Despite some Americans preoccupation with the
secularization of Christmas, our Founders, the framers of our Declaration of
Independence and Constitution, had no such concerns about public expressions of
faith, as none was warranted. Conversely, they were bold about promoting
Christianity and speaking about their own faith.
Historian Peter Lillback, author of "Sacred
Fire," an exhaustive scholarly treatise on George Washington, notes that
it is only in recent years, with the searchable digital publication of our
Founders' writings, that we get an accurate picture of their faith, and
expression of same.
Lillback writes, "Washington referred to
himself frequently using the words 'ardent,' 'fervent,' 'pious,' and 'devout.'
There are over one hundred different prayers composed and written by Washington
in his own hand. He described himself as one of the deepest men of faith of his
day when he confessed to a clergyman, 'No Man has a more perfect Reliance on
the alwise, and powerful dispensations of the Supreme Being than I have nor
thinks his aid more necessary.' Although he never once used the word 'Deist' in
his voluminous writings, he often mentioned religion, Christianity, and the
Gospel. He spoke of Christ as 'the divine Author of our blessed religion.' He
wrote of 'the blessed religion revealed in the Word of God.' He encouraged
seekers to learn 'the religion of Jesus Christ.' He even said to his soldiers,
'To the distinguished Character of Patriot, it should be our highest Glory to add
the more distinguished Character of Christian.'
Believe it or not, Washington did not need to
consult pollsters or focus groups, as general or president, before issuing
proclamations of faith. He spoke them from his heart, just as most of our
Founders did.
From the
Founders Themselves
To the distinguished Character of Patriot, it
should be our highest Glory to add the more distinguished Character of
Christian.
George Washington
Whatever may be conceded to the influence of
refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both
forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of
religious principle. ... The Hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all
this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than
wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.
George Washington
The general principles on which the fathers
achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow
that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of
Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of
God. ... The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed
or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity
and humanity.
John Adams
I [rely] upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a
pardon of all my sins. ... I conceive we cannot better express ourselves than
by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world ... bringing in the holy
and happy period when the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be
everywhere established, and the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who
is the Prince of Peace. ... We may with one heart and voice humbly implore His
gracious and free pardon through Jesus Christ, supplicating His Divine aid ...
[and] above all to cause the religion of Jesus Christ, in its true spirit, to
spread far and wide till the whole earth shall be filled with His glory.
Samuel Adams
That the spiritual kingdom of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ may be continually increasing until the whole earth shall be
filled with His glory.
John Hancock
Being a Christian ... is a character which I prize
far above all this world has or can boast. ... The Bible is a book worth more than
all the other books that were ever printed. ... This is all the inheritance I
can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one, which
will make them rich indeed.
Patrick Henry
Condescend, merciful Father! to grant as far as
proper these imperfect petitions, to accept these inadequate thanksgivings, and
to pardon whatever of sin hath mingled in them for the sake of Jesus Christ,
our blessed Lord and Savior; unto Whom, with Thee, and the blessed Spirit, ever
one God, be rendered all honor and glory, now and forever. ... The Bible is the
best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy
in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate
your life by its precepts. ... Providence has given to our people the choice of
their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our
Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.
John Jay
I am a Christian in the only sense in which He
wished anyone to be: sincerely attached to His doctrines in preference to all
others. ... I am a real Christian -- that is to say, a disciple of the
doctrines of Jesus Christ.
Thomas Jefferson
I have sometimes thought there could not be a
stronger testimony in favor of religion or against temporal enjoyments, even
the most rational and manly, than for men who occupy the most honorable and
gainful departments and [who] are rising in reputation and wealth, publicly to
declare their unsatisfactoriness by becoming fervent advocates in the cause of
Christ.
James Madison
How many observe Christ's birth-day! How few, his
precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.
Benjamin Franklin
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