1776Faith

Bloomberg Excludes Clergy at Tenth Anniversary of 9-11 Citing Separation of Church and State

2011-09-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Bloomberg Excluding Clergy, Firemen and Police From Tenth Anniversary of 9-11

New York City Mayor Bloomberg certainly knows business matters. However, in matters of the Constitution on First Amendment matters he is lacking. It is beyond words to describe the mayor’s lack of understanding and insensitivity while he is excluding clergy, New York City firemen and policemen. Since he puts the issue as a Constitutional issue, let us bring in New York’s expert on the subject: John Jay. As a New Yorker and the first Chief Justice under the Constitution of the United States, Mr. Jay may have something to tell us.
In December 23, 1776 in the dark days after the defeats at Brooklyn, White Plains, Fort Washington and Fort Lee and then retreating into New Jersey, Mr. Jay was asked by the New York Assembly to address the people of New York. In his address, Mr. Jay mentioned God and having faith in God 33 times. This address was translated into German and distributed at the expense of Continental Congress. Granted, this was before the Constitution. However, the members had no doubts about Mr. Jay’s Christian convictions. In today’s environment he would not have been allowed to be confirmed. However, under the Constitution with the Founders of the country he was confirmed.
The nation’s capital for 1789 was in New York City (not Philadelphia which was 1790-1799 and then Washington from 1800 since). President George Washington was inaugurated in New York. He took the oath of office and swore on a Bible and stated “So help me God.” After the inauguration, where did the President go? He and others attended a communion service in New York City. Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton (Alexander Hamilton’s widow) remembered Mr. Washington taking communion. When John Jay had the first session of the Supreme Court under the Constitution, there was a four hour communion service in New York City. The President and the Chief Justice wanted God’s blessing on our new nation.
Under the Constitution, George Washington recommended two days of Thanksgiving and Prayer (1789 and 1795). John Adams recommended two days of Thanksgiving and Prayer (March 23, 1798 and March 6, 1799). [Many experts attribute Adams to be a Unitarian but check out the documents of the prayer days and one will see the most Trinitarian description (Most High God, the Great Mediator and Redeemer and the Holy Spirit). Jefferson had no national days of prayer but did have days of prayer in Virginia when he was governor. Madison, who directed a huge part in the ratification of the Constitution, recommended four days of Thanksgiving and Prayer (1812, 1813, 1814 and 1815). That totals 8 recommended days of Thanksgiving and Prayer by the first four Presidents under the Constitution. Please note that people were not guillotined for not attending- the days were recommended.
Doesn’t the Senate and House of Representatives have chaplains? How long have they been there? Since the Founding? Even though it is recommended for Congressman and Senators to hear the morning devotion and prayer, do they all pay attention? Do some Congressmen skip attendance, ignore or just do not listen to the Chaplains? The Senate and House of Representatives have had benefit of clergy. Why not allow that for the grieving people of New York. George Washington, John Jay and James Madison (who were very acquainted with the federal government in New York when it was the nation’s capital) are pointing a finger at you, Mr. Bloomberg. They are saying that this is not right!
Punishments by the British during the American Revolution included sentences of various punishments. The most severe included “without benefit of clergy.”

Founding Fathers Lecturer

2011-03-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

My public presentation consists of John Jay presenting the Christian worldview with the help of Mr. Franklin’s technology with Power Point. Here are the presentations:

1- 1776 Faith- The Christian worldview of the signers of the Declaration of Independence (60 minutes)
2- Constitutional Faith- The Christian worldview of the signers of the Constitution (45 minutes)
3- 7 instances of Divine Providence on our young nation. (30 minutes)
4- The influence of the Great Awakening on the Founders/ the Christian colleges of the era and the Christian music of the era (45 minutes)
5- The early state constitutions (30 minutes)
6- All 50 states mention God in their state constitutions (50 minutes)
7- The first four presidents promoted general tolerant Christianity (30 minutes)
8- Defending Delmarva During the American Revolution (55 minutes)
9- African-American Contributions of the American Revolution (45 minutes)

If you would like a presentation for your church, Christian high school, college, homeschool group,civic group please contact me at

1776faith@gmail.com

Experts or Trusted Amateurs in the American Revolution

2011-03-26T07:03:00.000-07:00

American Revolution/ Founding Fathers Experts

In studies of the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers, it is wise to get the opinions of experts. How does one go about that? There were experts back in the 1770s but which kind of expert do you want? One type of expert may have exceeding great qualifications but in the long run should not be trusted. Just because someone has a Ph.D. does not mean they are right (or that they are wrong either). Let us look at some of the experts of those days and then check out some lower qualified amateurs.

General Charles Lee had more qualifications in the military field than George Washington. He had experience in the British army in Europe as well as America. If he was given command instead of Washington, we would probably not have the priority given to the chaplaincy in the military (which Washington established). Lee dragged his heels in New Jersey in late 1776 and later at the battle of Monmouth.

General Gates had more experience than General DeKalb because of his victory at Saratoga. Continental Congress put Gates in charge of the Southern Campaign. At the battle of Camden in South Carolina the expert Gates took the straightest line through area without roads to engage the enemy whereas DeKalb wanted to take “the bypass area” with roads, supplies, food and where he could pick up local militia. At the battle itself, the expert took off on horseback for 90 miles in three days. DeKalb was not given an order to retreat. He stayed along with 800 men from Maryland who gave up their lives on the battlefield.

General Henry Knox was a bookseller in Boston. He would probably be laughed at by the British for being a general. His feat of carrying cannon captured at Fort Ticonderoga through the snowy hills to Dorchester Heights was a game changer. The expert would have called it off. An expert probably wouldn’t have accomplished that feat but the perspiring amateur got it done.

Nathanael Greene was a manufacturing Quaker. Quakers were not supposed to get involved in war. Greene saw that he could not just stand by and do nothing. Greene did not have the qualifications on his resume to be a general but he was the man that would be the successor if anything would happen to General Washington. Greene had excellent skills in the area of logistics and gathering supplies.
Which would you rather have in North Carolina/ South Carolina in 1780, Gates' expertise or Greene's amateur status?

A characteristic of these amateurs is that they could be trusted unto death. When life hangs in the balance, who can you trust?

Parker Mill Pond Proactive Battle Feb. 1777

2011-02-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

February 1777
The Proactive Battle of Parker Mill Pond East of Salisbury, Maryland

Continental Congress moved from Philadelphia on December 12, 1776. After defeats at Brooklyn, White Plains and Harlem in New York, we lost Fort Washington and Fort Lee. British troops kept pursuing the Continental Army in New Jersey and General Washington won a stunning victory by crossing the Delaware River and capturing the Hessian garrison at Trenton December 26, 1776. Colonel William Richardson (from the Eastern Shore of Maryland near Preston) was entrusted with moving the Treasury from Philadelphia to Baltimore. Baltimore served as the capital of nation from December 20, 1776 until February, 27, 1777. The location of Congress in Baltimore was at Liberty Street and Baltimore Street (near the First Mariner Arena where the Baltimore Blast soccer team plays).

The capital returned to Philadelphia on March 4, 1777. [ It remained there until September 15, 1777. After the defeat at Brandywine, Continental Congress had to move again. They stayed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for one day- September 27, 1777 and then moved to York , Pennsylvania from September 30, 1777 until June 27, 1778. At York, they met at the Court House.]

During the time frame of the upheaval from Continental Congress having to move from Philadelphia to Baltimore is the time period in which the Tories attempted to take control of Delmarva. Their plan started with the staging area of Parker Mill Pond. All during the time that the capital was located in Baltimore, one of the main focuses was the threat to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It is hard for current readers to visualize John Hancock in Baltimore but here is a resolve of Congress on February 17, 1777:

[Hancock to Council]
Baltimore, Feb. 17, 1777
Gentlemen:
As Congress have received Information that the Enemy are meditating a Descent upon the Coast of Chesapeake Bay the ensuing Campaign, I have it in Charge to request you will cause all the Stock of every Kind (agreeably to the enclosed Resolve) to be immediately removed from the shore and the adjacent Islands, or otherwise so secured that there may be no Danger of its falling into the Hands of our Enemies, and that you will take the most Effectual Measures to protect those who are well affected to the Cause of America from being plundered and insulted by the Enemy.
I have the Honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your most obed. Serv.
Honble Council of Safety. John Hancock Presid.

[Resolve of Congress.]
In Congress, Feby. 17, 1777
Congress having this day received Information that the Enemy mediates an Expedition to the Bay of Chesapeak in the ensuing Campaign, and that the Eastern Shore of Maryland is the first object or Place of Landing [italics added]
RESOLVED, That the States of Virginia and Maryland be requested to take immediate and the most effectual Measures that the Stocks may be removed from their respective Eastern Shore Counties, and their adjacent Islands, or so secured that they may not fall into the Enemies Hands, and that Means the most effectual be taken to protect & secure the well affected Inhabitants from the Insults and Plunder of the Enemy.
By order of CongressJohn Hancock, Presid.

Tangier Sound had three British warships in their area accompanied by tenders and other armed vessels, known to be piloted by Tories. For several months the Tories were on the verge of gaining control of Somerset (Maryland) and Sussex (Delaware) counties. A 44 gun British ship, Roebuck, had landed field artillery pieces (probably from the Wicomico River). In February, 1777 about 250 Tories gathered at the site of the battle of Parker Mill Pond near Salisbury. The battle never happened in actuality. Colonel George Dashiell’s militia of 150 was outnumbered and outgunned. Dashiell sent letters for help and help came in strength. Almost 1,000 (980) came from the Upper Shore and Western Shore under Gen. Smallwood. Another 2,000 under Colonel Southey Simpson came from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. When the Tories saw the strength against them, they scattered. Fourteen ringleaders were caught but the two leaders, Callallo and Moore were believed to be headed for refuge on Smith or Tangier Island. And boarded the British ship Phoenix

The Maryland Council sent vessels to transport troops to Eastern Shore: the Enterprise with Captain James Campbell, the Defence with Captain George Cook, the Dolphin with Captain William Patterson and four other vessels. They assembled 980 men to help the Somerset Militia at Salisbury.

Col. William Buchanan’s Regulars- 350 men
Gen. Smallwood’s Battalion- 300 men
2nd Virginia Battalion 300 men
Mattrosses from Annapolis 30 men

“The militia was first on the scene. Their congregation in such numbers and the knowledge that regular army troops and state naval vessels were enroute forestalled junction of tory bands with forces from off-shore enemy warships. Tories quickly evaporated, scattering to Delaware and to the enemy ships, while most simply went ‘underground’ to escape apprehension.”

Three men attempted to go to the Ohio Valley, find Tories and Indians willing to fight and enlist them against the Patriots. The plan was (1)to seize Pittsburgh with this force (2) invade Maryland and Virginia and (3) join forces with Lord Dunmore at Alexandria, Virginia.

John Dalzial Smyth was a storekeeper and physician who owned property in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. Smyth joined with Lieutenant Colonel John Connelly (Tory physician fleeing from Pennsylvania) and an alleged Indian agent Allen Cameron. These three men were captured at Hagerstown and were carrying papers with the plans for this Ohio Valley takeover.
Smyth escaped the log jail for traitors at Frederick but was caught again and imprisoned in Philadelphia. He stayed there for six months and then was transferred to the jail in Baltimore in December 1776. He escaped from the Baltimore jail and crossed the Chesapeake Bay and came up the Nanticoke River into Somerset County. Smyth came into the region and helped with the planning of a Tory uprising.
When the Tory uprising took place in Salisbury, he advised waiting for British warships to strengthen their position in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay regions. When Smallwood’s forces took control of the area, Smyth and other Tories went north to Sussex County in Delaware. On March 12, he and eleven other Tories rowed out to a British man-o-war named Preston in the Delaware Bay.

Other Tories had planned on joining the force but when they saw the numbers against them, they decided not to show up at Parkers Mill Pond. If the Upper and Western Shore of Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Virginia had not responded so quickly and strongly, Tories would have had a stronghold in the Salisbury area. Think of all the possibilities that the British and Tories could have used with such a strategic location at the center of the peninsula. Washington sent a report that 3,000 British and Hessian troops left New York reportedly to effect a landing on the Eastern Shore. About 70 flat-bottom boats built by British in New York were supposedly intended for the Chesapeake Bay. The British and the Tories were denied this piece of the puzzle.

Gen. Smallwood arrived in Salisbury on Feb. 19, 1777. While in charge of the militia in the area, he divided his time between Princess Anne, Salisbury and Snow Hill. Do you think he ever stayed in the Washington Hotel? Since the show of force had dissipated the Tory threat in the area, Smallwood released his forces on March 3 so they could go to other needed areas.

One of the regiments recently recruited in Maryland for Continental Army service (but had not yet left the state) was assigned to the camps to be set up in the neighborhood of Salisbury. It was to be augmented by 500 militiamen from the upper Maryland counties and 100 from Delaware if additional force was found to be needed. Enlistment terms were due to expire December 10, 1777. Col. William Richardson who was named regiment’s commander, went on an expedition to Lewes.

In summation, Baltimore was the nation’s capital at the time of the Battle of Parker Mill Pond. John Hancock sent a Resolve of Continental Congress stating that Congress had received intelligence that the enemy had plans to have a landing there (they did in August of that same year with 265 ships up the Chesapeake Bay to Elk Landing-Elkton). The local militia saw they were outmanned and out-gunned (Tories had at least two field pieces). Almost 1,000 men from the Western Shore and the Upper Shore came to Salisbury’s defense. The Eastern Shore of Virginia brought up 2,000 men to help out. When the Tories saw all these soldiers and militia against them, most of them disappeared into their home areas. A Tory leader from North Carolina named John Daziel Smyth attempted to raise up an army of Tories and Indians from the Ohio Valley and came through Hagerstown and Frederick. He arrived in Somerset county (which part is in Wicomico County now) by means of the Nanticoke River and tried to stir up the Tories. The arrival of such large numbers of Patriots from the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the Upper and Western Shores thwarted his plans and he left the area by taking a ship called the Preston from Lewes and skedaddled. General Smallwood commanded the forces in the Salisbury and Princess Anne area. When the Tories left the area, Colonel Richardson took command of the 500 men left in the Salisbury area.

New Hampshire Signers of Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

Josiah Bartlett

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett (October 11, 1775) I, 161.
“I can now inform you that by the Goodness of God I am in a Good State of health Tho I have not Quite got my Strength up.”

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett (October 25, 1775) I, 252.
“...I am by the Goodness of God in a Good State of health; have got my Strength and have not so much of the Headache as usual.”

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett (February 19, 1776) III, .
“...I think is as great favor, that so large a family Should be Blessed with health, for so long a time, I hope it will continue till it shall please God to return me home in health...”
[Death of ] “my good friend John Wadleigh...and tho’ he had some Sentiments Different from mine, yet I really Loved & Esteemed him, & I Despise the Bigot, who Can have no Esteem or friendship for any man, whose reliigious opinions are Different his own...Dr. Smith Delivered a funeral Oration to the Memory of General Montgomery and the other Brave men, who fell in the attack on Quebec; the oration was delivered in a large and Beautiful & Elegant Dutch Church. The Congress, the General Assembly of this province, the Committees of Safety & inspection, and about 30 Clergymen of the Different Denominations in this City, with other Gentlemen, walked from the Court house, in a Body, to the Church...”

Josiah Bartlett to Meshech Weare (March 2, 1776) III, 319.
“I am very Sorry for the unhappy Difficulties in our Colony at a time when we have nothing to expect from our inveterate Enemies but war and Bloodshed notwithstanding their hipocritical pretence of treating & Reconciliation to amuse us. I pray God we may not be taken in the Snare.”

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett (July 14, 1776) IV, 450.
“...But I hope & trust that the Supreme Disposer of all Events, who loveth Justice & hateth iniquity will continue to favor our righteous Cause and that the wickedness of our Enemies will fall on their own heads.
“I am glad to hear you & my family are well, I am so at this time & pray we all continue so till it shall please Providence to return me to you again in Due time.
“I can inform you that the greatest preparations are making to oppose the Powerful army that are now or will soon be near New York. I hope it will be done Successfully; however that Depends on Divine Providence whose ways are unsearchable by human beings.”

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett (August 26, 1776) V, 64.
“...P.S. Have Col. Greely & Mr. Proctor provided any Bords for me as I Desired them for finishing my house; as I hope to be at home & Do something about it another year, God willing.”
Josiah Bartlett to Nathaniel Folsom (September 2, 1776) V, 92.
“What the Congress will do is at present uncertain but hope they will de directed by the Supreme Disposer of Events, to do in this & Every other affaair before them what will be most Conducive to the Safety & Happiness of these American States.”

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett (September 9, 1776) V, 126.
sick for more than a fortnight “...I have been vomited & purged & am taking sundry Medicines which I hope will procure me relief if it is agreeable to the will of God.”

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett (July 14, 1778) X, 275.
“...God grant you & the Rest of my family may Enjoy an Equal Share of Health of Body & peace & contentment of mind.”

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett (July 20, 1778) X, 317.
“...we must Leave our affairs to the Government of the Great Supreme Disposer of all Events; Humbly Hoping that He will order all things so as shall be for the Best;”

Josiah Bartlett to William Whipple (July 27, 1778) X, 360.
“...but when it will be done God knows.”

Josiah Bartlett to Mary Bartlett (Aug. 3, 1778) X, 384.
“...However I have as yet Enjoyed my health very well by the favor of Providence and hope I shall continue so to Do.”

Josiah Bartlett (Aug. 18, 1778) X, 472.
“...The majority of the Quakers remain the same dark, hidden designing hypocrites as formerly.”

Matthew Thornton

New Hampshire Delegates to Matthew Thornton (June 20, 1775) I, 524-525.
“Your favor of the 24th May is now before us, in answer to which can only say we easily Conceive the ‘painful sensation’ that every honest man must feel when he sees the unnatural Conflict between Great Britain and these Colonies rising to such a highth. But when we Consider it, not of our own Seeking, drove by the Sons of Tyranny and Oppression, to the Sad Alternative of being made Slaves, or appealing to the Sword in Defense of our Just liberties, cannot but think we shall stand Justified, before God and man, in vigorously seizing the latter...May the great Author of all things Bless and Assist us, is the most ardent prayer of, your Obedient servants,
John Sullivan
John Langdon”

New Hampshire Delegates to Matthew Thornton (November 3, 1775) II, 293.
“We can’t help Rejoice to see this as a ground work of our government, and hope by the Blessing of Divine Providence, never to return to our former Despotick State.”

Rhode Island Signers of Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

William Ellery

William Ellery to Ezra Stiles (July 20, 1776) IV, 498.
“...We have been driven into a Declar of Independency & must forget our former Love for our British Brethren. The Sword must Determine our Quarrel. Our Repulse from Canada is disagreeable, but we must expect repeated Defeats. The Road to Liberty, like the Road to Heaven is strewed with Thorns. Virtue lives in Exertion. But thank Providence, altho’ our Northern Army hath been unsuccessful,our Southern Forces under Gen. Lee have been successful.”

William Ellery to Nicholas Cooke (December 25, 1776) IV, 653.
“...I hope in God better Fortune will attend our future Operations.”

William Ellery to William Vernon (Mar. 16, 1778) IX, 302.
“...With the Aid of Heaven we will crush the Serpents head next Summer, and force our Enemies to be at peace with Us!”

William Ellery to Nicolas Cooke (Apr. 5, 1778) IX, 371.
“...Out of 3600 which were lately inoculated at Valley Forge, 11 only died of the small pox.”

William Ellery to Christopher Ellery (Jan. 26, 1778) XI, 517-518.
“...When the war will end I know not; but I hope it will not extend beyond this year at farthest. It will end sooner if the divine Providence should remove from British Councils that infatuation which has so long prevailed in them; but quos Deus vult perdere prius dementat [Those whom God wishes to destroy he first makes mad.]”

Stephen Hopkins

Stephen Hopkins to Ruth Hopkins (November 15,1775) II, 351.
“...I am in very good Health as your Mother also is wishing we might return to you. When that will be Heaven only knows.”

Stephen Hopkins to Henry Ward (March 27, 1776) III, 451-452.
“I am very sorry to be under the necessity of writing so disagreeable News, as the death of your brother the honorable Samuel Ward Esqr. must be. He first found himself a little out of order, on Wednesday the 13th of March, and on that and the two following days, he attended Congress, but on the last of them he was so poorly as to be obliged to leave it before it rose, and on Saturday the 16th in the morning the small Pox appeared plainly and very full upon him. To this time, and for some days after, the Symptoms appeared favourable, and the doctors Young and Bond, who attended him, thought not at all dangerous. Tho’ I confess for myself, I was apprehensive of danger much sooner than they. The Symptoms every day, until Friday the 22nd, when the Doctors themselves began to be much alarmed. His face was now excessively swelled, his breathing difficult, and his throat much obstructed by Phlegm. He continued, with the bad Symptoms rather increasing, until yesterday morning about two o’clock, when he expired without a groan or Struggle. He appeared to have retained his senses quite thro’ his whole disorder, even to the last.
“His funeral is to be attended, this day at three o’clock, by the Congress as Mourners- by the General Assembly of the Province of Pennslyvania- by the Mayor and Corporation of the City of Philadelphia- the Committee of safety of the Province, and the Committee of inspection of the city and liberties- the Clergy of all denominations preceding the Corpse- Six very respectable Gentlemen of this city being Pallbearers. He will be carried into the Great Presbyterian Meeting house in Arch Street, where a Funeral discourse will be delivered by the revd. Mr. Stillman. The Corpse will from thence be carried to the Baptist burying ground in this city & there interred.”

Connecticut Signers of Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

Oliver Wolcott

Oliver Wolcott to Philip Schuyler (January 22, 1776) III, 130.
“Your letter to Congress respecting the unfortunate Death of General Montgomery and the Disaster of his Troops pierced every Heart. I sincerely Sympathize with you the Loss of that brave officer. I know your affliction must be great for in him you have lost a most Valuable Friend and an officer in whom you deservedly put the greatest Confidence- but Such is Heavens Will, and let us Acquiesce in the Divine Providence.”

Oliver Wolcott to Samuel Lyman (February 3, 1776) III, 192.
“...That America may be happy is my Ardent Wish- and also that you in particular may share in the Blessings of the Almighty.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (March 2, 1776) III,325.
“By the Blessing of God I am well, and hope it may be continued to Me.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (March 8, 1776) III, 358.
“I Wrote to you a few days ago and let you know I was well. By the Blessing of God I continue So, and it would be a great Satisfaction to Me to know that you and the Family injoyed the same favour, but that it is impossible for me at this Moment to know, and it becomes Me to acquiesce in the divine Government. I hope a mercifull Providence may be your shield and Support.”

Oliver Wolcott to Samuel Lyman (March 16, 1776) III, 390.
“A proclamation for a fast has issued to be kept the 17th May but no particular Notice is taken of the British court but only as they fall under the general Denomination of Enemies.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (March 19,1776) III, 412.
“I continue by the blessing of God, well...
“My own Wishes are not gratified in living from my Family, but as in an important Circumstance of Life which has since lead me much from Home, I hope I committed the future allotments of Life to the Disposal of divine Providence. I humbly hope it may please God to bless me with his Guidance and take Care of and Protect those who are most dear to me, tho I am unworthy of his favours.”

