August 7, 2008

• LAUS DEO

  
  

  I
  realize that some, if not all of you know the information contained
  here, but it is good that we are all reminded of it on occasion.
   
  

  One
  detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington , D.C. there can
  never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument .
  With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is
  worth a moment or two of your time.  I was not aware of this amazing
  historical information.

  On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., are displayed two words: Laus Deo.
  
  No
  one can see these words.  In fact, most visitors to the monument are
  totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably
  couldn't care less.

  
   
  Once you know Laus Deo's history
  , you will want to share this with everyone you know.  These words have
  been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high,
  perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation,
  overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia
  , capital of the United States of America
  
  Laus Deo!  Two
  seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might
  think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point
  over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in
  the world.
  
  So,
  what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and
  only seven letters, possibly mean?  Very simply, they say "Praise be to
  God!"
  
  Though
  construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was
  President of the United States , it was not until 1888 that the
  monument was inaugurated and opened to the public.  It took twenty-five
  years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our
  nation, Laus Deo. "Praise be to God!"

  From
  atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take
  in the beautiful panoramic view of the c ity with its division into
  four major segments.   From that vantage point, one can also easily see
  the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant... a perfect
  cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north.
   The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and
  the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
  
   
  A
  cross you ask?  Why a cross?  What about separation of church and
  state?  Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not,
  in the Constitution.  So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt,
  intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.

  Praise
  be to God!  Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings.
   As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones
  share a message.
   
  On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on
  the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the
  24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and
  Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke  18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!

  When the cornerstone of the
  Washington Monument was laid on July 4th,
  1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible
  presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God!  Such was the
  discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the
  founder and first President of our unique democracy "One Nation, Under
  God."

   I
  am awed by Washington 's prayer for America    Have you ever read it? Well, now is your
  unique opportunity, so read on!

  "Almighty
  God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States
  in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the
  citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to
  government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one
  another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.
  And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all
  to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that
  charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the
  characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and
  without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can
  never hope to be a happy nation.  Grant our supplication, we beseech
  Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen."
   Laus Deo!
  
   
  When
  one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over
  our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God,
  as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the
  width and height of "Laus Deo ", its location, or the architects but no
  one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words:
  "Unless the Lord builds the h ouse its builders labor in vain.  Unless
  the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
   (Psalm 127: 1)
  
  It
  is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister,
  brother, father, mother or friend.  They will not find offense, because
  you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never
  learned in school.  With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity
  on those who will never see this because someone failed to send it on.
   
  "Do not ask GOD to Guide your Footsteps if you are not willing to MOVE your Feet"

  
  

  • 10:36 am
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