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PIX #1 - Independence Hall, Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

PIX #2 - The Signers of the Declaration of Independence

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Today's article is the second in a series "The Rebirth of America". As explained earlier, the series consists of parts of the book published by The Arthur De Moss Foundation, used in the column by permission. Anyone wishing to receive a free copy of the book needs only call this toll free number 1-800-247-4700. Be assured that the publishers are philantrhipic Christians and you will be under no obligation in requesting it.

BY: DERRIC JOHNSON - COPYRIGHT 1973 BY DERRIC JOHNSON PRESS

"On July 4, 1776, there was signed in the City of Philadelphia one of America's historic documents: The Declaration of Independence. It marked the birth of this nation which, under God, was destined for world leadership".

"We often forget that in declaring independence from an earthly power, our forefathers made a forthright declaration of independence upon Almighty God. The closing words of this document solemnly declare: "With a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our scred honor".

"The fifty-six courageous men who signed that document understood that this was not just high-sounding rhetoric. They knew that if they succeeded, the best they could expect would be years of hardship in a struggling new nation. If they lost, they would face a hangman's noose as traitors."

FEW OF SIGNERS SIRVIVED VERY LONG

"Of the fifty-six, few werelong to survive. Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes, from Rhode Island to Charleston, sacked, looted, occupied by the enemy, or burned. Two lost their sons in the army. One had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty- six died in the war, from its hardships or from its bullets."

"Whatever ideas you have of the men who met that hot summer in Philadelphia, it is important that we remember certain facts about the men who made this pledge: they were not poor men, or wild-eyed pirates. They were men of means; rich men, most of them, who enjoyed much ease and luxury in their personal lives. Not hungry men, but prosperous men, wealthy landowners, substantially secure in their prosperity, and respected in their communities".

"But they considered liberty much more important than the security they enjoyed, and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their honor. They fulfilled their pledge. They paid the price. And Freedom was won".

"Yet freedon is never free. It is always purchased at great cost".

"Little did John Adams know how signigicant his words would be when he spoke to his wife, Abigail, on the passing of the Declaration of Independence and said, "I am well aware of the toil and blood, and treasure that it will cost 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 worth more than all the means".

WHERE WOULD WE BE HAD THEY NOT ACTED?

"To those who sacrificed for our freeson, the end was worth the painful means. Where would be, who are citizens of the United States of America, be today if there and not been those who counted the cost of freedom and willingly pay for it? Where will we be tomorrow if men and women of integrity do not come forward today and pay the price to reclaim a dying America?"