Oliver Wolcott to Andrew Adams (March 22, 1776) III, 428.
“...May god carry us thro the severe conflict, guide the American Councils and give us Peace safe and honorable.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (April 10, 1776) III, 502.
“Merciful Providence still continues my Health to Me. Thro 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 rememberance of his Name. Vanity by the Wisest of men has been inscribed on every Thing Mortal and no Experience has ever contradicted this Declaration. 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 whall Vanish from the human heart, and endless scenes of Glory Open upon the enraptured Eye. There our Love to God and each other will grow stronger, and our Pleasures never be damp’d by the Fear of future Seperation. How indifferent will it then be to us wheither We obtained Felicity by travelling the thorny or the agreeable Paths of Life, wheither We arrived at our Rest by passing thro the envied and unfragant Road of Greatness or Sustained Hardship and unmerited Reproach in our Journey; Gods Providence and Support thro the perilous perplexing Labyrinths of human Life, will then forever excite our Astonishment and Love. May a Happiness be granted to thsoe I most tenderly Love which shall continue and increase thro’ an endless Existence. Your Cares and Burdens must be Many and great, but put your Trust in that God who has hitherto supported you and me, he will not fail to take Care of those who put their Trust in him.”

Oliver Wolcott to Thomas Seymour (April 16, 1776) III, 545.
“...But the good sense and Virtue of my Countrymen I believe Things will before long acquire such an Establishment, by the total confusion of British Councills, and the Blessing of God on the most laudable and prudent Exertions of this People, as will free every one from those Embarrasments which this Very peculiar kind of war has bro’t us into. I hope his Country will Exhibit the most glorious Displays of civil and Religious Liberty (rendered certain to the people of it by Constitutions, permanent, rational and just) that the World ever beheld, and that these Colonys injoying every necessary, particular Colonial Authority, may by fraternal Union strengthened by every Thing necessary therefor possess that internal Peace and Security which is Necessary for their Happiness, and by Confederated Power be able to repel whatever Attempts to Disturb. them.”

Oliver Wolcott to Samuel Lyman (April 17,1776) III, 553.
“...The Laws of commerce are equally fix’d and indeed every Thing else, all are operating Causes established by God Himself. They are the Ordo Rerum, which none but God Almighty can control.”

Oliver Wolcott to Samuel Lyman (May 16, 1776) IV, 16-17.
“...May the supreme Ruler of the Universe carry us thro the hardy Conflict to Liberty, safety and Peace.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (May 25, 1776) IV, .
“...For News refer you to the Papers. G. Britain mean or rather the king of it to exert his utmost force agt. this Country and has infamously hired Mercenaries to Subdue us but I trust in God he will be defeated. I have No Apprehension that more than 30,000 at most including those already here will be employed in the Land Service. By the Blessing of God I am well.”
Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (June 1, 1776) IV, 114.
“By the Blessing of God I Still injoy Health. May the best of Heavens Blessings be your Portion.”

Oliver Wolcott to Roger Newberry (June 4, 1776) IV, 144.
“...I am most sincerely sorry for the distress of my Country but let a man Consider that every thing which he holds dear is at Stake. That a Conquest by our Enemies ensures Slavery and Misery thro endless Generations. Is this a Patrimony which we must leave our Children? God forbid! No he who sitteth in the Heavens, who holds Empires in his hands, who holds the Tyrant Worms of this earth, in utter division, he will Crush the Power of the Oppressor, he will Vindicate the Cause of the righteous, he will preserve his People like a Flock, and by the Arm of his Power make them to know their Almighty Deliverer- While the Malice of the Oppressor shall cease and he who fears not the Justice of God shall perish for ever. I firmly believe this Country will be saved. Let us take up the Resolution of Joab, play the Man for the Cities of our God; and let God do as it pleases him.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (June 11, 1776) IV, 195.
“We seem at present to be in the midst of a great Revolution, which I hope God will carry us safe thru with.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (October 8, 1776) V, 323.
“I have taken the Lodgings at Mrs. Duncans my former Quarters where the Air and Water are good. My own Health by the Blessing of God is better... The aspect of publick affairs is the same, I wish that God in his Providence, would bring this Country into a state of Peace safe and equitable, but I fear this happy Period is pritty Remote.
“ A people suffered to be involved in the Calamities of War, is I think a certain Symptom of the great Displeasure of the Almighty. Yet I think We have no Reason to despair of our Cause tho’ it is Attended with many Perplexities. God can and I trust Will bring order out of this Confusion.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (November 16,1776) V, 509.
“We had the happy News of Carlton going back to Canada the 14th. This I hope will give Peace for the present to the Northward, tho if he had been heartily drubbed before he set out it would have been Well, but Nobody but himself is to blame in that it was not done, and God be thanked that the Affair has turn’d out so favourably...
“Nothing could give me more Satisfaction, than that my condition in Life would permit Me to live with my Family, but We must follow the guidance of divine Providence, to whose Protection I commit you and our children.”

Oliver Wolcott to Matthew Griswold (November 18, 1776) V, 514-515.
“...The Quakers may not be expected to take any open Active part in any political matter in these Times, but their secret Influence I fear is to Embarass our measures. They dread to lose that Predominancy which they have heretofore held.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (November 24, 1776) V, 539.
“...By the Blessing of God I am well, and think I have obtained a radical Cure of those bilious disorders which have for so long a time troubled me.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (December 5, 1776) V, 579.
By the Blessing of God I am in Health...I wish you to take care of your Health and that it would please god to grant you and the Family his choicest Blessings.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (December 11, 1776) V, 600.
“...By the Blessing of God I am well.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (December 13, 1776) V, .
“...Whatever the Enemy will succeed in their cruel Designs against this City must be left to time to Discover. Congress has ordered the Genl. to Defend it to the last extremity and God grant that he may be successful in his exertions.
“Whatever Events may take Place the American Cause will be supported to the last; and I trust in God that it will succeed. The Grecian, Roman and Dutch States were in their Infancy reduced to the greatest Distress infinitely beyond what We have yet experienced. The God who governs the Universe and who holds Empires in his Hand Can with the least Effort of his Will grant us all that Security, opulence and Power which they have injoyed...
“May the Almighty ever keep you and them in his Protection.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott ( December 25, 1776) V, 669.
“...By the Blessing of God I injoy Health except a slight cold which will soon go off.
The God who has hitherto taken care of us will still I trust Grant his Protection to you and Me.”

Oliver Wolcott to Andrew Adams (January 1, 1777) VI, 4.
“...Your kindness for me particularly exacts my Gratitude. I wish I was less sensible of the Injury I have recd. Any but those who have exercised Power to answer sinister Purposes to my Injury I can easily forgive, but these men I hope may deserve not only my Forgiveness but these men I hope may deserve not only my Forgiveness but that of their Maker. I am at a loss as to what they deserve. But God forbid that the Villany shall ever induce me to relax my Endeavours to serve my Country as farr as I am able.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (January 1, 1777) V, 14.
“...the Battle at and near Trenton is which the American Army took 918 Prisoners, killed 20 or 30, took 4 Colors, 6 Brass Field Pieces &c...
“By the Blessing of god I am well Otherwise than my having a Cold.
“My best Regards to my Family and Friends whom I hope God will Protect and Bless...Prosperous and happy Times I trust will Return to our Country, and that God will grant us the Peace and Happiness of former Days, A Happiness which I most sincerely Covet, tho I trust I shall never wish for Peace, with the Loss of the Security of my Country- for what is there which We can leave our Children equal to the advantage of civil and religious liberty.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (January 14, 1777) VI, 105-106.
“...I have little more at present to acquaint you with, than that by the Blessing of God I am well...How long a hardened foe will maintain the Controversy God only knows...
“Take care of your Health, and may the richest of Heavens Blessings be your Portion.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (January 21, 1777) VI, 129.
“...I have still to acknowledgd the goodness of God in continuing the Health to me which I injoy... I feel the Warmest Wishes for your Welfare, and hope that it will please God to bestow upon you and our Children every Blessing.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (March 11, 1777) VI, 435.
“...But We must commit the care of our absent Friends to a Merciful Providence and not be Anxious about matters which it is not in our Power to alter. With Gratitude let us injoy the Blessing of our Maker and with an unruffled mind bear the Hour of adversity. By the Blessing of God I injoy Health;”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (March 22, 1777) VI, 482.
“...May a gratefull sence of the divine Goodness be deeply impressed upon my Mind, in that God has taken this Care of you and our Children, and for the Health I am favoured with... In my Judgment the most despotic Government that ever existed since the Days of Nimrod could never carry such a Law into Execution, but I have done nothing to Prejudica the Scheme this way as it was adopted by our state. Tho’ I tho’t it was founded upon every Principle of Impolicy But why am I eternally dabbling in Politicks. Would to God that the Knaves and Oppressors of this World would cease their Villany, so that each one might Return to domestick Injoyment, and possess unenvied that Peace, which cannot be had in any Other Circumstance of Life.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (April 9, 1777) VI, 564.
“...By the Blessing of God I enjoy Health, which is more than I could have much Reason to expect in this confined Way of living... God grant that this insolent barbarous Enemy may be speedily curbed and that the happy Days of Peace may Return... May the best of Heavens Blessings be yours.”

Oliver Wolcott to Samuel Lyman (April 23, 1777) VI, 644.
“...I perceive the little Child has had the Small Pox bad. But Blessed be God that she has recovered from it.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (April 23, 1777) VI, 645.
“...I perceive that your Health is still low. I hope you attend to the Recovery of it as much as you can, the Distress which you underwent during the Sickness of the Family must have been great and it becomes us to be thankful that God has carryed you and the Family thro the Disorder.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (Feb. 18, 1778) IX, 130.
“...I am by the Blessing of God well and injoy a Freedom of Spirits. God I trust will take Care of this Land- and will bring us together again in Peace. Trust in your Maker; and he will do you good.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (Apr. 14, 1778) IX, 414.
“...As to the Regulating Act the Achan not only of all good Policy but of common Sence, Congress will I suppose in a few Days Recommend that it be suspended, at least I hope they will.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (May 2, 1778) IX, 568.
“...God who takes Care of and Protects Nations will take care of this People and give us still farther and greater Occassions to rejoice in his Goodness.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (May 9, 1778) IX, 631.
“...Our Peace I consider as now dawning upon us. And whenever it shall be established, may these Independent States thankfully Acknowledge that Great Goodness of God who by his kind Providence so evidently affords us his Protection.
“By the Blessing of God I injoy good Health.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (May 17, 1778) IX, 707.
“...In the Mean Time may the Almighty bless you.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (June 5, 1778) X, 34.
“...My own Opinion is that G. Britain will not continue a land War in this Country- and I am persuaded that the proud Spirit of that Nation is more humbled than it ever has been since it had an Existence. This great Variation in the Circumstances of our Affairs ‘is the Lord’s Doings’ and it is truly wonderfull. May We ascribe it, to that Great Cause which we Experience...
“I hope that a mercifull Providence takes care of you and the Family...
“By the Blessing of God I do and have enjoyed more Health than ever I did before on this Service.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (June 12, 1778) X, 84.
“...But I beleive that the same Merciful Providence which has hitherto saved us will bring the present controversy to a happy issue.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (June 20, 1778) X, 1--.
“...By the Blessing of God I injoy Health. may I be thankfull to that God who bestows this and every other Blessing upon me. Put your Trust in the most High whose Providence in the late Event of the Enemys leaving Philadelphia has been most signal... God will establish us in Peace and safety.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (Nov. 16, 1781) XIII, 207.
“...Take Care of your Health- and commending you and the Family to the divine Protection.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (Apr. 15, 1782) XIII, 451.
“...By the divine Goodness I am well.”

Oliver Wolcott to Oliver Wolcott, Jr. (Jan. 15, 1783) XIX, 587.
“...By the Blessing of God I injoy Health. May the divine Being guide, protect and Bless you. May the divine Being guide, protect and Bless you.”

Oliver Wolcott to Laura Wolcott (Feb. 1, 1783) XIX, 651.
“...My Love to the Children. May the best of Heavens Blessing be your Portion.”

Oliver Wolcott to Frederick Wolcott (Feb. 19, 1783) XIX, 714.
“...You are now at that Time of Life which is the most interesting and important.”

Roger Sherman

Roger Sherman to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (June 28,1775) I, 556.
“...The Salvation of the Colonies under Divine Providence depends upon their united and vigorous application to Arms, that is the only conciliatory Plan that appears to me likely to be Successful, or at least without no other will have any effect.”

Roger Sherman to Joseph Trumbull (July 6, 1775) I, 599.
“...You have had a bloody battle, but I think in every encounter through the merciful interposition of divine Providence the advantage has been much in our favour. The people here seem as Spirited in the Cause as in New England. Many of the Quakers as well as others have armed themselves and are Training every Day. Majr. Mifflin of this City who was a very useful member of this congress has before now Joyned Your Army as Aid de Camp to General Washington, whom I would recommend to your Notice as an upright, firm, Spirited and Active Friend in the Cause of Liberty.”

Roger Sherman to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. (January 30, 1777) VI, 169.
“A resolution passed to Day allowing Mr. Kirtland 444 2/5 dollars for his salary as missionary to the Indians and a further Sum of 300 dollars for his extra Services and expenses as chaplain, and Indian Interpreter.”

Samuel Huntington

Samuel Huntington to Joseph Trumbull (February 20, 1776) III, .
“...This morning at About Eight O’Clock the Worthy Mr. Lynch of South Carolina was taken with an Appoplectic fit; remains very ill tho’ his reason is restored & Speech So as to answer questions. May God restore his health and usefullness. Thro’ divine goodness I am restored to health So as to give constant attendance to business & remain, Sir, with much esteem, your humble Servant.”

Samuel Huntington to Jabez Huntington (March 19, 1776) III, 407.
“...The Congress have appointed a General fast the 17th of May.”

Samuel Huntington to James Cogswell (March 30,1776) III, .
“...On Sunday morning the 17th Inst. my attention from my chamber window was Suddenly called to behold a mighty Cavalcade of Plebians marching thro’ the Street with drums beating and at every Small distance they halted & gave three Huzzas. I was apprehensive Some outrage was about to be committed, but Soon perceived my mistaken apprehensions & that it was a Religious exercise of the Sons of Saint Patrick, it being the anniversary of that Saint the morning Exercise was ushered in with the ceremony above described. However Sir Should I leave you to Judge the Religion of this City from the above Story only; it would not be Just, there are devout pious people in this City, a number of pious & Excellent preachers, & he who does not lead a virtuous & religious life here must accuse himself. Every man has Liberty to peruse the dictates of his own Conscience.
“... and let me request an Interest in your prayers that I may be enabled faithfully to perform the Trust reposed in me& in due time be returned to my family & native Land in peace.”

Samuel Huntington to Jabez Huntington (July 31, 1776) IV, 591.
“...I am thro a kind Providence in usual health & only add I am with Esteem, Your Humble Servant.”

Samuel Huntington to Jabez Huntington (August 20, 1776) V, 31.
“...The Indians seem disposed to observe a neutrality which I cannot but hope will take place among them if our unnatural Brethen Should not get any advantage against us which God prevent.”

Samuel Huntington to Matthew Griswold, Eliphalet Dyer and William Pitkin (August 30,1776) V, 87.
“...Upon the whole circumstances attending their conduct we have reason to hope the Indians in general in the Middle & Northern departments will remain Neuter unless some more unfavourable Events Should take place in our Armies & cause them to Change their minds which God prevent.”

Samuel Huntington to John Adams (Oct. 16, 1779) XIV, 84.
“...Done at Philadelphia this sixteenth day of Octr. in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine and in the fourth year of our independence.”

Samuel Huntington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Feb. 7, 1780) XIV, 390.
“...We can as yet obtain no Intelligence of the British fleet which sailed from New York the 26 of Decemr, supposed to be destined for South Carolina or Georgia, & begin to hope that Providence has directed them to depart the Coast.”

Samuel Huntington to George Clinton [note](May 6, 1780) XV, 91.
While on board the Confederacy at Martinique enroute to Spain, Jay learned from the Rev. Robert Keith, the ship’s chaplain, a tale of extraordinary sacrifice and humanitarian assistance rendered by an elderly New York widow, Mrs. Sarah Smith, to American prisoners who had been captured at Fort Washington.

Samuel Huntington: “Circular from New Hampshire to Maryland”(June 15, 1780) XV,
322.
“...Enable us to cooperate vigorously with the Fleets and Armies of our Ally, and we may reasonably hope, through the Blessing of divine Providence, for a speedy & happy Termination of a Controversy, which is to give Freedom and Independence to Millions.”

Samuel Huntington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Sept. 15, 1780) XVI, 67.
N.J., Penn & Del. called upon to furnish 2,056 head of cattle
Army has been without meat for several days
“Congress upon mature Deliberation under present Circumstances could not devise any other Measures than those adopted by the Act enclosed to supply the Army for the present Campaign; and should either of the States fail substantially to comply with this requisition it is more probable the Army must disband, or supply themselves at the Point of the Bayonet, and the most fatal Consequences must issue.”

Samuel Huntington to Jonathan Trumbull (Oct. 17, 1780) XVI, 214.
“...A Committee have reported that the first Thursday of December be set apart as a Day of Thanksgiving & Prayer, but their report hath not yet passed in Congress.”

Samuel Huntington to the States (Oct. 19, 1780) XVI, 225.
“...Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed a Proclamation recommending Thursday the seventh Day of December next to be observed as a Day of Thanksgiving & Prayer.”

Samuel Huntington to John Rutledge (Nov. 2, 1780) XVI, 296.
“...two Acts of Congress of the 10 of October & 6 of September last respecting the unappropriated Lands, with several other Papers to which the latter refers, together with a Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving & Prayer.”

Samuel Huntington to Richard Varik (Dec. 6, 1780) XVI, 421.
Varik was an aide to General Benedict Arnold unsuccessful to have his rank restored - lieut. col.

Samuel Huntington to the Sultan of Morocco (Dec. 1780) XVI, 520.
“...Signed in, and by Order of the Congress of the thirteen United States of North America, Day of the Month of December in the year of our LORD Christ 1780 and of our Independence 5.”

Samuel Huntington to William V (Netherlands) Jan. 1, 1781; XVI, 527.
“...We pray God to keep your Highness in his holy protection.”

Samuel Huntington to the States (Mar. 21, 1781) XVII, 74.
“...Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed, a Proclamation of the 20th Instant, earnestly recommending that Thursday the third Day of May next may be observed as a Day of Humiliation, Fasting & Prayer by all the United States.”

Samuel Huntington to the States (June 1, 1781) XVII, 284.
“...Of consequence it is become indispensibly necessary, by our immediate- & under Providence- successful efforts, to place ourselves in such a situation, as to enable our negociators to speak a firm & decided language, becoming the Characters of the Ministers of Free, Sovereign, & Independent States.”

William Williams

William Williams to Joseph Trumbull (August 10,1776) IV, 651.
“I hope in God, they & all will acquit themselves like Men & be strong in the Day of approaching Conflict, & may the Lord of Hosts be on our Side & vindicate our righteous Cause agt.[against] our most unjust & more than Savage Foes.”

William Williams to Jabez Huntington (August 12, 1776) IV, 665.
“I believe we have nothing but the justice of our Cause& the infinite Mercy of God to rely on for Safety.”

William Williams to Oliver Wolcott (August 12, 1776) IV,667-668.
“What will be the event of Things God only knows... The Judge of all the Earth will do right, He has done great things for Us. He will not yet forsake Us I believe, tho most have forsaken him, I trust many, many thousands have not bowed the knee to Baal... I feel concerned but not at all discouraged. Let our Trust & Hope be in the Lord Jehovah & with Him is everlasting Strength.”

William Williams to Joseph Trumbull (August 15,1776) IV,
“To God omnipotent & all gracious I commit the Cause & all my Friends & Countrymen. I believe We need not greatly fear the Issue, our Army is strong & will not shrink I trust. Our cause is just & will be defended, tho it pains me at the Start to think that many must probably fall.”

William Williams to Joseph Trumbull (September 13, 1776) V, 156.
“Our Affairs are truly in a critical Situation, but far I hope from desperate. My trust & hope is in a merciful & just God, who with one Volition of his Will can change their appearance. I fear we shall be chastized for our Sins, but not forsaken I trust & firmly believe. But most certainly it becomes all to humble Themselves deeply before Him, repent of our Sins & most earnestly to supplicate his Favor. He will be known in the Judgements he executes. He has a Controversie with His People, & will certainly accomplish his Design in it. We must bend or break.
“No Means for our defence & Safety must be omitted & may God grant Our Officers & soldiers, great Wisdom, Understanding, Courage & Resolution.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (September 20,1776) V, 208-211.
“It will undoubtedly be needless for me to give You any account of the Evacuations of N. York by our army on Sab. Day the 15th, of most of our heavy Cannon falling into the hands of our Enemies & c, as it will be communicated to you by my Bror. Comissa., many ways ee’r this can reach your Hand. This Event unhappy & distressing as it is has been forseen & known ever since the quitting of Long Island, & had been determined by the Genl. & his Council; Congress had been made fully acquainted with & assented to it as absolutely necessary,& directed that it shod not be destroyed by Us on leaving it. These Events however, & signal advantage gained by our oppressors, & the Distress to which our Army & Country are& must be subjected in Consequence of them, are loud speaking Testimonies of the Displeasure & Anger of almighty God against a sinful People, louder than sevenfold Thunder. Is it possible that the most obdurate & stupid of the Children of America shod not hear & tremble? God has surely a Controversie with this People, & He is most certainly able to manage it & He will accomplish his Designs, & bring Us to Repentance & Reformation or destroy Us. We must bend or break. The ways of hisProvidence are dark& deep but they are holy, wise & altogether right, tho our feeble Understandings comprehend them not, & tho his Chastisements are severe& dreadful, They are dictated by unbounded Wisdom& Love. They have a meaning of awful & kind Import. Turn unto me for why will ye die O Sons of America. We have thought God was for Us & had given many & signal Instances of his Power & Mercy in our Favor, & had greatly frowned upon & disappointed our Enemies & verily it has been so, but have we repented and given Him the glory? Verily no. His hand seems to be turned & stretched out against Us, & strong is his Hand & high is his right Hand. He can & will accomplish all his Pleasure. It is God who has blunted the Weapons of our warfare, that has turned the Counsels of wise Men into foolishness, that has thus far blasted & disappointed our Hopes, & made Us flee before our Enemies, & given them Possession of our Strong Holds. Trouble does not spring out of the dust nor rise out of the Ground. I have always thto this was a just & righteous Cause in which We are engaged. I remain unshaken in that firm persuasion, & that God wod sooner or later vindicate & support it, I believe so still, but I believe this People must first be brot to know & Acknowledge the righteousness of his Judgment, & their own exceeding Sinfullness& Guilt, & be deeply humbled under his mighty hand & look & cry & to trust in Him for all their Help & Salvation but in the Use & Exertion of all the Strength He has given Us. Surely We have seen enough to convince Us of all this & then why are we not convinced, why is not every Soul humbled under the mighty hand of God, repenting & mourning For its Sin & putting away the evil of his Doings, & looking to Him that smites Us by humble, earnest & fervent Prayer & Supplication day & night. Why are not the dear Children of God (surely there are many, tho the Scorn & Insult of our Enemies) beseiging the Throne of Grace, sighing & crying for their Sins & back slidings & for all the abominations that are done in the Land, & saying spare, spare thy People O Lord & give not thine Heritage to Reproach. Let not the Vine which thy right Hand has planted here be rooted up & destroyed, let not thy Churches be wasted & devoured, let not virtue & the remains of Religion be torn down & trampled in the Dust, Let not thy Name be blasphemed, nor our insulting wicked Foes say where is your God, nor the profane world that there is no God that rules the world & regardeth the Right, that vindicateth the just & the righteous Cause. I know that God can vindicate his own Name & Honor without our Help, & out of the Stones raise up Children to Abraham, & it is amazing Folly & Madness to cry the Temple, the Temple of the Lord, & trust in that while We remain an incorrigible People. But Such Things are what God wod have Us learn & practice while his Judgments fill our Mouths, & pour out our Souls before Him. Are any? Are not all? in New England especially who have any Interest in Heaven, crying, begging & intreating for the out pouring of blessed Spirit of God upon the Lnad, tis a most grievous & distressing Consideration that God is pleased so to withhold the blessed Influence & operations thereof, without which We shall remain stupid forever. Therefore with redoubled fervency of ardent Prayer& Supplication, shod every Soul that has one Sparck of Heavenly Fire kindle it to a fervent Heat & expanded Blaze.
“O New England, O my dear native Land, how does my Soul Love thee. Be instructed therefore lest God’s Soul depart from thee, lest thou be like Corazin & Bethsaida in Condemnation as thou hast been in Priviledges, lest He make thee as Admah & set thee as Zeboiin. Are the Ministers of the Gospel alive & lifting up their Voices like a trumpet & sounding the Alarm of the Almighty’s Anger & Wrath ready to burst on the defenseless Heads of a guilty People? Are they warning the wicked of their infinite Danger, animating & arousing them to Consideration? Are they with ardent Zeal & Fervour animating & enlivening the languid Graces of the Godly, exciting & leading them to fervent Praying, sighing & crying for their own Declensions & Luke warmness in Religion & for the Sins & Iniquities of the Land, praying, begging & intreating with unceasing & as it were resistless Importunity for the copius Effusions of the Blessed spirit upon all orders & degrees of People & refusing to let God go without an Answer of Peace, & in the midst of Wrath to remember Mercy, & not give up his Heritage to Reproach nor blast the blooming Hopes & Prospects of this infant Country, the Asylum of Liberty & Religion?
“Strange that Mankind sho[ul]d need such alarming Providences to produce such an Effect. It is no more than to act like reasonable Creatures, to possess a Spirit & Temper that will add a thousand fold sweetness & pleasure to all the Enjoyments of this World, to exchange the Slvery of the Devil, that accursed Enemy of our Souls, for the Service of God & the Liberty of his Children, to do justly , to love Mercy & walk humbly with our God, to answer the sole end of our Creation, to secure a Peace here infinitely better than the World can give, & an Eternity of Peace & Happiness in the world to come. But still more strange if possible, & astonishing is it that They Shod disregard the Voice of the most high, remain thoughtless & stupid under the dreadful Tokens of his Anger & the awful Judgments of his Hand, by Sickness & by the Sword of our unnatural & enraged Enemies threatening to depopulate the Land & drench the Plains with the Blood of its Inhabitants, leaving the weeping Widows, helpless Orphans & the all that survive the chocking carnage & subsequent Masacre to drag out their Lives in Want, wretchedness & miserable bondage & all this aggravated with the certain Prospect of leaving this dreadful Curse intailed on all Posterity.
“A thorough Repentance & Reformation without all peradventure will appease the Anger of a holy & just God, avert these amazing Calamities, secure Liberty & Happiness to this & all succeeding Ages & eternal Felicity & Glory to all the Subjects of it. If such Considerations & Motives wont awaken a[ll] to serious thoughtfulness & Attention, I know not what will, but the Voice of the Arch Angel & the Trumpet of God.

