An Independence Day Address by K. C. R.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 3, 1911

An Independence Day Address

By K. C. R.

THE Lenoir City News, of Lenoir City, Tenn., contains a full report of a fourth-of-July address given by Brother J. L. Schuler, from which we quote the following:—

“We see in the founding of our government two divine principles—equality of man and liberty of conscience. These principles of political and religious liberty have made this the best and freest government, the most equal in its rights, the most just in its decisions, the most lenient in its measures, and the most inspiring in its principles to elevate the race of mankind, that the sun of heaven ever shone upon. They have made this a model government, all whose citizens are ‘equal before the law;’ where every man may rise to the highest gift within the reach of the people; where wealth and poverty must enter the courts upon equal terms, and be governed by one law alike; and where conscience owes no allegiance to ‘king, pope, or prelate.’”

“These principles reflect the wisdom of a divine mind; for in this country, the churches have flourished and increased as in no other nation in the history of the world. How have they affected the nation?—It has grown and prospered to a degree never known before, and not known in any other country. The United States is the marvel of the nations, the giant of the centuries. While other nations have been centuries attaining to the power and influence they now hold, our nation has arisen in a century and a quarter. They have grown like the oak; but, as the prophet saw, we have sprung up like a plant.”

“In 1792 we had 800,000 square miles of territory, and about three million of people. To-day we have 3,600,000 square miles of territory, and almost a hundred million people. In a little over a hundred years we have increased our territory almost fivefold, and our people over thirtyfold. Our nation embraces more square leagues of habitable land than Rome ruled over in its palmiest days, after more than seven centuries of growth. No nation has ever advanced so rapidly in all that constitutes national strength and capital. No nation has ever arisen to such a pinnacle of power in a space of time so incredibly short.”

“Why this prosperity in church and

state?—Because the men who launched the ship of state started it on right principles. God has prospered our nation because it was founded on these two divine principles,—the equality of man and liberty of conscience. Just as these two principles gave birth to our nation, and have made us what we are to-day, so our nation can maintain its standing only by adhering steadfastly to these principles. By repudiating these principles, we would disintegrate the nation and lose our liberties. Let us stand by them, and make them vibrant in our lives.”

K. C. R.