Thanksgiving Historical Proclamations and Prayers Of America's Founding Fathers
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Nov 25, 2009, 10:41:09 PM11/25/09
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Thanksgiving Historical Proclamations and Prayers Of America's
Founding Fathers
FOR READING ALOUD AT CHRISTIAN THANKSGIVING GATHERINGS IN AMERICA 2009
FROM the Continental Congress November 1, 1777 national Thanksgiving
Day Proclamation, 17 months after the signing of the Declaration of
Independence while the nation was at war with England (See the whole
text below at SOURCES):
"Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the
superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with
gratitude their obligation to him for benefits received, and to
implore such farther blessings as they stand in need of; and it having
pleased him in his abundant mercy not only to continue to us the
innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also smile upon us
in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defense and
establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties; . . ."
"It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of
these United States, to set apart Thursday, the 18th day of December
next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart and one
voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their
hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine
benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and
offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold
sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor, and their humble and
earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of
Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance;
that it may please him graciously to afford his blessings on the
governments of these states respectively, . . . with that wisdom and
fortitude which may render them fit instruments, under the providence
of Almighty God, to secure for these United States the greatest of all
blessings, independence and peace; . . . and to prosper the means of
religion for the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which
consisteth in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."
From the Thanksgiving Proclamation of George Washington, the PRESIDENT
of the United States Of America, October 14, 1789 (See the whole text
below at SOURCES):
"WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence
of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits,
and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both
Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to
recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK
THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful
hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God.
"NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH
DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to
the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent
author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may
then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for
His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to
their becoming a nation; . . . for the civil and religious liberty
with which we are blessed; . . .-- and, in general, for all the great
and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
"And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers
and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech
Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; . . . to promote
the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, . . ; and,
generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal
prosperity as he alone knows to be best."
George Washington's Sunday Evening Prayer, from his journal in part:
"Let me live according to those holy rules which thou hast this day
prescribed in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy
holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy sight, and
therein to delight, open the eyes of my understanding, and help me
thoroughly to examine myself concerning my knowledge, faith and
repentance, increase my faith, and direct me to the true object Jesus
Christ the way, the truth and the life, bless O Lord, all the people
of this land, from the highest to the lowest, particularly those whom
thou has appointed to rule over us in church & state. continue thy
goodness to me this night. These weak petitions I humbly implore thee
to hear accept and ans. for the sake of thy Dear Son Jesus Christ our
Lord, Amen."
==================SOURCES======================
Continental Congress - 11/01/1777
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=3847
This is the text of the Continental Congress November 1, 1777 national
Thanksgiving Day Proclamation; as printed in the Journals of Congress.
The Bold print and underline is from me for emphasis.
Saturday, November 1, 1777
The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several
states, to set apart a day of public thanksgiving, brought in a
report; which was taken into consideration, and agreed to as follows:
Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the
superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with
gratitude their obligation to him for benefits received, and to
implore such farther blessings as they stand in need of; and it having
pleased him in his abundant mercy not only to continue to us the
innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also smile upon us
in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defense and
establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties; particularly in
that he hath been pleased in so great a measure to prosper the means
used for the support of our troops and to crown our arms with most
signal success:
It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of
these United States, to set apart Thursday, the 18th day of December
next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart and one
voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their
hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine
benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and
offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold
sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor, and their humble and
earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of
Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance;
that it may please him graciously to afford his blessings on the
governments of these states respectively, and prosper the public
council of the whole; to inspire our commanders both by land and sea,
and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude which may render
them fit instruments, under the providence of Almighty God, to secure
for these United States the greatest of all blessings, independence
and peace; that it may please him to prosper the trade and
manufactures of the people and the labor of the husbandman, that our
land may yield its increase; to take schools and seminaries of
education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true
liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurturing hand, and to prosper
the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of that
kingdom which consisteth in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy
Ghost.
And it is further recommended, that servile labor, and such recreation
as, though at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the purpose of
this appointment, be omitted on so solemn an occasion.
------------------------------------
General Thanksgiving
http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/firsts/thanksgiving/thankstext.html
The Bold print and underline is from me for emphasis.
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America, October 14, 1789
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of
Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and
humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses
of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend
to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and
PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many
and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an
opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their
safety and happiness:"
NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH
DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to
the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent
author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may
then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for
His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to
their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the
favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and
conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility,
union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and
rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish
Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and
particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and
religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of
acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all
the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon
us.
And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers
and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech
Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us
all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several
and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National
Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a
Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and
faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns
and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to
bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the
knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase
of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind
such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of
October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and
eighty-nine.
(signed) G. Washington
Source: The Massachusetts Centinel, Wednesday, October 14, 1789
==============================================
George Washington's private and personal prayer:
George Washington's Prayer Journal
http://personal.pitnet.net/primarysources/george.html
Sunday Evening:
Let me live according to those holy rules which thou hast this day
prescribed in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy
holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy sight, and
therein to delight, open the eyes of my understanding, and help me
thoroughly to examine myself concerning my knowledge, faith and
repentance, increase my faith, and direct me to the true object Jesus
Christ the way, the truth and the life, bless O Lord, all the people
of this land, from the highest to the lowest, particularly those whom
thou has appointed to rule over us in church & state. continue thy
goodness to me this night. These weak petitions I humbly implore thee
to hear accept and ans. for the sake of thy Dear Son Jesus Christ our
Lord, Amen.
==================================================
GEORGE WASHINGTON was not alone in His faith and reliance on the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consider the signers of the
Declaration of Independence, many of whom lived to hear and support
this Thanksgiving Declaration:
The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
Bolds and underlines are mine.
