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Showing posts with the label Christian Heritage

Remembering Founding Father Reverend John Witherspoon (1723 - 1794)

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I am delighted to share this tribute to Rev. John Witherspoon, a founding father and dedicated Christian, featured at Breakpoint: In Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull (1818), Witherspoon is the second seated figure from the (viewer's) right among those shown in the background facing the large table. (Public Domain/ Wikipedia ) The Legacy of John Witherspoon The groundwork of a lesser-known founder who shaped the early years of the Repu blic. The month of November marks the death of John Witherspoon, one of the most important and most underrated of the American founding fathers. Born in Scotland in 1723, Witherspoon received a Master of Arts at age 16 from the University of Edinburgh, where he would continue his studies in divinity. In 1745, he became an evangelical minister in the Church of Scotland. Witherspoon was no fan of the monarchy and was imprisoned the following year for opposing the royalist Jacobite uprising, an experience that da

Christian Citizenship Bible Study

Sadly, the acknowledgment of our Lord and Savior as Sovereign over our (and all) nations was omitted from our founding document, the Constitution. I plan to take a closer look at this omission and the movement for a Christian Amendment in a future post; but for now I want to share a Christian Citizenship Bible Study with you. This material was taught to me by my Reformed Presbyterian pastor approximately 20 years ago. Please be blessed as you study it with Bible in hand. Understanding Biblical Doctrine, Lesson XVI, “Christian Citizenship” Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” I. The Biblical View of Government A. Man’s need for civil government stems from the fact that God created him with the ability to live in an orderly society. (Genesis 1:28 — And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the

Patriotic Ladies: Mercy Otis Warren

I'm presently reading Minds & Hearts: The Story of James Otis Jr. and Mercy Otis Warren by Jeffrey H. Hacker  published in June of 2021 by Bright Leaf.  I appreciate the author giving us a closer look into the Otis family and especially these two siblings to whom we owe so much of our independence from Great Britain.  Something I've gleaned from the book are the traditional values Mercy Otis Warren held. I've read biographies of her that emphasize her writing and politcal insight, but not so much of her dedication to her husband, sons and home. It's truly wonderful to read of this housewife whom the Lord has used so greatly in our American history.  I encourage you to get this book and read her amazing story. Here is a review posted at The Journal of the American Revolution website:  Review: Mind and Hearts: The Story of James Otis Jr. and Mercy Otis Warren - Journal of the American Revolution (allthingsliberty.com) For Mercy's professional accomplishments I a

Independence Day Reflection: The Presbyterian Influence for Independence

 Nathan Eshelman, a pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America   has been so kind as to remind us of the noble Presbyterian history of our great nation in his blog post at Gentle Reformation . As you celebrate Independence Day in America, please contemplate this part of our Christian heritage and please give thanks to God for the freedoms and religious liberty (while not perfect) we still enjoy today. Enjoy Your Freedom? Thank a Presbyterian. Published July 2, 2019 As those of us in the United States this week celebrate freedom from British governance, consider the many ways that Presbyterianism influenced the decision to enter a war for independence and take up arms against a magistrate: Only a Presbyterian understanding of Romans 13 would allow us to enter a war. The Bible calls for submission to magistrates, but Presbyterians understood the nuances that allowed for rebellion against tyranny. (See James M. Wilson's Establishment and Limits of Civil Goverment for

Our Home: A Bit of History of Cook Station, Missouri

Entrance to our home on Burley Ridge Rd, Cook Station, MO We moved to historic Cook Station in September of 2020 after my husband retired. At the time I was caring for my father who suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, plus we were in the beginning of the COVID crisis. It was a challenging time, but the friendliness of the people here and the natural beauty surrounding us made the transition go much smoother.  Historic Barn near Cook Station, MO The information posted below is from USGenWeb and was written in 1972 by James Ira Breuer: Villages of Crawford County, Missouri - COOK STATION Cook Station had its beginning with the building of the railroad along the Meramec Valley toward Salem in 1872-73. Several years before this Christopher C. Cook and wife had moved from Dent County and settled at the present site of the village. The Civil War came and Christopher enlisted in the Confederate Army where he served first as a private in Company F. Fifth Missouri Cavalry, and later raised

Taking a Closer Look at Mecklenburg, NC: Rev. Hezekiah James Balch

"There can be no freedom without order! Oh for the order which is in Christ, that we might have that freedom which is in him also!"   ~Motto of Rev. Hezekiah James Balch  (Source:  Rev Hezekiah James Balch (1745-1776) - Find a Grave Memorial ) I found this account of Rev. Hezekiah James Balch by David T. Myers posted at This Day in Presbyterian History.   It's important for us to remember men like Rev. Balch and how Providence used them at such an important, foundational time in American history, which is really His-Story.  May the Lord bless you as you read this man's story and may his name be honored and remembered among God's people, amen.  - Mercy Adams Unwavering Devotion to Christ and Country by David T. Myers Here and there in these posts, you have read about Presbyterian clergy who were instrumental in preparing and molding the popular minds of Americans for the great struggle of the American Revolution. From both pulpit and battle field worship service,

What kind of 'Digital Footprints' are you leaving?

