Rev. Peter Muhlenberg rector of the Episcopal Church in Dunsmore Country, Va, gave a sermon on the eve of the American Revolution we should take to heart on this 4th of July 2010. During that perilous time, the British had occupied Boston, the might of the British Navy was choking off trade, and bringing more British troops. On Sunday morning at communion Rev. Muhlenberg said he would speak in the afternoon "on the duties men owed their country." The account of Rev. Muhlenberg's sermon, by Benjamin Morris, is one of the more remarkable stories of that heroic time. Rev. Muhlenberg opened with the words of Solomon:
" 'There is a time for every purpose and for every work.' The sermon burned with patriotic fire....at the close of his discourse, he repeated the words of Solomon, and then in tones of thunder, exclaimed 'The time to preach has passed, THE TIME TO FIGHT HAS COME.' and suiting action to the word, he threw from his shoulders his episcopal robes and stood before his congregation arrayed in military uniform. Drumming for recruits was commenced on the spot: and it was said that almost every male of suitable age in the congregation enlisted forthwith."
Wow, talk about answering the call! And just why did Rev. Muhlenberg decide to leave the pulpit and fight in the Army? His answer is as clear as a rifle shot:
"I am a clergyman, it is true, but I am also a member of society as well as the poorest layman, and my liberty is as dear to me as to any man. Shall I then sit still, and enjoy myself at home, when the best blood on the continent is spilling? Heaven forbid...it is a duty I owe to my God and to my country."
Rev. Peter Muhlenberg is not a name that comes immediately to mind when one thinks of heroes of the American Revolution, yet he was a hero and a great example for us 234 years later. Today, as American history is being re-written by secular progressives, do we not owe it to those who have shed blood for our freedom, and to our children, to always remember and bear witness to America's glorious history of liberty and courage.
William Korach is author of "Rock of the Republic" A history of the Influence of Christianity on American law and ethics. Published by Teaching-point Jacksonville
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