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one
people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with
another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and
equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle
them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they
should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of
Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted
among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the
governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive
of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish
it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such
principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall
seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
SNIP
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in
General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the
world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by
Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and
declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free
and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to
the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and
the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and
that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War,
conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all
other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And
for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the
protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our
Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
http://churchvstate.blogspot.com/2007/10/signers-of-declaration-of-independence.html
and
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?cat=HD
The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions
indicated:
Column 1
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett - an Episcopalian and a Congregationalist.
Lyman Hall - a Congregationalist and served as a minister in
Connecticut.
George Walton - an Episcopalian
Column 2
North Carolina:
William Hooper - an Episcopalian, and trained at Harvard as a
minister.
Joseph Hewes - a Quaker and an Episcopalian
John Penn - Episcopalian
South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge - an Anglican
Thomas Heyward, Jr. - Episcopalian
Thomas Lynch, Jr. - Episcopalian
Arthur Middleton - Episcopalian
Column 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock - a Congregationalist. See >7 below
Maryland:
Samuel Chase - an Episcopalian
William Paca - an Episcopalian and a consistent Christian
Thomas Stone - Episcopalian.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton - Roman Catholic. See >4 below
Virginia:
George Wythe - Episcopalian
Richard Henry Lee - an Anglican and known as a sincere Christian
Thomas Jefferson - a Deist`` See >10 below
Benjamin Harrison - Episcopalian
Thomas Nelson, Jr. - Episcopalian
Francis Lightfoot Lee - an Anglican and a devout Christian.
Carter Braxton - Episcopalian
Column 4
Pennsylvania (See Jesus in the 1776 Pennsylvania Constitution below*):
Robert Morris - Episcopalian
Benjamin Rush - a Presbyterian. He was founder and manager of
the Philadelphia Bible
Society . See >13 below
Benjamin Franklin - Supported the Pennsylvania Declaration of
faith*
See >5 below
John Morton - Episcopalian
George Clymer - a Quaker and an Episcopalian
James Smith - a Presbyterian
George Taylor - a Presbyterian
James Wilson
George Ross - an Anglican
Delaware (See Jesus in the 1776 Delaware Constitution below~):
Caesar Rodney - Episcopalian
George Read - Episcopalian
Thomas McKean - Presbyterian. See >11 below
Column 5
New York:
William Floyd - Presbyterian
Philip Livingston - a Presbyterian and a member of an eminent
Christian family
Francis Lewis - Episcopalian
Lewis Morris - Episcopalian
New Jersey:
Richard Stockton - a Presbyterian. See >15 below
John Witherspoon - a Presbyterian. See >16 below
Francis Hopkinson - an Episcopalian
John Hart - a Presbyterian. See >8 below
Abraham Clark - a Presbyterian
Column 6
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett - Congregationalis. See >3 below.
William Whipple
Massachusetts (See Jesus in the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution
below):
Samuel Adams - Congregationalist. See >2 below
John Adams - Congregationalist and later a Unitarian. See >1 below
Robert Treat Paine - Paine left Calvinism to become a Unitarian.
He served as a military
chaplain. See >12 below
Elbridge Gerry - an Episcopalian
Rhode Island (See Jesus in the 1842 Rhode Island Constitution below)^:
Stephen Hopkins - a Quaker
William Ellery - a Congregationalist and a devout Christian
Connecticut:
Roger Sherman - See >14 below
Samuel Huntington - a Congregationalist. See >9 below
William Williams - a Congregationalist and a devout Christian
Oliver Wolcott - a Congregationalist and a devout Christian. See
>17
New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton - a Presbyterian Church and a devout Christian.
>>>>Historical Details & Examples of These Christians in Government<<<
~Constitution of the State of Delaware, Sept. 21, 1776~
“Article XXII. Every person who shall be chosen a
member of either house, or appointed to any office of
trust, before taking his seat, or entering upon the
execution of his office, shall take the following
oath, or affirmation, if conscientiously scrupulous of
taking an oath, to wit:
“I, _._. will bear true allegiance to the Delaware
State, submit to its constitution and laws, and do no
act wittingly whereby the freedom thereof may be
prejudiced.
~And also make and subscribe the following declaration,~
to wit:
“I, _._. do profess faith in God the Father, and in
Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one
God, blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the
holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be
given by divine inspiration.”
===========================
*Pennsylvania Constitution, Sept. 28, 1776*<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
II. That all men have a natural and unalienable right
to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of
their own consciences and understanding: And that no
man ought or of right can be compelled to attend any
religious worship, or erect or support any place of
worship, or maintain any ministry, contrary to, or
against his own free will and consent: Nor can any
man, who acknowledges the being of a God, be justly
deprived or abridged of any civil right as a citizen,
on account of his religious sentiments or peculiar
mode of religious worship: And that no authority can
or ought to be vested in, or assumed by any power
whatever, that shall in any case interfere with, or in
any manner controul, the right of conscience in the
free exercise of religious worship.
*Section 10. “…And each member, before he takes his
seat, shall make and subscribe the following
declaration, viz:
I do believe in one God, the creator and governor of
the universe, the rewarder of the good and the
punisher of the wicked. And I do acknowledge the
Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by
Divine inspiration.
And no further or religious test shall ever hereafter
be required of any civil officer or magistrate in this
State.”
==============================
^Constitution of the State of Rhode Island, 1842^
“We the people of the State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations, grateful to Almighty God for
the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long
permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a
blessing upon our endeavors to secure and to transmit
the same unimpaired to succeeding generation, do
ordain and establish this constitution.”
