America’s First Published Black Poet | The Conscience of the Nation
Phillis Wheatley, America’s First Published Black Poet
On Being Brought from Africa to America:‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
“Their colour is a diabolic die.”
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,
May be refin’d and join th’angelic train.
Phillis was loved by her family, the Wheatleys, and by all those who met her, not only for her amazing gift of poetry but also for her gentle and humble spirit. The Lord used her to write for friends who had lost loved ones. General George Washington wrote her a note of gratitude for a poem that she had written for him. The Countess of Huntingdon welcomed her to London then she was emancipated soon afterward. She married John Peters, a free black man from Boston in 1778, with whom she had three children.
What a testimony of God’s Supernatural Providence and her overcoming, brave spirit! Here is an excerpt from:
THOUGHTS ON THE WORKS OF PROVIDENCE
… Almighty, in these wondrous works of thine,
What Power, what Wisdom, and what Goodness shine!
And are thy wonders, Lord, by men explored,
And yet creating glory unadored?
Creation smiles in various beauty gay.
While day to night, and night succeeds to day:
That Wisdom which attends Jehovah’s ways,
Shines most conspicuous in the solar rays…
For His Glory!
A2S2C1 The “Conscience of the Nation”
“… and he [the President] shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” ~ A2S2C1
Iredell explained “Another power that he has is to grant pardons, except in the cases of impeachment… It may happen that many men, upon plausible pretenses, may be seduced into very dangerous measures against their country. They may aim, by an insurrection, to redress imaginary grievances, at the same time believing, upon false suggestions, that their exertions are necessary to save their country from destruction. Upon cool reflection, however, they possibly are convinced of their error, and clearly see through the treachery and villainy of their leaders. In the situation, if the President possessed the power of pardoning, they probably would throw themselves on the equity of the government, and the whole body be peaceably broken up. Thus, at a critical moment, the President might, perhaps, prevent a civil war. But if there was no authority to pardon, in that delicate exigency, what would be the consequence? The principle of self-preservation would prevent their parting. Would it not be natural for them to say, ‘We shall be punished if we disband… We will as well die in the field, as at the gallows.’”(1)
C.C. Pinkney clarifies in cases of impeachment that “No man, however great, is exempt from impeachment and trial. If the representatives of the people think he ought to be impeached and tried, the President cannot pardon him…”(2)
Father, we pray for President Trump to have Your heart and wisdom as he brings Rule of Law and Justice back to our nation. Let our leaders know who to pardon and who needs to be fully prosecuted. May every one in this nation Honor You once again, that we may have “No other king, but King Jesus!” In His Name, Amen.
(1) Elliot 4:110-12.
(2) Elliot 4:281.
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I have learned many of these quotes from The Making of America by Cleon Skousen. You may purchase it here.
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“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV
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