If I understand the e-mail, the question is - who did the "sacrifice"
benefit, since the heros never received restoration nor recompense from the
new nation? The answer comes in the definition of sacrifice - the benefit
is to others. I'm not conceding, though, that the grateful nation didn't
offer recompense or restoration. Unfortunately, my limited knowledge of
the post-war lives of these men prevents me from effectively debating the
point.
You also mention that history is written by the victors, which I suppose is
often true. However, I'm sure that the account of the American (or, as you
prefer, "colonists") revoltion is somewhat different in British history
books than it is here. But if you British had "regained control of the
colonies", we'd all be saluting pictures of Hitler, wouldn't we (no, I
won't bow to a man, either - but you get the point!)? (This is intended to
be a joke - please don't take it seriously!)
One thing is for sure - the US owes a great deal to our British heritage.
Without the culture and foundation of democracy and a God-fearing
government, our young country would not have survived this long. I hope
and pray (pray, mostly), that we never forget that, and that it's not too
late to turn back to God. You are right - never trust in man, but only in
God!
By the way - at a recent July 4th celebration I flew a "Grand Union" flag
from my FCF lodge. It's the first American flag (so I'm told), though was
never officially adopted. It contains thirteen stripes, with the Union Jack
in the upper left hand corner (where the stars are now). You wouldn't
believe how many people wanted to know why I was flying a British flag on
Independence Day!
Keep on Serving -
Andy Cottle
At 11:15 PM 7/6/99 +0100, Brian of Wiggin wrote:
>All
>
>I originally asked this question back channel but the recipient has decided
>to do a bunk (no prizes for guessing who <g>); so I will deliver the
>question to a wider audience. I have just read one of the posts about the
>signatories to the Declaration of Independence extolling the virtues of the
>men who signed it. As history is always written by the victors it is
>understandable that they are seen as heroes. If we, the British, had
>regained control of the colonies they would have gone down in history as
>foul rebels who got what they deserved. Don't forget that one man's freedom
>fighter is another man's terrorist.
>
>However, that is all water under the bridge. The point which struck me is
>the predictability of secular government. The message talks about the
>sacrifices made by these men and their families. If I read the message
>correctly some of them survived the War of Independence. There is no mention
>of restoration nor recompense from a grateful government or nation. So who
>exactly did their sacrifices benefit?
>
>Put not your trust in princes, nor in the sons of men but in Him who reigns
>for evermore.
>
>BoW.
>
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