Transcript

On May 19, 1780—in the anxious days of the American Revolution—darkness fell at noon. Bats flew. Chickens roosted. The day abruptly lost all sunlight and many believed the world was ending.

In the Connecticut state legislature, a motion was made to adjourn so that everyone could face the Day of Judgment as best he could. Then Senator Abraham Davenport stood and spoke, "The day of judgment is either approaching or not. If not, there is no need for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty."

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. After Davenport spoke, the candles came out and the meeting continued. Duty is an old word, but ever green. Most days, duty alone adds light . . . to the high calling of our daily work.

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

(1 Pet. 2:13-15)