Yesterday morning, my family and I were sitting out on the back deck after eating breakfast out there, and daddy was reading a book that we have called "John Calvin: Man of the Millennium". We've been reading it for a while now, and we're finally on the last chapter. As he was reading, this short section in the chapter stuck out at me. Seeing as Independence day is soon to be upon us, (as in tomorrow!) I thought that this would be quite appropriate. Please read carefully; it's not that long and won't take much of your time.
"The Mecklenberg Declaration: Precursor to the Declaration of Independence"
Before the Declaration of Independence by the united colonies on July 4th, 1776, Mecklenberg County, North Carolina, declared its independence from England on May 20, 1775. A number of the phrases and concepts found in the Declaration of Independence signed by the thirteen colonies are similar to those found in this earlier document.
Why did Mecklenberg County declare independence? The simple reason is this: because of John Calvin. A closer look at the evidence illustrates this point.
As we examine the background of this county in North Carolina, we learn an important fact: Mecklenberg County had a higher percentage of Scotch-Irish inhabitants than any other county in the thirteen colonies. Wave after wave of Scotch Irish flooded the colonies from northern Ireland, fleeing oppression, tyranny, famines, and economic hardship. Many of these immigrants settled inMecklenberg County.
These Scotch-Irish were predominantly Calvinistic and Presbyterian, and strictly so. They were courageous people who believed that Christ is King of the church and the state. They believed that His written Word alone governs the worship, government, discipline, ethics and theology of the church, and that it alone is the source of law for the state. They believed that the king of England, along with all civil magistrates, is accountable to bow to Christ's supremacy, and to obey and enforce the revealed Law of God--and no other. They believed that only when a nation committed itself to these truths would it be blessed by God with liberty, peace, prosperity,righteousness, and security.
John Calvin and John Knox left their mark on generations of the Scotch-Irish, and this theological influence continued to distinguish them and many of their descendants after their migrations to America. Their love of liberty and hatred for tyranny--their Calvinism and their Presbyterianism--were the means by which they would become "the dominant theological movement in American church history and also in the formations of the American national character."
Of all the religious, ethnic, and national groups that migrated to America during the colonial period, the Scotch-Irish were the most pervasive in their influence on the development of those colonies which they settled. As a people, they stood out with their hardy Calvinistic heritage, and when tyranny erupted on America's shores, they stepped forward to lead the way to liberty.
This was written by Dr. Joseph C. Morecraft, III.
I found it to be very interesting--as I myself live in North Carolina--and also as to the bravery and courage of these men, women and children. Take this quote for example: "As a people, they stood out with their hardy Calvinistic heritage, and when tyranny erupted on America's shores, they stepped forward to lead the way to liberty."
How many people do you know would "step forward and lead the way to liberty"? You know what? There aren't that many. It is up to us as the next generation to step forward and lead the way to liberty, and to RAISE men and woman who will step forward and lead the way to liberty. Young ladies; I'm assuming that most of you are planning on getting married and raising a household one day: this is your chance to take charge, and raise many, many arrows that will do this. Young men, I'm also assuming that you are planning on marrying a godly woman one day, and leading a household. This is your time to take charge and do so. I believe that--if it be the Lord's will--WE will be the generation to start this leading the way to liberty, and that our children will carry it on after us. Most of us here (as in myself and you who read my blog) are still young, and--as far as we can know--have a good bit of life ahead of us. What are we going to do with that life? Are we going to go out and be "successful" in the world's eyes: get a college degree and pursue our dream job? Or are we going to lay down what we WANT to do--not NEED--and follow GOD'S will for our life? Are we going to marry and "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth", or are we going to be selfish and have only a few children? Are we going to raise those children to be the arrows that they should be, to hit the enemy in the heart? Or are we going to stick them in public school and let the government teach them what is "right" and what is "wrong"? Brothers and sisters...we, as (more than likely) the second generation of true Christians, must pick up the standard that our parents have given us, and wave it high so that OUR children can take it, and pass it on to theirs. The younger generation NOW should be thinking about THEIR children, and their children's children. I often stop during the day and think about my future children, and how I need to raise them....I'm fourteen. Still, does that mean that I shouldn't think about them? No. Not at all. It is perfectly healthy and we should do so. Our actions and choices NOW will effect our children, be it good or bad.
So, what are you going to do?
In Christ,
~Miss Rose
