an answer. And that will never be for gov't to decide. The Freemasons had no right putting the transcription there. As far as gov't goes, they should never have to be reminded that God is above them and they "alone", without "Divine intervention" will never reach the place in leadership that they could with His help. Bobby
The Mayflower Compact (authored by William Bradford) 1620 | Signing of the Mayflower painting | Picture of Compact “Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together…” John Adams and John Hancock: We Recognize No Sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus! [April 18, 1775] John Adams: “ The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity… I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.” • “[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” –John Adams in a letter written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798 "I have examined all religions, as well as my narrow sphere, my straightened means, and my busy life, would allow; and the result is that the Bible is the best Book in the world. It contains more philosophy than all the libraries I have seen." December 25, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson Samuel Adams: | Portrait of Sam Adams | Powerpoint presentation on John, John Quincy, and Sam Adams “ He who made all men hath made the truths necessary to human happiness obvious to all… Our forefathers opened the Bible to all.” [ "American Independence," August 1, 1776. Speech delivered at the State House in Philadelphia] “ Let divines and philosophers, statesmen and patriots, unite their endeavors to renovate the age by impressing the minds of men with the importance of educating their little boys and girls, inculcating in the minds of youth the fear and love of the Deity… and leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system.” [October 4, 1790] John Quincy Adams: • “Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]?" “Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity"? --1837, at the age of 69, when he delivered a Fourth of July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts. “The Law given from Sinai [The Ten Commandments] was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code.” John Quincy Adams. Letters to his son. p. 61 Elias Boudinot: | Portrait of Elias Boudinot “ Be religiously careful in our choice of all public officers . . . and judge of the tree by its fruits.” Charles Carroll - signer of the Declaration of Independence | Portrait of Charles Carroll " Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure...are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments." [Source: To James McHenry on November 4, 1800.] Benjamin Franklin: | Portrait of Ben Franklin “ God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacr
John Hancock: • “In circumstances as dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments, …at the same time all confidence must be withheld from the means we use; and reposed only on that God rules in the armies of Heaven, and without His whole blessing, the best human counsels are but foolishness… Resolved; …Thursday the 11th of May…to humble themselves before God under the heavy judgments felt and feared, to confess the sins that have deserved them, to implore the Forgiveness of all our transgressions, and a spirit of repentance and reformation …and a Blessing on the … Union of the American Colonies in Defense of their Rights [for which hitherto we desire to thank Almighty God]…That the people of Great Britain and their rulers may have their eyes opened to discern the things that shall make for the peace of the nation…for the redress of America’s many grievances, the restoration of all her invaded liberties, and their security to the latest generations. "A Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, with a total abstinence from labor and recreation. Proclamation on April 15, 1775" Patrick Henry: "Orator of the Revolution." • This is all the inheritance I can give my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.” —The Last Will and Testament of Patrick Henry ]“It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” [May 1765 Speech to the House of Burgesses] “The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed.” John Jay: “ Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” Source: October 12, 1816. The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, Henry P. Johnston, ed., (New York: Burt Franklin, 1970), Vol. IV, p. 393. “Whether our religion permits Christians to vote for infidel rulers is a question which merits more consideration than it seems yet to have generally received either from the clergy or the laity. It appears to me that what the prophet said to Jehoshaphat about his attachment to Ahab ["Shouldest thou help the ungodly and love them that hate the Lord?" 2 Chronicles 19:2] affords a salutary lesson.” [The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, 1794-1826, Henry P. Johnston, editor (New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1893), Vol. IV, p.365] Thomas Jefferson: “ The doctrines of Jesus are simple, and tend to all the happiness of man.” “Of all the systems of morality, ancient or modern which have come under my observation, none appears to me so pure as that of Jesus.” "I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus." “God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift from God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever.” (excerpts are inscribed on the walls of the Jefferson Memorial in the nations capital) [Source: Merrill . D. Peterson, ed., Jefferson Writings, (New York: Literary Classics of the United States, Inc., 1984), Vol. IV, p. 289. From Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, 1781.] Samuel Johnston: • “It is apprehended that Jews, Mahometans (Muslims), pagans, etc., may be elected to high offices under the government of the United States. Those who are Mahometans, or any others who are not professors of the Christian religion, can never be elected to the office of President or other high office, [unless] first the
By giving me nothing more than quotes out of context I am not sure what your point is PT. Jefferson believed in the separation of church and state that I believe in as well. If you believe in Madison and Washington's views of this separation.. so be it (and I'm totally cool with that). I just think that when you put church into state.. you will have problems even if you say it's separation of church and state. For now it's in words.. and words can be translated into various ways... of which maybe neither of us approve of. An amendment can always be brought into court rooms.. an idea cannot. Jefferson knew this. BTW.. this is the weirdest conversation I've ever had in a bowhunting forum. I feel like I need to re-check my man-hood or something.
the relevance to the topic are the purpose of the quotes Mike .... America was a CHRISTIAN nation ...as we move away from that, buckle your seat belt ... And this is in the Watercooler section of this site .... yes? So why then is it weird???
