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Did P. Henry sound like a Deist? No... That WAS the point.
Thomas Jefferson--- not exactly the same quote as Henry but what do you make of this?
March 4, 1805
Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners.
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.
Endow with Thy Spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of earth
In time of prosperity fill our heart with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
(The Life And Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson; Random House 1944)
One thing to be sure..Thomas Jefferson did not like how the clergy tried to dress up Christianity to fit their mold, and I would venture to guess he would roll over if he saw Swaggert on the tv!! |