“P.S. You will not think proper to communicate this Letter to the Assembly. I am anxious beyond the power of Language to describe, of contributing something to the Good & Salvation, temporal & eternal, of my Countrymen. (Hope I have not been totally useless here.) If you shod think this may have any tendency, to awake our sleepy People & be of no disadvantage, I am willing it should be printed &, for no other possible reason, leaving out such of the beginning as may be a clue to guess the author or where He is, & with the description or Signature of a Letter from a Gent of Connecticut, now in a different Colony.
May God in great Mercy preserve your Health & long continue your valuable & important Life, With kindest Remembrance to my dear Wife & Friends.”

William Williams to Jabez Huntington (September 30,1776) V, 267
“...Nothing is wanting on our Side but the repentance & Reformation of the Land. The great & mercifull God seems to hold his uplifted Hand suspended & loth to strike the Blow & waitning for our amendment, to say look to me for why will ye die, my Children of America. He that can do most to promote this blessed work will do the most important & essential Good to his Friends & to his Country.
“If our Assembly rechose their Delegates, I hope They will be guided by wisdom & Prudence. I must say that Mr. Sherman from his early acquaintance, his good sense, Judgment, Steadiness & inflesible Integrity, has acquired much Respect & is an exceeding valuable Member, & so is Mr. Huntington & truly judicious, upright & worthy the Trust in Spight of that awful contempt of Religion & Goodness too visible & c. Integrity & Virtue does & will Command Respect. For my part I neither expect not wish to remain here, the Burden is exceedingly great, but in this Critical time the acquaintance the others have with the men & the Connection of affairs, is very useful. It is of very importance that whoever attends here shod be Men of Uprightness & Integrity, inflexibly resolved to pursue & serve the great Cause, insensible to motives of Ambition, Interest & any other Applause than that of a good Conscience.”

William Williams to Joseph Trumbull (October 10, 1776) V, 333.
“Let us trust in God alone & earnestly look to him for his Blessing & Protection.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. ((November 6, 1776) V, 448.
“Let all Eyes & Hearts be to God &c...All things are in the hands of our exquisitely wise & good God. May every soul be induced to repent & seek Him with all their heart & entreat his favor for this distressed Land.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (July 5, 1777) VII, 301.
“...Our sins are so great that We have reason to expect severe Correction. O that this People were wise but there is no appearance of it. God will accomplish his own Designs & what He does is & will be right & as You probably observe, future Events are in the safe hand of the all wise and most merciful Director.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (August 2, 1777) VII, 407.
“It may be very possible, if Howe has left us in good Earnest, That He may go to N England, instead of the N River, but tis impossible to say. They are in the Hands of God almighty & all gracious, & in Him alone may we trust.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (August 26, 1777) VII, 558-9.
“Since the last of abt the 19th Inst. I have by the good hand of Providence been regaining my Health...In a joint letter of last Even’g We informed you of the Intelligence We have of the Howes Fleet & Army. ...(They have minute Intelligence from those Enemies of God & Man the Tories)...
“Indeed were it not for the abounding Sins & unwholly unreformed State of the Country, I shod dare to hope that God in Mercy had blinded the minds & darkened the councils of Enemies & turned them into foolishness...
The distress had been beyond all discription had our Enemy invaded them in so critical a Moment. O that there was an heart in our Countrymen. May God in infinite Mercy pour out his Spirit upon Us, I hope & trust is the earnest Cry of all that Love his Name.
“I am glad to See a Day of Fasting is appointed in Contt & Massa. May We no longer mock the Almighty with deceitful Words from feigned Lips.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Sept. 13, 1777) VII, 657.
“...Thursday last was a day of most severe conflict, & it has pleased the holy God to suffer it end for that Time to our great disadvantage.
“It is an awful Frown of divine Providence, but we are not at all humbled under it, a sad sign that more dreadful Evils await Us.?”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Sept. 17, 1777) VII, 692.
“...Something very important will soon take Place. May every Heart & every Soul be lift up to God for Mercy & Deliverance. Tis most ardently to be wished but alass, alass, how little to be expected, by appearances here, I pray God it may be otherwise in Connecticut!...
“But also what is all this, if God is pleased to give us up to Slavery & Destruction, but I hope in his Mercy, let us not faint nor be discouraged, but wait patiently for the Lord, & he will not fail them that trust in him.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Sept. 30, 1777) VIII, 35.
“...May God grant us Salvation for his own great Mercy & Name Sake & enable Us to Say not unto Us & c. for I am sure we dont deserve it. I had but a faint Idea of the wickedness of the country till I had travelled to this country, seen & heard so much of & from the middle & southern parts. Well may we admire & adore the infinite Patience & long suffering of our God.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Oct. 2, 1777) VIII, 44.
“...May the Lord of all Mercy appear for our help & Salvation, & the Glory be his only & forever.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Oct. 11, 1777) IX, 107.
“...we know about an Action which promised the fairest of any that ever happened, but in a moment Victory was snatched from Us, when within our Embrace. There seems something very imporantly remarkable in this Event [German Town], it is the hand of God, most conspicuosly, we were not prepared for so great a Salvation. How happy shod we have thot our Selves have ascribed it to our own [...] & c & still I do not see we are any more prepared to give Glory to the God of armys; how unnatural & shocking that We so much neglect & forget him in that character, as well as in every other, & if we ever succeed against our Enemies, till we are generally brot to a deeper sense of our own Sinfulness & [...] of such Liberties & Privileges as no People ever before enjoyed it will be a most illustrious Instance of the Patience & Forbearance of the Almighty & all gracious God, & another Demonstration that He is indeed good to theEveil & unthankful & that his Mercy endureth forever but how unspeakably more happy & merciful wo’d be our deliverance & Salvation preceded by or accompanied with sincere Repentance & Reformation & without it the Lords Controversie with Us will not be ended.
“Our Affairs are hastening to a most important Crisis. God in infinite mercy grant it may be happy.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Oct. 23, 1777) IX, 168-9.
“...General Washington has recd & instantly transmitted to Congress with contempt & Indignation an astonishing Letter, of 4 sheets from our late Chaplain, the great Patriot, Whig & reputedly very pious Mr. Duche who stayed in town wherein He [...] & regrets his own Conduct in taking [...] paints Congress in a most con[temptible...] ted Light, unworthy wretch [...] by all-the respectable Characters [...] composed it & a pack of Attorneys, Bankrupts & Men of desperate Fortunes, the Officers of the army no better, & the whole as a ragged Banditti, our Finances desperate, the Army beaten & driven, the navy despicable, taken, burnt & blocked up & c., & every misfortune exagerated & magnifies the mighty power of How[e], the vast Ease with which he has possesd the Capital of America, the imposibility of resisting him,...
“A temptation & a t[yral of such?] Magnitude & Design , second no np[ne since the ?] Prince of Devils, practiced upon our first Parents, but blessed be God, it did not find an Eve...
“We have abundant Reason to bless & praise the God of Armys, for the Success He has granted our northern Forces.”

William Williams to Mary Williams (ante Oct. 25, 1777) VIII, 18-,
“...it seems to me, a spirit of Slumber is fallen upon the Children of God, & the rest of the World are asleep in Death. A want of Patriotism, Virtue, Love of our country seems to have pervaded all Orders, a Selfish, oppressive Spirit, a thirst after money & preferment, pleasure & Vanity, amazingly prevails & God is not in all our Thoughts. This is black & dark, but Gods Mercy is boundless & infinite & endures forever, & tho we deserve & can expect nothing for our own Sakes, yet our God remembers Mercy for thousands of Generations of them that Love & fear Him, doubtless our forefathers were of that happy number & I hope & trust He will not forsake us, their degenerate Children, but will work for his own Name Sake.
“Notwithstanding our unworthiness We have had great Success at the northward, blessed be God, & there is reason to hope How[e] will not hold his Possession.
“I hope to come by the end of November, but cannot determine. Whenever Providence permits, the Time will be most welcome. May God in mercy preserve Us both & give us to rejoice in his great Goodness & to see one another in peace & Safety.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Oct. 26, 1777) VIII, 197.
“...What infinite reason have We to bless & extol the name of the Lord of Hosts the God of Armys, for this great reverse of our affairs in that quarter since proud Burgoyne was able to say (at the shameful evacuation of Ty. &c.) Veni, Vid, Vivi, which has been overruled for great Good, tho We then tho’t with good old jacob, all these things are against Us. O may the Mercies & Judgments of the Almighty, accomplish the great Design for which They are sent, our Repeentance & Reformation.
“I doubt not Congress will appoint a Day of Thanksgiving on this great Occasion, thro[ugh]out the Continent & may God give Us Heart to celebrate it in a right & acceptable manner...
“Our officers there have deserved great Honor & blessed be God, Who has inspired them with Courage & given Them so much Success.”

William Williams to Joseph Trumbull (Nov. 4, 1777) VIII, 233.
“...We last night heard a Rumour that our Forces had Succeeded on Rhode Island & taken 1500 Prisoners. God grant it might prove true. Great & marvelous has been our Success at the northward, by the infinite Mercy of the God of Armys & to his Name be all the Glory.”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Nov. 28, 1777) VIII, 341.
“...God grant us good Tidings.”

William Williams to Joseph Trumbull (Nov. 28, 1777) VIII, 342.
“...Our Army are much in want of Cloaths, Shoes & Hose but I trust & hope in God that He will support & maintain our Cause & give Us again that City in due Time.”

Massachusetts Signers of Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams to Joseph Warren (September 9, 1774) I, 55.
“After setting the Mode of voting, which is by giving each Colony an equal Voice, it was agreed to open the Business with Prayer. As many of our warmest Friends are Members of the Church of England, I thought it prudent as well on that as on some other Accounts to move that the Service should be performed by a Clergyman of that denomination. Accordingly the Lessons of the Day and Prayer were read by the Reverend Mr. Duche, who afterwards made a most excellent extemporary Prayer, by which he discovered himself to be a Gentleman of Sense and Piety, and a warm Advocate for the religious and civil Rights of America.”

Samuel Adams to the Boston Committee of Correspondence (September 16, 1774) I,71.
“I hope the Committee will continue to Act up to their Dignity and Importance. I am yet of opinion that Heaven will Honor them with a great Share of the Merit of saving the Rights of America. May God inspire them with Wisdom & Fortitude...I conclude with the warmest Prayers to the Supreme Being for the Salvation of our Country.”

Samuel Adams to Charles Chauncy (September 19, 1774) I, 82-82.
Congregational Minister of the First Church in Boston

Samuel Adams to Samuel Purviance, Jr. (May 19,1775) I, 362.
“I rejoice that my countrymen had adhered punctually to the Direction of the General Congress, and were at length driven to Resistance through Necessity. I think they may now justly claim the Support of the confederated Colonies. I was much pleased to be informed by you, that your colony had observed a Day of Fasting and Humiliation. It is upon the blessing of God alone that we must depend for a happy Issue to our virtuous Struggle.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (June 28, 1775) I, 552.
“Mr. Pitts and Dr. Church inform me that my dear Son has at length escaped from the Prison of Boston.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (July 30, 1775) I, 683.
“...I pray God that at my Return I may find you and the rest of my dear Friends in good health.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (October 3, 1775) II, 101-102.
“The Intelligence received by the July Packett which arrived at New York a few days ago, has convinced some, who could not be prevailed upon to believe it before, that it is folly to supplicate a Tyrant, and that under God, our own virtuous Efforts must save us...We are expecting every Moment important news from General Schuyler. May God prosper our Designs in that Quarter.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (October 20, 1775) II, 217.
“The Affairs of our Country are at this Moment in the most Critical situation. Every Wheel seems now to be in Motion. I am so fully satisfied in the Justice of our Cause, that I can confidently as well as devoutly pray, that the righteous Disposer of all things would succeed our Enterprises. If he suffers us to be defeated in any or all of them I shall believe it to be for the most wise and gracious Purposes and shall heartily acquiesce in the Divine Proposal.”

Samuel Adams to Elbridge Gerry (November 4, 1775) II, 297.
“...May Heaven grant us further Success.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (November 4, 1775) II, 297.
“...I hope however that this want will soon be supplied and God grant that a good Use may be made of it.
“We live in a most important Age, which demands that every Moment should be improved to some serious Purpose. It is the Age of George the Third; and to do Justice to our most gracious King, I will affirm it as my opinion, that his COuncils and Adminsitration will necessarily produce the grandest Revolutions the World has ever yet seen. The Wheels of Providence seem to be in their swifest Motion;...Nothing is more essential to the Establishment of Manners in a State, than that all Persons employed in Places of Power and Trust by Men of exemplary Characters. The Publick cannot be too curious concerning the Character of publick Men.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (November 7, 1775) II, 313.
“...Righteousness Heaven will surely smile on a Cause so righteous as ours is, and our Country, if it does its Duty will see an End to its oppressions.”

Samuel Adams to James Bowdoin, Sr. (November 16, 1775) II, .
“...For my own part, I had even buried you, though I had not forgot you. I thank God who has disappointed our Fears; and it is my ardent Prayer that your Health may be perfectly restord and your eminent Usefullness long continued.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (December 5, 1775) II, .
Lord Dunmore offered freedom to indentured servants & slaves to fight against rebels in Norfolk

Samuel Adams to John Pitts (January 12, 1776) III, 84.
“...You have seen the most gracious Speech- Most Gracious! How stangely will the Tools of a Tyrant pervert the plain Meaning of Words! It discovers, to be sure, the most benevolent & humane Feelings of its Author. I have heard that he is his own Minister- that he follows the Dictates of his own Heart. If so, why should we cast the odium of distressing Mankind upon his Minions & Flatterers only. Guilt must lie at his Door. Divine Vengeance will fall on his head; for all-gracious Heaven cannot be an indifferent Spectator of the virtuous Struggles of this people.”

Samuel Adams to John Sullivan (January 12, 1776) III, 85.
“...I have seen the Speech which is falsly & shamefully called most gracious. It breathes the most malevolent Spirit, wantonly proposes Measures calculated to distress Mankind, and determines my opinion of the Author of it as a Man of a Wicked Heart. What a pity it is, that Men are bcome so degenerate and servile, as to bestow Epithets which can be appropriated to the Supreme Being alone, upon Speeches & actions which will hereafter be read & spoken of by every Man who shall profess to have a spark of Virtue & Honor with the utmost COntempt and Detestation. What have we to expect from Britain, but Chains & Slavery? I hope we shall act the part which the great Law of Nature points out. It is high time that we should assume that Character, which I am sorry to find the Capital of your Colony has publickly and expressly disavowed. It is my most fervent prayer to Almighty God, that he would direct and prosper the Councils of America, inspire her Armies with true Courage, shield them in every Instance of Danger and lead them on to Victory & Triumph.”

Samuel Adams to Joseph Hawley (April 15, 1776) III, 528.
“...I scrupple not to affirm it as my Opinion that his [king] heart is more obdurate, and his Disposition towards the People of America is more unrelenting and malignant than was that of Pharaoh towards the Israelites in Egypt.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (April 16, 1776) III, 539-540.
“...It is folly for us to suffer our selves any longer to be amused. Reconciliation upon reasonable Terms is no Part of their Plan; the only Alternative is Independence or Slavery. Their Designs still are as they ever have been to subjugate us. Our unalterable Resolution should be to be free. They have attempted to subdue us by Forces but God be praisd! in vain. Their Arts may be more dangerous than their Arms. Let us then renounce all Treaty with them upon any Score but that of total Seperation, and under God trust our Cause to our Swords. One of our moderate prudent Whigs wd [would] be startled at what I now write. I do not correspond with such kind of Men- you know I never overmuch admired them. Their Moderation has brought us to this Pass, and if they were to be regarded, they would continue the Conflict a Century. There are such moderate Men here, but their Principles are daily going out of Fashion. The Child Independence is now struggling for Birth. I trust that in a short time it will be brought forth, and in Spite of Pharaoh all America shall hail the dignified Stranger.”

Samuel Adams to Samuel Cooper (April 30, 1776) III, 602.
“The burning of Norfolk & the Hostilities committed in North Carolina have kindled the Resentment of our Southern Brethren who once thought their Eastern Friends hot headed & rash; now indeed the Tone is alterd & it is said that the Coolness & Moderation of the one is necessary to ally the heat of the other.”

Samuel Adams to John Scollay
“...Our grateful Acknowledgements are due to the Supreme Being. They [Bostonians] are now restored to their Habitations & Priviliges; and as they are purgd of those Wretches a Part of whose Policy has been to corrupt the Morals of the People, I am persuaded they will improve the happy opportunity of reestablishing ancientPrinciples and Purity of Manners...and I have long been convincd that our Enemies have made it an Object, to eradicate from the minds of the People in general a Sense of true Religion & Virtue, in hopes thereby the more easily to carry their Point of enslaving them. Indeed my Friend, this is a Subject so important in my Mind, that I know not how to leave it. Revelation assures us that ‘Righteousness exalteth a Nation.’ Communities are dealt with in this World by the wise and just Ruler of the Universe. He rewards or punishes them according to their general Character. The diminution of publick Virtue is usually attended with that of publick Happiness, and the publick Liberty will not long survive the total Extinction of Morals.”

Samuel Adams to Joseph Hawley (July 9, 1776) IV, 416.
“...Much I am afraid has been lost by delaying to take this decisive Step. (It is my opinion that if it had been done Nine months ago, when ) we might have been justified (in doing it) in the Sight of God and Man, thos[e] Months ago. If we had done it then, in my opinion Canada woud this time have been one of the united Colonies: but ‘Much is to be endured for the hardness of Mens hearts.’”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (December 9, 1776) V, 590.
“...I do not regret the Part I have taken in a Cause so just and interesting to Mankind. I must confess it chagrins me greatly to find it so illy supported by the People of Pennsylvania and the Jerseys. They seem to me to be determined to give it up- but I trust that my dear New England will maintain it at the Expence of every thing dear to them in this Life. They know how to prize their Liberties. May Heaven bless them... My daily Prayer is for your Safety & Happiness in this Life & a better. Adieu.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (December 11, 1776) V, 596.
“...If this City should be surrendered, I should by no means despair of our Cause. It is a righteous Cause and I am fully persuaded righteous Heaven will succeed it. Congress wll adjourn to Baltimore in Maryland, about 120 miles from this place, when Necessity requires it and not before. It is agreed to appoint a Day of Prayer, & a Come [Committee] will bring in a Resolution for that purpose This day. i wish we were a more religious People. That Heaven may bless you here & hereafter is the most ardent Prayer of, my dear, most cordially yours,”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (December 12, 1776) V, 601.
“...I give up this City & State for lost until recoverd by other Americans. Our Cause however will be supported. It is the Cause of God & Men, and virtuous men by the Smiles of Heaven will bring it to a happy Issue...May God prosper them and increase their Number. Let America exert her own Strength. Let her depend upon God’s Blessing, and He who cannot be indifferent to her righteous Cause will even work Miracles if necessary to carry her thro this glorious Conflict, and establish her feet upon a Rock. Adieu my Friend, the Clock strikes Twelve.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (December 19, 1776) V, 617.
“Sorry I am that the People so long refused to hearken to the repeated Calls of their Country. They have already deeply straind the Honor of America, and they must surely be as unfeeling as Rocks if they do not rise with Indignation and revenge the shocking Injuries done to their Wives and Daughters Great Britain has taught us what to expect from Submission to its Power. No People ever more tamely surrendered than of that Part of the Jerseys through which the Enemy marchd. No opposition was made- and yet the grossest Insults have been offered to tehm, and the rude soldiery have been sufered to perpetuate Deeds mor horrid than Murder. If Heaven punishes Communities for their Vices, how sore must be the Punishment of that Community who think the Rights of human Nature not worth struggling for and patiently submit to Tyranny. I will replu upon it that New England will never incur the Curse of Heaven, for neglecting to defend her Liberties. I pray God to increase their Virtue and make them happy and quiet Possession of those Liberties they have ever so highly prizd.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (December 26, 1776) V, 670.
“...I pray God to continue your Health and pprotect you in these perilous times from every kind of Evil. The Name of the Lord, says the Scripture, is a strong Tower, thither the Righteous flee and are safe. Let us secure his Favor, and he will lead us through the Journey of this Life and at length receive us to a better.”