===============================
+Constitution of the State of Massachusetts, 1780+
“The governor shall be chosen annually; and no person
shall be eligible to this office, unless, at the same
time of his election… he shall declare himself to be
of the Christian religion.”
Chapter VI, Article I [All person elected to State
office or to the Legislature must] make and subscribe
the following declaration, viz. “I _____, do declare,
that I believe the Christian religion, and have firm
persuasion of its truth.”
Part I, Article II “It is the right, as well as the
duty, of all men in society, publicly, and at stated
seasons, to worship the Supreme Being, the Great
Creator and Preserver of the Universe. And no subject
shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person,
liberty or estate, for worshipping God in the manner
and seasons, most agreeable to the dictates of his own
conscience.”
======================
``Deists believe in the existence of a supreme being, specifically of
a creator who does not intervene in the universe, and accept the
existence of a creator on the basis of reason, but rejected belief in
a supernatural deity, like the supernatural Jesus, who interacts with
humankind. They believed that Jesus was just a very good and great
teacher.
===========================
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755
>1. John Adams
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; JUDGE; DIPLOMAT; ONE OF TWO
SIGNERS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; SECOND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were
the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then
believed, and now believe, that those general principles of
Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and
attributes of God. 1
[1.Thomas Jefferson, The Writings of Thomas Jefferson (Washington D.
C.: The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association, 1904), Vol. XIII, p.
292-294. In a letter from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson on June 28,
1813.]
John Quincy Adams [Son of John Adams]
SIXTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES; DIPLOMAT; SECRETARY OF STATE; U.
S. SENATOR; U. S. REPRESENTATIVE; “OLD MAN ELOQUENT”; “HELL-HOUND OF
ABOLITION”
My hopes of a future life are all founded upon the Gospel of Christ
and I cannot cavil or quibble away [evade or object to]. . . . the
whole tenor of His conduct by which He sometimes positively asserted
and at others countenances [permits] His disciples in asserting that
He was God.7
[7. John Adams and John Quincy Adams, The Selected Writings of John
and John Quincy Adams, Adrienne Koch and William Peden, editors (New
York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1946), p. 292, John Quincy Adams to John Adams,
January 3, 1817.]
===================
>2. Samuel Adams
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; “FATHER OF THE AMERICAN
REVOLUTION”; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF
MASSACHUSETTS
I . . . [rely] upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my
sins.10
The name of the Lord (says the Scripture) is a strong tower; thither
the righteous flee and are safe [Proverbs 18:10]. Let us secure His
favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at
length receive us to a better.11
[10. From the Last Will & Testament of Samuel Adams, attested December
29, 1790; see also Samuel Adams, Life & Public Services of Samuel
Adams, William V. Wells, editor (Boston: Little, Brown & Co, 1865),
Vol. III, p. 379, Last Will and Testament of Samuel Adams.
11. Letters of Delegates to Congress: August 16, 1776-December 31,
1776, Paul H. Smith, editor (Washington DC: Library of Congress,
1979), Vol. 5, pp. 669-670, Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams on
December 26, 1776.]
=================
>3. Josiah Bartlett
MILITARY OFFICER; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; JUDGE;
GOVERNOR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Called on the people of New Hampshire . . . to confess before God
their aggravated transgressions and to implore His pardon and
forgiveness through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ . . . [t]
hat the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be made known to
all nations, pure and undefiled religion universally prevail, and the
earth be fill with the glory of the Lord.16
[16. Josiah Bartlett, Proclamation for a Day of Fasting and Prayer,
March 17, 1792.]
==================
>4. Charles Carroll
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; SELECTED AS DELEGATE TO THE
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; U. S. SENATOR
On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for salvation and on His merits,
not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.22
Grateful to Almighty God for the blessings which, through Jesus Christ
Our Lord, He had conferred on my beloved country in her emancipation
and on myself in permitting me, under circumstances of mercy, to live
to the age of 89 years, and to survive the fiftieth year of
independence, adopted by Congress on the 4th of July 1776, which I
originally subscribed on the 2d day of August of the same year and of
which I am now the last surviving signer.23
[22. From an autograph letter in our possession written by Charles
Carroll to Charles W. Wharton, Esq., September 27, 1825.
23. Lewis A. Leonard, Life of Charles Carroll of Carrollton (New York:
Moffit, Yard & Co, 1918), pp. 256-257.]
===================
>5. Benjamin Franklin
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION; DIPLOMAT; PRINTER; SCIENTIST; SIGNER OF THE
CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA
As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I
think the system of morals and His religion as He left them to us, the
best the world ever saw or is likely to see. 30
[30. Benjamin Franklin, Works of Benjamin Franklin, John Bigelow,
editor (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904), p. 185, to Ezra Stiles,
March 9, 1790.]
====================
>6. Elbridge Gerry
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; MEMBER OF THE
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS, GOVERNOR OF
MASSACHUSETTS, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
He called on the State of Massachusetts to pray that . . .
with one heart and voice we may prostrate ourselves at the throne of
heavenly grace and present to our Great Benefactor sincere and
unfeigned thanks for His infinite goodness and mercy towards us from
our birth to the present moment for having above all things
illuminated us by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, presenting to our view
the happy prospect of a blessed immortality. 32
[32. Elbridge Gerry, Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving and
Praise, October 24, 1810, from a proclamation in our possession, EAI
#20675.]
