Here's something most of us do not know. This puts to rest the misguided
liberal concept of separation of church and state. The intent was to keep
government out of reliigon NOT to keep religion out of government.
SUBJECT: LAUS DEO - a wonderful bit of history.
One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington , DC 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 , DC , 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 city 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.
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.
a.. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore ;
b.. on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians;
c.. 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. 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 house 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.
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