tsk tsk...all that clip and pasting you did, and no links....wonder why? It is you that are out of context. With regards to Jefferson, I HAVE PROVEN over and over that our country was founded by a overwhelming majority of men that professed Christ, so even thought there are MANY other quotes from Jefferson that you are too danged stupid to try and understand, I will give you Jefferson if it floats your lost boat.
But, for your review:
Some sources cite the so-called "Jefferson Bible" as evidence that Thomas Jefferson was not a Christian, but rather a Deist or, at best, a Unitarian.
In this volume, published in 1820, Jefferson used excerpts from the New Testaments in four languages to create parallel columns of text recounting the life of Jesus, preserving what he considered to be Christ's authentic actions and statements, eliminating the mysterious and miraculous. He began his account with Luke's second chapter, deleting the first in which the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah by the Holy Spirit. ... Jefferson deleted the part of the birth story in which the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds. The text ends with the crucifixion and burial and omits any resurrection appearance.14
However ... "Jefferson's own words explained that his intent for that book was not for it to be a "Bible," but rather for it to be a primer for the Indians on the teachings of Christ (which is why Jefferson titled that work, "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth"). What Jefferson did was to take the "red letter" portions of the New Testament and publish these teachings in order to introduce the Indians to Christian morality. And as President of the United States, Jefferson negotiated treaties with the Kaskaskia, Cherokee, and Wyandotte tribes wherein he provided-at the government's expense-Christian missionaries to the Indians. In fact, Jefferson himself declared, "I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus." While many might question this claim, the fact remains that Jefferson called himself a Christian, not a deist.
straight-talk.net
The current interpretation of "Separation of Church and State" is based on a letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Church.
On October 7, 1801, the church wrote, "Among the many millions in America and Europe who rejoice in your election to office, we embrace the first opportunity . . . to express our great satisfaction in your appointment to the Chief Magistracy in the United States. . . . [W]e have reason to believe that America’s God has raised you up to fill the Chair of State out of that goodwill which He bears to the millions which you preside over. May God strengthen you for the arduous task which providence and the voice of the people have called you. . . . And may the Lord preserve you safe from every evil and bring you at last to his Heavenly Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Glorious Mediator."
Then they added their grave concern over the entire concept of the First Amendment, including its guarantee for “the free exercise of religion”: "Our sentiments are uniformly on the side of religious liberty: that religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals, that no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious opinions, [and] that the legitimate power of civil government extends no further than to punish the man who works ill to his neighbor. But sir, our constitution of government is not specific. . . . [T]herefore what religious privileges we enjoy (as a minor part of the State) we enjoy as favors granted, and not as inalienable rights."13
Jefferson replied: "Gentlemen,-The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me on behalf of the Danbury Baptist Association give me the highest satisfaction. . . . Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God; that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship; that the legislative powers of government reach actions only and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church and State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties. I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and Creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association assurances of my high respect and esteem."13
On January 1, 1802, Thomas Jefferson's PERSONAL LETTER was written to reassure the Association and tell them that there was a ONE-WAY wall, keeping the government out of the personal affairs of Christians and their worship of God, and that the federal government could not declare a NATIONAL CHURCH DENOMINATION (like the King did with the Episcopal denomination in England). That's it. Period. The words, "wall of separation between church and state" appear only in this letter and NOT APPEAR IN THE CONSTITUTION.29
Also, Jefferson, in a letter to Benjamin Rush, a fellow-signer of the Declaration of Independence, clarified his belief that the First Amendment had been enacted only to prevent the federal establishment of a national denomination. "[T]he clause of the Constitution which, while it secured the freedom of the press, covered also the freedom of religion, had given to the clergy a very favorite hope of obtaining an establishment of a particular form of Christianity through the United States; and as every sect believes its own form the true one, every one perhaps hoped for his own, but especially the Episcopalians and Congregationalists. The returning good sense of our country threatens abortion to their hopes and they believe that any portion of power confided to me will be exerted in opposition to their schemes. And they believe rightly."13
As shown on other pages in this site, far from seeking to undermine Christianity, Jefferson publicly professed his belief in fundamental tenets of Christianity in words and actions.