===============
>7. John Hancock
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS;
REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS
Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order
and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every
measure for their support and encouragement.38
He called on the entire state to pray “that universal happiness may be
established in the world [and] that all may bow to the scepter of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole earth be filled with His glory.”39
[38 & 39 http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=================
>8. John Hart
JUDGE; LEGISLATOR; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION
[T]hanks be given unto Almighty God therefore, and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die and after that the judgment [Hebrews
9:27] . . . principally, I give and recommend my soul into the hands
of Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a
decent and Christian like manner . . . to receive the same again at
the general resurrection by the mighty power of God.48
[48. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=============
>9. Samuel Huntington
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS;
JUDGE; GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT
It becomes a people publicly to acknowledge the over-ruling hand of
Divine Providence and their dependence upon the Supreme Being as their
Creator and Merciful Preserver . . . and with becoming humility and
sincere repentance to supplicate the pardon that we may obtain
forgiveness through the merits and mediation of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. 54
[54. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=============
>10. Thomas Jefferson
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; DIPLOMAT; GOVERNOR OF
VIRGINIA; SECRETARY OF STATE; THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The practice of morality being necessary for the well being of
society, He [God] has taken care to impress its precepts so indelibly
on our hearts that they shall not be effaced by the subtleties of our
brain. We all agree in the obligation of the moral principles of Jesus
and nowhere will they be found delivered in greater purity than in His
discourses. 65
[65. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=============
>11 . Thomas McKean
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS;
RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
OF PENNSYLVANIA; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA; GOVERNOR OF DELAWARE
Chief Justice McKean then told him:
You will probably have but a short time to live. Before you launch
into eternity, it be¬hooves you to improve the time that may be
allowed you in this world: it behooves you most seriously to reflect
upon your past conduct; to repent of your evil deeds; to be incessant
in prayers to the great and merciful God to forgive your manifold
transgressions and sins; to teach you to rely upon the merit and
passion of a dear Redeemer, and thereby to avoid those regions of
sorrow – those doleful shades where peace and rest can never dwell,
where even hope cannot enter. It behooves you to seek the
[fellowship], advice, and prayers of pious and good men; to be
[persistent] at the Throne of Grace, and to learn the way that leadeth
to happiness. May you, reflecting upon these things, and pursuing the
will of the great Father of light and life, be received into [the]
company and society of angels and archangels and the spirits of just
men made perfect; and may you be qualified to enter into the joys of
Heaven – joys unspeakable and full of glory!81
[81. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=======================
>12. Robert Treat Paine
MILITARY CHAPLAIN; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; ATTORNEY
GENERAL OF MASSACHUSETTS; JUDGE
I am constrained to express my adoration of the Supreme Being, the
Author of my existence, in full belief of His Providential goodness
and His forgiving mercy revealed to the world through Jesus Christ,
through whom I hope for never ending happiness in a future state. 88
[88. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
====================
>13. Benjamin Rush
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; SURGEON GENERAL OF THE
CONTINENTAL ARMY; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; “FATHER OF
AMERICAN MEDICINE”; TREASURER OF THE U. S. MINT; “FATHER OF PUBLIC
SCHOOLS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION”
The Gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just
conduct in every situation of life. Happy they who are enabled to obey
them in all situations! . . . My only hope of salvation is in the
infinite tran¬scendent love of God manifested to the world by the
death of His Son upon the Cross. Noth¬ing but His blood will wash away
my sins [Acts 22:16]. I rely exclusively upon it. Come, Lord Jesus!
Come quickly! [Revelation 22:20] [98 http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=================
>14. Roger Sherman
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; “MASTER BUILDER
OF THE CONSTITUTION”; JUDGE; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; U. S.
SENATOR
I believe that there is one only liv¬ing and true God, existing in
three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in
substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old
and New Tes¬taments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to
direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him. . . I believe that
God . . . did send His own Son to become man, die in the room and
stead of sinners, and thus to lay a foundation for the offer of pardon
and salvation to all mankind, so as all may be saved who are willing
to accept the Gospel offer. . . .107
[107. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
================
>15. Richard Stockton
JUDGE; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
[A]s my children will have frequent occasion of perusing this
instrument, and may probably be particularly impressed with the last
words of their father, I think it proper here not only to subscribe to
the entire belief of the great and leading doctrines of the Christian
religion, such as the being of God; the universal defection and
depravity of human nature; the Divinity of the person and the
completeness of the redemption purchased by the blessed Savior; . . .
112
[112 http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
===============
>16. John Witherspoon
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; RATIFIER OF THE U. S.
CONSTITUTION; PRESIDENT OF PRINCETON
[C]hrist Jesus – the promise of old made unto the fathers, the hope of
Israel [Acts 28:20], the light of the world [John 8:12], and the end
of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth [Romans 10:4]
– is the only Savior of sinners, in opposition to all false religions
and every uninstituted rite; as He Himself says (John 14:6): “I am the
way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by
Me.” 137
[137 http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
==============
>17. Oliver Wolcott
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; MILITARY GENERAL; GOVERNOR
OF CONNECTICUT
Through various scenes of life, God has sustained me. May He ever be
my unfailing friend; may His love cherish my soul; may my heart with
gratitude acknowledge His goodness; and may my desires be to Him and
to the remembrance of His name….May we then turn our eyes to the
bright objects above, and may God give us strength to travel the
upward road. May the Divine Redeemer conduct us to that seat of bliss
which He himself has prepared for His friends; at the approach of
which every sorrow shall vanish from the human heart and endless
scenes of glory open upon the enraptured eye. . . . [144 at
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=================
To see all the godly Christian men who signed the Bill of Rights and
the original USA Constitution, go to
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Politics-Patriotism-Events-theBible-Me
http://groups.google.com/group/politics-patriotism-events-thebible-me
http://groups.myspace.com/PoliticsPatriotismJesusMe
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=83981485182
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Best_Way_to_Live/
http://groups.google.com/group/PGChristianLivingIssues
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Christian_Life_Issues_Today
http://christianlifeissuestoday.groups.live.com/
Founding Fathers
FOR READING ALOUD AT CHRISTIAN THANKSGIVING GATHERINGS IN AMERICA 2009
FROM the Continental Congress November 1, 1777 national Thanksgiving
Day Proclamation, 17 months after the signing of the Declaration of
Independence while the nation was at war with England (See the whole
text below at SOURCES):
"Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the
superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with
gratitude their obligation to him for benefits received, and to
implore such farther blessings as they stand in need of; and it having
pleased him in his abundant mercy not only to continue to us the
innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also smile upon us
in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defense and
establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties; . . ."
