Fisher Ames(1758-1808), was a Congressman from Massachusetts in the First Session of the Congress Of the United States when the Bill of Rights were formulated. It was Fisher Ames who had suggested the wording of the First Amendment, which was adopted by the House:
"Congress shall make no law establishing religion, or to prevent the free exercise thereof, or to infringe the rights of conscience." Fisher Ames shared his belief concerning education:
"Should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a schoolbook? Its morals are pure, its examples are captivating and noble... In no Book is there so good English, so pure and so elegant, and by teaching all the same they will speak alike, and the Bible will justly remain the standard of language as well as Of faith.”
Sir William Blackstone(1723-1780), was the renowned English jurist who played a leading role in forming the basis of law in America. When scholars examined nearly 15,000 items written by the Founding Fathers from 1760 to 1805(including books, newspapers articles, monographs, pamphlets, etc.) they found that Sir William Blackstone was quoted more than any other author except one. Blackstone expressed the presuppositional base for law:
"Man, considered as a creature, must necessarily be subjected to the laws of his Creator, for he is entirely a dependent being ... And, consequently, as man depends absolutely upon his Maker for everything, it is necessary that he should in all points conform to his Maker's will ... this will of his Maker is called the law of nature.”
"These laws laid down by God are the eternal immutable laws of good and evil ... This law of nature dictated by God himself, is of course superior in obligation to any other. It is binding over all the globe ' in all countries, and at all times: no human laws are of any validity if contrary to this ... "
"The doctrines thus delivered we call the revealed or divine law, and they are to be found only in the holy scriptures ... [and] are found upon comparison to be really part of the original law of nature. Upon these two foundations, the law of nature and the law of revelation, depend all human laws; that is to say, no human laws should be suffered to contradict these."
"Blasphemy against the Almighty is denying his being or providence, or uttering contumelious reproaches on our Savior Christ. it is punished, at common law by fine and imprisonment, for Christianity is part of the laws of the land."
"The preservation of Christianity as a national religion is abstracted from its own intrinsic truth, of the utmost consequence to the civil state, which a single instance will sufficiently demonstrate.
"The belief of a future state of rewards and punishments, the entertaining just ideas of the main attributes of the Supreme Being, and a firm persuasion that He superintends and will finally compensate every action in (all which are. revealed in, the. doctrines of our Savior, Christ) , these are the grand foundations of all judicial oaths, which call God to witness the truth of those facts which perhaps may be only known to Him and the party attesting;
"all moral evidence, therefore, all confidence in human veracity, must be weakened by apostasy, and overthrown by total infidelity.
"Wherefore, all affronts to Christianity, or endeavors to depreciate its efficacy, in those who have once professed it, are highly deserving of censure.”
Benjamin Franklin(1706-1790), one of America's most instrumental statesman, was also an author, scientist and printer. He served as a diplomat to France and England; was the President(Governor) of Pennsylvania; founded the University of Pennsylvania; signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution: In addition to having taught himself five languages, he became known as "the Newton of his Age." He made important discoveries in electricity, invented the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, the rocking chair, bi-focal glasses, in addition to numerous other scientific discoveries. He organized the first postal system in America, the first volunteer fire department, a circulating public library, a city police force and the lighting of streets. Franklin was responsible for bringing France into the Revolutionary War on the side of the Colonies, which proved to be of vital importance to the cause of independence. He also went to Paris in August 1781 to negotiate the 'Treaty of Paris,' which ended the War with the British on September 3, 1783. The terms of this treaty were described as "so advantageous to the Colonies that it has been called the greatest achievement in the history of American diplomacy."