Samuel Adams to Arthur Lee (January 2, 1777) VI, 16.
“...It has afforded to the World a strong Proff that oppressed & Insulted as we were, we were willing to give Boston time to recollect herself, and correct her own Errors. We are now enduring in the sharp conflice, confiding that righeous Heaven will not look with an indifferent Eye upon a Cause so manifestly just, and so interesting to Mankind. You are now called to act in a still more enlarged Sphere. Go on my Friend in the support of Liberty Virtue. You already have the applause of virtuous man, and may be assured of the Smiles of Heaven.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (January 29, 1777) VI, 157.
“...I thank you, my dear, most cordially for the Warmth of Affection which you express on this Occasion, for your Anxiety for my Safety and your Prayers to God for my Protection. The Man who is conscientiously doing his Duty will ever be protected by that Righteous and all powerful Being, and when he has finished his Work he will receive an Ample Reward. I am not more convinced of any thing than that it is my Duty to oppose to the utmost of my Ability the Designs of those who would enslave my Country; and with Gods Assistance I am resolved to oppose them till their Designs are defeated or I am called to quit the Stage of Life.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (Febraury 1, 1777) VI, 185.
“...I pray God to preserve the Health of your Body and the vigor of your Mind. We must chearfully deny our selves Domestick Happiness and the Tranquility of private Life when our Country demands our Services.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (February 16, 1777) VI, 297.
[People letting tories go free without punishment] ...Can a man take fire in his bosom and not be burned?” [Proverbs]

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (March 10, 1777) VI, 421.
“I arrived in this City [Philadelphia] from Baltimore last Saturday. Having been indisposed there so as to be obliged to keep my Chamber ten days, I was unable to travel with my Friends, but through the Goodness of God I have got rid of my Disorder and am in good Health.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (April 17, 1777) VI, 599.
“...I have been always of opinion, that we must depend upon our own Efforts, under God for the Establishment of our Liberties.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (June 18, 1777) VII, 208.
“...I hope my countrymen have been wise in their Elections, and I pray God to bless their Endeavours for the Establishment of publick Liberty, Virtue and Happiness.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (June 30, 1777) VII, 272.
“...I find by the Newspapers that the General Assembly under the Denomination of a Convention are forming a new Constitution. This is a monentous Business; I pray God to direct you!”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (August 1, 1777) VII, 401.
“...May Heaven prosper our righteous Cause.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (August 2, 1777) VII, 404.
“...May Heaven prosper our righteous Cause, in such Way and by such Instruments as to his infinite Wisdom shall meet.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (Sept. 17, 1777) VII, 677.
“...The Enemy have gained a Patch of Ground but from all Accounts they have purchased it as dearly as Bunkers Hill. Two or three mor such victories would totally ruin their Army...Our soldiers [...] eager for Action and we are every day expecting another Battle. may Heaven favor our righteous Cause and grant us compleat Victory...
“I am pleased to hear that Col. Crafts invited Mr. Thatcher to preach a Sermon to his Regiment. He discovered the true Spirit of a New England Officer. I dare say it was an animating Discourse. Religion has been & I hope will continue to be the ornament of N. England. While they place their Confidence in God- they will not fail to be an happy People.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (Sept. 17, 1777) VII, 678.
“...May Heaven favor our righteous Cause & grant us compleat Victory... If we do not beat them this Fall will not the faithful Historian record it as our own Fault. But let us depend, not upon the Arm of Flesh, but on the God of Armies. We shall be free if we deserve it. We must succeed in a Cause so manifestly just, if we are virtuous.”

Samuel Adams to Samuel P. Savage (Oct. 26, 1777) VIII, 188.
“I hastily congratulate you on the entire Victory obtained by General Gates over Burgoin. This is a Striking Instance of the Truth of the Observation in Holy Writ ‘Pride goeth before a Fall.’ Our sincere Ackonwledgements of Gratitude are due to the supreme Disposer of all Events. I suppose congres will recommend that a Day be set apart through out the United States for solemn Thanksgiving.
“I rejoyce that my Friend General Gates, after what had happened, is honord by Providence as the Instrument in this great Affair...
“I fancy How is now as much in the Power of Genl. Wasshington as Burgoin was of Gates. God grant he may share a similar Fate!”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (Oct. 26, 1777) VIII, 189.
“...I hope our Countrymen will render the just Tribute of Praise to the Supreme Ruler for these signal Instances of his Interposition in favor of a People struggling for their Liberties. Congress will, I suppose recommend the setting apart one Day of publick Thanksgiving to be observed throughout the United States.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (Oct. 29, 1775) VIII, 2--.
“...I am determined by Gods Assistance never to forsake the great Cause in which my Country is virtuously struggling; but there are others who have greater Abilities & more adequate to this important Service, than I have...
“I believe my Country will fix their Eyes and their Choice on a Man of Religion and Piety; who will understand human Nature and the Nature and End of political Society- who will not by Corruption or Flattery be seducd to the betraying , even without being sensible of it himself, the sacred Rights of his Country...
“The Success of the present Campaign hitherto has been great beyond our most sanguine Expectation. Let us ascribe Glory to God who has graciously vouchsafd to favor the Cause of America and of Mankind.”

Samuel Adams to Samuel P. Savage (July 3, 1778) X, 2--.
“...I now begin to promise my self the Pleasure of seeing the Liberties of our Country establishd on a solid Foundation. It will then be my most earnest Wish to be releasd from all publick Cares, and sit down with my Family and a little Circle of faithful Friends in the Cottage of Obscurity. There we will give Thanks to the God of Heaven for the great Things he has done for America, and fervently pray that she may be virtuous, withou which she cannot long enjoy the Blessings of Freedom.
“I am greatly concernd for my dear native Town, lest after having stood foremost in the Cause of Religion & Liberty she should lose her Glory. We may say inter Nos, Her Principles & Manners have had great Influence in securing the Liberties of America. But has she not exchanged her manly Virtue, for Levity & Luxury and a Train of ridiculous Vices which will speedily sink her in Contempt. I am afraid the Cry of too many is Quarenda Pecunia primum est!- ‘Get Money, Money still, and then let Virtue follow if she will!’ The inordinate Love of Gain, will make a shameful Alteration in the Character of those who have heretofore sacrificed every Enjoyment to the Love of their Country. He is the best Patriot who Stems the Torrent of Vice, because that is the most destructive Enemy of his Country.”

Samuel Adams to William Cooper (Sept.30, 1778) X, 716.
“...That the children of N. England may rise and serve God & their Country in the Room of their Fathers is the most ardent Prayer of, Your cordial Friend.”

Samuel Adams to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (Oct. 16, 1778) XI, 62.
“...Mr. Sherman was so obliging as to give me the perusal of your Letter to him, and I am happy that Congress as a Body concur with you in the Sentiment therein containd, having passd a Resolution by a great Majority expressing their Sense that true Religion & good Morals are the only solid Foundations of publick Liberty and Happiness.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (Oct. 20, 1778) XI, 80-1.
“...Men are prone to Idolatry; and some who seem to scorn the worshiping Gods of other Nations, will bow down to graven Images of Gold & Silver, and strange Infatuation! of Wook in the Form of an Ass, an Ape or a Calf, no matter what, if it be the Work of their own Hands. In Truth, my Friend, the Congress appears to be in an akward Situation. While they are exerting their utmost Influence, on all proper Occasions, to support the civil Authority of the several States over the military, there are some men, even in that State which my Partiality had almost led me to pronounce the most respectable in the Union who would have less Respect shown to them than to the Creatures which they have made. Tyrants have been the Scourges and Plagues of Mankind, and Armies their Instruments. These have been said by ignorant Flatterers & Sycophants to be the Viceregeents of the Almighty to punish Men for their Sins, and therefore not to be resisted or contrould. The Time may come when the Sins of America may be punishd by a standing Army;”

Samuel Adams to Samuel P. Savage (Nov. 1, 1778) XI, 155.
“...You was mistaken in supposing that I ascribd the Independence of America to N[ew] E[ngland] only. I never was assuming as to think so. My words are that America is obligd to Mass., and this is an ackowledged Truth. It is the opinion of others as well as my self, that the Principles and Manners of New England from time to time led to that great Event. I pray God she may ever maintain those Principles, which in my Opinion, are necessary to support & perpetuate her Liberty.”

Samuel Adams to Caleb Davis (Dec. 5, 1778) XI, 288.
“...We are told there is a Time for Peace; and that Time will come, when we shall be driven to it by the Necessity of our Affairs, which God forbid! Or when we shall by the Smiles of Heaven, have obtained such Advantges as to ensure a lasting & happy Peace.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (Feb. 11,1779) XII, 50.
“...I will conclude with my most ardent Prayer, that our last Days may be our best Days and our last Works our best Works.”

Samuel Adams to Mercy Scollay (Feb. 27, 1779) XII, 111.
“...May Heaven graciously reward the Benefactors of these orphans! While Providence affords you the Opportunity, you will instill into their young Minds the Principles of Piety and Virtue, and thereby lay a Foundation for their being hereafter useful and happy.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (March 7, 1779) XII, 158.
“...I thank you for the concern you express for my Health, which through the Divine Favor I again enjoy as usual.”

Samuel Adams to Benjamin Austin (March 9, 1779) XII, 164.
“...I congratulate my Countrymen on our having thus far got through the Conflict, but we are still engaged in it. And I repeat it, because while too many of our Countrymen are flattering themselves with the airy Prospect of Peace, Britain, if we may credit our latest & best Accounts from Europe, is preparing for a vigorous Campaign. It is prudent for us to enquire of the Watchman What of the Night? [Ezekiel 33]. The Caution given us on another occasion may with propriety be adapted to this. Be ye ready.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (Sept. 19, 1780) XVI, 84.
“...The Man who has devoted himself to the Service of God and his Ccountry will chearfully make every Sacrifice. I will not fail daily to command you to the Care and Protection of Heaven, in Hopes of seeing you the next Spring.”

Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams (Oct. 3, 1780) XVI, 133.
“...I thank God, I am in good health.”

Samuel Adams to James Warren (Oct. 24, 1780) XVI, 244.
“...And I pray God, we may never see Men, filling the sacred Seats of Government, who are wanting in adequate Abilities, or influence by any Motives or Feelings separate from the publick Welfare.”

Samuel Adams to Elbridge Gerry (Nov. 27, 1780) XVI, 386.
“...Mor in my opinion, is necessary to be done, than conquering our British Enemies in order to establish the Liberties of our Country on a solid Basis. Human Nature, I am afraid, is to much debas’d to relish those Republican Principles, in which the new Government of the CommonWealth of Massachusetts appears to be founded. And may it not be added, that the former Government, I mean the last Charter, being calculated rather to make servile Men than free citizens, the Minds of many of our Countrymen have been inurd to a cringing obsequiousness, too deeply wrought into Habit to be easily eradicated? Mankind is prone enough to political Idolatry...May Heaven inspire the present Rulers with Wisdom & sound Understanding...I pray God we may never be addicted to Vanity & the Folly of Parade...If Men of Wisdom & Knowledge, of Moderation& Temperance, of Patience, Fortitude & Perserverance, of Sobriety & true Republican Simplicity of Manners, of Zeal for the Honor of the Supreme Being & the Welfare of the Common Wealth- If Men possessed of these & other excellent Qualities are chose to fill the Seats of Government we may expect that our Affairs will rest on a solid & permanent Foundation.”

Samuel Adams to John Adams (Dec. 17, 1780) XVI, 455.
“...Arnolds Conspiracy was to have wrought Wonders but gracious Heaven defeated it. We have so often seen in the Course of this Conflict, the remarkable Interpostions of divine Providence in our favor, as to convince me, that the Attempts of our Enemies to subdue us, will be but gnawing a File.”

Samuel Adams to John Scollay (Dec. 30, 1780) XVI, 514.
Adams does not want some sort of Entertainment at government expense while the troops are naked.
“...I love the People of Boston. I once thought, that City would be the Christian Sparta. But Alas! Will men never be free! They will be free no longer than while they remain. Sidney tells us, there are times when People are not worth saving . Meaning, when they have lost their Virtue. I pray God, this may never be truly said of my beloved Town.”

Robert Treat Paine

Robert Treat Paine Diary (September 4, 1774) I, .
“Cloudy A.M. heard Mr. Sprout & his meeting (the Presbyterian). P.M. heard Mr. Combs at Christ Church.”

Robert Treat Paine Diary (September 7, 1774) I, 44-45.
“Agreeable to a vote of yesterday the Congress was opened this morning by Prayer by Rev’d. Mr. Duche Episcopal Minister of this Town & on the morning Psalms for the day.”

Robert Treat Paine Diary (September 9, 1774) I, 54.
“Went into Christ Church’s steeple & viewed the City.”

Robert Treat Paine Diary (October 14, 1774) I, .
“Evening met at Carpenters Hall at the desire of some Baptists to hear their complaints of Grievances in our Province.”

Robert Treat Paine’s Diary (June 23, 1775) I, 539.
“Evening Dr. Smith preached to 2d Battalion at Christ’s Church an excellent Sermon, Evening Rain’d very Cool.”

Robert Treat Paine to Robert R. Livingston (January 26, 1775) II, 157.
“...May heaven bless you & all yr. Connections & soon grant us a happy meeting is the sincere wish of yr., &c.”

Robert Treat Paine to Joseph Palmer (July 6, 1776) II, 376.
“It is our unhappiness, in this time of danger, to have too may Calvinistic politicians, who seem to think their country will be saved by good words and warm faith, without concomitant exploits; if it did not proceed from a defect in human nature, I think we should not find it in so many places...
“The day before yesterday the declaration of American independency was voted by twelve, agreeable to the sense of the constituents, and New York was silent, till their new convention (which sits next week) express their assent, of which we have some doubt. Thus the issue is joined; and it is our comfortable reflection that if by struggling we can avoid that servile subjection which Britain demanded, we remain a free and happy people; but if, through the frowns of Providence, we sink in the struggle, we do but remain the wretched people we should have been without the declaration. Our hearts are full, our hands are full; may God, in whom we trust, support us.”

Elbridge Gerry

Elbridge Gerry to James Warren (March 26, 1776) III, 442.
“...our Friends in general supposing We have the power of Divination neglect to relate Things of Importance as they occur.”

Elbridge Gerry to James Warren (May 20, 1776) IV, 43.
“Amidst all our difficulties you would be highly diverted to see the situation of our ‘moderate gentlemen.’ They have been more apprehensive of evils than any others, as we have frequently observed, and they have now the mortification to find that their measures for avoiding have but served to increase them. I sometimes think that Providence permitted them to clog the affairs of the colonies, that they may become in some degree desperate, and thus introduce into the circle of determined men those timid beings, whose constitution never admits of their defending freedom on the noblest principles, and are afterwards obliges to meet danger by the same motives that induce them to shun it. They are coming over to us, but I am sorry their counter influence so long prevented us from adopting the only means by which we could supply ourselves with the necessaries for defence.”

Elbridge Gerry to Joseph Trumbull (October 22, 1776) V, 363.
“This is a critical Time for our affairs at Ticonderoga as well as New York; may God support & prosper them.

Elbridge Gerry to Joseph Hawley (January 1, 1777) VI, 4.
“...Let Us exert Ourselves to these purposes, & in twelve months with the Blessing of God I doubt not We shall see the Independence of America established on a Foundation that cannot be shaken by the Arms of Tyranny.”

Elbridge Gerry to John Adams (Dec. 8, 1777) VIII, 388.
“...The American Army are in a better Situation for an Engagement, in Point of Numbers, then they have been this Campaign: may God grant them Fortitude & crown their Endeavours with Success.”

Elbridge Gerry to Samuel Adams (Feb. 7, 1778) IX, 44.
“...By a vigorous Exertion the ensuing Campaign, & the Smiles of divine Providence, I hope we shall be free of the rage of this weak & merciless Tyrant.”

John Adams

John Adams, June 28, 1813
“Now I will avow, that I then believe, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity, are as eternal and immutable [unchangeable], as the Existence and Attributes of God; and that those Principles of liberty, are as unalterable as human Nature and our terrestrial, mundane System.”

John Adams, June 21, 1776
“Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand.”

John Hancock

John Hancock to George Washington; March 6, 1776
“…By the Perserverance and the Blessing of God, I trust, if we continue to deserve Freedom, we shall be enabled to overcome them. To that Being, in whose hands is the fate of Nations, I recommend you and the Army under your Command.”

John Hancock to Dorothy Hancock; March 5, 1777
“…May the Almighty God be your constant protection. Rely on him & he will not forsake you.”

John Hancock, Day of Prayer Proclamation, April 15, 1775
“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 Judgements…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”

New York Signers of Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

William Floyd

William Floyd to George Clinton, Feb. 20, 1779
“The money which I Rec’d as of our Treasurer for the Purpose of Bearing my Expenses here, happened to be mostly of the two Emitions which were put out of Circulation about the time I arrived here. Some of it I have Changed, the Rest I cannot, without a Loss of ten per Cent and God knows I am not in Circumstances to put it on Interest.

Lewis Morris to Philip Schuyler; July 23, 1775
“…I really feel for you under your present circumstances going upon a Dangerous expedition without Powder or good men. God send you success”

Lewis Morris to John Jay, March 8, 1777
“The Congress meets to day for the first time since their flight. I wish to God we had more men in Jersey, you may be assured from the best authority Howe has not more than Seven Thousand Eight hundred Sick and well, shamefull to the Continent that they do not drive him out; however let us hope for the best.”

Pennsylvania Signers of Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin to Humphry Marshall (May 23, 1775) I, 395.
“...It is a true saying, that make yourselves sheep and the wolves will eat you: to which I add another, God helps them that help themselves.”

Benjamin Franklin to Nathaniel Seidel [Moravian] (June 2, 1775) I, .
advises Moravians to at least train their people to use Arms.

Benjamin Franklin’s Vindication (June-July, 1775) I, 563.
“...Our own arms, with our poverty, and the care of a kind Providence, were all this time our only protection;”

Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Shipley (July 7, 1775) I, 606.
Franklin talks about British plans to use Slaves and Indians against the colonists.

Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley? (October 3, 1775) II, 103.
“I am persuaded that the body of the British people are our friends; but they are changeable, and by your lying gazettes may soon be made our enemies. Our respect for them will proportionally diminish, and I see clearly we are on the high road to mutual family hatred and detestation. A separation of course will be inevitable. It is a million of pities so fair a plan as we have hitherto been engaged in, for increasing strength and empire with public felicity, should be destroyed by the mangling hands of a few blundering ministers. It will not be destroyed; God will protect and prosper it, you will only exclude yourselves from any share in it. We hear, that more ships and troops are coming out. We know, that you may do us a great deal of mischief, and are determined to bear it patiently as long as we can. But if you flatter yourselves with beating us into submission, you know neither the people nor the country.”

Benjamin Franklin to Charles Lee (February 11, 1776) III, 229.
“...God give you success.”

Benjamin Franklin to Charles Lee (February 19, 1776)III, 281.
“...God prosper all your Undertakings, and return you with Health, Honour & Happiness.”

Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Todd [Secretary of the British Post Office] (March 29, 1776) III, 462.
“...And now I venture to tell you, that tho’ this War may be a long one (and I think it will probably last beyond my Time) we shall withGod’s Help finally get the better of you; The Consequences I leave to your imagination. Britain without us can grow no stronger. Without her we shall become a tenfold greater and mightier people.”

Benjamin Franklin to the Commissioners to Canada (May 27, 1776) IV, 85.
“...God bless you & prosper your Councils; and bring you safe again to your Friends & Families.”

Benjamin Franklin to Horatio Gates (August 28, 1776) V, 77.
“...God grant success.”

Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper (October 25, 1776) V, 385.
“...As to our publick affairs, I hope our people will keep up their courage. I haveno doubt of their final succeeding by the blessing of God, nor have I any doubt that so good a cause will fail of that blessing.”

Benjamin Rush

Benjamin Rush to Patrick Henry (July 15, 1776) IV, 474.
“Providence has frowned upon our Arms in Canada. I sometimes think that country has been earned by the March of Col. Arnold, & the heroic Achievements & death of the gallant Montgomery, and that the banner of liberty will be planted on some future day by the States of America upon the walls of Quebec. Perhaps this opinion is nothing but the effect of a Veneration bordering upon idolatry for the Services & merit of thsoe illustrious heroes.
Have you not violated a fundamental principle of liberty in excluding the clergy from your Legislature? I know their danger in a free government but I would rahter see them excluded from civil power by custom than by law. They have property, wives & children & of course are citizens of a community. Why therfore Should they be Abridged of any one priviledge which Other citizens enjoy? Is it not a fact that by investing any men with more, or confining them to fewer priviledges than members of a community enjoy in general we render those men the enemies of that community? Perhaps all the mischief which the clergy have done in all countries has arisen from the first of the above causes. Will not the clause in your Charter which excludes Clergymen from your Legislature hand down to posterity as well as hold up to the World an idea that you looked down upon the Christian religion as well as its Ministers as unfriendlu to good government? I wish our governments would treat religion of all kinds, & ministers of all denominations as if no such things or beings existed in the world. They mutually destroy each Other when any Attempt are made by either to support each other.”

Benjamin Rush to Julia Rush (July 23, 1776) IV, 529.
“...God bless you! How I long to tell you how much I love you.”

Benjamin Franklin to Julia Rush (September 18-25,1776), V, .
“...You witness for me that I have for a long time not only expected, but wished that Genl. Howe might gain possession of New York. I have seen molasses wasted on a board on purpose to collect together & destroy all the flies of a house. In like manner I believe Genl. Howe will attract all the tories of New York & the adjacent states to his army where they will ripen as the Tories of Boston did for banishment & destruction. The continent in the mean while will be purged of those rascals whose idleness or perfidy have brought most of our present calamities upon us. But further, I think we stood in need of a frown from heaven. I should have suspected that our cause had not been owned as a divine one, if we had prospered without it. It is, you know, thro difficulties & tryals that states as well as individuals are trained up to glory & happiness. My faith is now stronger than ever. I begin to hear with pleasure an outcry among some people that there is to be no dependence to be had upon the arm of the flesh. But the worst is not over. We must be bro’t lower. I predict a defeat or another disgraceful retreat. We stand in need of it. We must all be taught that ‘Salvation is not to be hoped from the hills, nor from the multitude of the Mountains,’ before we can prevail over our enemies.”

Benjamin Rush to Anthony Wayne (September 24, 1776) V, 236.
“...God bless you!”

Benjamin Rush to Thomas Morris (October 22, 1776) V, 365.
“...God grant us success equal to the justice of our cause!”

Benjamin Rush to Julia Rush (January 31, 1777) VI, 183.
“...There are a number of boarders in the family. One of them is a young French Officer. His history in one particular is very remarkable. He is one of one & twenty children, 18 boys & three girls. They were all born of the same father & mother, and are all now living. Happy family! I shall be better satisfied if the same can be said [of ] me as was said of the prophet of old ‘That I walked in the fear of the Lord, and begat sons & daughters,’ than if it were inscribed upon my tombstone that I governed the counsels, or commanded the arms of the whole continent of America.”

Benjamin Rush’s Notes of Debates (February 19, 1777) VI, 325.
“...I have been distressed to see some members of this house disposed to idolise an image which their own hands have molten. I speak here of the superstitious veneration that is sometimes paid to Genl. Washington. Altho’ I honour him for his good qualities, yet in this house I feel myself his Superior. In private life I shall always acknowledge that he is mine. It becomes us to attend early to the restraining our army.”

George Ross

George Ross to James Wilson (November 17, 1775) II, 357.
“...I can’t help saying Heaven seems to Smile on & favour the great cause of Liberty.”

Gouvernour Morris

Gouvernour Morris to John Jay (Feb. 1, 1778) IX, 3.
“...The Continental Congress & Currency have both depreciated but in the Hands of the almighty Architect of Empires the Stone which the Builders have rejected may easily become Head of the Corner.”

