Letter III

“Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” – Henry David Thoreau

Dear Untold Story,

I am embarking on a journey for truth.

There is great freedom to be found in truth. Truth is reality, as defined in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language; to which I add, liberty is our truth, fellow Untold Story. It is as much our right as life itself.

The heritage of the United States of America was founded on the truth that each human has the God-given right to liberty. Consider the words in an essay posted in Benjamin Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette: “Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belong to us by the laws of God and nature.”

In the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers clearly state the truth of liberty when they list it as one of the certain inalienable rights of which we have been endowed. Inalienable is defined as “incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred to another” by the American Heritage Dictionary.

“The cause of America is in great measure the cause of all mankind.” Thomas Paine explained in his book Common Sense. Less government – its only real purpose for providing security – and more freedom for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Truth can be found by learning what came before, during, and after the defining events that are at the foundation of this great nation. Truth can also be found in the works that grounded our Founding Fathers, such as the Bible. The principles derived from this great book, now seemingly all but forgotten, played an intrinsic role in our founding documents. It is worthy of our time.

“Of the many influences that have shaped the United States of America into a distinctive Nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible… The Bible and its teachings helped form the basis for the Founding Fathers’ abiding belief in the inalienable rights of the individual, rights which they found implicit in the Bible’s teachings of the inherent worth and dignity of each individual.” Ronald Regan reminded us when he proclaimed 1983 as “The Year of the Bible.”

But that we could weave one small thread of truth to strengthen the frail tapestry of precious liberty! There is such good in truth, such good in liberty, Untold Story; yet it can be so difficult to strive for, and requires so much sacrifice to uphold.

I have realized some view truth as the enemy, and liberty a thing to be conquered and overpowered. It is for this very reason our Founding Fathers said, “liberty must, at all hazards, be supported.” Otherwise, she is a truth most pure in the hands of a mendacious man.

Men inherently love power; therefore, if Lady Liberty is not guarded and cared for, she will not be there to bring prosperity to our posterity.

“Those who expect to reap the blessing of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it.” Thomas Paine said bluntly.

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased with in chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” Patrick Henry so passionately uttered these stirring words.

If there was not truth in liberty, would so many have felt the need to cast off the chains of slavery to a tyrannical king for the “animated contest of freedom,” as Samuel Adams said?

In the confusing and intimidating shadows of the darkest night, we must bravely light our candle and seek truth. The task ahead may seem frighteningly daunting – it is something so much greater than us! Yet we must find it; we must share it. The truth of our birthright must prevail.

For Liberty!

J. R. Brierley