THE PRICE OF FREEDOM
	
Recently, I received several e-mail copies of an article about the men who signed the 
Declaration of Independence.  Since we celebrate Independence Day this week, it 
seemed appropriate to share some of the thoughts from that article.
	
Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence.  Have you ever wondered about 
the danger and risk these men took?  While we know them as the "founding fathers," 
England saw them as traitors and rebels.  Their courage and willingness to sacrifice life, 
family and property was the price paid for our freedom.  Here's just a little of their story:
	
Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and died, after having been tortured, as 
traitors.  Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.  Two lost their sons while 
serving in the Revolutionary Army and another signer had two sons captured by the 
British.
	
Nine of the 56 fought and died either from wounds or hardships caused by the war.  
Carter Braxton of Virginia, who had been a wealthy trader, saw his ships captured by 
the British.  He was forced to sell his home and properties to pay off his debts and he 
died in poverty.  Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to 
move his family constantly.  He served, without pay, in Congress and he eventually lost 
everything.  Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroy and his wife captured.  
She died a few months later.
	
I wonder if the men who signed this famous document knew just how true the last 
sentence would prove to be, "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on 
the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our 
fortunes, and our sacred honor."
	
We Christians, too, are involved in a mighty conflict.  We, too, have declared our 
freedom from sin's tyranny.  We, too, must be willing to sacrifice all for the banner of the 
cross!  Let's never forget that freedom always come with a price—in our case, the 
precious blood of Jesus.


Leslie S. Chapman