John Wise is one of those individuals who has been forgotten by history. A reverend at the Congregational Church in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Wise blazed a trial which the founding fathers of America emulated. Until yesterday, I never realized that the Declaration of Independence was based upon by a sermon series John Wise preached in 1687. These messages were inspired by a tax levied by royal Governor Andros without the representation of a legislative body. Wise was one of the first civil rights leader, going to jail for his opposition, a pioneer who used his pulpit to preach liberty and justice for all.
John Wise devoted his entire life to the ministry, serving from the time of his ordination to his death in 1725. Prior to his passing, Wise completed his most famous work, A Vindication of the Government of New England Churches in 1717. This compilation became a blue print that was adopted in 1776 during the Continental Congress, known as the Declaration of Independence. When reverend Wise spoke to his community, he didn’t see black, red or white skin. Rather, Wise developed an expression saying, “there are only 2 kinds of races, those who believe in God and those who don’t!” This is just a glimpse of the sermons of John Wise. These inspired words are simply Supernatural as DC Talk once sang.
There is much to learn from this second generation Pilgrim leader. First, a preacher should not be muzzled by the government. Church should be a place of refuge where worshipers can experience heaven on earth before going back into the world like disciples for the next 6 days. Second, the Bible is a blue print for life, liberty and the American way. Allowing atheists to silence the spiritual foundation of this country is like spitting the reverend Wise in the face. Finally, history is like a true National Treasure, full of mentors, stars and visionaries who have made America a great nation. Go to a local library today to examine diamonds in the rough, lost over the course of time, by a media ashamed of God. If you want to know more about John Wise, David Barton has written books about his impact on American History.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 