"It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of
these United States, to set apart Thursday, the 18th day of December
next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart and one
voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their
hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine
benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and
offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold
sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor, and their humble and
earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of
Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance;
that it may please him graciously to afford his blessings on the
governments of these states respectively, . . . with that wisdom and
fortitude which may render them fit instruments, under the providence
of Almighty God, to secure for these United States the greatest of all
blessings, independence and peace; . . . and to prosper the means of
religion for the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which
consisteth in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."
From the Thanksgiving Proclamation of George Washington, the PRESIDENT
of the United States Of America, October 14, 1789 (See the whole text
below at SOURCES):
"WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence
of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits,
and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both
Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to
recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK
THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful
hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God.
"NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH
DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to
the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent
author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may
then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for
His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to
their becoming a nation; . . . for the civil and religious liberty
with which we are blessed; . . .-- and, in general, for all the great
and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
"And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers
and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech
Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; . . . to promote
the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, . . ; and,
generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal
prosperity as he alone knows to be best."
George Washington's Sunday Evening Prayer, from his journal in part:
"Let me live according to those holy rules which thou hast this day
prescribed in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy
holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy sight, and
therein to delight, open the eyes of my understanding, and help me
thoroughly to examine myself concerning my knowledge, faith and
repentance, increase my faith, and direct me to the true object Jesus
Christ the way, the truth and the life, bless O Lord, all the people
of this land, from the highest to the lowest, particularly those whom
thou has appointed to rule over us in church & state. continue thy
goodness to me this night. These weak petitions I humbly implore thee
to hear accept and ans. for the sake of thy Dear Son Jesus Christ our
Lord, Amen."
==================SOURCES======================
Continental Congress - 11/01/1777
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=3847
This is the text of the Continental Congress November 1, 1777 national
Thanksgiving Day Proclamation; as printed in the Journals of Congress.
The Bold print and underline is from me for emphasis.
Saturday, November 1, 1777
The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several
states, to set apart a day of public thanksgiving, brought in a
report; which was taken into consideration, and agreed to as follows:
Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the
superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with
gratitude their obligation to him for benefits received, and to
implore such farther blessings as they stand in need of; and it having
pleased him in his abundant mercy not only to continue to us the
innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also smile upon us
in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defense and
establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties; particularly in
that he hath been pleased in so great a measure to prosper the means
used for the support of our troops and to crown our arms with most
signal success:
It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of
these United States, to set apart Thursday, the 18th day of December
next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart and one
voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their
hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine
benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and
offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold
sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor, and their humble and
earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of
Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance;
that it may please him graciously to afford his blessings on the
governments of these states respectively, and prosper the public
council of the whole; to inspire our commanders both by land and sea,
and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude which may render
them fit instruments, under the providence of Almighty God, to secure
for these United States the greatest of all blessings, independence
and peace; that it may please him to prosper the trade and
manufactures of the people and the labor of the husbandman, that our
land may yield its increase; to take schools and seminaries of
education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true
liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurturing hand, and to prosper
the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of that
kingdom which consisteth in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy
Ghost.
And it is further recommended, that servile labor, and such recreation
as, though at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the purpose of
this appointment, be omitted on so solemn an occasion.
------------------------------------
General Thanksgiving
http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/firsts/thanksgiving/thankstext.html
The Bold print and underline is from me for emphasis.
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America, October 14, 1789
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of
Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and
humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses
of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend
to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and
PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many
and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an
opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their
safety and happiness:"
NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH
DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to
the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent
author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may
then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for
His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to
their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the
favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and
conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility,
union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and
rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish
Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and
particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and
religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of
acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all
the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon
us.
And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers
and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech
Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us
all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several
and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National
Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a
Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and
faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns
and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to
bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the
knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase
of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind
such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of
October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and
eighty-nine.
(signed) G. Washington
Source: The Massachusetts Centinel, Wednesday, October 14, 1789
==============================================
George Washington's private and personal prayer:
George Washington's Prayer Journal
http://personal.pitnet.net/primarysources/george.html
Sunday Evening:
Let me live according to those holy rules which thou hast this day
prescribed in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy
holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy sight, and
therein to delight, open the eyes of my understanding, and help me
thoroughly to examine myself concerning my knowledge, faith and
repentance, increase my faith, and direct me to the true object Jesus
Christ the way, the truth and the life, bless O Lord, all the people
of this land, from the highest to the lowest, particularly those whom
thou has appointed to rule over us in church & state. continue thy
goodness to me this night. These weak petitions I humbly implore thee
to hear accept and ans. for the sake of thy Dear Son Jesus Christ our
Lord, Amen.
==================================================
GEORGE WASHINGTON was not alone in His faith and reliance on the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consider the signers of the
Declaration of Independence, many of whom lived to hear and support
this Thanksgiving Declaration:
The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
Bolds and underlines are mine.
