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The Preacher’s Notebook The Paper and Electronic Pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Mineral Springs, NC (Delivered by E-mail and Us Postage Through Subscription as an Extension of the Pulpit Ministry of this Church) Dr. Terry W . Preslar – PO Box 388 – M ineral Springs, NC 28108 (704)843-3858 – E-Mail: [email protected] Copyright © 2007. Terry W. Preslar All rights reserved.

Vol. II

July, 2008

Issue 7

– Your Land and Mine – Heritage and Liberty from Then ‘Til Now A Resource for the Patriot and Loyal American Compiled and Edited By Dr. Terry W. Preslar

Introduction The American Spirit is an intangible yet personal part of all of our lives. It has been our lifeblood both in war and peace ... it is found in all strata of our society. In this booklet, we strive to present the major documents which form the foundation for the American Spirit. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution embody not only the Spirit of America, but also the assurance that the way of life we hold so dear will continue ... for generations to come. To those persons – past, present, and future – who cherish and maintain the concepts of freedom for which our country stands, we dedicate the “Your Land and Mine” edition of the “Preacher’s Notebook.”

The Background of Independence When Columbus set foot on the shores of the “New World” , little did he realize the immensity of his discovery. To be sure, there was little to be proud of at the time. The vast land before him, with its gaunt dense forests and quaint habitation, left little to the imagination, aside from proving his own theory that the world was round. It wasn’t until 1620 that America began to have a purpose for its existence. That year the Pilgrims, a band of refugees seeking rest from religious persecution and oppression in their own country, saw in this new land the priceless freedom they dreamed of. One of the first acts of these freedom seeking people was the signing of the Mayflower Compact, regarded by some historians as marking the beginning of democracy in America. In the cabin of the Mayflower, as it lay alongside the Massachusetts coast, the 41 adult male Pilgrims affixed their signatures to the document which stated their intention to form a government and to abide by its laws. Historian George Bancroft calls the simple ceremony “the birth of popular constitutional liberty.” The text of the Mayflower Compact reads: In the Name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering -1-

and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid, and by virtue hereof enact constitute and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. True, there were hardships – Fierce winters, starvation, and disease; hostilities with the Indians and countless adversities; and as time went on, even oppression of British rule reached over the huge water to antagonize them. Yet these early settlers persevered because here in this new land was hope, hope for their children and their children’s children. Here in America they would eventually escape the tyranny of ruthless despotism. This was only the beginning of the long (unfinished) fight for freedom of speech; freedom from want; freedom of worship; and freedom from fear. The Puritan immigration ceased in 1640, but the spirit of liberty was firmly implanted. Early in the autumn of 1775, the Continental Congress was waiting to hear from King George of England to know whether he would recognize the Congress as a legal body. The answer arrived in October bearing the King’s utter refusal to receive the petition or to see the messenger that bore it. He declared the colonists in a state of rebellion and no longer under his protection. It was evident that the King meant to force the colonists into submission. His bitter resentment of their proposal for independence sent him pleading to other kings and princes for military support, but they apparently were not in sympathy. The various powerful European states, especially France, Spain, and Holland, ignored the king’s pleas and decided to place the bulk of their influential aid behind the American cause. It was not long before the subject of independence began to be proclaimed from the housetops. The subject was debated on all sides, and the idea of independence grew steadily during the winter and spring. In January, 1776, there appeared a remarkable pamphlet entitled “Common Sense” from the pen of Thomas Paine. History reports that the document won thousands to the cause. North Carolina won the honor of being first to make the official move for the Declaration of Independence, followed shortly by Rhode island and Massachusetts. Virginia, fourth to come in, went further than the others by instructing the delegates to propose independence to the Continental Congress. On the May 15, 1776, Congress passed a set of resolutions offered by John Adams authorizing the several colonies to set up state governments, independent of the Crown. The majority of the members had come to favor a final break with England. Early in June, Richard Henry Lee, one of the foremost delegates from Virginia, rose before Congress and solemnly offered the resolution in obedience to his constituents, “that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states and they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown.” His resolution, after a brief debate, was tabled, and on July 1, a committee chosen by ballot and naming Thomas Jefferson its chairman, prepared the Declaration in a suitable form to be sent to the world. It was at this time that Lee’s resolution was taken up again. On July 2, the resolution was passed by unanimous vote. On the evening of the 4th of July, the document prepared and written by Thomas Jefferson, known as the Declaration of Independence, was adopted by vote thereby giving birth to a newly founded nation. The Declaration was a true expression of the popular will. The people were deeply mindful of the gravity of the step they were taking, of the vast responsibility they were assuming. They knew that a long bloody war must follow – that it meant untold suffering and sacrifice, vacant chairs at the family fireside, widowed mothers and fatherless children. But they took no step backward. They saw in the future a new nation, with commercial and political freedom and self-government. “America was never so great,” says a famous writer, “as on the day when she declared her independence.”

