IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776...

The first sentence of the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence:
"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."
I accessed the web and read the Declaration of Independence today - you can find it at http://www.ushistory.org, along with the Constitution and other historical facts related to the founding of the United States of America. Although the largest signature does indeed belong to John Hancock, other notable historical figures include John Adams (2nd President of the United States), Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Harrison, and Thomas Jefferson (3rd President of the United States).
The men who signed the Declaration were united in purpose even though their ages ranged from 26 to 70 (Ben Franklin).
Four years ago this October, I had the pleasure of traveling to Boston and seeing many historical places associated with the Revolutionary War - our separation from Great Britain. Standing in the Old North Church, and imagining Paul Revere's "one if by land, two if by sea;" walking on Bunker Hill and seeing the place of the first war battle; standing in Concord on the bridge where the first shot was fired; eating in Faneuil Hall (aka Quincy Market); walking the Freedom Trail.
Being able to see those places that signaled the birthplace of our country gives me only a glimpse of what it would be like to travel to Jerusalem or Bethlehem and see where Jesus lived. As the founders of our country were considered radical men, so was Jesus in His time. Imagine our response if a visitor stood up in our assembly and spoke words of purported prophecy and claimed to be the new Messiah! How bold and radical a move by Jesus.
I am grateful to the writers of our constitution for establishing freedom of religion, so that I don't have to hide my worship nor my attendance at church services. May God bless those that persevere to worship Him though they fear the consequences if they are caught.
Happy Fourth of July!