AMERICA'S ANTI-SLAVERY FOUNDING DOCUMENTS

Left-wing activists love to demonize America's founding documents as "racist." However, a careful look at the documents in their historical context reveal a very different story. An honest examination of the documents and their early history reveal that they were written as anti-slavery documents. Such stalwarts as Frederick Douglass and Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr. understood this, as documented below.

Their Anti-Slavery Character

America’s founding documents contain no classifications based on race, ethnicity, or skin color. The words “slave” and “slavery” are nowhere to be found. Instead, the framers of the Constitution use the words “persons,” “citizens,” and “other persons.” James Madison said the language was a purposeful statement against slavery (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 123).

The Declaration of Independence declares that “all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights . . ..” This was considered an anti-slavery statement by America’s founding generation and abolitionists used it in their fight against slavery.

For example, a 1784 gathering of Methodist leaders in Baltimore published a statement denouncing slavery and based their condemnation on both the Bible and the Declaration of Independence. They denounced slavery as, “contrary to the golden rule of God . . . as well as every principle of the [American] Revolution” (Hyatt, Abolitionist Founding Fathers, 29).

Samuel Hopkins, a pastor in Newport, RI and a passionate abolitionist, also used the Declaration of Independence in his arguments against slavery. He was incensed at some who said that slavery was God’s way of exposing Africans to the gospel. He thundered,

What sort of “gospel” message is being conveyed when people are enslaved because of the color of their skin? The Declaration of Independence says all men are created equal with certain unalienable rights. Oh, the shocking, the intolerable inconsistencies (Hyatt, Abolitionist Founding Fathers, 29).

America’s Founders Turn Against Slavery

These colorblind founding documents were the fruit of a powerful abolition movement that emerged out of the First Great Awakening (1726-70). So influential was this movement that virtually every founder, even those who owned slaves, took a public stand against it.

For example, in a letter to Robert Morris, dated April 12, 1786, George Washington said, “There is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.” Virtually every founder came to agree with John Adams who wrote,

Every measure of prudence ought to be assumed for the eventual total extirpation of slavery from the United States . . . I have throughout my whole life held the practice of slavery in abhorrence (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 101).

This movement against slavery occurred at a time when slavery was accepted and practiced throughout most of the world. Dr. Thomas Sowell has written of this saying,

Among those who turned against slavery in the 18th century were George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and other America leaders. You could research all of 18th century Africa, or Asia, or the Middle East without finding any comparable rejection of slavery there (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 90).

Frederick Douglass and Dr. King

In his early years, the famous abolitionist and former slave, Frederick Douglass, felt he had no part in America because of slavery. But after studying America’s founding and realizing that America’s founders were on the cutting edge of the fight against slavery, he came to a completely different view. In a July 4th speech delivered in 1852, Douglass called the U.S, Constitution “a glorious liberty document” and extoled America’s founders, saying,

Fellow Citizens, I am not wanting in respect for the fathers of this republic. The signers of the Declaration of Independence were brave men. They were great men too—great enough to give fame to a great age. It does not often happen to a nation to raise, at one time, such a number of truly great men.

Obviously convinced of the anti-slavery character of the founding documents, Douglass also said, “Any one of these provisions in the hands of abolition statesmen, and backed by a right moral sentiment, would put an end to slavery in America.” (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 121).

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. utilized America’s founding documents in his fight for racial equality. He saw the problem to be, not with the founding documents, but with succeeding generations not living up to the truths in those documents. In his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, he declared,

When the architects of our Republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, Black men as well as White men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Then alluding to the Declaration of Independence, he proclaimed, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

The Way Forward from Here

We must proclaim this truth in the face of the anti-American forces that are demonizing the founders and our founding documents. Douglass would agree, for in the same speech noted above, he referred to the Declaration of Independence and then exhorted his audience,

The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.

This article is derived from Dr. Eddie Hyatt’s books, 1726: TheYear that Defined America and Abolitionist Founding Fathers available from Amazon and his website at http://eddiehyatt.com.