The Shadow of the Flag The Flag of the United States of America is a grand object of American tradition. It is said that in June -2-

1776, a committee headed by General George Washington visited the home of Betsy Ross. She was known as an expert seamstress who had made many flags and was commissioned to make the first Flag. She is supposed to have suggested the arrangement of the five point stars. The first Flag was made, and the design was adopted by a resolution of congress on June 14, 1777. The Flag has many popular names. One of the most common of these is “the Stars and Stripes.” Francis Scott Key gave the Flag the poetic name, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, in 1814 with the writing of the poem that would become the national anthem. A young sea captain, William Driver hailed the Flag as “Old Glory,” in 1831. It has been the inspiration for the fighting ranks of our military on a thousand fields of battle. Victory and defeat have been enjoyed and endured under this banner of RED, WHITE AND BLUE. As I stood one day with my back to the Sun, near the Flag pole in our church yard. The shadow fell across the grassy lawn and was an impressive view. I thought deeply of the Flag. Emotions flooded my mind and all the confusion of my feelings brought tears to my eyes. Quickly, I turned to see if the Flag was surely overhead and found the substance of the shadow was a beautiful, red, white and blue sight that proved to my sentimentality that the nation was still alive. My interlude of fear that there might be only a shadow was sharp and painful. The experience of seeing the shadow of the Flag prompted me to a search of my heart once again for Christian Patriotism. The song writer has said “I am a citizen of two worlds.” As a Christian, I have a love for this country that goes deep in the soul of my being. Also, as a Christian I have an allegiance to the Heavenly Kingdom. America is the only nation in which this dual citizenship is a strength to the country. What makes America great is the prayers of the saints and the providence of GOD. This can be seen in the fact that the first document produced in the New World, The Mayflower Compact, November 11, 1620, stated the purposes of “Christian Patriotism.” (“...For Ye glorie of GOD, and advancement of Ye Christian faith...”) Their stated intent later became the goals and ground of our freedom. We exist in the shadow of many things. In this day of anti-heros we live in the shadow of many almost forgotten national heros. In this amoral generation, we live in the shadow of morality. Nationally, our freedoms are each ebbing toward a shadow. God given Freedoms seem to be in danger at every juncture. Allow a turn of thought, now, to the shadow of the cross. In the shadow of the cross is found our only hope for a nation needing a revived nationalism. As certain as there is only one Flag there is only one cross. The preaching of the cross is GOD’S plan to display the substance of the cross in the eyes of the world. Paul has said in Gal. 6:14: “GOD forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ...” On the great day of the Forth of July, every year, as we look at the Flag and our hearts are thrilled, let us remember Paul’s words of Phil. 1:23: “...I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ;...Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” Let each American pray that the needs of others will be a force that will drive America on to greatness in the years to come.

The History of the Flag (Some of the data for this section was taken from “http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html” to which the reader is referred for more information as needed) The first official American flag the Continental or Grand Union flag, was displayed on Prospect Hill, January 1, 1776, in the American lines besieging Boston. It had thirteen alternate red and white stripes, with the British Union Jack in the upper left comer. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the design for a new flag which actually was the Continental flag with the Red Cross of St George and the white cross of St. Andrew replaced on the blue field by thirteen stars, one for each state, No rule was made as to the arrangement of the stars, and while they were usually shown in a circle, there were various other designs. it is uncertain when the new flag was first flown, but its first official announcement is believed to have been on September 3, 1777. The first public assertion that Betsy Ross made the first Stars and Stripes appeared in a paper read before the Historical Society of Pennsylvania on March 14, 1870, by William J. Canby, a grandson. However, Mr. -3-

