Last Saturday thousands of runners finished the 2016 Cooper River Bridge Run. The 10k race takes participants over Shem Creek and then across the imposing Ravenel Bridge into Charleston. Runners cross the finish line on Meeting Street and are ushered into Marion Square for water, food, and a chance to relax and recover. Marion Square is a wonderful local park that honors the legendary man who fought for American freedom in the Revolutionary War.
Few men in 18th century America could equal the military record of Francis Marion. He conquered enemies at Black Mingo and Parker’s Ferry, burned Tory boats along the Santee, fought with William Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, eluded British capture for years, and inspired a nascent nation with optimism and heroism.
The Swamp Fox made an incalculable contribution to freedom in the Palmetto State. In 1795, his old comrade, Peter Horry, came to Pond Bluff to visit him for the last time. They talked of their military adventures long into the night. Not long after Horry’s visit Marion became sick and never recovered. Robert Bass records that with Mary Esther Marion weeping beside him in his final hours, Marion remained resolute and courageous. “My dear, do not weep for me. I am not afraid to die, for thank God, I can lay my hand upon my heart and say that since I came to man’s estate, I have never intentionally done wrong to any man.”
Marion died on February 27, 1795 at Pond Bluff and was buried in the family cemetery at Bell Isle.
In the book of Joshua, the author records the final words of another military leader before his death. For decades, Joshua led the people of Israel into battle against the people groups in Canaan. Under his leadership the people of Israel conquered many of the towns in Canaan and settled the land in obedience to God. Before his death, Joshua reminded the people to “put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel” (Joshua 24:23).
Today God wants his people to continue following the words of Joshua - forsake the idols of our culture and follow the Triune God.