In 1748, as Pennsylvania's Governor, Benjamin Franklin proposed Pennsylvania's first Fast Day:
"It is the duty of mankind on all suitable occasions to acknowledge their dependence on the Divine Being... [that] Almighty God would mercifully interpose and still the rage of war among the nations ... [and that) He would this province under His protection, confound the designs and defeat the attempts of its enemies, and unite our hearts and strengthen our hands in every undertaking that may be for the public good, and for our defense and security in this time of danger." Benjamin Franklin, in July of 1776, was appointed part of a committee to draft a seal for the newly united states which would characterize the spirit of this new nation. He proposed:
"Moses lifting up his wand, and dividing the red sea, and pharaoh in his chariot overwhelmed with the waters. This motto: "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."" Benjamin Franklin stated:
"A Bible and a newspaper in every house, a good school in every district--all studied and appreciated as they merit--are the principal support of virtue, morality, and civil liberty." Benjamin Franklin, in his pamphlet entitled 'Information to Those Who Would Remove to America,' written to Europeans who were considering a move to this country or intending to send their young people to seek their fortune in this land of opportunity, wrote:
"Hence bad examples to youth are more rare in America, which must be a comfortable consideration to parents. To this may be truly added, that serious religion, under its various denominations, is not only tolerated, but respected and practiced.
"Atheism is unknown there; Infidelity rare and secret; so that persons may live to a great age in that country without having their piety shocked by meeting with either an Atheist or an Infidel.
"And the Divine Being seems to have manifested his approbation of the mutual forbearance and kindness with which the different sects treat each other; by the remarkable prosperity with which he has been pleased to favor the whole country." In a letter dated April 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin expounded:"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." Thursday, June 28, 1787, Benjamin Franklin, delivered a powerful speech to the Constitutional Convention, which was embroiled in a bitter debate over how each state was to be represented in the new government. The hostile feelings created by the smaller states being pitted against the larger states, was so bitter that some delegates actually left the Convention. Benjamin Franklin, being the President(Governor) of Pennsylvania, hosted the rest of the 55 delegates attending the Convention. Being the senior member of the convention at 81 years of age, he commanded the respect of all present, and, as recorded in James Madison's detailed records, he rose to speak in this moment of crisis:
"Mr. President: The small progress we have made after four or five weeks close attendance & continual reasonings with each other--our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ayes, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding.
"We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which, having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution, now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.
"In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understanding?
"In the beginning of the Contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection.-Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor.
"To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?
"I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth--that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?
"We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages.
"And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.
"I therefore beg leave to move--that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.” Following the historical address, James Madison made a motion, which was seconded by Roger Sherman of Connecticut, that Dr. Franklin's appeal for prayer be enacted. Edmund Jennings Randolph of Virginia followed with a further motion:"That a sermon be preached at the request of the convention on the 4th of July, the anniversary of independence; & thenceforth prayers be used in the Convention every morning.,,
[Of note is the fact that prayer have opened both houses of Congress ever since.]
On March 9, 1790, Benjamin Franklin wrote to Ezra Stiles, President of Yale University:"Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped.
"That the most acceptable service we render to Him is in doing good to His other Children. That the soul of Man is immortal, and will be treated with Justice in another Life respecting its conduct in this. These I take to be the fundamental points in all Bound Religion, and I regard them as you do in whatever Sect I meet with them.
"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, is the best the World ever saw, or is likely to Bee." Benjamin Franklin wrote in his 'Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion:'"It is that particular wise and good God, who is Author and Owner of our system, that I propose for the Object of my praise and adoration.
"For I conceive that He has in Himself some of those passions He has planted in us, and that, since He has given us reason whereby we are capable of observing His wisdom in the Creation, He is not above caring for us, being pleas'd with our praise, and offended when we slight Him, or neglect His Glory.
"I conceive for many reason that He is a good Being, and as I should be happy to have so wise, good and powerful a Being my Friend, let me consider in what Manner I shall make myself most acceptable to Him."
Alexander Hamilton(1757-1804), was not only a signer of the Constitution of the United States, but was known as the "Ratifier of the Constitution." It is probable that without his efforts the Constitution may not have been ratified by the states, particularly his own important states of New York. During the Revolutionary War, he was captain of a New York artillery unit, then appointed by George Washington as his aide-de-camp and staff lawyer, and later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He was the first Secretary of the Treasury, founder of one of the first banks in New York, as well as the founder of the 'New York Post., Shortly after the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Alexander Hamilton stated:
"For my own part, I sincerely esteem it a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests." Alexander Hamilton wrote to his friend James Bayard in April of 1802, revealing the important connection between Christianity and Constitutional freedom:
"In my opinion, the present constitution is the standard to which we are to cling. Under its banner bona fide must we combat our political foes, rejecting all changes but through the channel itself provided for amendments. By these general views of the subject have my reflections been guided.