Canby on later investigation found no official documents of any action by Congress on the flag before June 14, 1777. Betsy Ross’ own story, according to her daughter, was that George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross, as representatives of Congress, visited her in Philadelphia in June, 1776, showing her a rough draft of the flag and asking her if she could make one. However, the only actual record of the manufacture of flags by Betsy Ross is a voucher in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for 14 pounds and some shillings for flags for the Pennsylvania navy. On January 13, 1794, Congress voted to add two stars and two stripes to the flag in recognition of the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the union. The fifteen-star, fifteen-stripe flag, made by Mary Young Pickersgill, was raised over the ramparts of Fort McHenry, Maryland, and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that is now our National Anthem, “Star-Spangled Banner,” on September 14, 1814. By 1818, there were twenty states in the Union, and as it was obvious that the flag would soon become unwieldy, Congress voted April 18 to return to the original thirteen stripes and to indicate the admission of a new state simply by the addition of a star the following July 4. Two stars were added July 4, 1912, for New Mexico and Arizona. President Eisenhower signed a bill on July 7, 1958, to make Alaska the 49th state, and on August 21, 1959, Hawaii, the 50th state, was officially admitted to the Union.

The Confederate Flags (Some of the data for this section was taken from “ http://www.scv674.org/csaflags.htm” to which the reader is referred for more information as needed) The first Confederate flag, adopted in 1861 by the Confederate convention in Montgomery, Alabama, was called the Stars and Bars; but because of its similarity in colors to the American flag, there was much confusion in the Battle of Bull Run. To remedy this situation, Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard suggested a battle flag, which was used by the Southern armies throughout the war. The flag consisted of a red field on which was placed a blue cross of St. Andrew separated from the field by a white fillet and adorned with thirteen* white stars for the Confederate states. In May, 1863, at Richmond, an official flag was adopted by the Confederate Congress. This flag was white and twice as long as wide; the union, two-thirds the width of the flag, contained the battle flag designed for Gen. Beauregard. A broad transverse stripe of red was added February 4, 1856, so that the flag might not be mistaken for a signal of truce. *Eleven states formally seceded, and unofficial groups in Kentucky and Missouri adopted ordinances of secession. On this basis, these two states were admitted to the Confederacy, although official state governments remained in the Union.

The Christian Flag (Some of the data for this section was taken from “http://www.steve4u.com/christian/facts.htm” to which the reader is referred for more information as needed) The Christian flag is found in churches across America. Students in Christian schools offer pledges to it during school assemblies. Most church-goers instantly recognize the banner with its white background, blue field in the upper left-hand corner, and red cross emblazoned in the field. Yet few are likely to know the history of the flag or of the controversies that have occasionally accompanied its display. Origin of the Christian Flag The Christian flag was devised almost by accident by Charles C. Overton, a Sunday school superintendent at Brighton Chapel, Staten Island, New York, on September 26, 1897. Overton had invited a special speaker for Rally Day, the annual promotion for kicking off a new year in Sunday school. When the speaker did not show up, however, Overton was forced into an extemporaneous address. Taking as his cue an American flag draped over the piano, he began to talk about flags and what they mean. Then, in a flash of inspiration, Overton suggested that Christians should have their own flag. Exactly what followed is a little murky. Some sources say Overton actually designed and made a flag, which he used in the church on Staten Island. Other sources imply that he merely mulled over the concept -4-

