The eclipse that occurred this morning was not a Total Eclipse, but an Annular Eclipse which is visible somewhere in the world every year or so. This year, the maximum viewing point happened to be dead center over the Pacific Ocean so the eclipse was only partially visible in places like East Asia and the Western United States. The sky didn’t grow dark and the blockage of sunlight was hardly visible over the landscape, but still, it was great fun to experience and take pictures of even though it was impossible to actually see the eclipse due to the bright, mid-morning sun.

Pray for Israel, as her people remember the past and as the leaders of the nation make decisions for the future that will affect you and I.

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For one thing it was the year of the Titanic. Today marks the 100th year anniversary of its propitious launch. Who could have guessed what would happen four days later? It has been said that no historical subjects have attracted such long-lived popularity as the first coming of Jesus Christ, the American Civil War, and the classic tragedy of the Titanic.

1912 was also the year that our 47th and 48th states were admitted to the Union: Arizona and New Mexico.

But in our town, it was the year of the new depot. Built by the railroad for the people of the town who knew how much it meant to make a good first impression on the many travelers riding the B&O, the handsome building has stood the test of time and been a part of the city’s Apple Butter Festival every year. Aside from roof damage due to a very unfortunate fire, it retains the air of respectable architecture and has been kept up by the faithful efforts of Jim Helmick, Bill Price and others. It can be seen from the North Bend Rail-Trail that runs the 70 miles from Clarksburg to Parkersburg. As boys, Michael, Robert and I spent a lot of time riding this section of the trail on our bikes and I can still remember the trains that used to pass our grandparents’ house that way.

In commemoration of the centennial, and the heritage the town has associated with it, we are glad to present a Christmas ornament featuring a fine line drawing of the building in red, circled with a wreath of green on a white background. Ornaments are lightweight and shatterproof. They are available throughout the year this year. In the summer and fall we will hope to have the bulbs present at several Fort New Salem events where I would be happy to sign one for you on the reverse. Long distance orders may be made through the Staddon Family online store under the category of Home Accents (see the tab above).

Just as we would do well to remember the Alamo or the Titanic and those who rose to the occasion at those times, we will neither forget nor underestimate the important part small towns have played and continue to play in the growth and heritage of a great nation.

One of my favorite chapters was the account of Mitsuo Fuchida whose life was supernaturally spared time after time. Even after advancing to lead the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Lord did a miraculous work on his heart. He became a born again believer and eventually toured the world to share Christ, along with–believe it or not, Jacob DeShazer–a pilot from among the Doolittle Raiders who swung the revenge attack for Pearl Harbor.

Paul Taylor, an associate of Fuchida during his time in Hamburg, 1961, described him in a letter to the author of the book, saying:

[Mitsuo Fuchida] was serenely without fear. Prisoners would pay careful attention when a man with Fuchida’s credentials stood to speak. He had a charming and friendly disposition . .. the grace of God had so obviously won his heart. . . .  I remember him above all for his passionate love for Christ. He was manifestly devoted to making Jesus Christ known as often as he could, and to whoever would listen.

However the Lord may have brought about our personal testimonies of salvation, may we be just as ready to share the power of the gospel today as the heroes of the past.

Ah, my son, if you have no soul to save,—no sins to be forgiven, if Christ did not die for you,—if there is no Heaven, ho hell, no immortality,—then you may live without repentance and salvation. But you have a soul—you are a sinner—Christ shed His blood for you—you are immortal, and destined to the joys of Heaven or the woes of perdition, and therefore, religion is your supreme necessity. You have motives to piety, not only as a man, but as a soldier. Of  all men the soldier has the greater need of piety. . . .

Piety will not make you effeminate or cowardly. Some of the bravest soldiers of the world have been humble Christians. Cromwell, Gardiner and Havelock, thunderbolts of war, were as devout as they were heroic. Our own illustrious Washington maintained the claims of Christianity, amid the demoralizing influences of the Revolution, with a zeal corresponding with the heroism with which he fought the battles of our independence. Why should not the Christian be courageous? He has less cause to love life or dread death than other men. In the path of duty he has nothing to fear. Life and death may be equally pleasing to him. The apostle Paul, in the prospect of martyrdom, could say: “I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better,—nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

And now, my dear soldier boy, I must take leave of you. Remember that you have a large share in my love, my sympathies, and my prayers. By day and by night, you are in my thoughts: and often the unbidden tear flows down my cheek when I think of your sufferings and dangers. Let me have joy of you, my son, and I can have no greater joy than to hear that you are doing your duty—your whole duty—to your country and to God. . . .

