Original Intent

Compact of the Plymouth Colonists:

"Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and the advancement of the Christian faith, and the honor of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, we do, by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God and of one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid. And by virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience."

November 11, 1620.

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"Whereas we all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely, to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the liberties of the Gospel in purity with peace; and whereas in our settling (by a wise providence of God) we are further dispersed upon the sea coasts and rivers than was at first intended, so that we can not according to our desire with convenience communicate in one government and jurisdiction; and whereas we live encompassed with people of several nations and strange languages which hereafter may prove injurious to us or our posterity. And forasmuch as the natives have formerly committed sundry Insolence and outrages upon several Plantations of the English and have of late combined themselves against us: and seeing by reason of those sad distractions in England which they have heard of, and by which they know vie are hindered from that humble way of seeking advice, or reaping those comfortable fruits of protection, which at other times we might well expect. We therefore do conceive it our bounder duty, without delay to enter into a present Consociation amongst ourselves, for mutual help and strength in all our future concernments: That, as in nation and religion, so in other respects, we be and continue one according to the tenor and true meaning of the ensuing articles: Wherefore it is fully agreed and concluded by and between the parties or Jurisdictions above named, and they jointly and severally do by these presents agree and conclude that they all be and henceforth be called by the name of the United Colonies of New England.

"2. The said United Colonies for themselves and their posterities do jointly and severally hereby enter into a firm and perpetual league of friendship and amity for offence and defence, mutual advice and succor upon all just occasions both for preserving and propagating the truth and liberties of the Gospel and for their own mutual safety and welfare...."

- The Articles of Confederation of the United Colonies of New England; May 19, 1643. [The Federal and State Constitutions Colonial Charters, and Other Organic Laws of the States, Territories, and Colonies Now or Heretofore Forming the United States of America Compiled and Edited Under the Act of Congress of June 30, 1906 by Francis Newton
Thorpe Washington, DC : Government Printing Office, 1909.]

"Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God",

Was one of the proposed motto's for our Nation:

Motto. Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God.

[Note 1: 1 A copy of this report, in the writing of James Lovell, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 23, folio 143. The original idea was formed by Du Simitičre, and his own account of it is in the Jefferson Papers, Fifth Series, VIII, No. 3. It differs from the report printed above in some particulars:
The Coat of Arms of the States of America.
The Shield has six quarters, parti one, coupé two; to the first it bears OR, a rose ennamelled Gules and argent, for England; to the Second, argent a thistle proper, for Scotland; to the third vert, a harp OR, for Ireland; to the fourth azure, a flower de luce OR, for France; to the fifth or the Imperial Eagle Sable, for Germany; and to the Sixth OR, the belgic Lyon Gules, for Holland. (these being the Six principal nations of Europe from whom the Americans have originated.) this Shield within a border gules entoire of thirteen Escutcheons argent linked together by a chain OR, each charg'd with initial letters Sable, as follows.
1st NH. 2d MB. 3d RI. 4th C. 5th NY. 6th NJ. 7th P. 8th DC. 9th M. 10th V. 11th NC. 12th SC. 13th G. for each of the thirteen Independent States of America.
Supporters. dexter, the Goddess Liberty, in a corslet of armour, (alluding to the present times) holding in her right hand the Spear and Cap, resting with her left on an anchor, emblem of Hope. Senester, an american soldier, compleatly accoutred in his hunting Shirt and trowsers, with his tomahawk, powder horn, pouch &c. holding with his left hand his rifle gun rested, and the Shield of the States with his right.
Crest. the Eye of Providence in a radiant Triangle whose Glory extend over the Shield and beyond the Supporters.
Motto. E Pluribus Unum.
Legend. round the whole atchievement. Seal of the [thirteen] united [and independent] States of America. MDCCLXXVI.
In the Jefferson Manuscripts in the Library of Congress are two notes of suggestion on this seal. One in the writing of Franklin, and the other in that of Jefferson. Franklin's note reads:
"Moses [in the Dress of High Priest] standing on the Shore, and extending his Hand over the Sea, thereby causing the same to overwhelm Pharoah who is sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his Head and a Sword in his Hand. Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Clouds reaching to Moses, [expressing] to express that he acts by [the] Command of the Deity.
"Motto, Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God."
The note of Jefferson reads:
"Pharoah sitting in an open chariot, a crown on his head and a sword in his hand passing thro' the divided waters of the Red sea in pursuit of the Israelites: rays from a pillar of fire in the cloud, expressive of the divine presence, [reach] and command, reaching to Moses who stands on the shore and, extending his hand over the sea, causes it to over whelm Pharoah.
"Motto. Rebellion to tyrants is obedce to god."
Words in brackets were stricken out by the pen.
Jefferson merely noted a version of the Franklin suggestion. In the Writings of Jefferson (Ford), I, 420 is what purports to be a scheme of arms made in 1774, but the date assigned to it is doubtful. In a letter from John Adams to his wife, written August 14, 1776, he said:
"Doctor F. proposes a device for a seal. Moses lifting up his wand, and dividing the red sea, and Pharoah in his chariot over whelmed with the waters. This motto. 'Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.'
"Mr. Jefferson proposed, The children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night--and on the other side, Hengist and Horsa, the Saxon chiefs, from whom we claim the honor of being descended, and whose political principles and form of government we have assumed.
"I proposed, The choice of Hercules, as engraved by Gribelin, in some editions of Lord Shaftesbury's works. The hero resting on his club. Virtue pointing to her rugged mountain on one hand, and persuading him to ascend. Sloth, glancing at her flowery paths of pleasure, wantonly reclining on the ground, displaying the charms both of her eloquence and person, to seduce him into vice. But this is too complicated a group for a seal or medal, and it is not original."]

