1774 Congress
“Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.”
Psalm 35:1,2
In July of 1776 the second Continental Congress culminated its work in Philadelphia by drafting the document we now know as the Declaration of Independence.
In that fine document the framers commended themselves to the “protection of Divine Providence” as well as submitted their reasons for separation to “the opinions of mankind” in order that all might see the justness of their cause.
It was only with grave reservation and after great deliberation that they took this bold step “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions.”
We know more about this Congress than we do the one that preceded it and yet the former had set the tenor for the second. Convening in Philadelphia in September of 1774 the congress opened with the reading of Psalm 35 and several hours of prayer.
A historian recorded of that day:
“Washington was kneeling there, and Henry, and Randolph and Rutledge, and Lee and Jay, and by their side there stood, bowed down in deference, the Puritan Patriots of New England, who at that moment had reason to believe that an army of soldiery was wasting their humble households…they prayed fervently for America, for the Congress, for the province of Massachusetts Bay, and especially the town of Boston… ‘it was enough,’ said Mr. Adams, ‘to melt a heart of stone.
I saw the tears gush into the eyes of the old pacific Quakers of Philadelphia.’ John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, ‘we have appointed a continental fast. Millions will be upon their knees before their great Creator, imploring His forgiveness and blessings; His smiles on American councils and arms.”
Yes, they were a bunch of imperfect white men but the Lord smiled on their endeavor and we have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. From sea to shining sea He has prospered us a nation. O for a heart to once again seek His forgiveness and blessings.
Because of grace,
Tim