Since James Madison was the father of the Constitution, he is eminently qualified to define what he and the framers meant when they wrote it: "Religion, or the duty we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and, therefore, that all men should enjoy the fullest toleration in the exercise of religion according to the dictates of conscience, unpunished and unrestrained by the magistrate, unless under color of religion any man disturb the peace, the happiness, or safety of society, and that is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity toward each other."25
The evidence indicates quite clearly that neither Presidents Jefferson nor Madison, while in public office, really held to a notion of "neutrality" among all religions, much less to a notion of secularism as a constitutional mandate. The actions of neither man support the long predominant notion that the "Establishment Clause" of the First Amendment requires a separation of Christianity from our civil government and law.21
In 1998 ... forensic experts with the FBI examined the original draft of Mr. Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists. They wanted to help scholars with the Library of Congress determine the letter's true intent. With the use of computer technology, they were able to read portions of the letter Jefferson had previously scratched out.
They found the edited portions further support that Jefferson did not intend government restriction of religious expression in the public arena. For example, he originally wrote, "[B]e assured that your religious rights shall never be infringed by any act of mine ...
As Patrick Henry said: “ It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been offered asylum, prosperity, and freedom to worship here.”
<M.E. Bradford, The Trumpet Voice of Freedom; Patrick Henry of Virginia, (Marlborough, N.H.; Plymouth Rock Foundation 1991), p. iii.>
Here is a look at some other quotes and information on many of the founding fathers and early patriots:
Samuel Adams, signer of Declaration:
"If men, through fear, fraud, or mistake, should in terms renounce or give up any natural right, the eternal law of reason and the grand end of society would absolutely vacate such renunciation. The right to freedom being the gift of Almighty God, it is not in the power of man to alienate this gift and voluntarily become a slave."
centre.telemanage.ca
“Principally, and first of all, I resign my soul to the Almighty Being who gave it, and my body I commit to the dust, relying on the merits of Jesus Christ for the pardon of my sins.”
<Peter Marshal and David Manuel , The Glory of America, (Bloomington, MN: Garborg’s Heart N Home Inc., 1991) 10.2.>
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Charles Carroll--signer of Declaration, a Roman Catholic
ushistory.org
Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure (and) which insures to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.
centre.telemanage.ca
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Samuel Chase--signer of Declaration , for a time in charge of St. Pauls church, a position not given to non believers , even though he had his troubles, while a judge upon learning that a sheriff needed help getting two men to jail, and even though the next day was the Sabbath, said this.
“ "No better day," said Judge Chase, "can be named, on which to execute the laws of the country. I will meet you here, and from this seat of justice I will go to tile house of God."
colonialhall.com
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Abraham Clark , signer of Declaration had many family and personal ties to the Presbyterian church, and towards the end of his life, he served as a trustee of his church.
geocities.com
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George Clymer , signer of Declaration, thought to be a Congregationalist
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William Ellery , signer of Declaration
"There is but one correct system of Divinity, and that is contained in the Scriptures. What is not therein expressly declared or fairly to be inferred therefrom is human, and by consequence imperfect and incorrect." -- letter to William Ellery Channing, 10 June 1806
geocities.com
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Lyman Hall, signer of Declaration
Was for a time a preacher.
bioguide.congress.gov
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John Hancock , signer Declaration , Congregationalist
As Governor of the Commonwealth of MA. Issued this Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving.
John Hancock, Esquire
Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving:
Whereas…these United States are not only happily rescued from the Danger and Calamities to which they have been so long exposed, but their Freedom, Sovereignty and Independence ultimately acknowledged.
And whereas..the Interposition of Divine Providence in our Father hath been most abundantly and most graciously manifested, and the Citizens of these United States have every reason for Praise and Gratitude to the God of their salvation.
Impressed therefore with an exalted Sense of the Blessings by which we are surrounded, and of our entire Dependence on that Almighty Being from whose Goodness and Bounty they are arrived;
I do by and with the advice of the Council appoint Thursday the Eleventh Day of December next (the Day recommended by the Congress to all the States) to be religiously observed as a day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, that all the People may then assemble to celebrate…that he hath been pleased to continue to us the Light of the Blessed Gospel..That we also offer up fervent Supplications..to cause pure Religion and Virtue to flourish..and to fill the World with his glory.