- Journals of the Continental Congress, August 20, 1776

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"...many private men are tyrants."
 
"[E]veryone is tyrant who abuses any power over those subject to him which has been conceded from above."
 
"...it is just for public tyrants to be killed and the people to be liberated for obedience to God."
 
"This is indeed the sword of the dove, which quarrels without bitterness, which slaughters without wrathfulness and which, when fighting, entertains no resentment whatsoever."
 
""Some things are . . . so detestable that no command will possibly justify them or render them permissible."

"All tyrants reach a miserable end," 
 
- John of Salisbury, From the book 'Policraticus' 1159 A.D.

('Policraticus' was studied by men such as Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and other Founders. The Bible and 'Policraticus' are probably the two most critical writings responsible for the American Revolution. The early U.S. motto of "REBELLION TO TYRANTS IS OBEDIENCE TO GOD" has its origin from 'Policraticus').

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James Madison at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, proposed the plan to divide the central government into three branches; Executive, Legislative and Judicial. This model echoes the model of government from the Perfect Governor. Mr. Madison stated;

"For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us."

- Isaiah 33:22

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 "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ! For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.”

- Patrick Henry, [May 1765 Speech to the House of Burgesses]

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"Man will ultimately be governed by GOD or by ty-rants."

- Benjamin Franklin

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"The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. Where, say some, is the king of America? I'll tell you, friend, He reigns above."

- Thomas Paine, 1776 "Common Sense"

"I. The natural right of the continent to independence, is a point which never yet was called in question. It will not even admit of a debate. To deny such a right, would be a kind of atheism against nature: and the best answer to such an objection would be, “The fool hath said in his heart there is no God.”"

- Thomas Paine, The Writings of Thomas Paine -  THE CRISIS.1: III. paragraph 581, Collected and Edited by Moncure Daniel Conway (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1894). Vol. 1.

"O! Ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth!"

- Thomas Paine, 1776 "Common Sense"

"'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death." 

- Thomas Paine

"I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life.

"I believe in the equality of man, and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy."

- Thomas Paine, "Age Of Reason" - Part First.

"As to religion, I hold it to be the indispensable duty of government to protect all conscientious professors thereof, and I know of no other business which government hath to do therewith. Let a man throw aside that narrowness of soul, that selfishness of principle, which the niggards of all professions are so unwilling to part with, and he will be at once delivered of his fears on that head. Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society. For myself, I fully and conscientiously believe, that it is the will of the Almighty that there should be a diversity of religious opinions among us. It affords a larger field for our Christian kindness: were we all of one way of thinking, our religious dispositions would want matter for probation; and on this liberal principle I look on the various denominations among us, to be like children of the same family, differing only in what is called their Christian names."

- Thomas Paine, Vol. I, (1774-1779) [1774], OF THE PRESENT ABILITY OF AMERICA: WITH SOME MISCELLANEOUS REFLECTIONS.[The Writings of Thomas Paine, Collected and Edited by Moncure Daniel Conway (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1894).]

