Observations©
By Donald S. Conkey
Today, with the Spirit of Christmas amongst us, and while Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, God’s greatest gift to all mankind, let us celebrate another gift of God, America’s precious Bill of Rights. They were ratified 220 years ago today. This Christmas season, as we ponder the birth of Christ; let us also ponder his gift of freedom to America, its Bill of Rights. They are listed below. Ponder them.
Amendment # I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment # II: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment # III: No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment # IV: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment # V: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law, nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment # VI: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State or district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment # VII: In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment # VIII: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.
Amendment # IX: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment # X: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
There are only 482 words in these 10 amendments, but these inspired words literally changed the world. Most of the inspiration for these amendments came from “the perfect laws of liberty” the apostle James referenced in his epistle. Americans are among the few people who have lived on earth who have had the privilege of living under the protection of these protective rights. Historically, under Ruler’s Law, the king had the right to determine what the law was, and could change any law at will.
Now, today, there are powerful individuals and organizations who want to destroy these cherished rights. The battle is fierce, and will likely to get fiercer in the years ahead. Thus it is important that the people who love their freedoms become watchmen in the public square, and, as Jethro told Moses, choose “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” (Ex 18:21)
Jethro’s advice was good anciently, and is good advice today. Choose trustworthy leaders.