Righteous Heaven Approved the Solemn Appeal

Almost a year ago on October 24, 2014, I posted a blog regarding an "Appeal to Heaven."  You can read it again at this link: Appeal to Heaven

Last week as we were finishing up our vacation in New England, Kay and I journeyed to the site of the "first shots" of the American revolution at Lexington and Concord. One of the places I desired to visit was the Hancock-Clarke Home in Lexington. Most people bypass this significant location in Lexington.

Jonas Clarke (1730 – 1805), was an American clergyman and political leader who had a significant and passionate role in the American Revolution and in shaping the 1780 Massachusetts and the United States Constitutions.  His pulpit, like many others, was the site of rallying calls to freedom.

Hancock-Clarke House

Clarke graduated from Harvard College in 1752 and became the third pastor of the Church of Christ in Lexington, Massachusetts on May 19, 1755. He married Lucy Bowes. His wife's cousin was John Hancock. This home was first owned by Hancock's grandfather, the Rev. John Hancock Sr.  The Clarke home was the destination of Paul Revere's ride on April 18, 1775 since Samuel Adams and John Hancock were staying with Rev Clarke. These men were sought after by the British.

Massachusetts Tree Flag

As my wife Kay and I walked through the home, there was a strong sense of God's presence.  It was a home that was filled with the Lord and a family of twelve children. That residue lingered in the rooms. A close examination of the flag on the flagpole out front will reveal what is called the Massachusetts Tree Flag.  It was designed after the "Appeal to Heaven" flag with an evergreen tree in the top left field of white.

When we journeyed a few blocks away to Lexington Green where the first shots of the revolution were fired, we read the inscription on the monument dedicated to those who fell that day.

This is the entire inscription on the monument on the Lexington Green. After further research I discovered that the inscription was written by the Rev. Jonas Clarke, the predominant voice of liberty in Lexington. It was written 24 years after that day in Lexington and 16 years after the end of the war. Please note the "highlighted" phrase!

Sacred to Liberty & the Rights of mankind!!! 

The Freedom & Independence of America, Sealed & defended with the blood of her sons.

This Monument is erected 

By the inhabitants of Lexington

Under the patronage and at the expense of

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

To the memory of their Fellow Citizens,

Ensign ROBERT MUNROE, and Messrs. JONAS PARKER, SAMUEL HADLEY, JONATHAN

The Inscription

HARRINGTON, JR., ISAAC MUZZY, CALEB HARRINGTON AND JOHN BROWN, Of Lexington and ASAHEL PORTER of Woburn,

Who fell on this field, the first victims to the

Sword of British Tyranny and Oppression

On the morning of the ever memorable Nineteenth of April, An. Dom. 1775,

The Die was cast !!!

The Blood of these Martyrs

In the cause of their God and their Country

Was the Cement of the Union of these States, then Colonies, and gave the spring to the Spirit, Firmness And Resolution of their Fellow Citizens,

They rose as one man to Revenge their Brethren’s Blood, and at the Point of the Sword, to Assert

And defend their Native Rights,

They Nobly dar’d to be Free!!

The contest was long, Bloody and Affecting. 

Righteous Heaven Approved the Solemn Appeal 

Victory crowned their Arms; and

The Peace, Liberty, and Independence of the United States of America was their Glorious Reward.

Built in the year 1799.

The Evergreen Tree

The Spirit of the Lord moved over me as I read the inscription again: "Righteous Heaven Approved the Solemn Appeal." I called my wife Kay over to the monument to read it.  As she did, she declared to me: "Do you see what's next to it?"

The evergreen tree!  

Let's us boldly make our Appeal To Heaven in this hour. God will faithfully approve of our appeal as we bow before Him and trust in Him alone for our victory.