THE FAITH OF COLONIAL CLERGY!

THE FAITH OF COLONIAL CLERGY!

Eph 6:12-13

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

          Writing to Thomas Jefferson in 1818, John Adams said: “I think, with you, that it is difficult to say at what moment the revolution began. In my opinion, it began with the first plantation of the country. Independence of Church and Parliament was a fixed principle of our predecessors in 1620, as it was of Samuel Adams and Christopher Gadsden, in 1776.” (The Historical Review)

The Pilgrims and Puritans of Plymouth, unable to practice their faith in England, moved to the frontier of the American colonies and for about a hundred years England seemed content to be rid of them. However, the dissenting colonists were blessed in their undertaking and England soon realized the colonies might provide riches through taxation. The State Church also began to see that they were beginning to lose control.

Gradually the pulpits of America began to roar with dissention and disapproval at the increasing intervention both in government and in church life. England had not figured on the ability of the pulpit to form thought and to mold culture. And so it was, I think, that the American Revolution began with a few frustrated preachers and that spark ignited congregations. Those flames, being fanned by the winds of increasing intervention grew into a blaze that consumed a continent!

Perhaps it is time again for the pulpits of America to roar! It is not revolution that we seek but a return to the founding principles and values of this great country. It is time to stand and, if need be, with musket in hand. We must stand because, unlike the pilgrims, there are no new frontiers to which we might run.

Dear God, at this hour of our great distress, give the American clergy a voice. Give our congregations courage and give our country a revival. AMEN