Category Archives: history

Good Friday Comes

Posted on by April 13, 2017

Jesus Christ developed a large following during his short three year ministry. Yes, he even had followers among members of the Sanhedrin. Just a few. Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and possibly a few others.

However, believing Christ’s teachings caused a serious conflict among the members of this Jewish Governing Body.

“ . . . among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him [Jesus], lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of man more than the praise of God.” (John 12: 42-43). read more

The Christian Founding Fathers

Posted on by April 11, 2017

This week’s commemoration of Good Friday and then Easter Sunday is an important milestone in the Christian Religion. It was honored by our Founding Fathers. Thomas Jefferson said that the “Wee Little Book” he created is “proof positive that I am a real Christian . . . .”

Benjamin Franklin’s “Project for Moral Perfection” had him working on his character to imitate the humility of Jesus. George Washington paid for his own seat or booth at the Christian Church in Alexandria which was close to Mount Vernon. read more

John Adams and the Revolution

Posted on by April 10, 2017

It doesn’t get much notice these days, but John Adams actually had quite a bit to do with our country becoming independent. One very interesting letter was written by Adams in support of William Hooper’s (William Hooper, who’s he?) preparation of a new written constitution for the State of North Carolina. This letter was later published by a Philadelphia printer. Here’s one sample paragraph:

“It has been the will of Heaven, that we should be thrown into existence at a period when the greatest philosophers and lawgivers of antiquity would have wished to live . . . . A period when a coincidence of circumstances without example has afforded to thirteen colonies at once an opportunity of beginning government anew from the foundation and building as they choose. How few of the human race have ever had an opportunity of choosing a system of government for themselves and their children? How few have ever had anything more of choice in government than in climate?” (“John Adams”, by David McCullough, page 102). read more

Benjamin Franklin and Sleep

Posted on by April 8, 2017

“Up, sluggard, and waste not life; in the grave will be sleeping enough” Benjamin Franklin. He also wrote: “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”

Studies today indicate we may be getting too little sleep rather than too much. A human may need as much as 10 hours of sleep a night. Today fewer are getting even the recommended 8 hours. Busy schedules don’t allow it.

Researchers tell us that sleep deprivation (getting less than at least 6 hours of sleep a night) can increase a person’s likelihood for infection, diabetes, heart disorders, weight trouble and even depression. read more

Posted on by April 7, 2017

After the Revolution America started off strong. With a new Constitution and President George Washington, this fledgling government was to become a world leader. Can it continue? Or as Benjamin Franklin advised: “We have a Republic—if you can keep it.”

George Washington reminded the citizens that it was up to them to build a prosperous and grand country. Americans had to decide for themselves according to Washington how to build on what they had achieved. “At this auspicious period, the United States came into being as a Nation . . . . and if their Citizens should not be free and happy, the fault will be entirely their own.” read more

Benjamin Franklin and Tranquility

Posted on by April 5, 2017

In Benjamin Franklin’s “Project for Moral Perfection”, character trait number 11 was “Tranquility.” He defined it as “Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.”

Ben didn’t let things bother him. He rarely even became disturbed when major problems were imminent. He knew that things would generally work out for the best.

He wrote to his friend Samuel Rhodes, about his defeat for re-election to the Assembly, on July 8, 1765: “The malice of our adversaries I am well acquainted with. But hitherto it has been harmless, all their arrows shot against us have been like those that Rabelais speaks of which were headed with butter hardened in the sun. As long as I have known the world I have observed that wrong is growing more wrong, till there is no bearing, and that right opposed, comes out right at last.” read more

The Founding Fathers and Kindness

Posted on by April 4, 2017

One of the virtues our Founding Fathers are known for, is Kindness. Thomas Jefferson was known to receive visitors to the President’s Mansion without prior announcement or request. He was always polite and gracious to his visitors.

George Washington likewise entertained drop-in guests at Mount Vernon and served them delicious meals and cheerful reunions.

Benjamin Franklin was always very diplomatic. He treated everyone like an equal.

Kindness can have its rewards. I’m reminded of a client I had in my 37 years of Estate Planning. This one divorced man was very quiet but polite in all situations. His name was Ray. On one visit he told me of a kind and respectful young cashier he had met at the local Safeway grocery store where he shopped weekly. He was divorced and wanted some specific bequests made in his small trust. He didn’t own much in the way of assets. read more

Benjamin Franklin and the Bible

Posted on by April 3, 2017

Benjamin Franklin told some of his closest associates that his favorite Book in the Bible, was the Book of Proverbs. That book is deemed by scholars to have been written by King Solomon. And Ben loved Solomon. You can tell by reading that Proverbs was even the source for some of Franklin’s adages and quotes in his “Poor Richard’s Almanac.”

Even so, some of Franklin’s favorite passages came from the Book of Kings. In this scripture the story is told of an angel of the Lord appearing to the boy, Solomon, and asking of him “What gift do you want to rule your country? Riches? Intelligence? Power?” Solomon’s simple answer was “give me the gift of an understanding heart to judge thy people.”
(1 Kings 3:12). read more

The American Flag

Posted on by April 2, 2017

The first official flag of the United States of America had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes—all in recognition of the original thirteen colonies that became states. Some historians write about how George Washington visited with Betsy Ross in Philadelphia to design the original Stars and Stripes.

That flag kept growing. When Vermont and Kentucky were made a part of the Union in 1791 and 1792, Congress officially altered the flag and added two more of each, amounting to 15 stars and stripes. read more