I like to read biographies, but my choice is rarely that of a politician. I happened across Lomask’s incredibly well researched first of two volumes on Aaron Burr, Vice-President under Thomas Jefferson’s administration, and mostly known for his duel with Alexander Hamilton in Weehawken, New Jersey. The book focuses on the years between 1756 and 1805, tumultuous ones to say the least, in the forming of a new republic.
As I read the book, I was astonished by the facts of complex political intrigue, conspiracies, and political stratagem of the founding fathers steeped in securing personal gain, power, and frequent outright greed. It is far from the romanticism portrayed in history textbooks we encountered in elementary and high school—heroic narratives of selfless courage in the face of colonial oppression on behalf of the ordinary citizen. It is an entirely different story that made my head spin, the same response upon reading close narratives of the likes of Washington and Lincoln.
We can certainly make allowances for the country’s newness, and that the guys at the helm were experimenting with never before tried concepts of law and order. Nevertheless, it was a time marked by divisiveness entrenched in party affiliations to secure government positions and power, much like what we are witnessing in government two centuries later. John Quincy Adams wrote in his memoirs, “The country is so totally given up to the spirit of party, that not to follow blindfold the one or the other is an inexpiable [incapable of atonement] offense.”
The moral compass of leaders at the time of the founding of our nation was not much different from today. Each had positive character traits and exhibited passion for the nation to succeed in its fledgling years, but to characterize them as moral giants or paragons of virtue is pure fantasy. It was not uncommon for politicos to engage in scandalous affairs both moral and financial, to manipulate the power of the press with libelous writings, and to engage in plotting that came dangerously close to sedition. It is the fate of all nations—none are free from the squabbling over power.
It is a wonder, and I would go so far as to say miraculous, that we have survived our turbulent past to create a nation that has the eyes of the world upon it. We are a nation born out of revolution. We are most unified in times of deep distress and attack. We lay down our passionate differences and personal emolument for a greater cause—survival. As a nation, are we at that place of needing to unite against a common enemy once more?
As I ponder this big question, I am drawn to the source of divine wisdom in Ecclesiastes, a billboard for the foibles of humanity. “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Eccles. 1:2b NASB) and “That which has been done is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So, there is nothing new under the sun” (Eccles. 1:9 NASB). History testifies to the truth of this statement, particularly when it repeats. This, I believe, is the power of the historical books of the Bible like 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. They reveal the character of flawed humanity, particularly in crisis, and the desperation for reliance on God for repentance, strength, direction, and restoration.
Our nation, our people, our way of life, and our freedoms are being challenged and our resolve is precarious amid the political voices regardless of party affiliations promising a new direction. Certainly more than ever in my lifetime, the future is at stake. What brings peace to the soul in times of unrest and gives us strength to endure with hope? If we lose hope, we are indeed finished. Our faith and hope cannot rest on the promises of humans, even those with good intentions, because they are subject to disappointment with the changing tides of events. We can, however, look to the rock of our salvation that gives us strength and assurance. We can stand on the immutable Word of the living God. We can seek His wisdom and direction to navigate the raging seas of a world that seems to have gone mad, with full confidence that He does not withhold any good thing from His children.
Ecclesiastes concludes with these words:
“But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writings of many books is endless, and the excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (Eccles. 12:9–14).
Copyright 2105 by Eva Benevento. All rights reserved.