"It has been the error of the schools to teach astronomy, and all the other sciences and subjects of natural philosophy, as accomplishments only; whereas they should be taught theologically, or with reference to the Being who is the author of them: for all the principles of science are of Divine origin. Man cannot make, or invent, or contrive principles. He can only discover them; and he ought to look through the discovery to the Author...."

"The evil that has resulted from the error of the schools in teaching natural philosophy as an accomplishment only has been that of generating in the pupils a species of atheism. Instead of looking through the works of the creation to the Creator himself, they stop short, and employ the knowledge they acquire to create doubts of His existence. They labor with studied ingenuity to ascribe everything they behold to innate properties of matter; and jump over all the rest, by saying that matter is eternal."

- Thomas Paine, Speech in 1797.[The Writings of Thomas Paine, Collected and Edited by Moncure Daniel Conway (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1894). Vol. 4.]

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The Massachusetts Body of Liberties, 1641

The Charter Of Privileges, William Penn, 1701

Scheme For the Settlement of a New Colony, 1755

GOD IN AMERICA

GOD IN AMERICA II

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I. Natural Rights of the Colonists as Men.
 
"Among the natural rights of the Colonists are these: First, a right to life;
Secondly, to liberty; Thirdly, to property; together with the right to
support and defend them in the best manner they can. These are evident
branches of, rather than deductions from, the duty of self-preservation,
commonly called the first law of nature."

""Just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty," in matters spiritual
and temporal, is a thing that all men are clearly entitled to by the eternal
and immutable laws of God and nature, [418]as well as by the law of nations
and all well-grounded municipal laws, which must have their foundation in
the former."

"In short, it is the greatest absurdity to suppose it in the power of one,
or any number of men, at the entering into society, to renounce their
essential natural rights, or the means of preserving those rights; when the
grand end of civil government, from the very nature of its institution, is
for the support, protection, and defence of those very rights; the principal
of which, as is before observed, are Life, Liberty, and Property. If men,
through fear, fraud, or mistake, should in terms renounce or give up any
essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the grand end of
society would absolutely vacate such renunciation. The right to freedom
being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the power of man to alienate
this gift and voluntarily become a slave."

- Samuel Adams, The Rights of The Colonists, November 20, 1772

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"Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember
the name of the LORD our God."

- Psalms 20:7

"For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust
in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those
that believe."

- I Timothy 4:10

"He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved."

- Psalms 62:6

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"But, if you exert the means of defence which God and nature have given you, the time will soon arrive when every man shall sit under his own vine and under his own fig-tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid."

- AN ADDRESS OF THE CONGRESS TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, May 8th, 1778

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"Resolved, That Congress will, at two o'clock this day, go in procession to the Dutch
Lutheran church, and return thanks to Almighty God, for crowning the allied arms of
the United States and France, with success, by the surrender of the whole British army
under the command of the Earl of Cornwallis."

- Journals of the Continental Congress, Oct. 24, 1781

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 Journal of the Continental Congress TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1782

On a report of a committee, consisting of Mr. [Joseph] Montgomery, Mr. [Oliver] Wolcott, and Mr. [John Morin] Scott, appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states, to set apart a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer Congress agreed to the following Proclamation:

The goodness of the Supreme Being to all his rational creatures, demands their acknowledgments of gratitude and love; his absolute government of this world dictates, that it is the interest of every nation and people ardently to supplicate his mercy favor and implore his protection.

When the lust of dominion or lawless ambition excites arbitrary power to invade the rights, or endeavor to wrench wrest from a people their sacred and unalienable invaluable privileges, and compels them, in defence of the same, to encounter all the horrors and calamities of a bloody and vindictive war; then is that people loudly called upon to fly unto that God for protection, who hears the [c]ries of the distressed, and will not turn a deaf ear to the supplication of the oppressed.

Great Britain, hitherto left to infatuated councils, and to pursue measures repugnant to their her own interest, and distressing to this country, still persists in the chimerical idea design of subjugating these United States; which will compel us into another active and perhaps bloody campaign.

