Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Battle of Bannockburn--Part 5 of 6



Declaration of Arbroath
After Bannockburn, the war continued.  Edward II convinced the Pope to excommunicate Robert de Bruce as a traitor to England.  In reply, the Scots sent the Declaration of Arbroath to the Pope.  It stated that Scotland was an independent country until Edward I treacherously attacked them.  They suffered under his ravages, but Robert de Bruce defeated the English and restored their freedom.  However, Robert de Bruce must not join the English, or his throne will be forfeited.
The Scottish nobles then bound themselves with this line: “…for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule.  It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom—for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.” 3. The Pope revoked the excommunication and the Declaration of Arbroath influenced our Declaration of Independence:
“…we commit the upholding of our cause to the Supreme King and Judge, entrusting our worries to Him and completely confident that He will fill us with courage and reduce our enemies to nothing.” (Declaration of Arbroath)
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” (Declaration of Independence)

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