By Angela Wittman Q. 1. What is the chief and highest end of man? A. Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever. ( Westminster Larger Catechism )  Due to recent deaths in our family and the natural progression of age and (hopefully) maturity, my husband and I recently had a conversation about planning for our eventual deaths. As we discussed how to best protect our sons inheritance by hiring an estate lawyer, etc., we also began talking about what type of funerals we wanted. My husband is an outdoors man - he wants his ashes spread on his favorite hunting spot - yes, really! I'm somewhat of a history buff, so I want a traditional grave site that's easy for future generations to find and document my birth and death. As I expressed my pragmatic desire, my husband responded with telling me I didn't need a physical marker because I was leaving a huge "digital footprint." This observation by my husband got me to thinkin

Patriotic Sneakers, a Sport's Figure and Betsy Ross

By Angela Wittman Most of the baby-boomer generation will remember sitting through history and civics classes as children and young adults. It was the norm for us to be taught about our civil duties and the founding of our country - America. We also said the Pledge of Allegiance in school each morning and at night television stations signed off with an image of the American flag and the national anthem playing in the background. Fast forward to 2019 - we now have a sports figure dictating to a shoe manufacturer what products can and cannot be sold and the manufacturer complying.  It's reported that the sneakers were scheduled to be released to correspond with the anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence (July 4th) and featured the original 13 stars and the 13 red and white alternating stripes that is commonly known as the Betsy Ross flag. That is until Colin Kaepernick, a sports figure and spokesperson for Nike Shoes, found offense with it.  Ni

'Of Saving Faith'

The Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter XIV Of Saving Faith I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, [1] is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, [2] and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word, [3] by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened. [4] II. By this faith, a Christian believes to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein; [5] and acts differently upon that which each particular passage thereof contains; yielding obedience to the commands, [6] trembling at the threatenings, [7] and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. [8] But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace. [9] III. This faith is differ

The History of Our Future Home

Crawford County, Mo 1904 Map Dear Friends, My husband and I own property in Crawford County, Missouri, where we plan to eventually retire. So, while researching area churches, I came across this history of the founding of Cook Station, Missouri, where our property is located. As most of you know, I love history and this area appears to be rich in it. In future posts I plan to share more nuggets of this area's history and perhaps some photos as well. Please take some time to read and enjoy! Villages of Crawford County, Missouri - COOK STATION  Cook Station had its beginning with the building of the railroad along the Meramec Valley toward Salem in 1872-73. Several years before this Christopher C. Cook and wife had moved from Dent County and settled at the present site of the village.  The Civil War came and Christopher enlisted in the Confederate Army where he served first as a private in Company F. Fifth Missouri Cavalry, and later raised and became captain Of

Goals for 2018

Projects I plan to work on in 2018: · Research the Wittman's (I suspect there's a Reformed/Lutheran heritage to explore) and update the Wittman family blog; · Look more into the Scottish origins of William "the rebel" Lawson (a Jacobite banished from Scotland to America - mother's side of the family); · Dig deeper into the Stone family (English - also mother's side); · Research more in-depth the Christian heritage of America and its impact on the South Eastern Native Americans (father's side of the family); · Grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord; · Become more Christ-like at home. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. ~ 2 Peter 3:18 (AKJV) To accomplish these goals, I'll be using  Tabletalk Magazine's 2018 Bible Reading Schedule , along with the Reformation Study Bible (ESV) from Ligonier Ministries  and the devotional "

Christmas and Conscience

Dear Friends, After becoming a Reformed Christian approximately 15 years ago, I began struggling with what to do about Christmas. Some of you might also be coming to the realization that December 25th is not the actual birth date of Christ, nor are we commanded to observe it. My hope is to direct you to balanced resources that will help you decide how you want to participate in this "holiday." This morning I came across the  recent article "Holidays and Holy Days (Part 2) by Michael LeFebvre , Pastor of Christ Church in Brownsburg, Indiana, which is posted at the blog Gentle Reformation . Dr. LeFebvre is Reformed Presbyterian and presents the traditional Protestant view of observing the church calendar, while leaving room for Christian liberty. I think he presents a Biblical and balanced viewpoint of the observance of Christmas and other "holidays" our society observes.  I sincerely hope you will be blessed by his words of wisdom as you work through y

What on earth is going on at Covenant Seminary these days?

Covenant Seminary Dear Friends, I live in the St. Louis Metro Area and grew up in St. Louis County near Covenant Seminary. At one time I thought of Covenant Seminary as a bright light for the Gospel in St. Louis, but now it appears their bulb is growing a bit dim. Perhaps it is time to check and see if it's going out or just needs some adjusting. Please read this post by DG Hart posted at Old Life regarding a series of lectures on the Reformation scheduled for this fall: An academic institution where Protestants and Roman Catholics teach together sponsoring a conference about the Reformation is one thing, but a Presbyterian seminary holding a series of lectures on the Reformation that includes Roman Catholics and Protestants? That’s what’s happening at Covenant Theological Seminary this fall... --Excerpt from:  We Got This Not ( Old Life ) Take heed, lest your light goes out: Revelation, Chapter 2: 1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that hold

Additional thoughts on the Confederate Flag, War Between the States and Honoring Our Dead

By Angela Wittman   "Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." Ephesians 6:2,3 (AKJV) The following caption appears under the original image: Above is shown the last photograph ever taken of the remaining members of the famous Thomas Legion, composed of Cherokee Indians in the Confederate Army. The photograph was made in New Orleans at the time of the New Orleans Reunion of Confederate Veterans. The inscription on the banner, displayed in the photograph, is as follows: "Cherokee Veteran Indians of Thomas Legion. 69 N. C. Regiment. Suo-Noo-Kee Camp U. C. V. 4th Brigade, N. C. Division." Reading from left to right, those in the picture are: front row, 1 Young Deer; 2 unidentified; 3 Pheasant; 4 Chief David Reed; 5 Sevier Skitty; back row, 1 the Rev. Bird Saloneta; 2 Dickey Driver; 3 Lieut. Col. W. W. Stringfield of Waynesville; 4 Lieutenant Suatie Owl; 5 J