Is America Still Beautiful? (Part 5)

Benjamin Franklin said this to his associates who were writing the Constitution.  “In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection.  Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered.  All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor and have we now forgotten this powerful friend?  Or do we no longer need His assistance?  I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of the truth:  That God governs the affairs of man.  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.  I firmly believe this.  I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little, partial local interests; our projects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a byword down to future ages.  And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war or conquest.  I therefore beg leave to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessings on our deliberation be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed with our business.” Is America Still Beautiful? She is when she repents!  Prov. 14:34 – “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Reproach means a shame, a disgrace. 2 Peter 3:9 states: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”