and kept it in the back of his mind for several years. What is definitely known is that in 1907 he approached Ralph Diffendorfer, secretary to the Methodist Young People’s Missionary Movement, with his idea. Diffendorfer was also taken with the concept, and together they found a flag maker who produced the banner to their specifications. The white on the flag represents purity and peace. The blue stands for faithfulness, truth, and sincerity. Red, of course, is the color of sacrifice, in this case calling to mind the blood shed by Christ on Calvary, represented by the cross. It is probably not coincidental that these are also the colors of the American flag, but as Dorothy Fritz notes, these colors “were also much used in the trappings of the Tabernacle,” so assigning a religious meaning to the colors is not out of place. Diffendorfer began to take the flag with him to rallies and conferences to promote its use. At one such meeting, he expressed the wish that there were a pledge to the flag, like the one written for the American flag. A Methodist pastor in attendance, Lynn Harold Hough, volunteered to write one. Hough, a liberal who later served as dean of Drew Theological Seminary, wrote the following: “I pledge allegiance to my flag and the Saviour for whose kingdom it stands; one brotherhood uniting all mankind in service and love.” Diffendorfer changed “my flag” to “the Christian flag.” Conservative churches and Christian schools have generally adopted a different version of the pledge: “I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag, and to the Saviour for whose kingdom it stands; one Saviour, crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe.” Expansion, Opposition, and Controversy Slowly, use of the flag spread among American churches. The Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. gave it formal recognition in 1942 when the General Assembly sanctioned its use “on appropriate occasions, in churches and during services of worship.” The Protestant Episcopal Church was less taken with the Overton flag and adopted its own official flag in 1940. Some writers were absolutely dismissive of the flag. The editor of Christian Century in 1942 called it “an example of that capricious sentimentalism into which a certain shallow portion of our American Protestantism falls too easily. A ‘Christian flag’ in a service of Christian worship is an impertinent rival of the true Christian symbol,” i.e., the cross. A few months later, he repeated his criticism: “The so-called Christian flag is a bizarre and un-meaningful innovation. It is a needless irritant, more of a nuisance than a true symbol. Let its use be discontinued. Let the cross be the only symbol of the object of our worship and adoration!” Display of the flag became more controversial during World War II, when Congress adopted standards for proper etiquette in displaying the American flag. The standards mandated that the flag of the United States always be given the preeminent place when displayed with another flag. The legislation contained no penalties, and was therefore more of a courtesy matter than a statute, but it caused problems in some churches. More liberal churches in particular saw conflicts between clergy worried about giving preeminence to “Caesar” over Christ and congregations wanting to promote patriotism in light of the world war. Before Congress passed the legislation, the Federal Council of Churches had issued a resolution on January 23, 1942, stating that any religious symbol such as the cross or a flag should have “the place of highest honor” in all church displays. (It also officially recognized Overton’s Christian flag, but “only by general usage and not by official action of any ecclesiastical body.”) The council reaffirmed this decision after Congress passed the flag display act, but did so after the congressional sponsor of the bill assured them that the act was merely a question of etiquette and not law. This clarification did not put an end to the controversies, however. In 1942 the First Presbyterian Church of Milford, New Jersey, was the scene of a battle pitting the pastor and the church board against the local chief of police. That officer came into the church and personally changed the flags to give the American flag the prominent place. The church promptly changed it back. The dispute gained the attention of the press and was finally settled by a compromise by placing the American flag on the right of the congregation (the place of honor according to Congress’s act) and the Christian flag on the minister’s right (the place of honor -5-

according to the Federal Council’s resolution). The police chief attended the first service in which this arrangement was used to show his approval of the compromise. Nor did the disputes stop with the end of World War II. In 1955 Emerson Abts, a Methodist pastor in Ashville, Ohio, wrote to Christian Century of how he had changed his flags to give God the priority over the government. In so doing, he had drawn the wrath of the local chapter of the American Legion. He asked what he should do. Several correspondents replied, generally advising him to take both flags out. One wrote, “Emerson Abts asks whether any law supersedes the requirement that the American flag be always placed in a position of honor. I could think of one: ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’” Another wrote, “Let him place the flags in the proper position according to his belief, and tell the American Legion where to go.” Clashes on the Right Wing If conflicts over the display of the Christian flag affected mostly the theological left in the 1940s and 1950s, it became more of an issue for conservatives after the 1960s. Liberals had never really embraced the flag, but many conservatives saw displaying it along with the American flag as a way of asserting loyalty to both God and country. The problem became not so much one of flag etiquette as it was more often a matter of municipal ordinances. But even in these cases, the dispute often seemed to boil down to a question of “Christ vs. Caesar.” In Dallas, Texas, on July 31, 1983, Delbert Fields, owner of the Deeper Life Book Store, was cited for flying a Christian flag in front of his place of business. Authorities said only the flags of the United States and Texas could be displayed on flag poles and that any other flags violated the city’s sign ordinance. Fields put up a sign reading, “City of Dallas said we cannot fly the Christian flag. Keep us in your prayers.” He also sued, and supporters launched a petition drive. In September the city excluded the Christian flag from the ordinance, and Fields was able to fly it again. In 1992 the Neuse Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, underwent a similar dispute. In this case, the church had been flying the flag for several years when the city ruled that it violated their sign ordinance. When the church was taken to court, the congregation acquired the services of Christian attorney David Gibbs. They not only defended themselves in court but also protested the decision publicly and inspired a letter-writing campaign to the Raleigh city council. After some skirmishing, the council adopted a new ordinance exempting the Christian flag. Conclusion The Christian flag still flies in many churches, schools, and Christian businesses across America. Despite the fact that it has no official sanction by any religious body, the flag has apparently won a place in the hearts of believers as a symbol of their faith. But exactly what it symbolizes will likely always vary with the individual. Segments of the homosexual community, for example, began promoting a “gay Christian flag,” in which the blue field and red cross were displayed not against the traditional white field but the multicolored homosexual “rainbow flag.” (Interestingly, this design means that the homosexual flag omits white, the color standing for purity.) As such uses of the flag and the history of the banner indicate, the Christian flag is a symbol of faith, but the nature of that faith varies-sometimes widely-with the person using the symbol.

