|
LAUS DEO
Two Simple Words. What do they mean?
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.
But 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, un-noticed 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, comprised of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean?
Very simply,
they say
Praise be to God!
[Laus is Praise be and Deo means 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 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, 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 never read it? Well now is your unique opportunity!
"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!
As you probably guessed, over 92 percent of Americans like the idea that our Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear when
one studies the history of our great nation, that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the
guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her
pivotal foundations.
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.
Though many try to disprove and reason, their arguments are weak and easily proven without basis. Their efforts will forever be in vain; God
assures us of that. Have you noticed as of late, how many more people are coming together, affirming the fact that this nation was, from the
beginning, built on God? Any nation that is not built upon God will fail.
The truth is . . . We have always been one nation under God!
Laus Deo! Praise be to God!
You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", it's location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget it's meaning, or
these words:
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builder's labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. (
Psalm 127: 1
)
Let us remember to do our part, through prayers and sacrifice, to be the watchmen who stand their guard.
- Author Unknown. Check out my recommended reading.
The Purpose of Your Life/Why on Earth am I here?
Christian Bible Church Directory of Websites
Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled
The Root of All Evil (Why do bad things happen to good people?)
Is there a Hell and who goes there?
To wash away your sin and mine,
Jesus shed His blood and died on the
Cross
We invite you to accept His
Amazing Grace
and so will Jesus accept You, just as You are!
Question 1:
Is there a "Separation of Church and State" in our Constitution?
The First Amendment:
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.
Some people want to eliminate all mention of GOD from public places based on "Separation of Church and State". Yet this phrase is NOT in the
Constitution.
Be sure to check out our Discussion Forum.
OR, maybe you would rather do
Wiki.
|
Question 2:
Why must a witness swear on THE BIBLE before giving testimony in a court of law?
Be sure to check out our Discussion Forum.
|
In The Declaration of Independence
"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands
which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the Powers of the earth, the separate and
equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the
opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
Question 3:
Does 'Creator' refer to 'GOD'?
Question 4:
Where is the 'Right' to Die written or given?
OR, maybe you would rather do
Wiki.
|
Call To Action:
Since I was given the book, The Purpose Driven Life, I wanted to find my Purpose.
This website is to express my sincere desire that we Christians UNITE for the one PURPOSE:
Spread THE Good News.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that
he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please e-mail to admin (at this website) 1-church.com.
|
|