Asking God's blessings is a part of our history

Dear editor, Re: Dear PM, Leave God out of your speeches (letter to the editor from William Pomeroy Nov. 10). It is most imprudent-- even impudent-- to suggest that the Prime Minister should drop the phrase, "God bless Canada," from his speeches. Perhaps Mr. Pomeroy, you are not aware of the Christian heritage that birthed this nation? Let me enlighten you with a few examples. Like the United States, and Great Britain before us, Canada was formed through the vision and courage of men and women who believed God was moving in their time and circumstances to create a new nation for His own ends. Did you know that five of the eight leading Fathers of Confederation openly declared their conviction of this during the creation of the Dominion of Canada? Did you know that the name, Dominion of Canada, was suggested by Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley due to his personal Bible reading during the Confederation Conference in 1864? The term comes from Psalm 72 vs. 8, `He (that's God) shall have Dominion also from sea to sea." Moving into the 20th century, we see more modern day political decision-making also acknowledging the supremacy of God in both the national anthem and the Constitution. Every time you sing the anthem you pray, "God keep our land glorious and free." The Constitution declares that Canada is a nation under God. I think it is sad that you feel many Canadians don't know what it means to be blessed. I would beg to differ. Anyone with a TV or who reads a national paper can clearly see how the rest of the world lives and can know with certainty that, for some reason, Canada (and the U.S. and Europe) are indeed blessed by God. Do you suppose this could be because the governments of our countries are founded on biblical principles, or is this a huge fluke? The rest of the world knows we are blessed, too. Why else do you suppose so many people immigrate to the west and why others, when fleeing oppression, come here? Could it be, Mr. Pomeroy, that you are a little indifferent to most Canadian residents who do believe that there is a God? I applaud and encourage the Prime Minister, or any Canadian, to ask for God's blessing and help for this country. I'm sorry that you don't think God "worked" for you. All I know is that the first prayer He will listen to from anyone of us is, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." Did you try that one yet? Of course, you do have to mean it. M.E. Beardall, Acton