O Beautiful for Spacious Skies Katharine Lee Bates, 1859-1929 Samuel A. Ward, 1847-1903 O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood -6-

From sea to shining sea. O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law. O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold rerine, Till all success be nobleness, and every grain divine. O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years, Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed his grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea. Amen.

The Star-Spangled Banner Composed by Francis Scott Key, September 14, 1814 Officially adopted as the National Anthem of the United States March 3, 1931 O say can you see by the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam In full glory reflected now shines in the stream ‘Tis the star-spangled banner - O long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! -7-

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore, That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a Country should leave us no more? Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and Slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their love’d home and the war’s desolation! Blest with victory and peace may the heaven rescued land Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto - “in God is our Trust, And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The American’s Creed William Tyler Page (Some of the data for this section was taken from “http://www.usconstitution.net/creed.html” to which the reader is referred for more information as needed) I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation and many sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its Flag, and to defend it against all enemies.

The Pledge of Allegiance (Some of the data for this section was taken from “http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm” to which the reader is referred for more information as needed) The Pledge of Allegiance oath of loyalty to the flag, the U.S. national emblem and to the nation it symbolizes, was written in 1892 by a preacher, teacher and editor, Francis Bellemy. His visions of a middle–class socialist utopia inspired his original pledge. Bellemy’s pledge appeared in 1892 when it was published in a family magazine (The Youth’s Companion). By proclamation of President Benjamin Harrison, the pledge was distributed and leaflets were sent out to schools in early October and by Columbus Day (Oct. 12, 1892), 12 million public school students pledged “allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” In 1924 the words “My Flag” is changed to “the flag of the United States of America.” In 1943 the Supreme Court held that public schools cannot make students say the pledge. In 1954 Congress was lobbied to add the phrase “under God.” The action was OK’d by President Eisenhower. When reciting the pledge of allegiance, civilians should stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Men should remove their hats. Armed services personnel in uniform are to face the flag and give the military salute. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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The Pledge of Allegiance to the Christian Flag I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Saviour for whom it stands. One Saviour, crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty for all who believe. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Bible I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy word. I will make it a lamp unto my path and a light unto my feet. Its words will I hide in my heart that I might not sin against God.

Guidelines for Displaying the Flag (Some of the data for this section was taken from “http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html” to which the reader is referred for more information as needed) Respect your flag and render to it the courtesies to which it is entitled by observing the following rules approved by leading authorities: The National flag should be raised and lowered by hand and displayed only from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise designated by proper authority. Do not raise the flag while furled. Unfurl, then hoist quickly to the top of the staff. Lower it slowly and with dignity. Place no objects on or over the flag nor use it as part of a costume or athletic uniform. it should never be embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs, etc., nor printed on paper napkins, boxes, etc. In the chancel or on the platform of a church, the flag is placed at the clergyman’s right with other flags at his left. In the main body of the church, the flag is placed at the congregation’s right as they face the clergyman. When the flag is displayed over the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street in a north and south street, the union is to the east. 1. The flag of the United States should be flown daily from sunrise to sunset in good weather from public buildings, schools, permanent staffs, and in or near polling places on election days. The flag may be displayed 24 hours a day on patriotic holidays or if properly illuminated. 2. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is bad, except when an all-weather flag is used. 3. The flag should always be flown on national and state holidays and on those occasions proclaimed by the President. On Memorial Day, the flag should be half staffed until noon. 4. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. It should never be dipped to any person not should it ever be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress. 5. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, nor should it ever be carried flat or horizontally. 6. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, drapery, or decoration, nor for carrying or holding anything. 7. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged. It should never be used as a covering for a ceiling. 8. The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle. When a flag is displayed on a car, the flag’s staff should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. 9. The flag or its staff should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. Nor should any picture, drawing, insignia or other decoration be placed on or attached to the flag, its staff, or halyard. 10. The flag should not be embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs, or other personal items nor printed on anything designed for temporary use and discarded. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, or members of other patriotic organizations. 11. When the flag is so worn or soiled that it is no longer suitable for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. -9-

