While many Americans know at least that much about the Declaration of Independence, we may not know that of the 56 signers . . .

• 17 lost their fortunes;
• 12 had their homes destroyed;
• 5 became prisoners of war;
• 1 had two sons imprisoned on the British starving ship, Jersey;
• 1 had a son killed in battle;
• 1 had his wife die from harsh treatment in prison; and
• 9 lost their own lives during the War for Independence.

When Samuel Adams signed the Declaration, he said:

We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come.

John Adams remarked:

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration. . . . Yet through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. . . . Posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even though we [may regret] it, which I trust in God we shall not.

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Adapted from www.AmericanMinute.com

AMERICAN MINUTE is a registered trademark copyrighted by William J. Federer. All rights reserved. No prior permission is necessary to reproduce provided acknowledgment given to: American Minute by William J. Federer. www.AmericanMinute.com P.O. Box 20163, St. Louis, MO 63123 1-888-USA-WORD 314-487-4395 voice/fax wjfederer@gmail.com

Groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights . . . ?

In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending Providence in our favor . . .

And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?. . .

We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.” . . . I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed . . . no better than the Builders of Babel.

View CTA’s items that will help you and your church or school observe Independence Day and other patriotic observances.

Adapted from www.AmericanMinute.com

AMERICAN MINUTE is a registered trademark copyrighted by William J. Federer. All rights reserved. No prior permission is necessary to reproduce provided acknowledgment given to: American Minute by William J. Federer. www.AmericanMinute.com P.O. Box 20163, St. Louis, MO 63123 1-888-USA-WORD 314-487-4395 voice/fax wjfederer@gmail.com