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July 4, 2006
The Rev. Canon Grant Carey
Independence Day

Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
in this free land by thee our lot is cast;
be thou our ruler, guardian, guide and stay,
thy word our law, thy paths our chosen way. (Hymn 718)

When I was in the 8th grade - - (many more years ago than I really want to count) - -in order for us to graduate, there was a special requirement. Each student had to stand before the class and recite from memory either the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence or the Gettysburg Address.

And if we didn't get it right the first time, we had to do it again (and again).

I managed to quote Lincoln's memorable words correctly on my first try - - but after all, I was quite a "ham" in those days, much enamored with dramatics. But the wonderful outcome (for me) is that I never forgot those words, and whenever I have difficulty getting to sleep at night, I recite Lincoln's words and this helps me drowse off.

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

However, the first time people heard these words, they weren't lulled to sleep. The fact is . not too many people paid that much attention!

The story is that on the that November day in 1863, the President was scheduled to make a speech - - along with others - - at the dedication of the Soldiers' Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where the great Civil War battle of Gettysburg has taken place not too long before - - one of the bloodiest battles of the war. More than 7000 men of both the Union and Confederate armies died during the three day's battle.

Lincoln had left the White House early that autumn day, traveled by train to Gettysburg, and, according to some historians, wrote the words of his address on the back of an envelope. After all, he was not the one chosen to give the major speech that day. That honor fell to the great orator of the time, Edward Everett, who spoke for more than two hours.

Lincoln's talk consisted of 272 words. Nobody remembers Everett's speech. Yet, ironically, Lincoln summed up his words by saying:

"The world will little note nor long remember what we say here .."

Lincoln spoke from the heart. Yet it was after his words were published that they took root and grew.

The war had taken a great toll on his energy and spirit; and though he rejoiced in the war's end. It was only shortly thereafter that he was felled by an assassin's bullet.

When I began thinking about what I wanted to say today, I simply couldn't get Lincolns' words out of my mind, so perhaps it was meant that I should speak of them this Fourth of July because they so eloquently remind us - - today - - of reasons why we exist as a nation - - as one nation - - under God - - a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, that (and I paraphrase here) - - MUST NOT perish from the earth!

The key words that Lincoln was not inhibited from proclaiming being: "this nation - - under God."

Lincoln was not pushing any religious denomination or organization.

He was not an Episcopalian (though I am told that at times he and his family had attended an Episcopal Church near the White House - - and that he didn't particularly care much for the rector!)

Lincoln's religious understanding and deep feelings transcended any one expression of the faith.

But God - - and the presence of God - - and the call of God - - was strong in his life, which is why some have likened Lincoln to Moses who was called to lead his people through the wilderness.

This Fourth of July - - as we reflect on Lincoln and his contribution to who and what we are - - we are reminded not to become complacent and lose sight of what it really means to live in a Free Society - - One Nation under God.

Whenever we repeat these words, "One Nation under God", we affirm that it is God who stands over us both in judgment and in love.

Those "fathers" who, "Four Score and Seven Years before" had signed the Declaration of Independence were so filled with a sense of God's providence that they dared to state certain ideals and make such assumptions about both God and mankind that defined both the purpose of creation and the destiny of humankind.

And this, I believe, is what makes our nation unique among the nations of the world - - and why we must never become complacent lest the freedoms we possess become eroded - - which means that fully to live in a nation such as ours carries with it both privilege and responsibility - - and we can't have one without the other.

The founders of our nation did not leave God out - - but rather sought to bring forth upon this continent a new nation that would affirm .to all people . the basic rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - - which is another way of describing the freedom to express one's faith without fear of persecution.

(His assertion that all men are created equal took another hundred years to sink in!)

The challenge to be a viable, integral part of these United States of America carries with it both privilege and responsibility. Only then may there really exist "One Nation under God, indivisible, and with liberty and justice for all."

While the rhetoric is high and uplifting, what really matters is just how seriously we accept these ideas for our own: the dedication, integrity and willingness of each one of us to recognize that we stand together under both God's judgment and God's love.

The people are the strength of the nation - - -not bombs or missiles - - or armies - - or foreign policies - - you and I, who are alive to our purpose, our dignity, and our responsibility.

And so on this special day we have come together in the hallowed place to pray God to continue to direct us and bless us that we may indeed prove a blessing the world, reflecting justice and peace to all people.

Amen.