Gouvernour Morris to Sarah Morris(Apr. 16, 1778) IX, 424.
“...Let me earnestly recommend to you as much of either Religion or Philosophy as to bear inevitable Evils with resignation.”

Gouvernour Morris to George Clinton (May 21, 1778) IX, 727.
“...The plot thickens in Europe every day; what will be the event of the different movements, God only knows. I am Sorry Jay is under a necessity of hanging So many.”

Gouvernour Morris to Anthony Wayne (May 21, 1778) IX, 729.
“...Your good Morals in the Army give me sincere Pleasure as it hath long been my fixed Opinion that Virtue and Religion are the great sources of human Happiness. More especially is it necessary in your Profession frimly to rely upon the God of Battles, for his Guardianship and Protection in the dreadful Hour of Trial. But of all these Things you will and I hope in the merciful Lord you have been made fully acquainted by that pious young Man Friend Hutchinson.”

Gouvernour Morris to John Jay (May 23, 1778) IX, 736.
asking John to try to find land and or whereabouts of a Lutheran minister Johannes Christopher

Gouvernour Morris to the Carlisle Commissioners (June 20, 1778) X, 125.
“...We again make our solemn appeal to the God of Heaven to decide between you and us. And we pray that in the doubtful scale of battle we may be successful, as we have justice on our side, and that the merciful Saviour of the world may forgive our oppressors.”

Gouvernour Morris to George Clinton (June 23, 1778) X, 185.
“...God knows when the great Business of this Continent will be compleated or rather arranged. Until it is in some good Train I shall think it my Duty to exert the little share of Abilities which Providence hath entrusted to me for the Use of my Country.”

Gouvernour Morris to George Clinton (Sept. 6, 1778) X, 590-1.
“...I am of no Party but that of my Country and as I always have, so I trust I always shall, consult her Interests according to that measure of abilities which it hath pleased Heaven to dispense to me.”

Gouvernour Morris to Peter Van Schaack (Sept. 8, 1778) X, 605.
“...It was always my opinion, that matters of conscience and faith, whether political or religious, are as much out of the province, as they are beyond the ken of human legislatures. In the question of punishment for acts, it hath been my constant axiom, that the object is example, and therfore the only thing justifiable from the necessity and the effect. I implore the Omnipotent on all occassions to direct my conduct by this great, and I trust just principle.”

Gouvernour Morris to the Pennsylvania Packet (Feb. 27?, 1779) XII, 114.
“...That it is the will of Heaven, mankind should be free, is evidence by the wealth, the vigor, the virtue and consequent happiness of free States. And the idea that providence will establish such governments as he shall deem most fit for his creatures without their efforts is palpably absurd. Did he overturn the walls of Jerusalem by the mere breath of his mouth, or did he stir up the Romans to add Judea to their other provinces? In short, is not his moral government of the earth always performed by the intervention of second causes? How then can you expect that he should miraculously destroy our enemies, merely to convince you that he favors our cause? Sufficient notifications of his will are always given, and those who will not then believe, neither would they believe though one should rise from the dead to inform them. Trace the progress and mark the incidents of the war, and you will see evident tokens of providential favor. For whether our success be owing to the folly of our opponents or to any other immediate cause, we are equally indebted for it to the bounty of Heaven...
“Convinced as you must be of these things, what ought your conduct to be? You cannot pretend to plead conscience on this occasion, because the success of our measures being apparent, it is on your own principles the will of God, to which you are conscientiously bound to conform. If you oppose your countrymen you may indeed incourage the enemy, and thereby lenghten out the contest, in which case you yourselves shall determine, whether you will not in some degree be answerable for the consequences. You have sense enough to perceive that you can live happily under those governments which you wished in vain to prevent. You ought to fear that if the enemy perform their threats of wasting our country, your persons may become obnoxious to the vengeance of your fellow-citizens, and your estates be applied to compensate the ravages commited on theirs. Take then the cousel which I again declare to you is deictated by humanity. I wish sincerely the prosperity and glory of the United States. And as sincerely I wish for peace. May heaven grant it to us, to you and to all.”

Gouvernour Morris to George Washington (Mar, 14, 1779) XII, 194.
“...My Respects to Mrs. Washington who I am told has no Great Opinion of me as a Christian Priest and yet I am sure we are of the same Religion expressed in the one Word Benevolence.”

Gouvernour Morris to Benjamin Towne (July 9?, 1779) XIII, 176-7.
Morris suspects T. Paine of being a Carthaginian who went to Rome, got in a seat of prominence and tried to overthrow Rome.

Gouvernour Morris to Thomas Paine (July 24?, 1779) XIII, 289-292.
“...Thus you stand forth a happy instance to show, how a man may avoid a full participation in sin by being a notorious sinner.”

James Wilson

Delegates’ Certification of James Wilson’s Conduct in Congress (June 20,1776) IV, 271.
“We the Subscribers Members of Congress do therefore certify, that in a late Debate in this House upon a Proposition to declare these Colonies free and independent States, Mr. Wilson after having stated the Progress of the Dispute between Great Britain and the Colonies, declared it to be his opinion that the Colonies would stand justified before God and the World in declaring an absolute Separation from Great Britain forever.”

Robert Morris

Robert Morris to John Dorsius (December 14, 1776) V, 608.
“...I am still in doubt respecting the fate of this City. Genl. Howe finds it difficult to cross Delaware & may possibly be forced to desist. God send he may.”

Robert Morris to John Hancock (December 16, 1776) V, 610.
“...The Aid de Camp is wounded. These are the only particulars that I have heard & I do not pretend to Vouch for the truth of them but pray Heaven the whole may be a fiction. The loss of Genl. Lee at this time is in itself a sever Stroke, and the effect it will have on the Spirits of our Shattered Army will add greatly to it.”

Secret Committee to Robert Morris (December 23, 1776) V, 651.
“...God grant the enemy may fail in their scheme against your City.”

Robert Morris to John Bradford (January 5, 1777) VI, 86.
“Thank God I think our City is now perfectly safe and as I think the British Troops must soon evacuate all New Jersey, our intercourse will become free & open again.”

Robert Morris to John Jay (January 12, 1777) VI, 87-88.
“...Where it will end God only knows... What a glorious change in our prospects. Pray heaven Continue our Success and grant me an opportunity of Congratulating you on regaining the City of New York.”

Robert Morris to William Hooper (January 24, 1777) VI, 142.
“In all the Transactions of America nothing has given me more Concern than that kind of irregular Conduct on board the Am. Privateers that savours more of Moorish Piracy than Christian Forbearance...I think the Captains & owners of Privateers should give Security in very large Sums, and every State be answered to those who grant Commissions to, this wod make the latter cautious & villans wod find it difficult to deceive them, something I am sure must be done unless we wish to plunder one another & lay all the World under Contribution as a lawlessSet of Freebooters, which God forbid shd ever be the Characteristics of the country I love.”

Robert Morris to John Jay (February 4, 1777) VI, 217.
“God Bless you & grant Success to America in the present Contest, with Wisdom and Virtue to Secure Peace & happiness to her Sons in all future ages.”

Robert Morris to John Hancock (February 21, 1777) VI, 339.
“...I have really had my hands, Head & Heart full business since I saw you but thank God my Spirits never failed.”

Robert Morris to William Bingham (February 26, 1777) VI, 376.
“...You will have seen by former advices that Kind Providence gave a change to the affairs of America on Christmas Night when Genl. Washington begun and attempt to surprise Trenton which he effected the next morning & took Prisoners three Hessian Regiments.”

Robert Morris to George Washington (February 27, 1777) VI, 389.
“...Heaven (no doubt for the noblest purposes) has blessed you with a Frimness of mind, Steadiness of Countenance and patience in sufferings that give you infinite Advantages over other men.”

Robert Morris to James Duane (Sept. 8, 1778) X, 607.
“...God Bless you my Good Friend.”

John Morton

(John Morton’s Will)
“With an awful reference to the Great Almighty God, Creator of all mankind, being sick and weak in body but sound in mind and memory, thanks be given to Almighty God for the same.”

John Morton to Persifor Frazer, August, 18, 1776
“…I had almost forgot to mention the arrival of Devil Dunmore and Clinton who are both at N York and all their troops. With my best Respects to you and prayers for your health.”

George Clymer

Pennsylvania Constitution (September 28, 1776) 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 other religious test shall hereafter be required of any civil officer or magistrate in this State.”

New Jersey Signers of Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

Abraham Clark

Abraham Clark to Elias Dayton (July 14, 1776) IV, 453.
“Our Declaration of Independence I dare say you have seen. A few weeks will probably determine our fate. Perfect freedom, or Absolute slavery. To some of us freedom or a halter. Our fates are in the hands of an Almighty God, to whom I can with pleasure confide my own; he can save us, or destroy us; his Councils are fixed and fixed and cannot be disappointed, and all his designs will be Accomplished.”

Abraham Clark to James Caldwell (August 2, 1776) IV, 605.
“...I not only fear for New Jersey, but the Army at N. York. If the British Army should Land above them they could neither retreat or get Supplies. We have only to rely upon the Almighty, but that reliance is scarcely to be seen. At my coming to Congress, I moved for a Chaplain to Attend Prayers every morning which was carried- and some of my Starch brethren will scarcely forgive me for Naming Mr. Duche. This I did knowing without such a one many would not Attend. He hath Composed a form of Prayer Unexceptionable to all parties.”

Abraham Clark to James Caldwell (February 4, 1777) VI, 209.
“...Our General cause will I think Nevertheless Obtain a Support, he that setteth up states doth not, usually put them down in a Year, and I doubt not but by the Providence of God we shall be enabled to withstand our Foes.”

Abraham Clark to Elias Dayton (March 7, 1777) VI, 414.
“...Our Friend Mr. Caldwells Services I am particularly Attentive to, but the wheels drag heavy, a Presbyterian Clergyman is not with some a Popular Name, and tho’ I have the assurance of Congress in his favour I can promise Nothing but my best endeavours.”

Abraham Clark to the New Jersey Assembly (Feb. 17, 1780) XVI, 427.
“...Congress have now under consideration the Appointment of Supplies for the Army to be required of each state the present year. One[Our] Quota at present stands at 18000 hundred weight of Beef or pork, 110,000 barrels of flour, 3,758 bushels of Salt, 3,500 Tons of hay, 30,000 bushels of Corn, Oats or buckwheat. The Estimate of Prices, as follows. Flour 41/2 Dollars per hundred, Summer fatted Beef 5 1/2 dollr per neat hundred, fall fatted Do. 6 1/2 dollars, Stall fed killed after Janry, 7 1/2 Dollars, fresh pork 7 dollars per neat hundred; Salted pork 22 dollars per barrl. containing 240 lb. Indian Corn, 3/4 dollar per bushel, Oats 1/2, Rie 1, Buckwheat 2/3 dollar per bushel, best first crop hay 15 dollars per Ton, Rum 1 1/2 dollars per Gall, Salt 3 dollars per bushl.”

Francis Hopkinson

Francis Hopkinson’s Diary
“I have the greatest Pleasure in hearing of your Wellfare & of the happy Increase of your Family. I sincerely pray God to continue & enlarge your Satisfaction without Alloy.”

John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon to David Witherspoon (July 27, 1776) IV, .
“...As the Distance between us is so great I must not omit my dearChild to put you in Mind to walk with fear of God. Give your self much to the Exercise of Prayer & if you desire to improve & perservere in that Duty You must be punctual as to the times of it. Irregular people do nothing to purpose either in that or any other Respect.”

John Witherspoon’s Speech in Congress (July 30, 1776) IV, 586.
“...There is one thing that has been thrown out, by which some seem to persuade themselves of, and others to be more indifferent about the success of a confederacy- that from the nature of men, it is to be expected, that a time must come when it will be dissolved and broken in pieces. I am none of

John Witherspoon to David Witherspoon (August 27, 1776) V, 69.
“...Remember, my dear boy, to fear God, and serve him in sincerity and truth. Let this be your first care, and accomplish yourself as much as possible for usefullness in life.”

John Witherspoon to Horatio Gates (October 28, 1776) V,420.
“I heartily pray that God almighty may Crown you with Success in your present critical Situation & most important Charge.”

John Witherspoon to David Witherspoon (February 12, 1777) VI, 269.
“My first concern is that you should fear God: and as about the new year, had we been at Princeton, I should have taken an opportunity to deal particularly and seriously with you and Fanny, as you know; so now that you are at a distance, I pray you to remember that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; and that it is high time for you both, personally to renew your baptismal engagements, and solemnly give yourselves to God- I pray earnestly that he may renew you in the spirit of your minds.”

John Witherspoon to David Wtherspoon (February 2, 1777) VI, 269 footnote.
“... I have been making inquiry into the conduct of the enemy, which has been dreadful. At Trenton they killed Mr. Roxburgh, Presbyterian minister at the Forks of Delaware. Though he fell down on his knees and begged his life, yet they pierced him through and through with their bayonets, and mangled him in a most shocking manner. Some of the people at Princeton say they thought they were killing me, and boasted that they had done it when they came back. But this is uncertain- the fact of his death and the manner of it is beyond all doubt.”

John Witherspoon to David Witherspoon (March 17, 1777) VI, 454.
“...I hope it will please God to recover him [your Brother John who has been sick 4 weeks with Rheumatism] wholly in a little time but till then it is uncertain what plan will be followed for his Employment.”

John Witherspoon to David Witherspoon (August 7, 1777) VII, 438.
“...I am glad to see that you are thinking of determining your profession for life. I have not time to write upon this subject, but shall do it fully in a few days. You know what my desire and ambition is upon that subject; but I am of all things most concerned that you should fear God. I want much to hear that you have renewed your baptismal engagements in the Lord’s Supper.”

Richard Stockton

Richard Stockton to Benjamin Rush (October 13, 1776) V, 342.
“I am, thank God, in good health.”

Richard Stockton to Abraham Clark (October 28, 1776) V, 416.
“For God’s sake, my dear sir, upon the receipt of this, collect all the shoes and stockings you can, and send them off for Albany in light wagons...Therefore, I trust, with the blessing of the Almighty God, that we shall disappoint their wicked and sanguinary purposes.

John Hart’s Will
“…Thanks be given unto Almighty God therefore, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die and after that the judgement.. principally, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it and my body 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.”

John Hart’s Address on Oct. 5, 1776 in the Papers of William Livingston
“…We will look for the permanency and stability of our new government to Him who bringeth princes to nothing and teacheth senators wisdom.”

2009-07-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

Thomas McKean

Thomas McKean to George Read (Apr. 3, 1778) IX, 363, 365.
“...I congratulate you on the whig election in Sussex. With such a general assembly as the present, which could I have done, or rather could I not have have done? Sure I am , you will make a proper use of this most fortunate occurence, in which there appears visibly the hand of Providence, which can alone save this deluded state...
“If you can procure any clothing for the Delaware battalion, it may be useful, but I am confident there is sufficient for the whole army, already purchased by the congress, for above a year; and yet I am told the most of the troops are naked- peculation, neglect of duty, avarice and insolence, in most departments abould; but, with the favor of God, I shall contribute my part to drag forth and punish the culprits, though some of them are high in rank, and characters I did not suspect.”

Thomas McKean to Sarah McKean (Apr. 9, 1778) IX, 400.
“General Rodney is appointed President of the Delaware State. General Lee will be here [Lancaster] today, tho I believe, he is not yet finally exchanged...The Inhabitants of Delaware are said to be on the verge of a total Revolution to Whiggism, ad that the most spirited measures are adopted there.”

Thomas McKean to Thomas Rodney (Apr. 18, 1778) IX, 439.
“...I should have it in my power to attend, and (God willing) will attend the trial of this cause at any time after the twelth of May.”

Thomas McKean to Caesar Rodney (Apr. 28, 1778) IX, 521.
“...God grant us virtue & fortitude in this hour of trial. I have worked double tides (as the Sailors say) all the last week, being every day in Court, and also in congress, which latter sat on Fast Day and also yesterday.”

Thomas McKean to William A. Atlee (June 5, 1778) X, 33.
“...besides Pardoning is a God-like power, and a God-like virtue.”

Thomas McKean to Caesar Rodney (July 24, 1780) XV, 500.
“...The public duty I am obliged to perform is too much for me, and as our state affords me no relief in Congress I shall be obliged to decline the Delegation. The truth is, should my health & strength hold out, my finances will not; while I continue in the station I will support the Rank of a Deputy of the State, and this I find so expensive in these times that without some support from the Government I cannot endure it much longer. I have not received a farthing since the first of January 1779, and I am not a single day out of congress unless when attending some court of Justice, so that I cannot attend in the least to my private affairs, nor to the wants of my family; however I will endeavour to perservere until the General Assembly meet again, especially as the difficulties & dangers we have had to encounter, owing to our charge of system for the support of the war by taxes & loans, are not over yet. For God’s sake exert yourself in enforcing the collection & payment of the public taxes or we may yet be ruined.”
Thomas McKean to John Dickinson (Dec. 25, 1780) XVI, 481.
“...Let me entreat your attention to the Delaware Regimt. and put them on as respectable a footing as the troops of Pennsylvania; on our army, next under God, the success of our cause depends.”

Thomas McKean to Samuel Adams (July 8, 1781) XVII, 388.
“...The Harvests in Pennsylvania and the adjoining States promise to be double in Quantity and better in quality than in any year during the last twenty, and the whole country teems with fruit. In short that good Providence that has protected and blessed us hitherto, appears now to take us under hi most particular care, for everything augurs well.”

Thomas McKean to Nathanael Greene (July 26, 1781) XVII, 448.
“...When the most virtuous Cause that ever a People was engaged in is conducted by consummate Prudence and Wisdom, supported by Fortitude and true Courage, and visibly favored by the Almighty, there are the surest Grounds to expect Success.
“That you may give Peace, Liberty and Independence to the Southern States, whose Sufferings, Bravery, and determined Conduct prove them to be entirely deserving of these Blessings, is the most ardent Prayer of , Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant.”

Thomas McKean to Richard Henry Lee (Aug. 13, 1781) XVII, 505.
“...I pray God to give you patience & fortitude in this severe trial, and to enable you to work out your deliverance.”

Thomas McKean to Thomas Bradford (Aug.15, 1781) XVII, 523.
“...If such measures are pursued [James Randolph treatment as a prisoner] by our inveterate enemies, they will before God and Man be solely responsible for the consequences.”

Thomas McKean to the Comte de Grasse (Oct. 14, 1781) XVIII, 132.
“...I pray God to direct your Counsels, and protect you in the hour of battle,”

Thomas McKean to the States (Oct. 31, 1781) XVIII, 174.
“...Your Excellency will recieve herewith inclosed a Proclamation recommending to the several States that the thirteenth of December next be set apart as a day of Thanks- giving and Prayer.”

Thomas McKean to George Washington (Oct. 31, 1781) XVIII, 175.
“...Words fail me when I attempt to bestow my small tribute of thanks and praise to a Character so eminent for wisdom, courage and patriotissm, & one who appears to be no less the Favorite of Heaven than of his Country,- I shall only therefore beg you to be assured, that you are held in the most grateful rememberance; and with a peculiar veneration, by all the wise and good in these United States.
“That you may long possess this happiness; that you may be enabled speedily to annihilate the British power in America, which you have so effectually broken by the last capital blow; that you may be ever hailed the Deliverer of your Country and enjoy every Blessing Heaven can bestow, is the sincere and ardent Prayer of one, who professes himself to be , with every sentiment of regard and all possible attachment, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and devoted humble Servant,
“Tho. M:Kean, President
“P.S. A proclamation recommending a day of thanksgiving & prayer is enclosed for your information.”

Thomas McKean to Nathanael Greene (Nov. 2, 1781) XVIII, 176.
“...You will receive inclosed herewith... a Proclamation recommending the thirteenth day of December next to be observed as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer throughout the United States.”

George Read

George Read to Gertrude Read (July 14,1776) IV, 456
“Banish your fears, all may be right. A few Weeks will discover much, I hope in our favor. God preserve you and believe me yours most affectionately.”

Caesar Rodney
Caesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney (Sept. 12, 1774) I,66
“Mr. McPherson Will give you the New York paper of Thursday last, I gave it him for that purpose. You’ll find in that paper a Speech of the Bishop of St. Asaph intended to have been Spoken in the House of Lords- and is now printed here in pamphlets- it is one of the Best pieces I ever Read.” [Jonathan Shipley (1714-1788) Sermon Preached before the Incorporated Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts]

Caesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney (May 11, 1775) I, 343
“The Congress Will be opened this day With prayers by Mr. Duchee and then proceed to business.”

Caesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney (June 20, 1775) I, 525
“I am Glad to hear that there is like to be a good crop of Wheat & Hay. The Hay we know how to dispose of, but God knows what we shall do with the Wheat.”

Caesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney (Dec. 7, 1775) II, 451
“I am extremely Sorry that Betsey has been and continued to bee so ill when you last wrote. God grant She may get better.”

Caesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney (July 10, 1776) IV, 433
“Some people have done things, which if done in future nothing less than life will be sufficient to Atone for. These Enemies to our Righteous Cause will (I apprehend) be

ve internal Enemies in disguise, and Whenever, by the blessing of God, their Virtuous Efforts Shall be Crowned with Success, They will immediately turn thoughts towards those Sapper’s of the Rights of Mankind.”

Caesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney (Sept.11, 1776) V, 133-134
“As to One Mr. Killen (a former Acquaintance of Mine) I have never heard but once of him Since the late Storm Which happened in your part of the county That Blasted the Whig interest and laid prostrate many of the patriots. If he too be fallen tell him he nobly fell in defence of his Country’s rights, and for his Comfort Virtue itself hath its days of tryal. The Israelites (the Chosen People of God) met with crosses and disappointments in their Journey from the land [of] Bondage to that of Liberty, But by a Steady perserverance and divine assistance they at length possessed the promised Land. So that, that God Who Vieweth & Judgeth all things with Unerring Wisdom, Seeing the Righteousness of his Cause (tho he permitteth Temporary Obstructions) Will one day (with a firm Reliance on him) Crown his Virtuous Endeavours with Success, and Cause the Modern Pharaoh’s with their hosts to be buried in the Sea of their Toryism, as he did the Antient Pharaoh in the Red Sea. The Bulk of the People have been lead astray from a Virtuous persuit by the Art and Cunning of Wicked and designing men among you. He must undecieve and put them again in the right path. They are naturally honest and Mean Well, but are Weak and Credulous. And by so much as Wicked and designing men are more industrious than the honest and Virtuous, are they lead to do that which is Evil, and to leave undone that which they ought to do.”

Maryland Signers of the Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

Charles Carroll

Charles Carroll of Carrollton to Charles Carroll, Sr. (August 1,1776) IV, 595.
“We are making preparations to burn the enemy’s ships at N. York: God send our attempt may succeed.”

Charles Carroll of Carrollton to Charles Carroll, Sr. (June 2, 1777) VII, 165.
“...I would not choose to be troubles with any more domestic chaplains... God grant you health & long continuance of it.”

Charles Carroll of Carrollton to Charles Carroll, Sr. (May 3, 1778) IX, 571.
“...God grant you a continuance of health.”

Charles Carroll of Carrollton to Charles Carroll, Sr. (May 17, 1778) IX, 691.
“...I hope to God you are all well. This morning arrived at Congress from Boston Capt. Courter, late commander of the Oliver Cromwell privateer.”

Samuel Chase

Samuel Chase to James Duane (February 5, 1775) I, 305.
“The Roman Senate in the Reign of Claudius Caesar, Domitian or Nero were not more severly wicked, than the present House of Commons. They no longer regard even the Appearance of Virtue. Our Dependence must be on God & ourselves.”