The United States in Congress assembled, therefore, taking into consideration our present situation, our multiplied transgressions of the holy laws of our God, and his past acts of kindness and goodness exercised towards us, which we would ought to record with the liveliest gratitude, think it their indispensable duty to call upon the different several states, to set apart the last Thursday in April next, as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, that our joint supplications may then ascend to the throne of the Ruler of the Universe, beseeching Him that he would to diffuse a spirit of universal reformation among all ranks and degrees of our citizens; and make us a holy, that so we may be an happy people; that it would please Him to impart wisdom, integrity and unanimity to our counsellors; to bless and prosper the reign of our illustrious ally, and give success to his arms employed in the defence of the rights of human nature; that He would smile upon our military arrangements by land and sea; administer comfort and consolation to our prisoners in a cruel captivity; that he would protect the health and life of our Commander in Chief; give grant us victory over our enemies; establish peace in all our borders, and give happiness to all our inhabitants; that he would prosper the labor of the husbandman, making the earth yield its increase in abundance, and give a proper season for the in gathering of the fruits thereof; that He would grant success to all engaged in lawful trade and commerce, and take under his guardianship all schools and seminaries of learning, and make them nurseries of virtue and piety; that He would incline the hearts of all men to peace, and fill them with universal charity and benevolence, and that the religion of our Divine Redeemer, with all its benign influences, may cover the earth as the waters cover the seas.

Done by the United States in Congress assembled, &c. &c

[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of a clerk, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 467.]

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Journals of the Continental Congress, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1782

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. [John] Witherspoon, Mr. [Joseph] Montgomery and Mr. [Hugh] Williamson, appointed to prepare a recommendation to the states, setting apart a day of thanksgiving and prayer, Congress agreed to the following act:

It being the indispensable duty of all nations, not only to offer up their supplications to Almighty God, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in the a time of public distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his Providence in their behalf; therefore, the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these states, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; and the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war in the course of the last year now drawing to a close, particularly the harmony of the public councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to sow dissension between them divide them; the success of the arms of the United States and those of their allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these states; and the success of their arms and those of their allies in different parts do hereby recommend it to the inhabitants of these states in general, to observe, and recommend it to the executives of request the several states to interpose their authority in appointing and requiring commanding the observation of the last Thursday, in the 28 day of November next, as a day of solemn thanksgiving to God for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify their gratitude to God for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience to his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness. Given, &c.¹

[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of John Witherspoon, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 24, folio 471.]

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"Let it be remembered finally, that it has ever been the pride and boast of America, that the rights for which she contended, were the rights of human nature. By the blessing of the Author of these rights, on the means exerted for their defence, they have prevailed against all opposition, and form at this time the basis of thirteen independent states. No instance has heretofore occurred, nor can any instance be expected hereafter to occur, in which the unadulterated forms of Republican government can pretend to so fair an pportunity of justifying themselves by their fruits. In this view the citizens of the United States are responsible for the greatest trust ever confided to a political society. If justice, good faith, honor, gratitude and all the other virtues qualities which ennoble the character of a nation, and fulfil the ends of government, be the fruits of our establishments, the cause of liberty will acquire a dignity and lustre which it has never yet enjoyed; and an example will be set which cannot fail to but have the most favourable influence on the rights of mankind. If on the other side, our governments should be unfortunately blotted with the reverse of these cardinal and essential qualities virtues, the great cause which we have engaged to vindicate will be dishonored and betrayed; the last and fairest experiment in favour of the rights of human nature will be turned against them, and their patrons and friends exposed to be insulted and silenced by the sycophants votaries of tyranny and usurpation."

- James Madison, Journals of the Continental Congress, Address
to the States, by the United States Congress Assembled.
April 26, 1783

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"It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage, and such only, as he believes to be acceptable to him. This duty is precedent both in order of time and degree of obligation, to the claims of Civil Society. Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe."

- James Madison, A Memorial and Remonstrance, June 20, 1785.

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Jonas Phillips to the President and Members of the Convention.¹

[Note 1: 1 Documentary History of the Constitution, I, 281--283.]

