An instrument pregnant with the fate of the world…
That’s how Jefferson described the Declaration of Independence.
The pen is mightier than the sword, but the sword spills the blood that flows from the pen.
Mr. Jefferson always kept his pen sharp and his inkwell filled with blood.
In 1826, on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration, Thomas Jefferson graduated from life school.
10 days earlier, on June 26th, he penned the last letter of his life.
His body failing, he declined an invitation to attend the Independence Day celebration, and gave these words…
“After half a century of experience and prosperity, our fellow citizens continue to approve the choice we made.
May it be to the world, what I believe it will be … the signal of arousing men to burst the chains … and to assume the blessings and security of self-government.
All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. …For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”
You have been given the blessing and security of self-government.
Everyday you wield the pen of choice to scribe your lifestory into the scroll of time.
Remember, the freedom that fills your pen was purchased at death’s door.
What will the letter of your life say?