12. When the U.S. flag is displayed with another flag from crossed staffs, the flag of the United States should be on its own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag. 13. When the flag is flown at half-mast, the flag is first raised to the peak and then lowered to half-mast position. It should again be raised to the peak before final lowering, Half-mast is one-half the length of the staff. On Memorial Day, the flag is displayed at half-mast until noon and at full-mast until sunset. 14. The flag of the United States should always be at the peak when flags of states or cities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard. When flown from adjacent staffs or in a group, the Stars and Stripes should be at the center of the highest group, hoisted first and lowered last. 15. The flag, when used to cover a casket, is placed so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground. 16. The flag when displayed in a manner other than from a staff, it should hang flat whether indoors or out. When displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall or in a window, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right (observer’s left). 17. The flag should never be used as a drape, used as festooning or made into rosettes or other designs. When such results are desired, red, white, and blue bunting should be used, but never the flag. 18. The flag when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, the Stars and Stripes should be on the marching right; when there is a line of other flags, our National flag may be in front of the center of the line. 19. When the flags of two or more nations are displayed, they should be flown from separate staffs of the same height and the flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. 20. For the flag, a federal law provides that a trademark cannot be registered which consists of, or comprises among other things, “the flag, coat-of-arms or other insignia of the United States, or any simulation thereof.” 21. When the flag is used in unveiling a statue or monument, it should not be used as a covering of the object to be unveiled. On such occasions, do not allow the flag to fall to the ground, but let it be carried aloft to form a feature of the ceremony. 22. When the National flag is worn out, dispose of it with due reverence. According to an approved custom, the Union is first cut from the flag; and then the two pieces, which no longer form a flag, are burned.

We the People... One Nation under God (Judges 17:6; 21:25) The nation that we call America was formed from the wilderness of what the European settlers called “The New World.” There has been a long history since the Fourth of July, 1776 – Some good – some bad. In all we are called to recognize the truth that providence has put us here and as it seems good we enjoy GOD’S gift of freedom and liberty. Many of the values of traditional patriotism are under attack in our day but we can say with others that this is the greatest land under the sun. American Exceptionalism and Nationalism, like most subjects can be abused and we have all heard of these cases. That truth does not discredit American Exceptionalism and we are bound to see the facts that support that contention that was made by the French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, “I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests – and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world -10-

commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning – and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!” There is such a thing as a Christian patriotism. It is a patriotism that celebrates the best of our nation while calling our nation always to be better than it is. It is a patriotism that thanks God for our success and prays to God for the will to right what is wrong in our nation so that we will truly be his instrument on earth. It is a patriotism that will never shrink from proclaiming that, whether some believe it or not, we are “one nation, under God,” the God whom we have met and whom we even now follow in his son, Jesus Christ.

You ask me why I love her? Well, give me time, and I’ll explain... Written by John Mitchum (Narrated by John Wayne in a popular audio recording). Have you seen a Kansas sunset or an Arizona rain? Have you drifted on a bayou down Louisiana way? Have you watched the cold fog drifting over San Francisco Bay? Have you heard a Bobwhite calling in the Carolina pines? Or heard the bellow of a diesel in the Appalachia mines? Does the call of Niagara thrill you when you hear her waters roar? Do you look with awe and wonder at a Massachusetts shore... Where men who braved a hard new world, first stepped on Plymouth Rock? And do you think of them when you stroll along a New York City dock ? Have you seen a snowflake drifting in the Rockies...way up high? Have you seen the sun come blazing down from a bright Nevada sky? Do you hail to the Columbia as she rushes to the sea... Or bow your head at Gettysburg...in our struggle to be free? Have you seen the mighty Tetons? ...Have you watched an eagle soar? Have you seen the Mississippi roll along Missouri’s shore? Have you felt a chill at Michigan, when on a winters day, Her waters rage along the shore in a thunderous display? Does the word “Aloha”... make you warm? Do you stare in disbelief When you see the surf come roaring in at Waimea reef? From Alaska’s gold to the Everglades...from the Rio Grande to Maine... My heart cries out... my pulse runs fast at the might of her domain. You ask me why I love her?... I’ve a million reasons why. My beautiful America... beneath Gods’ wide, wide sky.