Sires

With leave and submission I address myself To those in whome there is wisdom understanding and knowledge. they are the honourable personages appointed and Made overseers of a part of the terrestrial globe of the Earth, Namely the 13 united states of america in Convention Assembled, the Lord preserve them amen--

That all men have a natural and unalienable Right To worship almighty God according to the dectates of their own Conscience and understanding, and that no man aught or of Right can be Compelled to attend any Relegious Worship or Erect or support any place of worship or Maintain any minister 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 aught to be vested in or assumed by any power what ever that shall in any Case interfere or in any manner Controul the Right of Conscience in the free Exercise of Religious Worship --

It is well known among all the Citizens of the 13 united States that the Jews have been true and faithful whigs, and during the late Contest with England they have been foremost in aiding and assisting the States with their lifes and fortunes, they have supported the Cause, have bravely faught and bleed for liberty which they Can not Enjoy --

Therefore if the honourable Convention shall in ther Wisdom think fit and alter the said oath and leave out the words to viz -- and I do acknoweledge the scripture of the new testement to be given by devine inspiration then the Israeletes will think them self happy to live under a goverment where all Relegious societys are on an Eaquel footing -- I solecet this favour for my self my Childreen and posterity and for the benefit of all the Isrealetes through the 13 united States of america

My prayers is unto the Lord. May the people of this States Rise up as a great and young lion, May they prevail against their Enemies, May the degrees of honour of his Excellencey the president of the Convention George Washington, be Extollet and Raise up. May Every one speak of his glorious Exploits. May God prolong his days among us in this land of Liberty -- May he lead the armies against his Enemys as he has done hereuntofore -- May God Extend peace unto the united States -- May they get up to the highest Prosperetys -- May God Extend peace to them and their seed after them so long as the Sun and moon Endureth -- and may the almighty God of our father Abraham Isaac and Jacob endue this Noble Assembly with wisdom Judgement and unamity in their Councells, and may they have the Satisfaction to see that their present toil and labour for the wellfair of the united States may be approved of, Through all the world and perticular by the united States of america is the ardent prayer of Sires

Your Most devoted obed Servant
Jonas Phillips

Philadelphia 24th Ellul 5547 or Sepr 7th 1787

[Addressed:] To His Excellency the president and the Honourable Members of the Convention assembled Present

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"...It has often given me pleasure to observe that independent America was not composed of detached and distant territories, but that one connected, fertile, widespreading country was the portion of our western sons of liberty. Providence has in a particular manner blessed it with a variety of soils and productions, and watered it with innumerable streams, for the delight and accommodation of its inhabitants. A succession of navigable waters forms a kind of chain round its borders, as if to bind it together; while the most noble rivers in the world, running at convenient distances, present them with highways for the easy communication of friendly aids, and the mutual transportation and exchange of their various commodities.

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"It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it [the Constitution] a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution."

- James Madison, Federalist No. 37,  Jan. 11, 1788

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"The revolution, in having emancipated us from the shackles of Great Britain, has put the entire government in the hands of one order of people only--freemen; not of nobles and freemen. This is a peculiar trait in the character of this revolution. That this sacred deposit may be always retained there, is my most earnest wish and fervent prayer. That union is the first object for the security of our political happiness in the hands of gracious Providence, is well understood and universally admitted through all the United States."

- James Monroe, June 10, 1788. The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution [Elliot's Debates, Volume 3]

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"...Republican forms of government are more calculated to promote Christianity than monarchies. The precepts of the Gospel and the maxims of republics in many instances agree with each other.

"Please to take notice that when I speak of a republic I mean a government consisting of three branches, and each derived at different times and for different periods from the PEOPLE. Where this circulation is wanting between rulers and the ruled, there will be an obstruction to genuine government. A king or a senate not chosen by the people at certain periods becomes a sebimus, a bubo, or an abscess in the body politic which must sooner or later destroy the healthiest state.

A simple democracy, or an unbalanced republic, is one of the greatest of evils. I think with Dr. Zubly that "a democracy (with only one branch) is the Tivil's own government." Those words he uttered at my table in the spring of 1776, upon my giving as a toast the "Commonwealth of America." At the same instant that he spoke the words, he turned his glass upside downwards and refused to drink the toast...."

- Benjamin Rush, July 21, 1789 letter to John Adams. [Letters of Benjamin Rush. Edited by L. H. Butterfield. 2 vols. Memoirs of the American Philosophical Society, vol. 30, parts 1 and 2. Princeton: Princeton University Press, for the American Philosophical Society, 1951.]

"Surely future generations wouldn't try to take the Bible out of schools. In contemplating the political institutions of the United States, if we were to remove the Bible from schools, I lament that we could be wasting so much time and money in punishing crime and would be taking so little plains to prevent them."