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one
people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with
another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and
equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle
them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they
should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of
Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted
among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the
governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive
of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish
it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such
principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall
seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
SNIP
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in
General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the
world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by
Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and
declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free
and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to
the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and
the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and
that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War,
conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all
other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And
for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the
protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our
Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
http://churchvstate.blogspot.com/2007/10/signers-of-declaration-of-independence.html
and
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?cat=HD
The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions
indicated:
Column 1
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett - an Episcopalian and a Congregationalist.
Lyman Hall - a Congregationalist and served as a minister in
Connecticut.
George Walton - an Episcopalian
Column 2
North Carolina:
William Hooper - an Episcopalian, and trained at Harvard as a
minister.
Joseph Hewes - a Quaker and an Episcopalian
John Penn - Episcopalian
South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge - an Anglican
Thomas Heyward, Jr. - Episcopalian
Thomas Lynch, Jr. - Episcopalian
Arthur Middleton - Episcopalian
Column 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock - a Congregationalist. See >7 below
Maryland:
Samuel Chase - an Episcopalian
William Paca - an Episcopalian and a consistent Christian
Thomas Stone - Episcopalian.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton - Roman Catholic. See >4 below
Virginia:
George Wythe - Episcopalian
Richard Henry Lee - an Anglican and known as a sincere Christian
Thomas Jefferson - a Deist`` See >10 below
Benjamin Harrison - Episcopalian
Thomas Nelson, Jr. - Episcopalian
Francis Lightfoot Lee - an Anglican and a devout Christian.
Carter Braxton - Episcopalian
Column 4
Pennsylvania (See Jesus in the 1776 Pennsylvania Constitution below*):
Robert Morris - Episcopalian
Benjamin Rush - a Presbyterian. He was founder and manager of
the Philadelphia Bible
Society . See >13 below
Benjamin Franklin - Supported the Pennsylvania Declaration of
faith*
See >5 below
John Morton - Episcopalian
George Clymer - a Quaker and an Episcopalian
James Smith - a Presbyterian
George Taylor - a Presbyterian
James Wilson
George Ross - an Anglican
Delaware (See Jesus in the 1776 Delaware Constitution below~):
Caesar Rodney - Episcopalian
George Read - Episcopalian
Thomas McKean - Presbyterian. See >11 below
Column 5
New York:
William Floyd - Presbyterian
Philip Livingston - a Presbyterian and a member of an eminent
Christian family
Francis Lewis - Episcopalian
Lewis Morris - Episcopalian
New Jersey:
Richard Stockton - a Presbyterian. See >15 below
John Witherspoon - a Presbyterian. See >16 below
Francis Hopkinson - an Episcopalian
John Hart - a Presbyterian. See >8 below
Abraham Clark - a Presbyterian
Column 6
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett - Congregationalis. See >3 below.
William Whipple
Massachusetts (See Jesus in the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution
below):
Samuel Adams - Congregationalist. See >2 below
John Adams - Congregationalist and later a Unitarian. See >1 below
Robert Treat Paine - Paine left Calvinism to become a Unitarian.
He served as a military
chaplain. See >12 below
Elbridge Gerry - an Episcopalian
Rhode Island (See Jesus in the 1842 Rhode Island Constitution below)^:
Stephen Hopkins - a Quaker
William Ellery - a Congregationalist and a devout Christian
Connecticut:
Roger Sherman - See >14 below
Samuel Huntington - a Congregationalist. See >9 below
William Williams - a Congregationalist and a devout Christian
Oliver Wolcott - a Congregationalist and a devout Christian. See
>17
New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton - a Presbyterian Church and a devout Christian.
>>>>Historical Details & Examples of These Christians in Government<<<
~Constitution of the State of Delaware, Sept. 21, 1776~
“Article XXII. Every person who shall be chosen a
member of either house, or appointed to any office of
trust, before taking his seat, or entering upon the
execution of his office, shall take the following
oath, or affirmation, if conscientiously scrupulous of
taking an oath, to wit:
“I, _._. will bear true allegiance to the Delaware
State, submit to its constitution and laws, and do no
act wittingly whereby the freedom thereof may be
prejudiced.
~And also make and subscribe the following declaration,~
to wit:
“I, _._. do profess faith in God the Father, and in
Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one
God, blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the
holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be
given by divine inspiration.”
===========================
*Pennsylvania Constitution, Sept. 28, 1776*<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
II. That all men have a natural and unalienable right
to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of
their own consciences and understanding: And that no
man ought or of right can be compelled to attend any
religious worship, or erect or support any place of
worship, or maintain any ministry, contrary to, or
against his own free will and consent: Nor can any
man, who acknowledges the being of a God, be justly
deprived or abridged of any civil right as a citizen,
on account of his religious sentiments or peculiar
mode of religious worship: And that no authority can
or ought to be vested in, or assumed by any power
whatever, that shall in any case interfere with, or in
any manner controul, the right of conscience in the
free exercise of religious worship.
*Section 10. “…And each member, before he takes his
seat, shall make and subscribe the following
declaration, viz:
I do believe in one God, the creator and governor of
the universe, the rewarder of the good and the
punisher of the wicked. And I do acknowledge the
Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by
Divine inspiration.
And no further or religious test shall ever hereafter
be required of any civil officer or magistrate in this
State.”
==============================
^Constitution of the State of Rhode Island, 1842^
“We the people of the State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations, grateful to Almighty God for
the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long
permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a
blessing upon our endeavors to secure and to transmit
the same unimpaired to succeeding generation, do
ordain and establish this constitution.”
===============================
+Constitution of the State of Massachusetts, 1780+
“The governor shall be chosen annually; and no person
shall be eligible to this office, unless, at the same
time of his election… he shall declare himself to be
of the Christian religion.”