Well, a study of the twelve constellations won’t foretell your fortune but it will fan the flames of your faith.

The names of the stars in Egyptian, Arabic and Syriac, as well as Hebrew give clues to what the original meaning of those “signs” were. Cancer, for instance, “the crab”, has an original meaning of “to hold close”, “to keep”. Originally it was not a crab at all but a type of sheepfold or inn where wanderers would find safe haven. By the way, since the star cluster at the center of cancer can mean “a manger” I wonder if it might be the first constellation to open the gospel story, followed by Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah picturing the prophecies that preceded Christ’s birth—If so, the constellations would begin their saga at the beginning of the Hebrew year in March or April—But for simplicity’s sake let me follow this outline as it is in the book I am referencing: God’s Voice in the Stars. For every observer they weave a beautiful and timeless story.

This story is for you.

• Virgo
  tells how Christ came to us as the Incarnate Son of God
• Libra
  tells how Christ was worthy to pay the balance of our sin debt
• Scorpio
  tells how Christ suffered in the mortal conflict for the crown
• Sagittarius (coming up in August!)
  tells how Christ “hit the mark” as conqueror
• Capricornus (along with Delphinus)
  tells how Christ brought life out of death
• Aquarius (along with Pegasus)
  tells how Christ will bring satisfaction and blessing
• Pisces
  tells how Christ brings liberation to the captive
• Aries
  tells how Christ brings glory out of humiliation
  Note: the sun gradually made its course through Aries, the Lamb, between the first Passover and the Crucifixion
• Taurus
  tells how Christ will come as Judge
• Gemini
  tells how Christ will come as King
• Cancer (along with Ursa Major and Ursa Minor)
  tells how Christ will bring eternal safety to His own
• Leo
  tells how Christ will bring eternal justice to His enemies

There it is, the story of the ages: written across the sky, un-aged by time, un-erased by a terrestrial tide of change. It can hardly be condensed in a post! They each reach their zenith in a Person: Christ.

• 11 had their homes destroyed
• 5 were hunted and captured
• Abraham Clark had two sons imprisoned on the British starving ship Jersey
• John Witherspoon’s son was killed in battle
• Francis Lewis’ wife was imprisoned and died from the harsh treatment
• Many, such as Thomas Nelson and Carter Braxton, lost their fortunes
• 9 died during the War.

After the Declaration was signed, John Adams wrote:

“You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.
“Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means.
“And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

~

With equal veneration we are reminded of another One whose blood alone authoritatively signed our independence from the dictates of sin:

“Christ also suffered for us . . .
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered He threatened not; . . . Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree; that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye were healed” (I Peter 2:21, 23, 24).

~

Facts and quote taken from Bill Federer’s American Minute

I turned to see a smoking cannon. I was shocked. We were standing by a field witnessing the reenactment of a Civil War Battle for the 150th commemoration of the War’s beginning. It was also in the spring that West Virginia became a State 148 years ago.

With white tents dotted across the hillsides and smoking wood fires interspersed among them, it felt exactly like we had gone back to the time of the Civil War. The realistic-looking tents were also waterproof, which allowed the reenactors to actually camp for the three days of the event. Wood was split and stacked by the tents. Horses came and went among the regiments. Cannons were positioned on the surrounding hill. The reenactors not only impersonated the generals and captains but doctors and nurses, blacksmiths, tailors and spies. Every uniform was made with historical accuracy in mind. It was amazing!

They used the uniforms and equipment of the soldiers on the battlefield and the day-to-day work clothes worn in the camp. For example, the  blacksmith, hammering at the forge wore a loose long-sleeved white  shirt. Hoop skirts were everywhere. And hats varied from Abe Lincoln’s top hat to the little forward-facing felt kepis and bummers for the soldiers.

One interesting thing to learn was about the saber. Infantry men carried sharp swords and bayonets for hand-to-hand combat. The cavalry on the other hand were armed with heavy sabers. Saber are not even sharp! They were used to disable opponents on the ground with a direct downward stroke on the collarbone.

The most memorable part of the day was meeting the men who impersonated Jackson, Lincoln and Lee. They looked just like real. We also met a friendly officer by the name of “Extra Billy Smith”. He  impersonated a stagecoach owner and he told us the story of how he got his name, as well as letting us try on his uniform. Each person was knowledgeable—they left no question unanswered. They were friendly  and it was evident they enjoyed their role. It was a great learning experience and fun day together.