Remembering September 11th
September 11th, 2008We experience a variety of emotions in connection to “September 11″ (9.11). We feel sadness at the loss of life and property. We feel anger at the unprovoked terrorist attacks. However, from our American history, I want to share with you another September 11th.Did you know that the Continental Congress approved the import of 20,000 BIBLES to the American people on September 11, 1777? The Revolution had interrupted trade with England and the American people needed Bibles so, our Congress sought to purchase copies from other countries. The special Congressional Committee wrote:
“The use of the Bible is so universal and its importance so great that your committee . . . recommends that Congress will order the Committee of Commerce to import 20,000 Bibles from Holland, Scotland, or elsewhere, into the different parts of the States of the Union.”
On November 1, 1777 Congress issued the colonies our First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving to God in regard to our victory over the British at Saratoga. Isn’t it ironic that our country was founded upon biblical principles by Bible-literate men and the Book is rejected today? Isn’t it ironic in light of today’s stances that the leaders of our fledgling nation not only felt the need to read the Bible but used government monies to provide it to Americans?
Do you think there is any connection to our reliance on God’s word and our blessings as a nation? Obviously! “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance” (Psalm 33.12).
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
