Laus Deo
Laus Deo
Tuesday, February 13, 2007 5:18 AM
What will they do with this one? Most Americans don’t know this one. I sure didn’t until my Father told me about it. I have had this article for many years and I have yet to find the author. If anyone knows who the author is, please let me know.
Enjoy and meditate. One will see why this country is in grave danger. Get on your knees and pray…
LAUS DEO
(Author Unknown)
One interesting fact that is rarely mentioned in Washington, D.C., is that no building can be of greater height than the Washington Monument and that on the aluminum cap, atop the monument, are displayed the two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they even exist, and for that matter, probably couldn’t care less.
Once you know Laus Deo’s history, I hope that you will share this with everyone you know. These words have been there for many years. The 5.125 inch high letters are located 555 feet in the air, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the true Father of our nation (and all nations), overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two, seemingly insignificant and mostly unnoticed words, out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they mean Praise be to God!
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation. Laus Deo …….Praise be to God!
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles L’Enfant, which forms a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape; the White House to the north, the Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east, and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about ‘separation of church and state?’
Yes, a cross; ‘separation of church and state’ was not, and is not, in the Constitution of the United States. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, this was intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.
Praise be to God! Within the monument, itself, are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings, the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia, quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16, and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848; deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy.
“One Nation, Under God.”
I am awed by Washington’s prayer for America. If you have never read it, now is your unique opportunity, so read on:
“Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.
“Laus Deo! When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation’s capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of Laus Deo, its location, or the architects, but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words:
“Unless the Lord builds the house
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.”
(Psalm 127: 1)
|