Samuel Chase to John Dickinson (February 6, 1775) I,
“Our dependence must be on God and Ourselves. Nihil ab extra quaesumus.”

Samuel Chase to Philip Schuyler (August 10, 1775) I, 700.
“God grant you success.”

Samuel Chase to Philip Schuyler (August 9, 1776) II, 644.
“...I hope Heaven has heard my prayers,& your friendly wishes. I expect to find one of the best of women & of wifes in a much better State of Health, than when I was compelled to leave her... Our day of Trial approaches, God grant us Success, or our Country is undone.”

Samuel Chase to Maryland Council of Safety (November 21, 1776) V, 525.
Loss of Fort Washington (N.Y.)
British losses - 40 privates, 1 captain killed
Hessian losses - 200 privates, 27 officers killed
American losses- 30 privates, 2 officers killed
American prisoners- 2,200

Samuel Chase to Unknown (Apr. 18, 1778) IX, 433.
Henry Fritz & William Comstock tell of a Joseph Hynson who turned traitor and went to England with dispatches

Samuel Chase (April 17, 1778) notes
1st delegate to formally propose that Congress that Congress record roll call votes in the journals.

Samuel Chase to George Washington (Apr. 20, 1778) IX, 453.
“The Case of Mr. Gunning Bedford is attended with some particular Circumstances. He was taken by a Party of our Enemy abt 13th of February, and has been confined in the New Jail ever since, and even threatened with Punishment as a Robber for stopping some People carrying provisions into the City. I am informed General Howe will exchange him for one_______ Cooke, in Northumberland County.”

Samuel Chase, Chief Justice of the State of Maryland; 1799 Runkel v. Winemiller
“By our form of government, the Christian religion is the established religion; and all sects and denominations of Christians are placed upon the same footing, and are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty.”

Thomas Stone

Thomas Stone to James Hollyday (May 20, 1776) IV, 50.
“...I wish much to be with you & to remain with you to share in all your perplexities, Difficulties & Dangers be they what they may. But I am denied the only Comfort I could have in the present Situation of affairs by the particular Circumstances of my family. I am distressed beyond the Bearing of a Man who has more Philosophy than ever I was blessed with, by contemplating probable Events in this Country. And this mortifying Speculation is not the greatest uneasiness I suffer at present. The illness os a wife I esteem most dearly preys most severly on my Spirits, she is I thank God something better this afternoon, and this Intermission of her Disorder affords me Time to write to you. the Doctr. thinks she is in a fair way of being well in a few days. I wish I thought so...
“Our Soldiers have behaved as we are told most licentuously in Canada, unrestrained by Decipline or Principle, they have commanded every thing in their Power by the Bayonet, unprovided with sufficiency of Provisions & the Credit of their money not affording them a supply, they have committed all the Disorders, incident to an Army our of Temper and without Control in a Country where Appearances were rather hostile than friendly...
“May God attend your Deliberations & Direct them to the right way.”

Thomas Stone to the Maryland Council of Safety (July 12, 1776) IV, 447.
“May God send Victory to the Arm lifted in Support of righteousness, Virtue & Freedom and crush even to destruction the power which eventually would trample on the rights of mankind.”

William Paca

As Chief Justice of the State of Maryland in 1782:
Official recommendation to the General Assembly:
“It is far from our intention to embarrass your deliberations with a variety of objects, but we cannot pass over matters of so high concernment as religion and learning. The sufferings of the ministers of the gospel of all denominations, during the war, have been very considerable, and the perseverance and firmness of those who discharged their sacred functions under many discouraging circumstances, claim our acknowledgments and thanks. The bill of rights and form of government recognize the principle of public support for the ministers of the gospel, and ascertain the mode. Anxiously solicitous for the blessings of government, and the welfare and happiness of our citizens, and thoroughly convinced of the powerful influence of religion, when diffused by its respectable teachers, we beg leave most seriously and warmly to recommend among the first objects of your attention on the return of peace, the making such provision as the constitution, in this case, authorizes and approves.”

GOD SAVE THE STATE

Virginia Signers of the Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

George Wythe

“Tuesday the 24th of May, 14 Geo. III. 1774
This House being deeply impressed with the Apprehension of the great Dangers to be derived to British America, from the hostile Invasion of the City of Boston, in our Sister Colony of Massachusetts Bay, whose Commerce and Harbour are on the 1st Day of June next, to be stopped by an armed Force, deem it highly necessary that the said first Day of June be set apart by the Members of this House as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, devoutly to implore the divine Interposition for averting the heavy Calamity, which threatens Destruction to our civil Rights, and the Evils of civil War; to give us one Heart and one Mind firmly to oppose, by all just and proper Means, every Injury to American Rights, and that the Minds of his Majesty and his Parliament may be inspired from above with Wisdom, Moderation, and Justice, to remove from the loyal People of America all Cause of Danger from a continued Pursuit of Measures pregnant with their Ruin.
“Ordered, therefore, that the Members of this House do attend their Places at the Hour of ten in the Forenoon, on the said 1st Day of June next, in Order to proceed with the Speaker and the Mace to the Church in this City for the Purposes aforesaid; and that the Reverend Mr. Price be appointed to read Prayers, and the Reverend Mr. Gwatkin to preach a Sermon suitable to the Occasion.
“Ordered, that this Order be forthwith printed and published.
By the House of Burgesses.
George Wythe, C. H. B.
[Chairman of the House of Burgesses]
Scribner, Robert L., editor, Revolutionary Virginia: The Road to Independence. Charlottesville, Virginia: University Press of Virginia,Vol. I, pp. 94-5.

qutoing a Broadside (Washburn Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society)

Gov. Dunmore of Virginia dissolved the House of Burgesses on Thursday, May 26, 1774 because of this Broadside

“Why sir as to our religion I have ever considered it as our best and greatest Friend, those glorious views which it gives of our relation to God, and of our destination to Heaven, on the easy terms of a good life, unquestionably furnish the best motives to virtue; the strongest dissausives from vice; and the richest cordial under trouble, thus far I suppose We are all agreed; but not, perhaps, so entirely in another opinion which is, that in the sight of God, moral character is the main point. This opinion very clearly taught by reason,...that in the last day, according to our works of love or hatred, of mercy, or of cruelty, we shall sing with angels or weep with devils; ...that God is love- and that in exact proportion as we grow in love, we grow in His likeness, and consequently shall partake of His friendship and felicity forever, while others therefore have been beating their heads, or embittering their hearts with disputes about forms about baptism, and modes of faith, it has always, thank God, struck me as my great duty, constantly to think of this- God is love; and he that walketh in love; walketh in God and God in Him-”p.88

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson to John Randolph (August 15, 1775) I, .
Whether Britain shall continue the head of the greatest empire on earth, or shall return to her original station in the political scale of Europe depends perhaps on the resolutions of the succeeding winter. God send they may be wise and salutary for us all.”

Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes (November 7, 1775) II, 315.
[Jefferson had not heard from Virginia for a long time.]
“...The suspense under which I am is too terrible to be endured. If any thing has happened, for god’s sake let me know.”

Thomas Jefferson’s Notes of Proceedings in Congress (June 7-20, 1776) IV, 164.
“the committee for drawing the Declaration of Independence desired me to do it (I did so).”

Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee (July 29, 1776) IV, 561.
“Little new here. Our camps recruit slowly, amazing slowly. God knows in what it will end. The finger of providence has as yet saved us by retarding the arrival of Ld. Howe’s recruits.”

Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton (August 26, 1776) V, 66.
“... The fantastical idea of virtue and the public good being a sufficient security to the state against the commission of crimes, which you say you have heard insisted on by some, I assure you was never mine. It is only the sanguinary hue of our penal laws which I meant to object to Punishments I know are necessary and I would provide them, strict and inflexible, but proportioned to the crime. Death might be inflicted for murder and perhaps for treason all crimes which are not such in their nature. rape, buggery &c. punish by castration.”

Thomas Nelson, Jr.

Thomas Nelson, Jr. to Mann Page (January 4, 1776) III, 29.
“...Our obtaining Victories with so little, or I may say without any loss at all, is certainly a proof of our being under the immediate protection of Providence & while we have so just a cause & humanity marks the conduct of our Commanders after Victory, we need not fear success.”

Thomas Nelson to John Page (February 13, 1776) III, 249.
“We are carrying on a War & no War, they seize our property whenever they find it, either by Land or by Sea & we hesitate to retaliate, because we have a few friends in England who have Ships. Away with such squeamishness say I, but I cannot do as I would wish. What think you of the Right Revd. Fathers in God the Bishops? One of them refused to ordain a young Gentleman, who went from America, because he was a rebellious American, so that unless we will submit to Parliamentary oppression, we shall not have the gospel of Christ preached among us. As a Member of the Church of England I am sorry for it, but let every Man worship God under his own Fig Tree.”

Carter Braxton

Carter Braxton to Landon Carter (May 17, 1776) IV, 19.
“...What then will be the Consequence God only knows.”

Richard Henry Lee

Richard Henry Lee to William Lee (September 20, 1774) I, 88.
“It seems to me, that if Ministry have not their hearts hardened, as the Scripture jas ot, they will best consult the good of their Country and their own safety by a prudent and speedy reversal.”

Richard Henry Lee’s Draft Address to the People of Great Britain & Ireland (October 11-18?,1774) I, 176.
“The colony of Massachusetts Bay has had its antient charter subverted, thirty thousand People in the Town of Boston invested by military violence, and the horrid Crime of murder there encouraged by an Act authorizing the removal of Offenders from the Justice of the Province and carryed to Great Britain, where distance and expence will surely prevent there being followed. Nor has the fury of administration stopped here, but determined stopped here, but determined to destroy both the religion & Liberty of british America they have procured an act of the last Session for extending the Province of Canada in such a manner as to border on the western frontiers of all the Northern Colonies and there established a dispotic Government and the roman catholic Religion, well knowing that this bloody and intolllerant religion is at such fatal variance with Protestantism, that the inhabitants of that greatly extended Country will thereby be fitted both from civil & religious Principles to carry Slaughter and destruction into the free protestant Colonies whenever they shall be encouraged by a wicked Ministry to do so.”

Richard Henry Lee’s Draft Address to the King (October 21?, 1774) I, 224.
“...It is not to be wondered, may it please your Majesty, that apprehensions of distress and danger do greatly disturb your people in North America, when they see such extensive and unexampled Oppressions fixed by military force on many thousands of your Majestiy’s brave and loyal people of the Massachusetts Bay, without their ever having been called upon to answer, or heard in their defense, repugnant, as they have thought, to the practice of the just in all Ages. Added to these most alarming proceedings, we have the missfortune Great Sir, to see an arbitrary government and the Roman Catholic religion established in Canada, now so extended along the borders of the Colonies, as to comprehend the greater part of North America: a Religion equally destructive of the independency of Princes and the Civil and Religious liberties of Mankind, so fatally fixed on the ruin of Protestants that the Laws of England have, since the Reformation carefully guarded against its admission into the British dominions. Sensible, may it please your Majesty, that the greatness and glory of the Sovereign are best supported by the freedom & happiness of his people, and devoted as your Majesties faithful American Subjects are to the Protestant succession in the House of Brunswick, and most earnestly wishing to preserve in its greatest purity the excellent Constitution of England as settled at the Revolution, they feel with the deepest affliction that their hapiness and security can never exist with those violent and unconstitutional Councils which are ever ready to be suggested by Tory Counsellors whither in or out of place, Men, whose principles of Government, however artfully concealed, are at fatal enmity with Revolution principles and the Hanoverian Succession.”

Richard Henry Lee’s Draft Address to the People of Great Britain (June 27, 1775) I, .
“...Great cause therefore hath all men to bless God, who put it into the heads and hearts of our Countrymen to possess themselves of the fortresses of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and to make themselves Masters of those lakes that cover the frontiers of many Colonies... We call God to witness, that it is the earnest wish of our hearts to be firmly united with you on the broad basis of civil and religious liberty equally extended to all the subjects of this great empire.”

Richard Henry Lee to Catherine Macaulay (November 29, 1775) II, 404.
“...As a good Christian properly attached to your native Country, I am sure you must be pleased to hear that North America is not fallen, nor likely to fall down before the Image that the King hath set up.”

Richard Henry Lee to George Washington (December 6, 1775) II, 448.
“A Committee of Congress some time since sent to Canada, have direction to raise a Regiment in that Country, to invite Delegates to this Congress, and to give the strongest assurances of protection to their Civil & Religious rights. I am glad to hear of your getting Cobble hill & I hope it will prove useful to you. We are told that your enemy troops are very uneasy on Bunkers hill. God grant that their uneasiness may increase to their ruin.”

Richard Henry Lee to Charles Lee (March 25, 1776) III, 439.
“Gen. Washington entered Boston this day sennight, the Enemy having quitted it with some precipitation and apparent apprehension of being disturbed in their retreat. To prevent this, they left their works undemolished, and placed images large as life representing Soldiers on guard as usual on Bunker Hill- Our friend Sullivan first discovered the cheat. They have left 30 of their light Horse behind them almost famished, and stores to the amount of 25 or 30,000 pounds. Where they will go next, heaven knows, but we must endeavour to be prepared at all points.”

Richard Henry Lee to Unknown (October 22, 1776) V, 365.
“...May Heaven prosper your righteous consultations and give success to the virtuous cause of America.”

Richard Henry Lee to Adam Stephen (January 5,1777) VI, 36.
“...Nothing could have happened more opportunely than the drubbing you have given the Hessians at Trenton. God grant the blow may be followed up until you expell these Robbers from the Jersies at last.”

Richard Henry Lee to Robert Morris (March 1, 1777) VI, 395.
“...Will not the churches furnish their bells to make 24 pounders for the Randolph & the Delaware when they are to be employed against an enemy who mean to extirpate religion and every thing else valuable here? Should the enemy get possession of Philadelphia they will soon strip the churches of their bells as a perquiste for [the] chief Engineer, whereas if they are lent to us, we [shall] repay in kind. I hope you will not suffer the enemy to have the honor of getting Philadelphia.”

Richard Henry Lee to Arthur Lee (Feb.11, 1779) XII, 56.
“...God of his infinite mercy grant it may be so.”

Francis Lightfoot Lee

Francis Lightfoot Lee to Landon Carter (November 20, 1775) II, 365-366.
“...The transports from Ireland with five Regiments compleat have arrived from Boston, a fishing boat with a schooner belonging to the fleet loaded with provisions for the officers, in her were many letters by which we learn that the Roman Catholic Lords, Bishops and Gentry are extreamly active in procuring recruits; the Protestants very averse to the business, many recruiting parties driven out of their towns, and even the lower class of Catholics show great dislike to it, but with the high premiums given by the Popish towns &c. many recruits are raised...The establishment of Popery will no doubt, be the reward of the exertions of the Roman catholics.”

Francis Lightfoot Lee to John Page (January 30, 1776) III, 168.
“...There are English Papers in this City brought by a Ship from Dunkirk,that mention Mr. Penn, who carried the last Petition to the King, being examined before the House of Lords. His answers were short and clever, and seemed to have weight with some of that Body, who had before been kept in the Dark. The expression is that he had made several of them Quakers. The Duke of Grafton, the Archbishops of Canterbury, and the bishop of Peterborough have espoused the American cause.”

Francis Lightfoot Lee to Landon Carter (January 14,1777) VI, 100.
“Don’t you give us credit for our good policy in removing from Philadelphia? Nothing else could awaken the Whigs of that State to a sense of their danger. The lethargy of the middle States was really alarming; thank God! it is removed, our new Army once well on foot & all is safe, but I believe, my friend, we must be content with homespun the rest of our lives.”

Benjamin Harrison to Robert Carter Nicolas, Feb. 13, 1776
“…I left New York on Wednesday last. (3) Genl. Clinton was then there and I believe on his way to Virga. to meet a fleet which he expected from England. He gave out that he was to go to the Southward but you must prepare for him, for I think he will most assuredly Stop with you, as he certainly intends to Hampton Road to wait for his Troops which are to rendeavous there. Should he land them God knows what will become of you even if you have your 9 Battalions Raised, for I understand you have not Arms for a Quarter part of them.”

North Carolina Signers of Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

John Penn

John Penn to Thomas Person (February 13, 1776) III, 239.
“...For God sake my Good Sir encourage our People, animate them to dare even to die for their Country.”

John Penn to John Jay; August 27, 1779
If my prayers or wishes are of any consequence, you are restored to health long before this; pray Remember me to Sir James, Colo. Livingston, Mrs. Jay, and Lady Kitty and believe me to be with great truth, Your sincere Friend &c, J. Penn

Joseph Hewes

Joseph Hewes to Samuel Johnston (May 11, 1775) I, 342.
“...Galloway has turned apostate; he struggled hard in the House of assembly to get a majority to Condemn the proceedings of the late Congress, & to Petition the King &c. as the assembly of New York had done. By this Step he has lost the Confidence of all ranks of People.
“...presented with a box with a halter in it- Galloway fled. In short it is impossible to describe the Spirit of these people and the alteration they have undergone since I left them in December last. All the Quakers except a few of the old Rigid ones have taken up arms, there is not one company without several of these people in it, and I am told one or two of the companies are composed entirely of Quakers. The people of this Province in general are associating in Companies and employing Sarjants to teach them tthe exercise. I find all the Provinces are in Arms except No. Carolina. New York has been Converted almost as instantaneously as St. Paul was of old, a Tory dare not open his mouth either in that Province or this. The Battle near Boston & the Act of Parliament for restraining the Trade of all the Colonies except New York & N.Carolina has wrought the Conversion of New York. I wish to God it may have the same affect on our Province, I tremble for No. Carolina every County ought to have at least one Company formed & exercised, pray encourage it. Speak to the people, write to them, urge strongly the necessity of it, I had rather perish Ten thousand times than they should give up the matter now in the time of tryal.”

Joseph Hewes to Samuel Johnson (June 5, 1775) I, .
“I wish to God you was here that I might advise with you on some matters of great importance.”

Joseph Hewes and Robert Smith to a London Mercantile Firm (July 31, 1775) I, 685.
“...We expect to send you another vessel, with such another cargo, before the exportation is stopped, which will be the 10th of next September; but we shall write you more at large, by a ship to sail from hence to London in about two weeks. All our remittances must hereafter be by bills; we have laid ourselves out to remit you in that way, as all other is now in a fair way of being entirely shut up. We are in a terrible situation indeed; all trade is now at an end, and when it will again be revived, god only knows. Every American to a man is determined to die, or be free. we are convinced, nothing can restore peace to this unhappy country and render the liberty of your’ secure, but a total change of the present Ministry who are considered in this country as enemies to the freedom of the human race, like so many Devils in the infernal regions, sending out their servants, furies, to torment where-ever they choose their infernal vengeance shall fall.
“Permit us, dear Sirs, as you have once exerted yourselves, to try another effort to save from destruction the once, and but lately, the most flourishing empire in the world.
“We do not want to be independent, we want no revolution, unless a change of Ministry, and measures would be deemed such; we are loyal subjects to our present most gracious Sovereign, in support of whose crown and dignity we would sacrifice our lives, and willingly launch out every schilling of our property, he only defending our liberties. This country, without some step is taken, and that soon, will be inevitably lost to the mother country. We say again, for the love of Heaven, the love of liberty, the interest of posterity, we conjure you to exert yourselves. Petition again; the eyes of our gracious Sovereign may yet be opened, and he may see what things are for his real interest, before they are eternally hid from his eyes.”

Joseph Hewes to Samuel Johnston (January 4, 1776) III, 28.
“The Congress at our request have agreed to send two Clergymen to North Carolina to explain to the Highlanders and regulators the nature of the dispute between Great Britain and the Colonies, and left the appointment to us. We applied to Mr. Elihu Spencer and Mr. Alexander McWhorter two eminent divines of the Presbyterian religion who have undertaken the Service. They are strongly attached to our cause and I hope will render it essential Service.”

Joseph Hewes to James Iredell (May 17,1776) IV, 26.
“This being a day of humiliation, fasting (or in Vulgar language Congress Sunday) I mean to steal as much time from my private devotions as will serve to acknowledge the receipt of your agreeable favour of the 29th ultimo which has just reached me.”

William Hooper

William Hooper to James Duane (November 22, 1774) I, 262.
“...God bless the Congress.”
argument for freedom of the press

William Hooper’s ? Draft Resolve (June 7-12, 1775) I, 455-456.
“Resolved that it be and hereby it is recommended to the Inhabitants of the united Colonies in America of all Denominations That Thursday the 20th day of July next be set apart as a day of public humiliation fasting and prayer, that a total Abstinance from Servile labor and recreation be observed and all their religious assemblies Solomnly Convened to humble themselves before God under the heavy Judgments felt and threatened to confess our manifold Sins, to implore the forgiveness of Heaven, (that a sincere repentance & reformation may influence our future conduct) and that a Blessing may descend on the husbandry, Manufactures & other lawful Employments of this people and especially that the Union of these American Colonies in defence of their Just Rights & priviledges may be preserved, confirmed and prospered, that the Congresses may be inspired with Wisdom, that Great Britain and its Rulers may have their eyes opened to discern the things that shell make for the peace and Happiness of the Nation and all its Connections adn that America may soon behold a Gracious interposition of heaven for the redress of her many grievances, the restoration of her invaded Liberties, a reconciliation with the parent State upon terms constitutional and Honourable to them both and the Security of them to the latest posterity.”

William Hooper to Mary Hooper (June 20, 1775) I, 523.
“I wish my friends in Boston may have as little to atone for to God & their Consciences as I have, altho your Son Wm. may have been mistaken be assured that he can upon God to Witness that in his Conduct he has never taken a step which has not been dictated by the honesty of his heart & a sincere love for the Constitution of G. Britain.

William Hooper to Samuel Johnston (March 13, 1776) III, 371.
“...I am happy to hear that my family are well; would to God I was with them.
The King would not for a long time consent to treat with the Congress but was at last prevailed upon. They are to contend for much & be content with little. Their Creed is divide & impera.Heaven Grant that America may have virtues to resist their lures. I most earnestly wish peace & reconciliation upon terms honorable to America. Heaven forbid that I should submit to any other.”

William Hooper to Samuel Johnston (September 24, 1776) IV, .
“...the constitution of Pennsylvania ... No man to be an Assemblyman unless he believes in God. Is Irreligion then the flourishing growth of Pennsylvania and is Atheism a weed that thrives there? Sure this insinuates as much.”

William Hooper to Joseph Hewes (October 27, 1776) V, 408.
“God grant that these precautions may be unnecessary; at least they are prudent.”

William Hooper to Joseph Hewes (November 5, 1776) V, .
“What may be the event of an engagement betwixt Genl. Howe and Genl. Washington I am not bold enough to pronounce, it is known only to the Lord of hosts.”

William Hooper to North Carolina Convention (November 14, 1776) V, 484.
“We have this moment received Intelligence from the Jersies that 100 of the Enemies Ships steering Southward, the Congress have thought proper to dispatch an express to you that you may hold yourselves in immediate readiness to oppose any attempts against your state, or to render assistance to your Neighbors.
“A Careful look out should be kept alnong the Sea Coast, that we may be apprized of their movements and not taken napping. As your defence & that of South Carolina must consist chiefly in Militia, You will take measires that they hold themselves in perfect readin ess to march when and wherever the Convention shall think fit to order them. We are making every preparation to oppose any designs they may have against this place & with the blessing of God. I confide shall be able to disappoint them.”