THIS PSALM REVEALS THE MASTER KEY FOR MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN

Psalm 33:12 reads, Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. A careful study of this passage, compared with a study of America’s origins, reveals the key for how a collection of colonists founded the most powerful and prosperous nation in the history of mankind. It also reveals the reason for the current rapid demise of America.

The Personal Name of God

In this passage the word “LORD” is in all caps, which lets us know that it is translated from the Hebrew word Yahweh. The old KJV translates Yahweh as “Jehovah.” In the Old Testament, Yahweh was the personal name of the God of Israel, and it distinguished Him from the false gods of the pagan nations.

Therefore, the promise of Psalm 33:12 is not to the nation that merely believers there is a god or a higher power. The promise is to the nation who believes in a specific God who has a specific personal name.

Yahweh is from the Hebrew verb “to be,” such as the English, “I am.” It was originally signified by the Hebrew letters for YHWH, but vowels were later added to spell Yahweh. This explains Exodus 3:14 where Moses inquired concerning the name of the One speaking to him from the burning bush. The voice replied, I AM WHO I AM . . . thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14).

Yahweh was the name in which Israel prayed, worshipped, faced her enemies, and spoke blessings. When David went out to face Goliath, he announced to the giant that he was coming against him in the name of Yahweh (I Samuel 17:45).

The Name of Yahweh Found its Fulfillment in the Name of Jesus

When Jesus appeared on the scene, He clearly identified Himself with Yahweh. To cite just one example, in a conversation between Jesus and certain Jewish leaders, Jesus said to them, Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day and he saw it and was glad (John 8:56). They responded, You are not yet fifty years old and have you seen Abraham? Jesus replied, Before Abraham was, I AM (John 8:58).

At this point, the Jews picked up stones to stone Him for, in their minds, He had clearly blasphemed by identifying Himself with the great I AM that had spoken to Moses from the burning bush.

That the Old Testament name of Yahweh found fulfillment in the name of Jesus is also borne out by the fact that the first followers of Jesus prayed in the name of Jesus, cast out demons in His name, baptized in His name, and attributed miracles to the power of that name. What Old Testament saints would have attributed to the name of Yahweh, the New Testament believers attributed to the name of Jesus. (For a thorough discussion of this , see chapter 9 of my book, Discovering the Real Jesus), 

This is significant because all of the first disciples of Jesus were practicing Jews. They attended synagogue and kept the Jewish feasts and festivals. Although they probably spoke Aramaic, the language of the synagogue in Israel was Hebrew, and the Scriptures that were read every Sabbath were in the Hebrew tongue. They were, therefore, very aware of the significance of the name of Yahweh. But instead of the name Yahweh, it was the name of Jesus to which they attributed miracles and salvation.

For example, when the authorities in Jerusalem arrested Peter and John and demanded to know by what authority or name they had healed a crippled man, Peter boldly declared: Let it be known to you all, and to all the house of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands before you whole (Acts 4:7-12). Peter then said: Nor is there salvation in any other for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:7-12).

The name of Jesus was obviously first and foremost in the testimonies of those earliest disciples. They were not interfaith, religious pluralists. They were convinced that God had visited this planet in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth 

Jesus Was Central in the Thinking of Early Americans

Jesus was also first and foremost in the thinking of those who founded America. Although far from perfect, Psalm 33:12 was fulfilled in their actions and thinking. This is borne out by looking at just a few selected examples.

In 1646 the United Colonies of New England was formed for the purpose of settling land disputes and facilitating a common defense for the thousands of new immigrants. The opening of their constitution honors Jesus Christ as the central reason for their being in the New World. They wrote,

Whereas we all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy the Liberties of the Gospel in purity and peace (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 31).

The Great Awakening (1726-70), that transformed Colonial America, was characterized by the exaltation of Jesus Christ. So pervasive was the influence of this Awakening that a British-appointed official wrote to his superiors in England, “If you ask an American who is his master, He will tell you he has none, nor any governor but Jesus Christ” (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 81).

The First Continental Congress, attended by George Washington, John Adams, Patrick Henry and 53 other delegates, was opened with an extended time of Bible reading and prayer in the name of Jesus. Jacob Duche, an Anglican minister who led the group in prayer, ended his prayer with the following words, “All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ Thy Son and our Savior. Amen” (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 113).