Chapter VI, Article I [All person elected to State
office or to the Legislature must] make and subscribe
the following declaration, viz. “I _____, do declare,
that I believe the Christian religion, and have firm
persuasion of its truth.”
Part I, Article II “It is the right, as well as the
duty, of all men in society, publicly, and at stated
seasons, to worship the Supreme Being, the Great
Creator and Preserver of the Universe. And no subject
shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person,
liberty or estate, for worshipping God in the manner
and seasons, most agreeable to the dictates of his own
conscience.”
======================
``Deists believe in the existence of a supreme being, specifically of
a creator who does not intervene in the universe, and accept the
existence of a creator on the basis of reason, but rejected belief in
a supernatural deity, like the supernatural Jesus, who interacts with
humankind. They believed that Jesus was just a very good and great
teacher.
===========================
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755
>1. John Adams
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; JUDGE; DIPLOMAT; ONE OF TWO
SIGNERS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; SECOND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were
the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then
believed, and now believe, that those general principles of
Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and
attributes of God. 1
[1.Thomas Jefferson, The Writings of Thomas Jefferson (Washington D.
C.: The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association, 1904), Vol. XIII, p.
292-294. In a letter from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson on June 28,
1813.]
John Quincy Adams [Son of John Adams]
SIXTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES; DIPLOMAT; SECRETARY OF STATE; U.
S. SENATOR; U. S. REPRESENTATIVE; “OLD MAN ELOQUENT”; “HELL-HOUND OF
ABOLITION”
My hopes of a future life are all founded upon the Gospel of Christ
and I cannot cavil or quibble away [evade or object to]. . . . the
whole tenor of His conduct by which He sometimes positively asserted
and at others countenances [permits] His disciples in asserting that
He was God.7
[7. John Adams and John Quincy Adams, The Selected Writings of John
and John Quincy Adams, Adrienne Koch and William Peden, editors (New
York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1946), p. 292, John Quincy Adams to John Adams,
January 3, 1817.]
===================
>2. Samuel Adams
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; “FATHER OF THE AMERICAN
REVOLUTION”; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF
MASSACHUSETTS
I . . . [rely] upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my
sins.10
The name of the Lord (says the Scripture) is a strong tower; thither
the righteous flee and are safe [Proverbs 18:10]. Let us secure His
favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at
length receive us to a better.11
[10. From the Last Will & Testament of Samuel Adams, attested December
29, 1790; see also Samuel Adams, Life & Public Services of Samuel
Adams, William V. Wells, editor (Boston: Little, Brown & Co, 1865),
Vol. III, p. 379, Last Will and Testament of Samuel Adams.
11. Letters of Delegates to Congress: August 16, 1776-December 31,
1776, Paul H. Smith, editor (Washington DC: Library of Congress,
1979), Vol. 5, pp. 669-670, Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams on
December 26, 1776.]
=================
>3. Josiah Bartlett
MILITARY OFFICER; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; JUDGE;
GOVERNOR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Called on the people of New Hampshire . . . to confess before God
their aggravated transgressions and to implore His pardon and
forgiveness through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ . . . [t]
hat the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be made known to
all nations, pure and undefiled religion universally prevail, and the
earth be fill with the glory of the Lord.16
[16. Josiah Bartlett, Proclamation for a Day of Fasting and Prayer,
March 17, 1792.]
==================
>4. Charles Carroll
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; SELECTED AS DELEGATE TO THE
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; U. S. SENATOR
On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for salvation and on His merits,
not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.22
Grateful to Almighty God for the blessings which, through Jesus Christ
Our Lord, He had conferred on my beloved country in her emancipation
and on myself in permitting me, under circumstances of mercy, to live
to the age of 89 years, and to survive the fiftieth year of
independence, adopted by Congress on the 4th of July 1776, which I
originally subscribed on the 2d day of August of the same year and of
which I am now the last surviving signer.23
[22. From an autograph letter in our possession written by Charles
Carroll to Charles W. Wharton, Esq., September 27, 1825.
23. Lewis A. Leonard, Life of Charles Carroll of Carrollton (New York:
Moffit, Yard & Co, 1918), pp. 256-257.]
===================
>5. Benjamin Franklin
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION; DIPLOMAT; PRINTER; SCIENTIST; SIGNER OF THE
CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA
As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I
think the system of morals and His religion as He left them to us, the
best the world ever saw or is likely to see. 30
[30. Benjamin Franklin, Works of Benjamin Franklin, John Bigelow,
editor (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904), p. 185, to Ezra Stiles,
March 9, 1790.]
====================
>6. Elbridge Gerry
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; MEMBER OF THE
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS, GOVERNOR OF
MASSACHUSETTS, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
He called on the State of Massachusetts to pray that . . .
with one heart and voice we may prostrate ourselves at the throne of
heavenly grace and present to our Great Benefactor sincere and
unfeigned thanks for His infinite goodness and mercy towards us from
our birth to the present moment for having above all things
illuminated us by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, presenting to our view
the happy prospect of a blessed immortality. 32
[32. Elbridge Gerry, Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving and
Praise, October 24, 1810, from a proclamation in our possession, EAI
#20675.]
