Laus Deo
One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington , D.C. 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 ,
D.C. , 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.
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, 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.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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