- Benjamin Rush, "Defense of the Use of The Bible in Schools", 1791. (Mr. Rush was a signer of the Declaration, member of Continental Congress, and founder of 5 universities).

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“The law of nature is immutable; not by the effect of an arbitrary disposition, but because it has its foundation in the nature, constitution, and mutual relations of men and things. While these continue to be the same, it must continue to be the same also. This immutability of nature's laws has nothing in it repugnant to the supreme power of an all-perfect Being. Since he himself is the author of our constitution; he cannot but command or forbid such things as are necessarily agreeable or disagreeable to this very constitution. He is under the glorious necessity of not contradicting himself. This necessity, far from limiting or diminishing his perfections, adds to their external character, and points out their excellency.

“The law of nature is universal. For it is true, not only that all men are equally subject to the command of their Maker; but it is true also, that the law of nature, having its foundation in the constitution and state of man, has an essential fitness for all mankind, and binds them without distinction.

“This law, or right reason, as Cicero calls it, is thus beautifully described by that eloquent philosopher. "It is, indeed," says he, "a true law, conformable to nature, diffused among all men, unchangeable, eternal. By its commands, it calls men to their duty: by its prohibitions, it deters them from vice. To diminish, to alter, much more to abolish this law, is a vain attempt. Neither by the senate, nor by the people, can its powerful obligation be dissolved. It requires no interpreter or commentator. It is not one law at Rome, another at Athens; one law now, another hereafter: it is the same eternal and immutable law, given at all times and to all nations: for God, who is its author and promulgator, is always the sole master and sovereign of mankind."

 - James Wilson, [The Works of the Honourable James Wilson, L.L.D.;
Chap. III Of the Law of Nature].

(Signed the Declaration of Indepedence and the U.S. Constitution, Congressman, Delegate to the Constitutional Convention and Supreme Court Justice).

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"A System corrisponding with the mild principles of Religion and Philanthropy towards an unenlightened race of Men, whose happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be as honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of sound policy."

- George Washington, to Congress, Oct. 25, 1791

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"I promised you a letter on Christianity, which I have not forgotten. On the contrary, it is because I have reflected on it, that I find much more time necessary for it than I can at present dispose of. I have a view of the subject which ought to displease neither the rational Christian nor Deists, and would reconcile many to a character they have too hastily rejected. I do not know that it would reconcile the genus irritabile vatum who are all in arms against me. Their hostility is on too interesting ground to be softened. The delusion into which the X. Y. Z. plot shewed it possible to push the people; the successful experiment made under the prevalence of that delusion on the clause of the constitution, which, while it secured the freedom of the press, covered also the freedom of religion, had given to the clergy a very favorite hope of obtaining an establishment of a particular form of Christianity thro' the U. S.; and as every sect believes its own form the true one, every one perhaps hoped for his own, but especially the Episcopalians & Congregationalists. The returning good sense of our country threatens abortion to their hopes, & they believe that any portion of power confided to me, will be exerted in opposition to their schemes. And they believe rightly; for I have sworn upon the altar of god, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. But this is all they have to fear from me: & enough too in their opinion, & this is the cause of their printing lying pamphlets against me, forging conversations for me with Mazzei, Bishop Madison, &c., which are absolute falsehoods without a circumstance of truth to rest on; falsehoods, too, of which I acquit Mazzei & Bishop Madison, for they are men of truth."

-  Thomas Jefferson, Sept. 23, 1800 letter to Benjamin Rush.

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The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men

Religion and the Founding of the American Republic

INTRODUCTION

America as a Religious Refuge: The Seventeenth Century Pt. I

America as a Religious Refuge: The Seventeenth Century Pt. II

Religion in Eighteenth-Century America

Religion and the American Revolution

Religion and the Congress of the Confederation, 1774-89

Religion and the State Governments

Religion and the Federal Government

THE STATE BECOMES THE CHURCH: JEFFERSON AND MADISON

Religion and the New Republic

Acknowledgments

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"...But the Arbiter of Events, the Sovereign of the World only knows, which Way the Torrent will be turned. Judging by Experience, by Probabilities, and by all Appearances, I conclude, it will roll on to Dominion and Glory, tho the Circumstances and Consequences may be bloody.
 
