I often gain inspiration and encouragement from reading the works of previous thinkers. Those, who in previous generations faced issues similar to ourselves and often addressed them. It does not surprise me that one figure that is often spoken ill of is John Knox. He faced the challenge of responding to tyranny running rampant in government and church. Many of his observations and comments speak to the time in which we live as well.

"Even so shall these tyrants, after their profound
counsels, long devices, and assured determinations, understand and know,
that the
hope of hypocrites shall be frustrated (Job 15:16-35); that a kingdom
begun with
tyranny and blood, can neither be stable nor permanent, but that the glory, the
riches, and maintainers of the same shall be as straw in the flame of
fire. Altogether
with a blast they shall be consumed in such sort, that their palaces shall
be a heap of
stones (Isa. 22); their congregations shall be desolate; and such as do
depend upon
their help shall fall into destruction and ignominy with them."

From this excerpt came the reassurance that kingdoms [or empires] begun with tyranny and blood are not stable or permanent. Given all the talk of  Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Obama, Newt Gingrich and others, there is a reassurance that whatever tyrannical structures such persons foist upon us, it will not last nor be stable.

Look at the extreme policies enacted by the Radical Republicans during reconstruction. Those policies were blatant tyranny. The carpetbaggers and scalawags had their day, but it did not last. Even today’s scalawag and carpetbag policies will not last. The main difference between old carpetbaggers and new carpetbaggers is the population they are out to plunder. The new carpetbaggers are out to fleece the country as a whole, not just Dixie. The problems faced by Dixie in reconstruction are the problems that the American people now face on a larger scale. The exploitations of the "Rock Central Rail Road" are not that different that the exploitations being conducted now through banks, industries, universities and others. Look at how the military complex has conducted experiments on unknowing civilians in the name of perfecting weapons and protecting freedoms.

For example, look at what UT is considering regarding the statues by removing a gift presented them by one of their greatest benefactors. Look at Rice University which was established to provide an education for the children of Texas, who could not afford it. A brief glance at the student population of Rice shows neither a majority of them being ‘children of Texas’ nor is the education it provides a gift for those who could not afford it. We have banks like Chase telling us that debt is freedom. Look at how the US Congress which has a SWORN duty to protect the Constitution and abide by it operate WAY beyond the powers it was given in that document.

In returning to the words of John Knox, what are the glories of the empire? Has the empire produced any noble statesmen? Noble writers that encourage us to strive for higher morals? Art that is beautiful to look at or buildings that inspire?  In most cases the answers to these questions yield few positive responses. The glories they have are self-glorifying mansions, fast horses (cars) that they did not produce, accumulation of the works from other countries and previous generations, because there are few noble products of their generation.

Just look around your communities. How many statues erected in the past 50 years have been good works of art that honor men and women worthy of emulation? In all likelihood there are few that do so. The dearth of such glories is a statement about modern culture and what it values.

John Knox courageously spoke out in his day. Let us hope that new John Knox’s, Robert Dabney’s and Charles Spurgeon’s rise and inspire a return to holiness. Let us hope that a new generation of Davy Crockett’s, Robert E. Lee’s, Nathan B. Forrests’, Patrick Cleburne’s and Hiram Ganburry’s rise to lead our Southern sons and daughter in this time.  Rather than live in fear, panicking at every move that the hired help in the Imperial City makes, demanding we jump through hoops like trained poodles, let us draw refreshment from those who have gone through such times before. Let us draw inspiration from Men whose words can give us hope and guidance through the times we face.

Ducit Amor Patraie-

Free Dixie, Not Iraq

JM

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