The Nation That Could Not Pray (Lev. 26:14-19) I have come to the conclusion that it is impossible to have a moral community or nation without faith in God, because without it everything rapidly comes down to "me," and "me" alone is meaningless. Today Americans have stopped acting in terms of their own moral, ethical and religious beliefs and principles. They've stopped acting on what they knew was right – and the "me" has become the measure of everything. However, moral societies are the only ones that work. If anyone thinks there is not a direct and invaluable relationship between personal integrity in a society and that society's prosperity, that person has simply not studied history. And this should not surprise us. Great moral societies, built upon faith in God, honor, trust, and the law blossom because they are harmonious; because people love or at least respect their fellow man; because, finally, they have a common belief in something beyond themselves. It simplifies life immensely; you do not waste and spend your days fighting for turf, for privilege, for money and power over your fellow -11-

man. In 1940 teachers identified the top problems in America's schools as: Talking out of turn, chewing gum, making noise and running in the hall. In 1990, teachers listed drugs, alcohol, pregnancy, suicide, rape and assault. These are not good things to get used to, either. There is a coarseness, a callousness and a cynicism to our era. The worst of it has to do with our children. Our culture seems almost dedicated to the corruption of the young. We have become inured to the cultural rot that is setting in. People are losing their capacity for shock, disgust and outrage... The ancients called our problem acedia, an aversion to spiritual things and an undue concern for the external and the worldly. Acedia also is the seventh capital sin (There are seven capital sins: Pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth. They are called capital because all the sins of commission and omission that we commit are said to flow from these seven capital sins. They are also known as the seven deadly sins). – sloth – but it does not mean mere laziness. The slothful heart is stepped in the worldly and carnal, hates the spiritual and wants to be free of its demands. When the novelist Walker Percy was asked what concerned him most about America's future, he answered, "Probably the fear of seeing America, with all its great strength and beauty and freedom...gradually subside into decay through default and be defeated, not by the communist movement, but from within, from weariness, boredom, cynicism, greed and in the end helplessness before its great problems." I realize this is a tough indictment. If my diagnosis is wrong, then why, amid our economic prosperity and military security, do almost 70% of the public say we are off track? I submit that only when we turn to the right things – enduring, noble, spiritual things – will life get better. The declaration of Leviticus chapter 26 verse 19 is part of the “State of the union address” of that olden day. Our day seems so much like that past day. Almost without exception, each President of the United States has called for a day of prayer for our nation and the peace of the world. Oh, how I admire these Chief Executives for their recognition of the grave state of world affairs. The need of our day is not unlike past days and it can be seen that the conditions of the present and past days have brought these troubles. The Situation in those days was dark – 1) skies of IRON and 2) Earth of BRASS. Many things bring this condition about – it is not a simple problem! All of these “Ills” are afoot in our day. I. Disobedience to God A) Could not blush (“Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.” Jer. 8:12) B) Proud to be evil (“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Prov. 8:13) C) God knows your sin (“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Heb. 10:38) II. Despisers of the Word of God A) Destroyed the Word (“And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.” Jer. 36:23) B) Teach false doctrine (“Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;” 2 Tim. 4:3) C) Deny its contents (“What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” Deut. 12:32) [Deut. 4:2, Prov.30:6, Rev. 22:19] III. Covenant-Breakers A) When power is gone (“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” Jonah 2:9) -12-

B) Truce-breakers (“Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,” 2 Tim. 3:3 – note the company “trucebrakers” are in) C) Vows broken (“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. 5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” Eccl. 5:4-5).

