US: How to Welcome the French

In June of 1778 the British troops evacuated Philadelphia, and the colonial leaders came back to their capital city. The French had brought aid -- and there were 16 ships with 4,000 troops on the coast ready to come in and join the American forces in defeating the British.

As Congress re-convened they concentrated on how to welcome the French leader, Mons. Gerard.

Samuel Adams and Richard Henry Lee were appointed to "report to Congress on the time and manner of the public reception of Mons. Gerard, minister plenipotentiary Majesty of his most Christian majesty, the King of France." (plenipotentiary means that this ambassador represented the king and had been granted his full royal power and authority--the highest rank for an ambassador.)

There were several days of debate (remember the colonies were still at war but the importance of proper protocol for the "monarch" took their full attention!)

Finally the elaborate ritual was developed.

The French diplomat would bring his credentials to the President of Congress. Then he would wait for a formal audience with Congress. Two members of Congress would come, in a coach, belonging to the United States, to escort him to Congress. And then they...

shall return with the minister plenipotentiary, one Congressman giving the minister the right hand, and placing himself on his left, with the other Congressman on the front seat.

When the minister plenipotentiary is arrived at the door of the Congress hall, he shall be introduced to his chair by the two members who will stand at his left hand. Then the member first named shall present and announce him to the President and the house; whereupon he shall bow to the house and to the Congress, and they to him.

He and the President shall then again bow unto each other, and be seated, after which the house itself will sit down. Having spoken and being answered, the minister and the President shall bow to each other, at which time the house should bow, and then he shall be conducted home in the manner in which he was brought to the house.

(This congressional audience would make a good 'pop-up book').



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I'm just thinking about how we approach God, remembering John's reaction in Revelation 1 and Isaiah's in Isaiah 6.....we should be struck with awe and a fearful awareness of His power and glory. But there is another attitude also:

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so they we may receive receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.    Hebrews 4:16

Therefore there is no no condemnation for those who are in Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Christ Jesus; because through Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1

The Throne of Grace......This is how we approach our God...