The Hand Of Providence

by Lori Thacker

"Of the People,
For the People
and By the People"

The Declaration of Independence states "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government... as to them shall seems most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness..."

For centuries, the strong ruled over the weak. Monarchy's ruled with absolute power through tyranny and subjugation. Eventually, as the Roman Catholic church through oppression and persecution gained more and more political power, the stranglehold of "religiosity" was placed over most of the known world. The character of this Catholic Regime was neither Christian nor Christ-like, and an interval distinguished by societal decline began. The period known as the Dark Ages, was a unique era in man's story. For the first time in recorded history, there was little or no advancement in almost every area. Where then, did these ideas of government of the people, for the people and by the people come from. What model did the men who came together to draft this new nation base their vision of civil government on.

In the mid-1300's, the Bubonic Plague wiped out over one-third of the population of Europe. John Wycliffe, recognized that the shadow that loomed over entire continents, was a spiritual darkness. A catholic clergyman, Wycliffe was one of the privileged few who had unlimited access to the Scriptures, which had been systematically and insidiously removed from the people and kept out of the common language. As he studied biblical principles and teachings, he understood that the error and heresy being propagated by the "church" was the instrument for keeping multitudes shackled in bonds of ignorance and poverty. So it was, that in 1348, one man was led by the Divine Hand of Proividence, to illuminate the darkness that had covered the world. Wycliffe began a translation of the entire Bible from Latin into English (by hand). Upon it's completion, John Wycliffe, said of his translation in English, "This Bible is for the government of the people, bu the people, and for the people." He understood that when God's laws were written in the heart, then and only then, could people govern themselves.

After his death on Dec 31, 1384, the Papacy sought to eradicate any remainder of his work. In spite of the zeal with which they attempted to do so, there still exist about 150 manuscripts, complete or partial, which is why a century and a half later, John Wycliffe was known as the "Morning Star of the Reformation." By the end of the century, most of Wycliffe's followers had been driven underground, but in 1455 Providence again interceded. The invention of the Guttenberg Press, guaranteed that the light of Truth would never be put out. The first book that came off the Press was the Bible. It was now possible to not only teach men God's Word, but to place that Holy Writ into the hands of every man, woman and child who desired it. As the Word of God began to be read by citizens throughout England, two things occurred. (1) People who had been kept in darkness by a corrupt church/state system for centuries had their hearts awakened, their consciences pricked and their hunger for truth ignited; and (2) The social order as a whole began to be reformed and civil liberty became the cry throughout the land.

Freedoms that are now taken for granted throughout most of the world, that are the most basic part of our American heritage, began with men and women, awakened out of great darkness who paid the ultimate price, rather than continue to submit to the rule of ungodly men. For two centuries, enduring persecution of unimaginable evil and depravity perpetuated by Rome, Christians were forced to flee for their lives, forging the desire for a place to worship God in freedom in these men's souls. In 1608, the Separatist congregation at Scrooby were induced to leave England for the more tolerant lands of Holand. Despite the leniency in religious matters, they were excluded from owning land because of their alien status, and viewed with alarm the end of the 12-year treaty between Spain and the Netherlands. After much discussion it was decided, once more, to attempt to find a new home. Men were sent ot obtain a patent from the famed Virginia Company and a voyage to the newly discovered continent of America was planned.

Historian Daniel J Boorstin wrote "There was something extraordinary about the appearance within the European orbit of a continent which for millennia had been unknown to the civilized world. Just then North America was discovered "as if it had been kept in reserve by the Deity and had just risen from beneath the waters of the Deluge." What had been God's purpose in concealing the vast American continent from European eyes until so long after the Creation? Moreover, what was God's purpose in suddenly revealing this continent, in making it accessible in their particular epoch?"

On September 6th, 1620, the Mayflower set sail on the most epic voyage in history. Written upon her masts were the words "In God We Trust." Of the 103 people on board, 41 were Separatists leaving homes and families in search of a place of civil and religious freedom. This small band, who would come to be known as the Pilgrims, took the light of liberty, begun under such dreadful persecution and abuse, to a new land where it ignited and eventually united an entire nation. In the Words of William Bradford governor of Plymouth: "Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise."

America holds the unique position of being settled by men who came to it in search of God. Our history reflects the hand of Providence guiding our destiny, intervening on our behalf, and showering blessings upon a nation founded in His name.

I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors...;
in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world
commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning.
I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution.
Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.

America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.

Attributed to Alex de Tocqueville