“One Nation Under GOD” (Judges 17:6; 21:25) The America we love and esteem as great is not thought of that way by all who reside here, this land of the free and the home of the brave has been adulterated with an element that erodes the state of our culture. We are in a “war” over the culture of American Exceptionalism. The America that is great was built upon and the American Culture has been a product of the Values of Faith in GOD and a firm conviction that GOD providentially raised up America in order to provide a place for Worship and service in the Power of GOD. We are attacked on every hand by the gainsaying generation of liberals who know nothing of freedom. We are called on to lay forth our lives on the line of the truth of American Patriotism in a way that has never been asked for before. There are but a few issues that should be died for. Many will die for pleasures (tobacco, alcohol, and drugs as well as many sins). Many will die for ignorance under the darkness of sin. Many will die through neglect of the truth that brings life. However there remains only a few causes fit to die for. Join me as I make my commitment afresh: I- A Husband should be willing to die for his wife (Eph. 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it”). In making you my lawful and wedded wife, I promise to love and cherish you, to honor and sustain you, in sickness as in health, in poverty as in wealth, in the bad that may darken our days, in the good that may light our ways, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us. II- The Redeemed should be able to die for GOD for HE has already died for us. He died for me I will live for Him and if I must die – so be it... I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Saviuor for whose Kingdom it stands, one Saviour crucified, risen and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe. III- The American should be ready to die for this country for it remains GOD’S open statement of Grace for a lost world. Admiral Decatur said: “My country! May she always be right, but right or wrong, My Country!” Nathan Hale said: “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” Patrick Henry said: “I know not what others may do, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under GOD, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

Conclusion I have lived 61 years in this land and have found that this is the fairest land under the Sun. I have been in many other lands and have seen many things. The crisis of our day, in the Middle East, is a vital costs that there may be a little Freedom in the Earth. More than 280,000,000 citizens of these fifty states awake every morning with the taste of liberty to enjoy all day. The flag of America flies in the breeze of a free wind and the Constitution of this great country is safe in the hands of the government it has formed. The Evangelist, B.F. McLendon (“Cyclone Mac”) said: “The Constitution of the United States has taught the world that liberty can exist without license, and authority survive without tyranny.” Brave men have laid down many lives to secure this circumstance for the mass of this population. With all in the street seeming to think that each may voice an opinion upon these troubles, let it be known that the preamble to the Constitution states the basis of all speculation: “WE THE PEOPLE of the UNITED STATES, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, -13-

provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for the United States of America.” This was set down in 1787 by 55 brave and wise men marking the beginning of the end of the concept of the divine right of kings. Before this, in 1776 the Declaration of Independence had proclaimed: “...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. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Then in the end of this document we may read: “...appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions...with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” It seems to be clear to the reader of these remarkable documents that Americans can not be divided upon this issue.

How Important Is July the 4 th? On July 4, 1776, George III wrote in his diary, “Nothing of importance happened today.” He, of course, had no way of knowing what had occurred that day 3,000 miles away in the colonies, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in particular. Other things have happened on July 4. In 1567, Mary, Queen of Scots, abdicated. In 1754, George Washington surrendered Fort Necessity to the French and Indians. In 1802, the United States Military Academy opened at West Point. In 1817, construction of the Erie Canal began. In 1821, slavery was abolished in New York State. In 1826, Stephen Foster was born and John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died, and in 1831 James Monroe died. In 1845, Texas voted for annexation to the United States. In 1848, the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid. In 1862, on a historic (literally) cruise and picnic, Lewis Carroll made up the story of a little girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole and has wondrous adventures. In 1863, Vicksburg, Mississippi, surrendered to the Union army. In 1866, half of Portland, Maine, was destroyed by fire. In 1872, Calvin Coolidge was born. In 1884, the Statue of Liberty was presented to the United States by France. In 1946, the Philippines were granted their independence by the United States. In 1954, meat rationing ended in England (after 15 years). In 1976 the U.S. bicentennial was observed.

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Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2 These Sermons are used through the subscription to an E-Mail list maintained by Bro. Preslar ([email protected]) and are the copyrighted property of Dr. Terry W. Preslar. This document is part of a growing collection that is part of the Fresh Waters Digital Library. Re-distribution is allowed with this restriction: This document must not be disassembled or reverse engineered and all pages must be distributed together. This material may not be used in any commercial manner. All files in this series are in the PDF file format and can be read with the free pdf reader fro adobe called acrobat reader. It is hoped that this restriction will not hinder the effective use of this sermon/essay in the teaching and preaching of this document. – The Editor

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