-Caveat Lector-
""..Britain has been fill'd with Folly and America with
Wisdom, at least this is my judgment--time must determine.""
True now as then? Given the state of affairs 'o'er there', it
seems PM Blair can't get enough of running one crisis after
another ...
------- Forwarded Message Follows -------
The Claremont Institute--PRECEPTS |
|
July 2, 1999 Visit <http://www.claremont.org> |
| No. 178
The fourth of July is our favorite holiday. It is a time
when all of us gather together under the warmth of the
California sun, to eat, drink and revel with our families.
We read patriotic speeches in honor of the men who signed
their names and pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred
honor to fight for freedom and equality before the law.
But there is another anniversary, overshadowed by the
events of the fourth, we would bring to your attention.
That is July 2, 1776, the day the Continental Congress
voted to declare independence and set in motion those
events we celebrate this weekend.
John Adams--whose role in setting those revolutionary
events in motion has abated in the public memory over time--
thought July 2 ought to be commemorated as America's "day
of deliverance" from the shackles of British tyranny.
Adams wrote two letters to his beloved wife, Abigail, the
day after the historic resolution to declare independence
and embark upon the greatest experiment in free government
the world has ever known. They are an inspiration. "Through
all the gloom," Adams wrote, "I can see the rays of light
and glory; I can see that the end is more than worth all
the means, and that posterity will triumph...."
I invite you to read excerpts of Adams' letters below.
Sincerely,
Larry P. Arnn
President, The Claremont Institute
Philadelphia, July 3, 1776
Morning
..Yesterday the greatest question was decided, which ever
was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was
or will be decided among Men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony "that these United Colonies
are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states,
and as such they have, and of right ought to have, full
power to make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and
to do all the other acts and things which other states may
rightfully do."
You will see in a few days a declaration setting forth the
causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution and
the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and
man. A plan of confederation will be taken up in a few
days....
..Britain has been fill'd with Folly and America with
Wisdom, at least this is my judgment--time must determine.
It is the will of Heaven that the two countries should be
sundered forever. It may be the will of Heaven that America
shall suffer calamities still more wasting and distressing
yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will have
this good effect, at least: it will inspire us with many
virtues, which we have not, and correct many errors,
follies, and vices, which threaten to disturb, dishonor,
and destroy us. The furnace of affliction produces
refinement, in states as well as individuals. And the new
governments we are assuming, in every part, will require a
purification from our vices and an augmentation of our
virtues or they will be no blessings. The people will have
unbounded power. And the people are extremely addicted to
corruption and venality, as well as the great. I am not
without apprehensions from this quarter, but I must submit
all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in
which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly
believe....
Philadelphia, July 3, 1776
Evening
..The second day of July, 1776, will be a 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, shews,
games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations,
from one end of the continent to the other, from this time
forward forever.
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 light and glory; I can see
that the end is more than worth all the means, and that
posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I
hope we shall not.
John Adams
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