===============
>7. John Hancock
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS;
REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS
Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order
and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every
measure for their support and encouragement.38
He called on the entire state to pray “that universal happiness may be
established in the world [and] that all may bow to the scepter of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole earth be filled with His glory.”39
[38 & 39 http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=================
>8. John Hart
JUDGE; LEGISLATOR; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION
[T]hanks be given unto Almighty God therefore, and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die and after that the judgment [Hebrews
9:27] . . . principally, I give and recommend my soul into the hands
of Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a
decent and Christian like manner . . . to receive the same again at
the general resurrection by the mighty power of God.48
[48. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=============
>9. Samuel Huntington
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS;
JUDGE; GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT
It becomes a people publicly to acknowledge the over-ruling hand of
Divine Providence and their dependence upon the Supreme Being as their
Creator and Merciful Preserver . . . and with becoming humility and
sincere repentance to supplicate the pardon that we may obtain
forgiveness through the merits and mediation of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. 54
[54. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=============
>10. Thomas Jefferson
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; DIPLOMAT; GOVERNOR OF
VIRGINIA; SECRETARY OF STATE; THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The practice of morality being necessary for the well being of
society, He [God] has taken care to impress its precepts so indelibly
on our hearts that they shall not be effaced by the subtleties of our
brain. We all agree in the obligation of the moral principles of Jesus
and nowhere will they be found delivered in greater purity than in His
discourses. 65
[65. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=============
>11 . Thomas McKean
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS;
RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
OF PENNSYLVANIA; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA; GOVERNOR OF DELAWARE
Chief Justice McKean then told him:
You will probably have but a short time to live. Before you launch
into eternity, it be¬hooves you to improve the time that may be
allowed you in this world: it behooves you most seriously to reflect
upon your past conduct; to repent of your evil deeds; to be incessant
in prayers to the great and merciful God to forgive your manifold
transgressions and sins; to teach you to rely upon the merit and
passion of a dear Redeemer, and thereby to avoid those regions of
sorrow – those doleful shades where peace and rest can never dwell,
where even hope cannot enter. It behooves you to seek the
[fellowship], advice, and prayers of pious and good men; to be
[persistent] at the Throne of Grace, and to learn the way that leadeth
to happiness. May you, reflecting upon these things, and pursuing the
will of the great Father of light and life, be received into [the]
company and society of angels and archangels and the spirits of just
men made perfect; and may you be qualified to enter into the joys of
Heaven – joys unspeakable and full of glory!81
[81. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=======================
>12. Robert Treat Paine
MILITARY CHAPLAIN; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; ATTORNEY
GENERAL OF MASSACHUSETTS; JUDGE
I am constrained to express my adoration of the Supreme Being, the
Author of my existence, in full belief of His Providential goodness
and His forgiving mercy revealed to the world through Jesus Christ,
through whom I hope for never ending happiness in a future state. 88
[88. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
====================
>13. Benjamin Rush
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; SURGEON GENERAL OF THE
CONTINENTAL ARMY; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; “FATHER OF
AMERICAN MEDICINE”; TREASURER OF THE U. S. MINT; “FATHER OF PUBLIC
SCHOOLS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION”
The Gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just
conduct in every situation of life. Happy they who are enabled to obey
them in all situations! . . . My only hope of salvation is in the
infinite tran¬scendent love of God manifested to the world by the
death of His Son upon the Cross. Noth¬ing but His blood will wash away
my sins [Acts 22:16]. I rely exclusively upon it. Come, Lord Jesus!
Come quickly! [Revelation 22:20] [98 http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=================
>14. Roger Sherman
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; “MASTER BUILDER
OF THE CONSTITUTION”; JUDGE; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; U. S.
SENATOR
I believe that there is one only liv¬ing and true God, existing in
three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in
substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old
and New Tes¬taments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to
direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him. . . I believe that
God . . . did send His own Son to become man, die in the room and
stead of sinners, and thus to lay a foundation for the offer of pardon
and salvation to all mankind, so as all may be saved who are willing
to accept the Gospel offer. . . .107
[107. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
================
>15. Richard Stockton
JUDGE; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
[A]s my children will have frequent occasion of perusing this
instrument, and may probably be particularly impressed with the last
words of their father, I think it proper here not only to subscribe to
the entire belief of the great and leading doctrines of the Christian
religion, such as the being of God; the universal defection and
depravity of human nature; the Divinity of the person and the
completeness of the redemption purchased by the blessed Savior; . . .
112
[112 http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
===============
>16. John Witherspoon
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; RATIFIER OF THE U. S.
CONSTITUTION; PRESIDENT OF PRINCETON
[C]hrist Jesus – the promise of old made unto the fathers, the hope of
Israel [Acts 28:20], the light of the world [John 8:12], and the end
of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth [Romans 10:4]
– is the only Savior of sinners, in opposition to all false religions
and every uninstituted rite; as He Himself says (John 14:6): “I am the
way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by
Me.” 137
[137 http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
==============
>17. Oliver Wolcott
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; MILITARY GENERAL; GOVERNOR
OF CONNECTICUT
Through various scenes of life, God has sustained me. May He ever be
my unfailing friend; may His love cherish my soul; may my heart with
gratitude acknowledge His goodness; and may my desires be to Him and
to the remembrance of His name….May we then turn our eyes to the
bright objects above, and may God give us strength to travel the
upward road. May the Divine Redeemer conduct us to that seat of bliss
which He himself has prepared for His friends; at the approach of
which every sorrow shall vanish from the human heart and endless
scenes of glory open upon the enraptured eye. . . . [144 at
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32]
=================
To see all the godly Christian men who signed the Bill of Rights and
the original USA Constitution, go to
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=8755#FN32
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Politics-Patriotism-Events-theBible-Me
http://groups.google.com/group/politics-patriotism-events-thebible-me
http://groups.myspace.com/PoliticsPatriotismJesusMe
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=83981485182
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Best_Way_to_Live/
http://groups.google.com/group/PGChristianLivingIssues
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Christian_Life_Issues_Today
http://christianlifeissuestoday.groups.live.com/
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