Dickinson was an American patriot, but one of a different sort.
Dickinson represented Pennsylvania in the Second Continental
Congress. Dickinson believed the colonies should become a sovereign
nation, but thought the method should be negotiation rather than
armed conflict. Dickinson opposed the Declaration of Independence and
when it was passed, he refused to sign it. He nevertheless displayed
great courage when he left the congress and enlisted in the
Continental Army even though he believed the armed cause was futile.
It
may have been that act that endeared him. When the revolution was
over he was revered in the political life of both Pennsylvania and
Delaware. He participated in writing both the Articles of
Confederation and the Constitution of the United States. What would
be the result in churches if church leaders who don’t get their own
way could be so dedicated to the church?
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J. Michael Shannon is professor of preaching at Cincinnati Bible College in Cincinnati, OH.
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