"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" That is the question for our nation today. The answer is deeper than the past two and a half centuries of political rhetoric and even more pervasive than the prevailing, divisive turmoil of our current climate. The answer is in our roots. What were the ideas, sentiments and philosophy that governed and guided our decisions as a fledgeling country so long ago.
For today's post, we wanted to celebrate the true and sure foundations that our freedoms were built upon. These are merely a few quotes that capture the words and heartbeat of those that started the "Great American Experiment".
1. George Washington
Who was he? Judge; Member of the Continental Congress; Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army; President of the Constitutional Convention; First President of the United States; "Father of his Country"
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian. #GeorgeWashington
You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are. #GeorgeWashington
2. John Hancock
Who was he? Signer of the Declaration of Independence; President of Congress; Revolutionary General; Governor of Massachusetts
He called on the whole state of Massachusetts to pray...
...that all nations may bow to the scepter of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that the whole earth may be filled with his glory. #JohnHancock
...to cause the benign religion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be known, understood, and practiced among all the inhabitants of the earth. #JohnHancock
3. Thomas Jefferson
Who was he? 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. #ThomasJefferson
I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ. #ThomasJefferson
4. Noah Webster
Who was he? Revolutionary Soldier; Judge; Legislator; Educator; “Schoolmaster to America”
The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His apostles… This is genuine Christianity and to this we owe our free constitutions of government. #NoahWebster
The moral principles and precepts found in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws. #NoahWebster
5. Benjamin Rush
Who was he? 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 greatest discoveries in science have been made by Christian philosophers and . . . there is the most knowledge in those countries where there is the most Christianity. The 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. #BenjaminRush
By renouncing the Bible, philosophers swing from their moorings upon all moral subjects… It is the only correct map of the human heart that ever has been published. #BenjaminRush
6. John Jay
Who was he? President of Congress; Diplomat; Author of the Federalist Papers; Original Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court; Governor of New York
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. #JohnJay
I recommend a general and public return of praise and thanksgiving to Him from whose goodness these blessings descend. The most effectual means of securing the continuance of our civil and religious liberties is always to remember with reverence and gratitude the source from which they flow. #JohnJay
7. Francis Scott Key
Who was he? U. S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Author of the "Start Spangled Banner"
May I always hear that you are following the guidance of that blessed Spirit that will lead you into all truth, leaning on that Almighty arm that has been extended to deliver you, trusting only in the only Savior, and going on in your way to Him rejoicing. #FrancisScottKey
Want to read more quotes like these?
This article consists of a condensed list from wallbuilders.com, "...an organization dedicated to presenting America’s forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on the moral, religious, and constitutional foundation on which America was built..."
The direct link to their original article, as well as the endnotes where the original quotes can be found here: https://wallbuilders.com/founding-fathers-jesus-christianity-bible/#
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