Crisis Of The Republic

By Jim Geiger

Thomas Paine wrote in “The Crisis” on December 23, 1776:

“THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”

George Washington is known to have posted these words and read them aloud to all his troops to inspire them and motivate them.

On Sept. 26, 1777 the British occupied Philadelphia, causing the Continental Congress to flee and forcing the Continental Army to setup a defensive position at Valley Forge. For six months the Continental Army was encamped at Valley Forge under the command of General George Washington, just a few miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

At the time of Valley Forge the Continental Army had dwindled down to fewer than 5,000 men fit for duty, and was scheduled to be reduced to 1,400 after enlistments expired by the end of 1777. It is interesting that no battle was ever fought at Valley Forge. However, unless the Continental Army had not won the war against the elements and discouragement I would dare say that the war would have been lost. In fact General Washington wrote to Governor George Clinton from Valley Forge, February 16, 1778 the following words, in part:

“…For some days past, there has been little less, than a famine in camp. A part of the army has been a week, without any kind of flesh, and the rest for three or four days. Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery, that they have not been ere this excited by their sufferings, to a general mutiny or dispersion. Strong symptoms, however, discontent have appeared in particular instances; and nothing but the most active efforts everywhere can long avert so shocking a catastrophe.”

On June 18, 1778 the British abandoned Philadelphia and returned to New York. The Continental Army lived to fight another day.

Epilog

I have shared this story for the past few weeks and believe it is appropriate to share it once more with my insights. I believe that our Heavenly Father is putting all of us through a sieve and He is getting those things out of our lives that we placed faith in besides Him and His favor. Let me give you a few examples.

1. Some would say that unless we have the support of the military there is no hope. However, we find it written in Psalm 20:7, Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
2. Some would say that without financial backing there is no hope. However, we find it written in Psalm24:1, The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
3. Some would say that without enforcement there is no hope. However, we find it written in Genesis 18:25,Be it far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

I am not judging anyone on their standing on these issues. But I am trying to get us to see events from a different perspective. Whether we live or die, prosper or not, one thing is for sure. Our Heavenly Father is busy about the business of building us up into a People that are fit for duty for His own good pleasure.

Please remember that the founding of the Republic is a faith issue. Our eyes should always be on our heavenly Father to finish the work of establishing this Republic, not upon any man. Remember that He has already overcome the world. I urge you all to consider your standing on these issues. May Our Father continue to bestow upon us His unmerited favor and may we continue to be faithful towards Him as He re-establishes His Republic. I look forward to meeting each of you in the not too distant future.