William Hooper to Joseph Hewes (November 16, 1776) V, 497-498.
“...I lament the late changes in your Convention. To what strange infatuation has been owing the removal of Mr. Johnston from your Councils. At a time when the Abilities of the first Characters in the State are necessary to give you a Constitution which will secure happiness, Life, liberty & property to the Inhabitants, you have deprived yourself of the most able head in North Carolina and as good a heart as God ever mnade. Is it become criminal then to stretch forth the hand of compassion & shed the tear of pity upon suffering weakness. Is not liberty the same to one Class of beings as to another, or a few of us Gods Elect who have a right to think & act as we please, without suffering any others to step within the pale of our Privileges? I confess there are few incidents which have taken place since my entrance into publick life which have given me equal distress. Past services seem to be no security for future preferment & a life far exhausted in promoting the publick good is to close under the greatest Example of Ingratitude that has ever marked a people. In dust and ashes may they attone for it, to God & to my friend, & the friend of his Country.”

William Hooper to Joseph Hewes (November 29, 1776) V,497-498.
“...The people here are vastly comforted with 7 days of Rainy Weather which we have had as it must retard Gen. Howes progress thro’ the Jersies. Heaven they say fights for them, well that it does for they attempt nothing for themselves. If Salvation comes to them it is the superabundant unmerited grace of God which gives to Sinners infinitely more than they can ask or think.”

William Hooper to Joseph Hewes (November 30, 1776) V, 558.
“Where the Eastern Army is, or how employed God only knows... From whence I shall write you next I know not. Perhaps from this- perhaps Lancaster- perhaps Baltimore- perhaps Heaven. Was it not for my family, I could wish the latter.”

William Hooper to Joseph Hewes (December 1, 1776) V, 562.
“The Enemy are pressing on to this City. Heaven knows we are very ill prepared to receive them.”

William Hooper to Robert Morris [Baltimore] (December 28,1776) V,689.
“When the Devil proffered our saviour the Kingdoms of the World, he surely placed his thumb on this delectable spot & reserved it to himself for his own peculiar seat and inheritance.”

South Carolina Signers of the Declaration of Independence

2009-07-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Edward Rutledge

Edward Rutledge to Ralph Izard (October 29, 1774) I, 254.
“...God bless you.”

Edward Rutledge to Ralph Izard (December 8, 1775) II, 463.
“...Tell me then, I beseech you, (before it is too late) what are the sentiments of the English Nation- are the people of that Country determined to force us into Independence? Or do they really imagine, that we are so void of the Feelings of Humanity, and so insensible to the calls of Reason as willingly to submit to every Insult- to every Injury? Do they expect that after our Towns have been destroyed- our Liberties repeatedly invaded- our women and children, driven from their Habitations- our nearest Relatives sacrificed at the Altar of Tyranny, our Slaves emancipated for the express purpose of massacreing their Masters- can they, I say after all their injuries, expect that we shall return to our former connection with a forgiving, and cordial Disposition.
“Surely if the Administration had consulted their friends, the Bishops, they could have informed them, that Christian charity- however strongly enjoined in Holy Writ- has seldom, if ever, extended- and indiscriminate cruelties committed against the Inhabitants of this Country- that I do not believe I shall ever forget- or even forgive them; and so determined am I on being free that I will even quit my Native Country without a sigh- if the Genius of Liberty shall loose her Influence. That, however, I trust will never be the case...
“This session may determine the Fate, of a great Kingdom- unless the Parliament improve the opportunity now offered them, they may loose forever their American Colonies. May God grant them Wisdom to discover- and Virtue to pursue such measures- as may best tend to the Establishment of Peace, and Happiness.”

Edward Rutledge to Robert R. Livingston (August 19?, 1776) V, 27.
“I am much pleased with the Spirit of your Convention. God grant they may receive the Blessings of Liberty, & by a wise Government fix those Blessings upon a strong & lasting foundation.”

Edward Rutledge to George Washington (September 11, 1776) V, 137.
“...our Conference with Lord Howe has been attended to with no immediate advantages. He declared that he had no Powers to consider us as Independent states, and we easily discovered that we were still dependent, we would have nothing to expect from those with which he is vested. He talked altogether in generals, that he come out here to consult, advise & confer with Gentlemen of the greatest Influence in the Colonies about their Complaints, that the King would revise the Acts of Parliament & royal Instructions upon such Reports as should be made and appeared to fix our Redress upon his Majesty’s good Will & Pleasure. This kind of Conversation lasted for several Hours& as I have already said without any Effect. Our Reliance continues therefore to be (under God ) on your Wisdom & Fortitude & that of your Forces...God bless you my dear Sir.”

Edward Rutledge to Robert R. Livingston (September 23, 1776) V, 227.
“God bless you.”

Edward Rutledge to John Jay (November 24, 1776) V,539.
“God bless you.”

Thomas Heyward

Thomas Heyward to John Morgan (September 4, 1776) V, 103.
“...May the God of Heaven protect our General & his Army in this great Day of Trial & Distress & may the virtuous Efforts of our brave Countrymen be crowned with deserved Success.”

Thomas Lynch

Thomas Lynch to George Washington (January 16, 1776) III, 101.
“In the State of things, I have, beside my Dependence on the Continuation of the Favour of Heaven, Trust in two Supports alone, the one, on your Vigorous Exertions, the other on the Weakness of our Enemies. Should they lose footing in America this winter, I should despise their thirty thousand Russians, scattered by Storms, arriving one Transport after another, fatigued & debilitated by the Fatal Effects of long Voyages, without a Spot to collect and recruit themselves for the Field & depending for every Necessary on Supplies from a Country 3000 miles distant.”

Arthur Middleton to Edward Rutledge, Sept. 17, 1782
“…The allied states [other countries] now amount to Twenty, God grant an Encrease of them.”

2009-07-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

Georgia-Signers of the Declaration of Independence/ Christian Worldview

Button Gwinnett

Button Gwinnett Proclamation, March 5, 1777

“By the Honorable Button Gwinnett Esq.
President and Commander-in -Chief of the
said State

A Proclamation

Whereas in the present alarming situation of this State, it is absolutely necessary to do every thing in our Power to prevent any Intellegence, or Supplies being carried to our Enemies,...

Given under my hand and Seal at Savannah,
the fifth day of March, one thousand, seven
hundred and seventy seven
Button Gwinnett
By His Honours Command
James Whitefield, Secretary

God Save the Congress”

George Walton

was in the Provincial Congress when they voted to pay a chaplain in the troops of Georgia (Later went up from $20 a month to $33 a month).

(Journal of Provincial Congress, July 13, 1775) George Walton in attendance
“...Georgia, being persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of America depend, under God, on the firm union of the inhabitants in its vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety,”

(Journal of Provincial Congress, July 25, 1775, Letter from J.J. Zubly, N.W. Jones and George Walton)
“...His Excellency, at our request, having appointed the 19th inst. as a day of humiliation, and news being afterwards received that the Continental Congress had recommended the 20th inst. to be observed as such, both days have been observed with a becoming solemnity; and we humbly hope many earnest prayers have been presented to the Father of Mercies on that day, through this extensive continent, and that He has heard the cries of the destitute, and will not despair their prayers.”

George Walton to his wife, (Jan. 4, 1779)
“God bless you my dear, and remember that you are sincerely loved by a man who wishes to make honor and reputation the rule of his actions.”

As will be said of all the three signers of Georgia, the whole state of Georgia was in British hands for a while and quite a few documents were taken during that time. The pieces concerning George Walton could be more but they do lead to a Christian worldview.

Lyman Hall

Lyman Hall to Roger Sherman, (Savannah, Ga., May 16, 1777) from Button Gwinnett: Signer of the Declaration of independence by Charles Francis Jenkins, New York: Doubleday, Page & Co., 1926, pp. 228, 230.
“Complts to Mre. Cheesman in particular- Mr. Sprout & Family, Webster & Family &c &c.”... June 1 the above I had wrote, & for want of Oporty to send , lay by me till now, I resume my pen, to Confirm what you have no Doubt heard, that our worthy Friend Gwinnett has unfortunately Fell-”...
“I most heartily Wish You success Your Way & pray God to put a Speedy End to the Calamities of War, & Establish peace & Liberty on a foundation never to be Shaken more-”

Governor Hall Legislative Address (July 8, 1783)
“In addition, therefore to wholesome laws restraining vice, every encouragement ought to be given to introduce religion, and learned clergy to perform divine worship in honor of God, and to cultivate principles of religion and virtue among our citizens. For this purpose it will be your wisdom to lay an early foundation for endowing seminaries of learning; nor can you, I conceive, lay a better than by a grant of a sufficient tract of land, that may, as in other governments, hereafter, by lease or otherwise, raise a revenue sufficient to ssupport such valuable institutions.”

Lyman Hall Tombstone
“But reader, above all know from this inscription that he left this probationary state as a true Christian and an honest man.”

John Jay's Christmas Address 1776

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JOHN JAY’S CHRISTMAS ADDRESS 1776

On December 23, 1776, John Jay wrote this following address to the Representatives of New York. For brevity I will refer to it as “John Jay’s Christmas Address 1776.” Continental Congress not only adopted it, they had it translated into German. In this address, the future Chief Justice referred to God at least 33 times. Take note that Jay was not reprimanded for mentioning God. He was chosen as the first Chief Justice by George Washington and approved by the body of Continental Congress

ADDRESS OF THE CONVENTION OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK TO THEIR
CONSTITUENTS 1
At this most important period, when the freedom and
happiness, or the slavery and misery, of the present and
future generations of Americans, is to be determined on a
solemn appeal to the Supreme Ruler of all events, to whom
every individual must one day answer for the part he now
acts, it becomes the duty of the Representatives of a free
people to call their attention to this most serious subject,
and the more so at a time when their enemies are industriously
endeavoring to delude, intimidate, and seduce them
by false suggestions, artful misrepresentations, and insidious
promises of protection.
[1 The misfortunes and defeats experienced by the American troops in the
campaign of 1776 produced so much despondency that the Continental
Congress and some of the State bodies issued spirited and encouraging
addresses to the people, which, with the victories at Trenton and Princeton,
wonderfully revived faith and confidence. Among the addresses was the above
from the New York Convention, Jay being the author of it. The Continental
Congress so far adopted it as its own as to recommend its “serious perusal” by
all the people of America, and ordered it to be translated into the German
language.]

You and all men were created free, and authorized to created
establish civil government, for the preservation of your
rights against oppression, and the security of that freedom freedom which
which God hath given you, against the rapacious hand of God hath given you
tyranny and lawless power. It is, therefore, not only necessary
to the well-being of Society, but the duty of every
man, to oppose and repel all those, by whatever name or
title distinguished, who prostitute the powers of Government
to destroy the happiness and freedom of the people
over whom they may be appointed to rule.
Under the auspices and direction of Divine Providence, Divine Providence
your forefathers removed to the wilds and wilderness of
America. By their industry they made it a fruitful, and by
their virtue a happy country. And we should still have
enjoyed the blessings of peace and plenty, if we had not
forgotten the source from which these blessings flowed; the source from which these
and permitted our country to be contaminated by the many blessings flowed
shameful vices which have prevailed among us.
It is a well known truth, that no virtuous people were
ever oppressed; and it is also true, that a scourge was never
wanting to those of an opposite character. Even the Jews,
those favorites of Heaven, met with the frowns, whenever the Jews, those favorites
they forgot the smiles of their benevolent Creator. By of Heaven
tyrants of Egypt, of Babylon, of Syria, and of Rome, they benevolent Creator
were severely chastised; and those tyrants themselves,
when they had executed the vengeance of Almighty God, Almighty God
their own crimes bursting on their own heads, received the
rewards justly due to their violation of the sacred rights of
mankind.

You were born equally free with the Jews, and have as
good a right to be exempted from the arbitrary domination
of Britain, as they had from the invasions of Egypt,
Babylon, Syria, or Rome. But they, for their wickedness,
were permitted to be scourged by the latter; and we, for our
wickedness, are scourged by tyrants as cruel and implacable
as those. Our case, however, is peculiarly distinguished
from theirs. Their enemies were strangers, unenlightened,
and bound to them by no ties of gratitude or
consanguinity. Our enemies, on the contrary, call themselves
Christians. They are of a nation and people bound to
us by the strongest ties—a people, by whose side we have
fought and bled; whose power we have contributed to raise;
who owe much of their wealth to our industry, and whose
grandeur has been augmented by our exertions.
It is unnecessary to remind you that during the space of
between one and two hundred years, every man sat under
his own vine and his own fig-tree, and there was none to
make us afraid—that the people of Britain never claimed a
right to dispose of us, and everything belonging to us,
according to their will and pleasure, until the reign of the
present King of that Island—and that to enforce this abominable
claim they have invaded our country by sea and land.
From this extravagant and iniquitous claim, and from the
unreasonable as well as cruel manner in which they would
gain our submission, it seems as though Providence were Providence
determined to use them as instruments to punish the guilt of
this country, and bring us back to a sense of duty to our Creator
Creator.

You may remember that to obtain redress of the many
grievances to which the King and Parliament of Great
Britain had subjected you, the most dutiful petitions were
presented, not only by the several Assemblies, but by the
Representatives of all America in General Congress. And
you cannot have forgot with what contempt they were
neglected; nay, the humblest of all petitions, praying only
to be heard, was answered by the sound of the trumpet and
the clashing of arms. This, however, is not the only occasion
on which the hearts of kings have been hardened; and
in all probability it will add to the number of those instances
in which their oppression, injustice and hardness of
heart have worked their destruction.
Being bound by the strongest obligations to defend the the inheritance which
inheritance which God hath given us, to Him we referred God hath given us
our Cause, and opposed the assaults of our taskmasters,
being determined rather to die free than live slaves and
entail bondage on our children.
By our vigorous efforts and by the goodness of Divine Divine Providence
Providence, those cruel invaders were driven from our
country in the last Campaign. We then flattered ourselves
that the signal success of our arms, and the unanimity and
spirit of our people, would have induced our foes to desist
from the prosecution of their wicked designs, and disposed
their hearts to peace. But peace we had not yet deserved.
Exultation took place of thanksgiving, and we ascribed that
to our own prowess which was only to be attributed to the
great Guardian of the innocent. The enemy with greater
strength again invade us
—invade us not less by their arts than their arms. They tell
you that if you submit you shall have protection; that their
king breathes nothing but peace; that he will revise (not
repeal) all his cruel acts and instructions, and will receive
you into favor. But what are the terms on which you are
promised peace? Have you heard of any except absolute,
unconditional obedience and servile submission? If his
professions are honest—if he means not to cajole and
deceive you, why are you not explicitly informed of the
terms, and whether parliament means to tax you hereafter at
their will and pleasure? Upon this and the like points, these
military commissioners of peace are silent; and, indeed, are
not authorized to say a word, unless a power to grant
pardon implies a power to adjust claims and secure privileges;
or unless the bare possession of life is the only
privilege which Americans are to enjoy. For a power to
grant pardon is the only one which their parliament or
prince have thought proper to give them. And yet they
speak of peace, but hold daggers in their hands, They invite
you to accept of blessings, and stain your habitations with
blood. Their voice resembles the voice of Jacob, but their voice resembles the
hands are like the hands of Esau. Voice of Jacob, but
If their Sovereign intends to repeal any of the acts we the hands are like the hands
complain of, why are they not especially named? If he of Esau
designs you shall be free, why does he not promise that the
claim of his parliament, to bind you in all cases whatsoever,
shall be given up and relinquished? If a reasonable peace
was intended, why
did he not empower his Commissioners to treat with the
Congress, or with Deputies from all the Assemblies; or why
was not some other mode devised, in which America might
be heard? Is it not highly ridiculous for them to pretend that
they are authorized to treat of a peace between Britain and
America with every man they meet? Was such a treaty ever
heard of before? Is such an instance to be met with in the
history of mankind? No! The truth is, peace is not meant;
and their specious pretentions and proclamations are calculated
only to disunite and deceive.
If the British king really desires peace, why did he
order all your vessels to be seized, and confiscated? Why
did he most cruelly command, that the men found on board
such vessels should be added to the crews of his ships of
war, and compelled to fight against their own countrymen—
to spill the blood of their neighbors and friends; nay,
of their fathers, their brothers and their children; and all this
before these pretended ambassadors of peace had arrived
on our shores! Does any history, sacred or profane, record
any thing more horrid, more impious, more execrably
wicked, tyrannical or devilish? If there be one single idea
of peace in his mind, why does he order your cities to be
burned, your country to be desolated, your brethren to
starve, and languish, and die in prison? If any thing were
intended besides destruction, devastation, and bloodshed,
why are the mercenaries of Germany transported near four
thousand miles to plunder your houses; ravish your wives
and daughters; strip your infant children; expose whole
families naked, miserable, and forlorn, to want, to hunger,
to inclement skies, and wretched deaths? If peace were not
totally reprobated by him, why are those pusillanimous,
deluded, servile wretches among you, who, for present ease
or impious bribes, would sell their liberty, their children,
and their souls; who, like savages, worship every devil that
promises not to hurt them; or obey any mandates, however
cruel, for which they are paid? how is it, that these sordid,
degenerate creatures, who bow the knee to this king, and bow the knee to this king
daily offer incense at his shrine; should be denied the peace
so repeatedly promised them? Why are they indiscriminately
abused, robbed, and plundered, with their more
deserving neighbors? But in this world, as in the other, it is in this world as in the other
right and just that the wicked should be punished by their the wicked will be punished
seducers.
In a word, if peace was the desire of your enemies, and
humanity their object, why do they thus trample under foot
every right and every duty, human and divine? Why, like
the demons of old, is their wrath to be expiated only by demons of old
human sacrifices? Why do they excite the savages of the
wilderness to murder our inhabitants and exercise cruelties
unheard of among civilized nations? No regard for religion no regard for religion
or virtue remains among them. Your very churches bear or virtue
witness of their impiety; your churches are used without your churches are used
hesitation as jails, as stables, and as houses of sport and for impiety
theatrical exhibitions. What faith, what trust, what confidence,
can you repose in these men, who are deaf to the call
of humanity, dead dead to every sentiment of religion
to every sentiment of religion, and void of all regard for the
temples of the Lord of Hosts? Void of regard for the
And why all this desolation, bloodshed, and unparalleled temples of the Lord of Hosts
cruelty? They tell you to reduce your obedience.
Obedience to what? To their will and pleasure! And then
what? Why, then you shall be pardoned, because you
consent to be slaves. And why should you be slaves now,
having been freemen ever since this country was settled?
Because, forsooth, the king and parliament of an island
three thousand miles off, choose that you should be hewers
of wood and drawers of water for them. And is this the
people whose proud domination you are taught to solicit? Is
this the peace which some of you so ardently desire? For
shame ! for shame !
But you are told that their armies are numerous, their
fleet strong, their soldiers valiant, their resources great; that
you will be conquered; that victory ever attends their
standard; and therefore that your opposition is vain, your
resistance fruitless. What then? You can but be slaves at
last, if you should think life worth holding on so base a
tenure. But who is it that gives victory? By whom is a By whom is a nation exalted?
nation exalted? Since what period hath the race been
always to the swift and the battle to the strong? Can you be
persuaded that the merciful King of kings hath surrendered King of Kings
His crown and sceptre to the merciless tyrant of Britain and
committed the affairs of this lower world to his guidance,
control and direction? We learned otherwise from our
fathers; and God himself hath told us that strength and God himself
numbers avail
not against Him. Seek then to be at peace with Him; solicit Him Him
His alliance, and fear not the boasted strength and power of His alliance
your foes.
You may be told that your forts have been taken, your
country ravaged, and that your armies have retreated, and
therefore that God is not with you. It is true that some forts God
have been taken, that our country hath been ravaged, and
that our Maker is displeased with us. But it is also true that our Maker
the King of Heaven is not like the King of Britain, implacable. The King of Heaven
If His assistance be sincerely implored, it will surely
be obtained. If we turn from our sins, He will turn from His He will turn from His anger
anger. Then will our arms be crowned with success, and the
pride and power of our enemies, like the arrogance and
pride of Nebuchadnezzar, will vanish away. Let us do our Nebuchadnezzar
duty and victory will be our reward. Let a general reformation
of manners take place; let no more widows and orphans,
compelled to fly from their peaceful abodes, complain
that you make a market of their distress, and take
cruel advantage of their necessities; when your country is
invaded and cries aloud for your aid, fly not to some secure
corner of a neighboring State and remain idle spectators of
her distress, but share in her fate and manfully support her
cause; let universal charity, public spirit and private virtue
be inculcated, encouraged and practised; unite in preparing
for a vigorous defence of your country, as if all depended
on your own exertions; and when you have done these good Providence of
things, then rely upon the good Providence of Almighty Almighty God
God for success, in full
confidence, that without His blessing all our efforts will His blessing
evidently fail.
A people moving on these solid principles never have
been, and never will be, subjected by any tyrant whatever. Cease to desire the flesh-pots
Cease, then, to desire the flesh-pots of Egypt, and remember of Egypt
about rejecting all dependence on a king who will rule you
only with a rod of iron. Tell those who blame you for
declaring yourselves independent that you have done no
more than what your late king had done for you; that he
declared you to be out of his protection; that he absolved
you from all allegiance; that he made war upon you, and
instead of your king he became your enemy and destroyer.
By his consent, by his own act, you became independent of
his crown. If you are wise you will always continue so.
Freedom is now in your power. Value the heavenly gift. Value the heavenly gift
Remember, if you dare to neglect or despise it, you offer an
insult to the Divine Bestower. Nor despair of keeping it. The Divine Bestower
Despair and despondency mark a little mind and indicate a
grovelling spirit. After the armies of Rome had been repeatedly
defeated by Hannibal, that Imperial City was besieged
by this brave and experienced general at the head of a
numerous and victorious army. But so far were her glorious
citizens from being dismayed by the loss of so many battles
and of all their country, so confident in their own virtues
and the protection of Heaven, that the very land on which protection of Heaven
the Carthaginians were encamped was sold at public auction
for more than the usual price. Those
heroic citizens disdained to receive his protection or to
regard his proclamations. They remembered that their
ancestors had left them free—ancestors who had bled in
rescuing their country from the tyranny of kings. They
invoked the protection of the Supreme Being. They bravely the Supreme Being
defended their city with undaunted resolution; they repelled
the enemy and recovered their country. Blush, then, ye
degenerate spirits; who give all over for lost, because your
enemies have marched over three or four counties in this
and a neighboring State—ye who basely fly to have the
yoke of slavery fixed upon your necks and to swear that
you and your children after you shall be slaves forever!
Such men deserve to be slaves, and are fit only for beasts of
burden to the rest of mankind. Happy would it be for
America if they were removed away, instead of continuing
in this Country to people it with a race of animals who,
from their form, must be classed among human species, but
possess none of those qualities which render man more
respectable than the brutes.
There never yet was a war in which victory and success
did not sometimes change sides. In the present, nothing has
happened either singular or decisive. Inquire dispassionately,
and be not deceived by those artful tales which
emissaries so industriously circulate.
A powerful and well-disciplined army, supported by a
respectable fleet, invade this country. They are opposed by
an army which, though numerous and brave, is quite undisciplined.
Notwithstanding this
manifest disparity, they have never thought it prudent to
give us battle, though they have often had the fairest opportunities.
True it is, that taking advantage of that critical
moment when our forces are almost disbanded, they have
penetrated into Jersey, and marched a considerable distance
without being attacked. If any are alarmed at this circumstance,
let them consider that we do not fight for a few
acres of land, but for freedom—for the freedom and happiness
of millions yet unborn.
Would it not be highly imprudent to risk such important
events upon the issue of a general battle, when it is certain
Great Britain cannot long continue the war, and by protracting
it we cannot fail of success? The British Ministry,
sensible of this truth, and convinced that the people of
England are aware of it, have promised that the present
campaign shall be the last. They are greatly and justly
alarmed at their situation. A country drained of men and
money, the difficulties of supplying fleets and armies at so
great a distance, the danger of domestic insurrections, the
probability that France will take advantage of their defenseless
condition, the ruin of their commerce by our privateers—
these are circumstances at which the boldest are
dismayed. They are convinced that the people will not
remain long content in such a dangerous situation: hence it
is that they press so hard to make this campaign decisive;
and hence it is that we should endeavor to avoid it. Even
suppose that Philadelphia, which many believed to be of
such great importance, suppose it was taken or
abandoned, the conquest of America will still be at a great
distance. Millions, determined to be free, still remain to be
subdued—millions who disdain to part with their liberties,
their consciences, and the happiness of their posterity in
future ages, for infamous protections and dishonorable
pardons. But amidst all the terror and dismay
which have taken hold of some weak minds, let us consider
the advantage under which we prosecute the present war.
Our country supplies us with every commodity which is
necessary for life and defence. Arms and ammunition are
now abundantly manufactured in almost all the American
States, and our armies will be abundantly supplied with all
military stores. We have more fighting men in America
than Britain can possibly send. Our trade is free, and every
port of France and Spain affords protection to our ships.
Other nations, invited by the advantages of the commerce,
will doubtless soon follow their example; and experience
must convince the most incredulous that the British Navy
cannot exclude us from the sea. If their armies have invaded,
ravaged and plundered our dominions and our
people, have we not successfully attacked them on their
boasted empire of the ocean? Have not our privateers
brought into our ports of America British property to the
amount of more than fifteen hundred thousand pounds?
And do we not daily receive the most valuable cargoes
from foreign countries in spite of those fleets whose colors
have waved in triumph over the globe? The article of salt,
about which some of you have been
uneasy, will soon be fully supplied. The shores of America
are washed by the ocean for more than two thousand miles.
Works for manufacturing salt have been erected and proved
successful, and many cargoes of it are expected, and have
arrived, in the neighboring States. Provisions of every kind
abound among us. From our plenteous stores Great Britain
hath heretofore supplied her necessities, though she now
most wantonly and ungratefully abuses the kind hand
which hath ministered to her wants and alleviated her
distress. As to clothing, the rapid increase of our manufacturers,
and the supplies we obtain from abroad, quiet all
fears upon that subject. By the most authentic intelligence
from Europe, we are informed that the people of France are
ripe for a war with Britain, and will not omit the present
opportunity of extending their commerce, and humbling
their rival. Every State in Europe beheld with a jealous eye
the growing power of the British empire, and the additional
strength she daily received from this amazing continent; for
they could not but perceive that their own security was
diminished in proportion as her power to injure them
increased. Whence is it, then, that some persons pretend to
assure you that France, Spain, and the other European
States, are not disposed to favor you? The wise and virtuous
of all nations have pronounced our cause to be just, and
approved the manner in which our resistance hath been
conducted.
Whoever, therefore, considers the natural strength and
advantage of this country, the distance it is
removed from Britain, the obvious policy of many European
Powers, the great supplies of arms and amunition
cheerfully afforded us by the French and Spaniards, and the
feeble and destitute condition of Britain—that she is
drained of men and of money, obliged to hire foreign
mercenaries for the execution of her wicked purposes; in
arrears to her troops for a twelve month’s pay, which she
cannot or will not discharge: her credit sunk; her trade
ruined; her inhabitants divided; her King unpopular, and
her Ministers execrated; that she is overwhelmed with a
monstrous debt; cut off from the vast revenue heretofore
obtained by taxes on American produce; her West India
Islands in a starving condition; her ships taken; her merchants
involved in bankruptcy; her design against us
wicked, unjust, cruel, contrary to the laws of God and man, contrary to the laws of
pursued with implacable, unrelenting vengeance, and in a God and man
manner barbarous and opposed to the usage of civilized
nations ;—whoever considers that we have humbly sought
peace and been refused; that we have been denied even a
hearing; all our petitions rejected; all our remonstrances
disregarded; that we fight not for conquest but only for
security; that our cause is the cause of God, of human our cause the cause of God
nature and posterity: whoever we say seriously considers
these things, must entertain very improper ideas of the
Divine justice to which we have appealed, and be very little Divine justice
acquainted with the course of human affairs, to harbor the
smallest doubt of our being successful.
Remember the long and glorious struggle of the
United Netherlands against the power of Spain, to which
they had once been subjected. Their extent was small, their
country poor, their people far from numerous, and unaccustomed
to arms, and in the neighborhood of their enemies.
Spain, at that time the most powerful kingdom in Europe,
her fleet formidable, her armies great, inured to war, and
led by the best generals of the age, and her Treasury overflowing
with the wealth of Mexico and Peru—endeavored
to enslave them. They dutifully remonstrated against the
design. Their petitions were treated with contempt, and fire
and sword was carried into their country to compel submission.
They nobly resolved to be free. They declared themselves
to be independent States, and after an obstinate
struggle, frustrated the wicked intentions of Spain.
Switzerland presents us with another instance of magnanimity.
That country was oppressed by cruel tyrants, but
the people refused to continue in bondage. With arms in
their hands they expelled those tyrants, and left to their
descendants the portion of freedom.
Even England, whose Genius now blushes for the
degeneracy of her sons, hath afforded examples of opposition
to tyranny which are worthy to be imitated by all
nations. His sacred Majesty Charles the First, lost his head
and his crown by attempting to enslave his subjects; and his
sacred Majesty James the Second, was for the same reason
expelled the kingdom, with his whole family, and the
Prince of Orange chosen king in his stead. The English
were too wise to believe that the person of any tyrant could
be
sacred, and never suffered any man to wear the crown who
attempted to exercise the powers of royalty to the destruction
of the people from whom those powers were derived.
This practice is not only consistent with human reason,
but perfectly consonant to the will and practice of God perfectly consonant to
himself. You know that the Jews were under his peculiar the will and practice of God
direction, and you need not be informed of the many himself
instances in which he took the crown from such of their the Jews were under his
kings as refused to govern according to the laws of the peculiar direction
Jews.
If then, God hath given us freedom, are we responsible God hath given us freedom
to him for that, as well as other talents? If it be our birthright, are we responsible to him?
let us not sell it for a mess of pottage, nor suffer it to let us not sell it for a mess of pottage
be torn from us by the hand of violence! If the means of
defence are in our power and we do not make use of them,
what excuse shall we make to our children and our Creator? Our Creator
These are questions of the deepest concern to us all. These
are questions which materially affect our happiness, not not only in this world but in
only in this world but in the world to come. And surely, “if the world to come
ever a test for the trial of spirits can be necessary, it is now.
If ever those of liberty and faction ought to be distinguished
from each other, it is now. If ever it is incumbent on the
people to know truth and to follow it, it is now.” Rouse,
therefore, brave Citizens! Do your duty like men! and be
persuaded that Divine Providence will not permit this Divine Providence
Western World to be involved in the horrors of slavery.
Consider that, from the earliest ages of the world, Religion,
Liberty and
Empire, have been bounding their course toward the setting
sun. The Holy Gospels are yet to be preached to those Holy Gospel
western regions, and we have the highest reason to believe
that the Almighty will not suffer Slavery and the Gospel to the Almighty
go hand in hand! It cannot, it will not be. The Gospel
But if there be any among us, dead to all sense of
honor, and love of their country; if deaf to all the calls of liberty, virtue and religion
liberty, virtue, and religion; if forgetful of the magnanimity
of their ancestors, and the happiness of their children; if
neither the examples nor the success of other nations, the
dictates of reason and of nature, or the great duties they the great duties they owe to
owe to their God, themselves, and their posterity, have any their God
effect upon them; if neither the injuries they have received,
the prize they are contending for, the future blessings or
curses of their children, the applause or the reproach of all
mankind, the approbation or displeasure of the Great Judge, the Great Judge
or the happiness or misery consequent upon their conduct,
in this and a future state, can move them ;—then let them
be assured, that they deserve to be slaves, and are entitled
to nothing but anguish and tribulation. Let them banish
from their remembrance the reputation, the freedom, and
the happiness they have inherited from their forefathers.
Let them forget every duty, human and divine; remember
not that they have children: and beware how they call to the justice of the Supreme
mind the justice of the Supreme Being: let them go into Being
captivity, like the idolatrous and disobedient Jews, and be a
reproach and a by-word among the nations.
But we think better things of you. We believe,
and are persuaded, that you will do your duty like men, and
cheerfully refer your cause to the great and righteous Judge. Refer your cause to the
If success crown your efforts, all the blessings of Freedom great and righteous Judge
will be your reward. If you fail in the contest, you will be happy with God and Liberty
happy with God and Liberty in Heaven. In Heaven
By the unanimous order of the Convention:
AB’M TEN BROECK, President
FISHKILL, December 23rd 1776.