"I now offer you the outline of the plan they have suggested. Let an association be formed to be denominated "The Christian Constitutional Society," its object to be first: The support of the Christian religion. second: The support of the United States." Alexander Hamilton expounded:"I have carefully examined the evidence of the Christian religion, and if I was sitting as a juror upon its authenticity I would unhesitatingly give my verdict in its favor. I can prove its truth as clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the mind of man.” In refuting those who had a misunderstanding of the nature of liberty, Alexander Hamilton explained:
"The fundamental source of all your errors, sophisms, and false reasoning, is a total ignorance of the natural rights of mankind. Were you once to become acquainted with these, you could never entertain a thought, that all men are not, by nature, entitled to a parity of privileges.
"You would be convinced, that natural liberty is a gift of the beneficent Creator, to the whole human race; and that civil liberty is founded in that; and cannot be wrested from any people, without the most manifested violation of justice." On July 12, 1804, Alexander Hamilton was shot by Aaron Burr in a duel. A few hours later he received last rites from Benjamin Moore, the Episcopalian Bishop of New York. His dying words were:"I have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a sinner. I look to Him for mercy; pray for me."
John Hancock(1737-1793), an American merchant and Revolutionary leader, was the president of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts. He became well known for having been the first member of the Continental Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence. On April 15, 1775, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts declared: 'A Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer,' signed by the President of the Provincial Congress, John Hancock:
"In circumstances dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that, whilst every prudent Measure should be taken to ward off the impending Judgments ... All confidence must be withheld from the Means we use; and reposed only on that GOD who rules in the Armies of Heaven, and without whose Blessing the best human Counsels are but Foolishness--and all created Power Vanity;
"It is the Happiness of his Church that, when the Powers of Earth and Hell combine against it ... that the Throne of Grace is of the easiest access-and its Appeal thither is graciously invited by the Father of Mercies, who has assured it, that when his Children ask Bread he will not give them a Stone...
" RESOLVED, That it be, and hereby is recommended to the good People of this Colony of all Denominations, that THURSDAY the Eleventh Day of May next be set apart as a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer... to confess the sins ... to implore the Forgiveness of all Transgression ... and a blessing on the Husbandry, Manufactures, and other lawful Employments of this People; and especially that the union of the American Colonies in Defense of their Rights(for hitherto we desire to thank Almighty GOD) may be preserved and confirmed ... And that AMERICA may soon behold a gracious Interposition of Heaven.
By Order of the (Massachusetts] Provincial Congress, John Hancock, President." On November 8, 1783, Governor John Hancock, from Boston, Massachusetts, issued 'A Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving' to celebrate the victorious conclusion of the Revolutionary War:"John Hancock, Esquire Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts A Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving:
"Whereas ... these United States are not only happily rescued from the Danger and Calamities to which they have been so long exposed, but their Freedom, Sovereignty and Independence ultimately acknowledged.
"And whereas ... the Interpose of Divine Providence in our Favor hath been most abundantly and most graciously manifested, and the Citizens of these United States have every Reason for Praise and Gratitude to the God of their salvation.
"Impressed therefore with an exalted Sense of the Blessings by which we are surrounded, and of our entire Dependence on that Almighty Being from whose Goodness and Bounty they are derived;
"I do by and with the Advice of the Council appoint Thursday the Eleventh Day of December next(the Day recommended by the Congress to all the States) to be religiously observed as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, that all the People may then assemble to celebrate... that he hath been pleased to continue to us the Light of the Blessed Gospel;... That we also offer up fervent Supplications ... to cause pure Religion and Virtue to flourish ... and to fill the World with his glory."