In 1891 a prayer journal was discovered that George Washington kept in his twenties. It is filled with prayers that are offered in the name of Jesus. One prayer reads, “Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind, and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thee and Thy Son, Jesus Christ.” (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 132).

In a meeting with chiefs from the Delaware tribe, Washington encouraged them to learn “above all the religion of Jesus Christ.” The chiefs had brought some of their youth to be educated in American schools. Washington addressed them as “brothers” and said,

You do well to wish to learn our arts and our ways of life and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are. Congress will do everything they can to assist you in this wise intention (Hyatt, 1726:The Year that Defined America, 172).

John Hancock was president of the Second Continental Congress, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and governor of Massachusetts. While serving as governor he proclaimed a day of fasting and prayer and asked the people to,

Implore the Divine forgiveness through the merits and mediation of JESUS CHRIST our Savior . . . and to the spreading of the true religion of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, in its purity and power, among all the people of the earth (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 173).

Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The philosophy of Jesus is the most sublime and benevolent code of morals ever offered man.” This is why, as president, he took money from the federal treasury to pay for a Christian missionary to the Kaskaskia Native American tribe and to build them a church building in which to worship. Like the other founders, he believed that only by following the moral teachings of Jesus could a nation experience peace, stability, and prosperity.

The God of early America was obviously the LORD of Psalm 33:12. Their God was Jesus Christ, who is Yahweh revealed in human form. Sadly, that is no longer the case and is the reason for America's current demise.

Is There Hope for America?

Anyone who is in the least observant can see that America is coming unraveled. Her major cities are descending into lawless chaos and her schools and colleges have become centers of moral decadence and anti-Christian indoctrination. The reason is obvious, The god of modern America is no longer the LORD but her own twisted and demented way of thinking and living. She has become her own god.

We now know that the “LORD” of Psalm 33:12 has been revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Early America’s commitment to Jesus and His teachings explains the basic underlying reason and philosophy for her greatness. The rejection of Jesus and His teachings in modern America explains the reason for her current rapid demise.

Is there hope? Yes! Throughout America’s history, God has intervened with national Awakenings that have directed the attention of the populace back to God through Jesus Christ. Let us, therefore, continue calling this nation back to God and continue asking Him to visit America once again with another Great Jesus Awakening.

This article was derived from Dr. Eddie Hyatt's books entitled, 1726: The Year that Defined America and Discovering the Real Jesus, both available from Amazon and his website at http://eddiehyatt.com.

UNDERSTANDING THIS ONE WORD UNDERMINES THE SBC'S ARGUMENT AGAINST WOMEN PASTORS

The Southern Baptist Convention focuses on one passage of Scripture as the basis for banning women from carrying the title of pastor, which is I Timothy 2:12. However, they completely misconstrue the key word in this passage, which is the Greek word that is translated as “authority.”

In a document called “Southern Baptists and Women Pastors,” the executive staff of the SBC quote Paul’s words in Timothy 2:12 that, I do not permit a woman to teach or to have “authority” over a man, and then say of Paul,

He concludes women cannot have a pastoral position, or perform the pastoral function, for that puts them in authority over men in the life of the church.

The problem with their interpretation of this passage is that the Greek word translated “authority” is authentein and is not the normal word for “authority.” It is found only here in the entire New Testament, indicating that Paul is not addressing the normal exercise of authority in the Church.

The normal Greek word for "authority" is exousia, and it is found 102 times in the Greek New Testament, and numerous other times in its verb and other cognate forms. It refers to the right or authority to speak or act. Not once in the entire New Testament is a woman told she cannot exercise exousia.

If Paul were addressing the normal exercise of “authority” in the Church, we would expect him to use this word that he and every other New Testament writer uses. By using authentien, a word that neither he nor any New Testament writer ever uses, it seems obvious that he is addressing a unique and different situation.

Remember that I Timothy is a not a letter to a church. It is a personal letter to Paul’s young protégé, Timothy, who is in Ephesus confronting false teaching (see verse three of chapter one). By using this strange Greek word, it is obvious that Paul is addressing the unique situation of Timothy in Ephesus, and he never meant for it to be applied to all women everywhere.