1 Supreme Ruler
created
2 freedom which God hath given you
3 Divine Providence
4 the source from which these blessings flowed
the Jews, those favorites of Heaven
5 benevolent Creator
6 Almighty God
7 Providence
8 Creator
9 the inheritance which God hath given us
10 Divine Providence
voice resembles the Voice of Jacob, but the hands are like the hands of Esau
11 bow the knee to this king
in this world as in the other the wicked will be punished
demons of old
no regard for religion or virtue
your churches are used for impiety
dead to every sentiment of religion
12Void of regard for the temples of the Lord of Hosts
By whom is a nation exalted?
13 King of Kings
14 God himself
Him Him
His alliance
15 God
16 Our Maker
17 The King of Heaven
He will turn from His anger
[Necuchadnezzar]
18Good Providence of Almighty God
His blessing
Cease to desire the flesh pots of Egypt
Value the heavenly gift
19 The Divine Bestower
Protection of Heaven
20The Supreme Being
21 Contrary to the laws of God and man
22 Our cause is the cause of God
23 Divine Justice
24 Perfectly consonant to the will and practice of God Himself
The Jews were under his peculiar protection
25 God hath given us freedom
are we responsible to him?
let us not sell it for a mess of pottage
26 Our Creator
not only in this world but in the world to come
27 Divine Providence
Holy Gospel
28 the Almighty
The Gospel
liberty, virtue and religion
29 the great duties they owe to their God
30 the Great Judge
31 the justice of the Supreme Being
32 refer your cause to the great and righteous Judge
33 happy with God and Liberty in Heaven

Direct Our Deliberations IV- First Four Presidents

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Direct Our Deliberations IV- The First Four Presidents

Examples of the First Four Presidents

George Washington’s First Inaugural Speech; May 1789

“…I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions in deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessings may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.”

George Washington; Proclamation of Prayer; Oct. 3, 1789

“…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 obeyed;”

George Washington; Proclamation of Prayer; Jan. 1, 1795

Deeply penetrated with this sentiment, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do recommend to all religious societies and denominations, and to all persons whomsoever within the United States to set apart and observe Thursday, the 19th day of February next, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, and on that day to meet together and render their sincere and hearty thanks to the Great Ruler of Nations for the manifold and signal mercies which distinguish our lot as a nation, particularly for the possession of constitutions of government which unite and by their union establish liberty with order; for the preservation of our peace, foreign and domestic;”

John Adams; February 22, 1756

“Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their very own law book and every member should regulate His own conduct by the precepts there exhibited.”

John Adams to Thomas Jefferson; April 28, 1813

“The general principles on which the Founders achieved independence, were the only Principles in which that beautiful Assembly of young Gentlemen could unite…And what were these general Principles? I answer, the general Principles of Christianity, in which all these sects were United…

“Now I will avow, that I then believe, and now believe, That those general Principles of Christianity, are as eternal and Immutable, as the Existence and Attributes of God; and that those Principles of Liberty, are as unalterable as human Nature and our terrestrial, mundane System.”

John Adams, Proclamation of Prayer; March 23, 1798

“…that our civil and religious privileges may be preserved inviolate, and perpetuated to the latest generations; that our public councils and magistrates may be especially enlightened and directed at this critical period;…

That the principles of genuine piety and sound morality may influence the minds and govern the lives of every description of our citizens; and that the blessings of peace, freedom, and pure religion, may be speedily extended to all the nations of the earth.”

Thomas Jefferson, The Virginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom, 1786

“Well aware that Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burdens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion, who being both Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to do; that the impious presumption of legislators and rulers, civil as well as ecclesiastical, who, being themselves but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavoring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time; that to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical; that even the forcing him to support this or that teacher of his own religious persuasion is depriving him of the comfortable liberty of giving his contributions to the particular pastor whose morals he would make his pattern, and whose powers he feels most persuasive to righteousness, and is withdrawing from the ministry those temporal rewards, which proceeding from an approbation of their personal conduct, are an additional incitement to earnest and unremitting labors for the instruction of mankind; that our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that, therefore, the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to the offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which in common with his fellow citizens he has a natural right; that it tends also to corrupt the principles of that very religion it is meant to encourage, by bribing, with a monopoly of worldly honors and emoluments, those who will externally profess and conform to it; that though indeed these are criminal who do not withstand such temptation, yet neither are those innocent who lay the bait in their way; that to suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his powers into the field of opinion and to restrain the profession or propagation of principles, on the supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys all religious liberty, because he being of course judge of that tendency, will make his opinions the rule of judgment, and approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they shall square with or differ from his own; that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them.”

James Madison Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments, 1785

Before any man can be considerd as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governour of the Universe: And if a member of Civil Society, do it with a saving of his allegiance to the Universal Sovereign.

James Madison, Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, July 9, 1812

Whereas the Congress of the United States, by a joint resolution of the two Houses, have signified a request that a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity as a day of public humiliation and prayer; and

Whereas such a recommendation will enable the several religious denominations and societies so disposed to offer at one and the same time their common vows and adorations to Almighty God on the solemn occasion produced by the war in which He has been pleased to permit the injustice of a foreign power to involve these United States:

I do therefore recommend the third Thursday in August next as a convenient day to be set apart for the devout purposes of rendering the Sovereign of the Universe and the Benefactor of Mankind the public homage due to His holy attributes; of acknowledging the transgressions which might justly provoke the manifestations of His divine displeasure; of seeking His merciful forgiveness and His assistance in the great duties of repentance and amendment, and especially of offering fervent supplications that in the present season of calamity and war He would take the American people under His peculiar care and protection; that He would guide their public councils, animate their patriotism, and bestow His blessing on their arms; that He would inspire all nations with a love of justice and of concord and with a reverence for the unerring precept of our holy religion to do to others as they would require that others should do to them; and, finally, that, turning the hearts of our enemies from the violence and injustice which sway their councils against us, He would hasten a restoration of the blessings of peace.

The Christian worldview of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution as well as the example of the first four presidents shows the recommendation of general tolerant Christianity by our Founding Fathers. They wanted God’s direction on our deliberations in Congress. Our Founders knew that God had helped our nation come into being. They wanted the guidance and protection that God had given them to continue for their lives and for their posterity.

Direct Our Deliberations III- Signers of Constitution

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The Signers of the Constitution

John Langdon, President of New Hampshire; Proclamation for a General Thanksgiving; Oct. 21, 1785

“…that he would inspire our Rulers with Wisdom…bless our Seminaries of Learning and spread the Gospel of his Grace over all the Earth.”

William Samuel Johnson, Graduation Speech to the First Graduating Class of Columbia University

“…Your first great duties, you are sensible, are those you owe to Heaven, to your Creator and Redeemer. Let those be ever present to your minds, and exemplified in your lives and conduct.”

Alexander Hamilton to James Bayard; April 1802

“…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.”

William Paterson, Supreme Court Justice

A newspaper account of his visit to the federal court in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

“On Monday last the Circuit Court of the United States was opened in this town. The Hon. Judge Paterson presided. After the Jury were impaneled, the Judge delivered a most eloquent and appropriate charge…Religion and morality were pleasingly inculcated and enforced as being necessary to good government, good order, and good laws, for ‘when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice [Proverbs 29:2].’…After the [jury] charge was delivered, the Rev. Mr. Alden addressed the Throne of Grace in an excellent and well adapted prayer.”

Gouveneur Morris; Discourse Delivered Before the New York Historical Society; Sept. 4, 1816

“The reflection and experience of many years have led me to consider the holy writings not only as the most authentic and instructive in themselves, but as the clue to all other history. They tell us what man is, and they alone tell us why he is what he is: a contradictory creature that seeing and approving of what is good, pursues and performs what is evil… From the same fountain of wisdom we learn that vice destroys freedom; that arbitrary power is founded on public immorality.”

President Thomas Mifflin to George Washington; Dec. 23, 1783

“…We join you in commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God.”

John Dickinson’s Draft Address to the Inhabitants of America; Jan. 24, 1776

“…We entreat you also in your applications to the Throne of Grace, to remember us, on whom you have devolved Duties so important and so difficult, and fervently to pray, that We may be endued with wisdom to conduct your Affairs in the most advantageous Manner amidst the Convulsions that now shake the British Empire to its deepest Foundations.”

John Dickinson’s Notes for a Speech in Congress (July 1, 1776)

“…It was a Custom in a wise and virtuous State, to preface Prepositions in council, with a prayer, that they might redound to the public Benefit. I beg Leave to imitate the laudable Example. And I do most humbly implore Almighty God, with whom dwells Wisdom itself, so as to enlighten the Members of this House, that their Decision may be such as will best promote the Liberty, Safety and Prosperity of these Colonies- and for Myself, that his Divine Goodness may be graciously pleased to enable Me, to speak the Precepts of sound Policy on the important Question that now engages our Attention.”

Direct Our Deliberations III- Signers of Constitution III

Daniel of St. Thomas Jennifer to Thomas Johnson; May 9, 1779

“God grant us wisdom to determine with that judgment and precision which the grand object requires, we should do…”

William Blount, helped draft the Tennessee Constitution

Article VIII, Section II “No person who denies the being of God or a future state of rewards and punishments shall hold any office in the civil department of this State.”

Direct Our Deliberations II- Continental Congress

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Direct Our Deliberations II- Continental Congress

Excerpts from Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving [passed by the body of the Continental Congress] during the War for Independence.

April 15, 1775

“…that the Provincial and especially the Continental CONGRESSES may be directed to such measure as GOD will countenance.”

July 20, 1775

“…As the great Governor of the World, by his supreme and universal Providence, not only conducts the course of nature with unerring wisdom and rectitude, but frequently influences the minds of men to serve the wise and gracious purposes of his providential government;…That the divine blessing may descend and rest upon all our civil rulers, and upon the representatives of the people, in their several assemblies and conventions, that they may be directed to wise and effectual measures for preserving the union.”

May 17, 1776

“…Earnestly beseeching him to bless our civil rulers, and the representatives of the people, in their several assemblies and conventions; to preserve and strengthen their union, to inspire them with an ardent, disinterested love of their country; to give them wisdom and stability to their counsels.”

Dec. 18, 1777

Did not mention wisdom for deliberations but did mention the merits of Jesus Christ

May 3, 1779

“That he will give Wisdom to our Councils, Firmness to our Resolutions and Victory to our Arms…”

April 29, 1780

“…to bless all public councils throughout the United States, giving them firmness and unanimity, and directing them to the best measures for the public good; to bless the magistrates and people of every rank…”

Dec. 7, 1780

“…to direct our publick councils… to cause the knowledge of Christianity to spread over all the earth.”

May 3, 1781

“…and through the merits of our blessed Saviour, obtain pardon and forgiveness; that it may please him to inspire our rulers with wisdom and uncorruptible integrity…”

April 1782

“…to set apart the last Thursday in April next, as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, that our supplications may then ascend to the throne of the Ruler of the Universe , beseeching Him that he would diffuse a spirit of universal reformation among all ranks and degrees of our citizens; and make us holy, that so we may be a happy people; that it would please Him to impart wisdom, integrity and unanimity to our counselors…that the religion of our Divine Redeemer… may cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.”

Nov. 28, 1782

“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 general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his Providence in their behalf; therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into 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 drawing to a close, particularly the harmony of the public councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause;”

Direct Our Deliberations I- Declaration of Independence

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Direct Our Deliberations

Many are the voices in the media, schools and universities, politics offering up sophomoric rehashed phrases stating that according to our government, there is no place for God in the public square. These voices would maintain that the Founding Fathers were all deists and atheists that wanted a secular government. This article will attempt to show that the Founding Fathers strongly desired to have God lead in our government. They asked regularly for God’s direction and wisdom. Please have an open mind and look at the following evidence. The evidence comes from the following areas: the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1782, the signers of the Constitution and the example of the first four presidents of the United States.

The Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Edward Rutledge to Ralph Izard; December 8, 1775

“This session may determine the Fate, of a great Kingdom- unless the Parliament improve the opportunity now offered them, they may lose forever their American colonies. May God grant them Wisdom to discover- and Virtue to pursue such measures-…”

Thomas Stone to James Hollyday; May 20, 1787

“…May God attend our Deliberations & Direct them to the right way.”

Benjamin Franklin at Constitutional Convention; June 28, 1787

“The small progress we have made after four or five weeks…is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding…

“In the beginning of the Contest with Great 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 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 own partial local interests, our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word 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 blessing 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.”

John Hart’s Address on Oct. 5, 1776 in the Papers of William Livingston

“…We look for the permanency and stability of our new government to Him who bringeth princes to nothing and teacheth senators wisdom.”

Abraham Clark to James Caldwell; August 2, 1776

“…At my coming to Congress, I moved for a Chaplain to Attend Prayers every morning which was carried- and some of my Starch brethren will scarcely forgive me for naming Mr. Duche. This I did knowing without such a one many would not attend. He hath composed a form of Prayer Unexceptionable to all parties.”

Samuel Adams; July 4, 1776

“We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let his kingdom come.”

Samuel Adams to the Boston Committee of Correspondence; Sept. 16, 1774

“I hope the Committee will continue to Act up to their Dignity and Importance. I am yet of the opinion that Heaven will Honor them with a great share of the Merit of saving the Rights of America. May God inspire them with Wisdom & Fortitude.”

John Adams to Abigail Adams; August 10, 1776

“…The Lives of thousands, and the liberties of Millions are as much in Suspence as the Health of my family. But I submit to the Governance of infinite Wisdom.”

John Adams to Abigail Adams; June 17, 1775

“…Congress chose George Washington to be General of the American Army…We have appointed a continental Fast. Millions will be upon their Knees at once before their great Creator, imploring his Forgiveness and Blessing, his Smiles on American Councils and Arms.”

John Hancock, Day of Prayer Proclamation; April 15, 1775

“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 Judgements…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.”

William Ellery to Christopher Ellery; Jan. 26, 1778

“…When the war will end I know not; but I hope it will not extend beyond this year at the farthest. It will end sooner if the divine Providence should remove from British Councils that infatuation which has so long prevailed in them; but quo deus vult rius dementent [those whom God wishes to destroy he first makes mad].”

William Williams to Jonathan Trumbull; November 6, 1776

“…It is God who has blunted the Weapons of our warfare, that has turned the Counsels of wise Men into foolishness…”

Josiah Bartlett to Nathaniel Folsom; Sept. 2, 1776

“…What the Congress will do is at present uncertain but hope they will be directed by the Supreme Disposer of Events, to do in this & Every other affair before them will be most Conducive to the Safety & Happiness of these American States.”

William Whipple to Joshua Brackett; April 11, 1776

“…May the Supreme Governour of the Universe Protect & Defend us, Guide our Councils & Prosper our Arms.”

New Hampshire Delegates to Matthew Thornton; Nov. 3, 1775

“…We can’t help Rejoice to see this as a ground work of our government, and hope by the Blessing of Divine Providence, never to return to our former Despotick State.”