SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO A NOBLE LADY
Pass over before the ark of the LORD
your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon
his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of
Israel: 6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask
their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? 7 Then
ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of
the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were
cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel
for ever. (Josh 4:5-7)
I watched with moistened eyes the
multitudes drawn up outside Buckingham Palace this morning to observe the
concluding ceremony of the Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. Every moment of
seeing her in years past, my heart has been moved with respect, admiration, and
love for this amazing monarch who has weathered so many hard struggles for
England and, yet, has remained untouched by personal scandal or royal impropriety.
She has exemplified the virtues of character and perseverance that typifies a
great Queen. Her service to England began long before her being crowned as
Queen. At the age of 14 years, she was making radio broadcast to the youth of
England to encourage, comfort, and fortify them against the threats of
destruction that sought to undermine a thousand or more years of culture and
enlightenment.
I remember her voice, from the moment
that I was first able to understand words, softly being transmitted across the
air waves of the BBC. It was sweet yet quite dignified then. She was thrust
suddenly upon the world stage as a young woman of twenty-five. She assumed the
mantle and never ceased to represent England splendidly. The Diamond Jubilee
concluded this morning made me reflect upon England and what this Great Nation
has meant from the very beginning to America. From England and her subjects we
gained a place in the sun among the nations of the world. Had there been no
England, there would have been no America as we know it. Instead, we may have
been Montreal South, or Guadalupe Norte. But English blood and money was
invested in her North American Colonies and made us a people worthy of the
investment. When we matured, we left the English parent and pursued the
establishment of a government whose principled Common Law was based on that
which England had given. I have even profited in my biblical understanding from
the great Reformers of England. They gave us the King James bible, the Book of
Common Prayer, and the thirty Nine Articles of Religion.
I was deeply moved at the display
of affection evoked by this Noble Lady as she stepped out onto the balcony of
Buckingham. For that one fleeting moment, England was reminded, and so were we
all, of the great heritage that has been entrusted to them from generations of
the dimly-lit past. The influence of the English people has been felt around
the world, and the sun still refuses to set on the Flag of Great Britain. The
affection displayed for the Noble Queen and her office reminds the people of
Great Britain that the seeds of greatest still lie in the hearts of the British
people. There may yet arise another Wilberforce, Disraeli, or Churchill to
inspire, not only England, but the world.
I know that I have taken a certain
license in expressing my affection for England's Queen, but the memories of her
resolute dignity and nobleness over more than a half century deserve
recognition for all who would love to see such qualities restored in public
offices in America. We barely can elect a president that can survive a mere
four years without scandal and shame, but England has a lady as its crown head
who has survived sixty years with an unblemished record. Amazing! The military
salute was rendered, the knees bowed, and the flags waved with prolific and
patriotic enthusiasm this morning in London. Should we not yearn to see this
legacy continued even if only in Great Britain? The quoted text above counsels
us to remember the means by which the Lord has saved us. He has used men and
women of great character and devotion often as his ministers for that
salvation. I found myself singing along with the multitudes this morning the
anthem for this great Lady, for today, I can claim her as my Queen as well:
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God Save the Queen
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God Save the Queen.
O Lord, our God, arise,
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall.
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix,
God save us all.
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour;
Long may she reign:
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save The Queen!
Perhaps
God will grant us the courage to call upon Him as publicly as the Brits to save
our nation and grant us a President of the same character of Queen Elizabeth II
of Great Britain.
