Our Historical Roots
History is to the nation what memory is to the individual. – Arthur Schlesinger
If we don’t know who we are, we don’t know how to act. As a child in school my generation was taught regularly that the Pilgrims came here for religious freedom. I heard Michele Bachman say something along the line, America was basically a Church plant. Listed here are a few quotes from our Founding Fathers and early documents that give an understanding of the mindset of those who came to start what is now called the United States of America.
When discussing the guidelines which define the establishment of religion in the First Amendment to the Constitution, U.S. House Judiciary Committee made this statement in 1854,
“Had the people, during the revolution, had a suspicion of any attempt to war against Christianity, that revolution would have been strangled in its cradle… In this age, there can be no substitute for Christianity… That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants.” – Congress U.S House Judiciary Committee, 1854
“Having undertaken for the
Glory of God, and the advancement of the
Christian faith…”
-Mayflower Compact (1612)
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“In proportion as the genuine effects of Christianity are diminished in any nation… in the same proportion will the people of that nation recede from the blessings of genuine freedom… Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government – and all the blessings which flow from them – must fall with them.” – Jedidiah Morse (1761-1826), was a pioneer American educator and geographer, called the “Father of American Geography.” He was also the father of Samuel F.B. Morse, inventor of the telegraph and “Morse Code.”
“The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity” – John Quincy Adams : American 6th US President (1825-29), eldest son of John Adams, 2nd US president. 1767- 1848
“The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” – John Quincy Adams : American 6th US President (1825-29), eldest son of John Adams, 2nd US president. 1767- 1848
“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.”” – John Hancock: Elected President of the Continental Congress, 1775;
“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers” – John Jay: Author of the Federalist Papers; Original Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
“[T]he only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government is the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity by means of the Bible”. – Benjamin Rush: Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution
“I am persuaded that no civil government of a republican form can exist and be durable in which the principles of Christianity have not a controlling influence” – Noah Webster: Judge; Legislator; Educator; Revolutionary Soldier
“No truth is more evident than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people.” – Noah Webster: Judge; Legislator; Educator; Revolutionary Soldier
“[T]he Christian religion – its general principles – must ever be regarded among us as the foundation of civil society” – Daniel Webster: U.S. Senator; Secretary of State
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness – these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens” – George Washington: First President of the United States of America. General in the Revolutionary War
“The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible” – Patrick Henry: Revolutionary General; Ratifier of the U. S. Constitution; Governor of Virginia
Quotes taken from “Original Intent” by David Barton
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