It is also worth noting that the word "pastor" is nowhere to be found in this passage or anywhere in the letter.

For a thorough discussion of the passage in question and the Greek word authentein, see Dr. Eddie Hyatt’s latest book, Who Says Women Can’t Pastor? available from Amazon and his website at http://eddiehyatt.com.

5 POWERFUL COMPONENTS OF AMERICA'S FOUNDING PRAYER

 

America's First Continental Congress convened on September 5, 1774 with the reading of the entire 35th Psalm and a powerful time of prayer led by Rev. Jacob Duche, an Anglican minister from Philadelphia. Included in this august body of 56 delegates were George Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee, and Patrick Henry. They had gathered at Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia to discuss how they should respond to the British invasion of their land.

It was a very troubling time. King George of England had sent six regiments of British soldiers who had occupied the city of Boston, closed its port, and revoked the right of the people to self-government. British soldiers were being quartered in people's homes apart from their consent. This was George’s tyrannical response to protests that had erupted, especially in New England, over his burdensome taxes and regulations on the colonists without any input on their part.

Before beginning their discussions, the delegates to this First Continental Congress agreed that they should begin with prayer. They, therefore, invited Rev. Duche, who was known as a man of deep spirituality, to come and lead them in prayer.

As the elderly, white-haired Duche stood before them, he began by reading the entire 35^th Psalm, which begins with a cry of David for deliverance from his enemies and ends with thanksgiving to God for His answer. As he read this Psalm, the presence of God filled the room and, according to John Adams, tears “gushed” into the eyes of many.

As Duche then began to pray, Anglicans, such as George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee, knelt in prayer, according to their custom. The Puritans, according to their custom, sat with bowed heads and prayed. Others prayed according to their own, unique customs; but although their outward manners differed, there was a singleness of heart and purpose as they all united with Duche in asking for God’s assistance and intervention for America. Duche prayed,

O Lord, our high and mighty Father, heavenly king of kings, and Lord of Lords, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers of the earth, and reignest with power supreme over all kingdoms, empires, and governments. Look down in mercy we beseech thee on these our American states who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee. To Thee they have appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support which Thou alone can give . . . Shower down upon them and the millions they represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting joy in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ Thy Son and our Savior. Amen.

Duche’s prayer was spot on and contains five important components, or principles, that can serve as a guide for prayer today. The five components are:

1.    He began by acknowledging God as the Supreme Sovereign and Ruler of nations.
2.    He acknowledged their own inadequacy to address the problem they faced.
3.    He acknowledged their absolute dependence on God.
4.     He acknowledged that in coming before the Almighty, they were not trusting in their own merits (righteousness) but in the merits and mercy of Jesus Christ.
5.    He ended the prayer in “the name of Jesus Christ Thy Son and our Savior.”

John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, of the impact of the Bible reading and prayer on the delegates. He said,

Who can realize the emotions with which they turned imploringly to heaven for divine interposition and aid. It was enough to melt a heart of stone. I never saw a greater effect upon an audience. It seems as if heaven had ordained that Psalm to be read that day. I saw tears gush into the eyes of the old, grave pacific Quakers of Philadelphia. I must beg you to read that Psalm (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 108).

This was America’s founding prayer. The delegates were so impacted that they invited Rev. Duche to be the chaplain for the Congress and begin each session with Bible reading and prayer. He agreed and this first Congress became a place where God's word and prayer in the name of Jesus were valued and given priority. 

Sadly, these historical facts have been censored from the secularized modern versions of America’s history. It is, therefore, vital that we restore them to the American public, for as the noted historian, Carl Sandburg, said,

When a nation goes down or a society perishes, one condition may always be found; they forgot where they came from, they lost sight of what had brought them along (Hyatt, 1726: The Year that Defined America, 11).

This article is derived from Dr. Eddie Hyatt’s book, 1726: The Year that Defined America, available from Amazon and his website at http://eddiehyatt.com. He is the founder of “America's Reawakening.” which is dedicated to laying a foundation of faith for another Great Awakening by educating Americans about the nation's unique origins out of the First Great Awakening.