"In such great Changes and Commotions, Individuals are but Atoms. It is scarcly worth while to consider what the Consequences will be to Us. What will be the Effects upon present and future Millions, and Millions of Millions, is a Question very interesting to Benevolence natural and Christian. God grant they may and I firmly believe they will be happy."

- John Adams, Feb. 11, 1776 letter to Abigail Adams. [Letters of Delegates to Congress: Volume: 3. Library of Congress - American Memory]

"When God Almighty made the Banks of Newfoundland at three hundred leagues
distance from the people of America, and at six hundred leagues distance from
those of France and England, did He not give as good a right to the former as
to the latter? If Heaven, in the creation, gave a right, it is ours at least
as much as yours. If occupation, use, and possession give a right, we have it
as clearly as you. If war and blood and treasure give a right, ours is as good
as yours."

- John Adams, Journal of Peace Negotiations, November 28, 1782.

"With you, I have also the honor most perfectly to harmonize in your sentiments of the humanity and wisdom of promoting education in knowledge, virtue, and benevolence. But I think that these will confirm mankind in the opinion of the necessity of preserving and strengthening the dikes against the ocean, its tides and storms. Human appetites, passions, prejudices, and self-love will never be conquered by benevolence and knowledge alone, introduced by human means. The millennium itself neither supposes nor implies it. All civil government is then to cease, and the Messiah is to reign. That happy and holy state is therefore wholly out of this question. You and I agree in the utility of universal education; but will nations agree in it as fully and extensively as we do, and be at the expense of it? We know, with as much certainty as attends any human knowledge, that they will not. We cannot, therefore, advise the people to depend for their safety, liberty, and security, upon hopes and blessings which we know will not fall to their lot. If we do our duty then to the people, we shall not deceive them, but advise them to depend upon what is in their power and will relieve them...."

- John Adams, Oct. 18, 1790 letter to Samuel Adams. [The Works of John Adams. Edited by Charles Francis Adams. 10 vols. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1850--56.]

"The Christian religion is above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modem times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity, and humanity, let the blackguard Paine say what he will; it is resignation to God, it is goodness itself to man."

- John Adams, Diary entry dated July 26, 1796. [The Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L.H. Butterfield (Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1962), 3:233-34.]

"One great advantage of the Christian religion is that it brings the great principle of the law of nature and nations--Love your neighbor as yourself, and do to others as you would that others should do to you,--to the knowledge, belief, and veneration of the whole people. Children, servants, women, and men, are all professors in the science of public and private morality. No other institution for education, no kind of political discipline, could diffuse this kind of necessary information, so universally among all ranks and descriptions of citizens. The duties and rights of the man and the citizen are thus taught from early infancy to every creature. The sanctions of a future life are thus added to the observance of civil and political, as well as domestic and private duties. Prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude, are thus taught to be the means and conditions of future as well as present happiness."

- John Adams, Dairy entry dated August 14, 1796. [John Adams diary 46, various loose folded sheets, 6 August 1787 - 10 September 1796 (with gaps), 2 July - 21 August 1804. Adams Family Papers on The Massachusetts Historical Society website.]

"You have rights antecedent to all earthly governments; rights that cannot be repealed or restrained by human laws; rights derived from the Great Legislator of the Universe."

- John Adams

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DID YOU KNOW?

By Andy Rooney

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Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness [which] they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and [that] they may rob the fatherless! And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation [which] shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory? Without ME they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand [is] stretched out still.

- Isaiah 10:1-4

(You blind leaders of the blind! Do you think that you shall escape HIS WRATH?).

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"Kings or parliaments could not GIVE THE RIGHTS ESSENTIAL TO HAPPINESS ... We claim them from a higher source- from the King of Kings, and Lord of all the earth. They are not annexed to us by parchments and seals. They are created in us by the decrees of Providence."

- John Dickerson, 1766

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"We hold these truths to be self-evident..."

- Thomas Jefferson

"We have solved....the great and interesting question whether
freedom of religion is compatible with order in government, and
obedience to the laws, And we have experienced the quiet as well
as the comfort which results from leaving every one to profess
freely and openly those principles of religion which are the
inductions of his own reason, and the serious convictions of his
own inquiries."

- Thomas Jefferson to Virginia Baptists, 1808.

"I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by
the Constitution from intermeddling in religious institutions,
their doctrines, discipline, or exercises."

- Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Miller, 1808

"Religion is a subject on which I have ever been most scrupulously
reserved. I have considered it as a matter between every man and
his Maker, in which no other, and far less the public, had a right
to intermeddle."

- Thomas Jefferson to Richard Rush, 1813

"The clergy, by getting themselves established by law, and
ingrafted into the machine of government, have been a very
formidable engine against the civil and religious rights of man."

- Thomas Jefferson to Jeremiah Moor, 1800

"I am for freedom of religion, and against all maneuvers to bring
about a legal ascendency of one sect over another."

- Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 1799

"To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the
propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful
and tyrannical."

- Thomas Jefferson: Statute of Religious Freedom, 1779

"The clergy....believe that any portion of power confided to me
(President) will be exerted in opposition to their schemes.  And
they believe rightly: for I have sworn upon the altar of God,
eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of
man.  But this is all they have to fear from me: and enough, too,
in their opinion."

- Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, 1800

"History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people
maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade
of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will
always avail themselves for their own purposes."

- Thomas Jefferson to Alexander von Humboldt, 1813

"In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to
liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his
abuses in return for protection to his own."

- Thomas Jefferson to Horatio G. Spafford, 1814

"Having banished from our land that religious intolerance under
which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained
little if we countenance a political intolerance as despotic, as
wicked, and capable of as bitter and bloody persecutions."

- Thomas Jefferson: 1st Inaugural Address, 1801

"The Christian religion, when divested of the rags in which they
(the clergy) have enveloped it, and brought to the original purity
and simplicity of it's benevolent institutor, is a religion of all
others most friendly to liberty, science, and the freest expansion
of the human mind."

- Thomas Jefferson to Moses Robinson, 1801

"Our particular principles of religion are a subject of accountability to God alone."

- Thomas Jefferson to Miles King, 1814

"Dear Sir,--In some of the delightful conversations with you, in the evenings of 1798--99,
and which served as an anodyne to the afflictions of the crisis through which our country
was then laboring, the Christian religion was sometimes our topic; and I then promised you,
that one day or other, I would give you my views of it. They are the result of a life of
inquiry & reflection, and very different from that anti-Christian system imputed to me by
those who know nothing of my opinions. To the corruptions of Christianity I am indeed opposed;
but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian, in the only sense he wished any one to be; sincerely attached to his doctrines, in preference to all others; ascribing to himself every human excellence; & believing he never claimed any other...."

- Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, April 21, 1803. [The Works of Thomas Jefferson in Twelve Volumes. Federal Edition. Collected and Edited by Paul Leicester Ford].

Also see:

God and Jefferson

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"Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

"Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

"Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

"Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

"Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

"Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

"Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloths, or habitation.

"Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

"Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

"Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

"Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

"Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

"Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates." 

- Benjamin Franklin, (ca. 1730), "13 Virtues".

"As a sparrow does not fall without Divine permission,
can we suppose that governments can be erected without
his will? We shall, I am afraid, be disgraced through
little party views. I move that we have prayers every
morning."

- Benjamin Franklin, 6/28/1787, (Notes of the Secret
Debates of the Federal Convention of 1787, By
Robert Yates, Chief Justice of the State
of New York).

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"The BIBLE is the rock on which our Republic rests."

- Andrew Jackson

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"The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His apostles, which enjoins humility, piety, and benevolence; which acknowledges in every person, a brother or a sister, and a citizen with equal rights. This is genuine Christianity, and to this we owe our free constitutions of government."

- Noah Webster, “History of the United States", (1832).

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"If we abide by the principles taught in the BIBLE, our country will go on prospering."

- Daniel Webster

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"There are those who believe that a new modernity demands a new morality.

"What they fail to consider is the harsh reality that there is no such thing
as a new morality. There is only one morality. There is only true Christian
ethics over against which stands the whole of paganism. If we are to fulfill
our great destiny as a people, then we must return to the old morality, the
sole morality."

- President Theodore Roosevelt

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Religious Affiliations of the Presidents

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There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

- Galatians 3:28

"The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to SET AT LIBERTY them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

- JESUS, Whom is the Christ, Luke 4:18, 19

Proper Government

"Deus et natua non faciunt frusta."
(God and nature do not work together in vain). 

Also See:

afforded Us by God & Nature

“Agreed to found our Rights upon the Laws of Nature....”

"Rights of the citizen declared to be --"

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