<<November 8, 1783, A Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving-signed by Governor John Hancock from Boston. MA. From an original in the Evans collection #18025, by the American Antiquarian Society.>>>
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George Washington, signer of Constitution, first President.
Many would say he is a deist….if so , his personal prayer book, written by his own hand, Daily Sacrifice’, makes him the most Jesus Christ believing deist I have ever seen. I cannot print the book here, but in his prayers, Jesus is acknowledged on morning and evening prayers, on Monday, Tuesday, and on Wednesday Morning.
A partial example is: TUESDAY MORNING: “O Lord our God, most mighty and merciful Father, I thine unworthy creature and servant, do once more approach Thy presence. Though not worthy to appear before Thee, because of my natural corruptions, and the many sin and transgressions which I have committed against Thy Divine majesty; yet I beseech Thee, for the sake of Him in whom Thou are well pleased, the Lord Jesus Christ, to admit me to render Thee deserved thanks and praises for they manifold mercies extended toward me…”
W.Herbert Burk, B.D., Washington’s Prayers, (Norristown, PA.: published for the Benefit of the Washington Merriam Chapel,1907)pages 87-95.William J. Federer, America’s God and Country, Encyclopedia of Quotations, 1996.
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William Samuel Johnson, signer of Constitution
As president of Columbia University in his speech to the first graduating class, here are some snips of his speech:
“Your first great duties, you are sensible, are those you owe to Heaven, to your Creator, and Redeemer…”
“ Imprint deep upon your minds the principles of piety towards God, and a reverence and fear of his holy name…”
“Remember too, that you are redeemed of the Lord, that you are bought with a price, even the inestimable price of the precious blood of the Son of God. Adore Jehovah therefore, as your God and your Judge. Love, fear, and serve Him as your Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Acquaint yourselves with Him in his word and holy ordinances.”
<John Irving, A Discourse of the Advantages of Classical Learning ( New York; G. & C. & H., Carvill, 1830), pp.141-143>
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Roger Sherman, signer of Constitution.
(To the above excellent traits in the character of Mr. Sherman, it may be added, that he was eminently a pious man. He was long a professor of religion, and one of its brightest ornaments. Nor was his religion that which appeared only on occasions. It was with him a principle and a habit. It appeared in the closet, in the family, on the bench, and in senate house. Few men had a higher reverence for the Bible; few men studied it with deeper attention; few were more intimately acquainted with the doctrines of the gospel, and the metaphysical controversies of the day. On these subjects, he maintained an extended correspondence with some of the most distinguished divines of that period, among whom were Dr. Edwards, Dr. Hopkins, Dr. Trumbull, President Dickenson, and President Witherspoon whom had a high opinion of him as a theologian, and derived much instruction from their correspondence with him)….and on his tombstone, among others, are these words….He ever adorned the profession of Christianity which he made in youth; and distinguished through life for public usefulness, died in the prospect of a blessed immortality
"I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance equal in power and glory. That the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him."--excerpt of Sherman’s creed from :Lewis Henry Boutell, the life of Roger Sherman,(Chicago AC McClure& Co. 1896). p269. Faith of our Founding Fathers, p. 136. .
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George Read, signer of Constitution, Episcopalian
Known as “The Father of Delaware,” George Read wrote “the first edition of laws” and the Constitution of Delaware. The requirements, stated in the State’s Constitution, necessary for holding office include:
Delaware 1776. Article XXII. Every person who shall be chosen a member of either house, or appointed to any office or place of trust…shall…make and subscribe the following declaration, to wit. “ I,_____, do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration.”
<1776. Constitution of the State of Delaware, Article XXII. The Constitutions of Several Independent States of America- Published by the order of Congress, (Boston, Norman and Bowen 1785, pp. 99-100, America’s God and Country, Encyclopedia of Quotations, William J. Federer, Fame Publishing, Inc.>
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John Dickinson, signer of Constitution, Quaker, Episcopalian
A few short quotes from his Letters from a farmer in which he proclaims God and uses scripture too:
“I pray God that he may be pleased to inspire you ……above all, let us implore the protection of that infinitely good and gracious Being [Proverbs 8:15] “by whom kings reign, and princes decree justice…”…….or to use the beautiful and emphatic language of the sacred scriptures [Micah 4:4] “that they should sit every man under his vine, and under his fig tree, and NONE SHOULD MAKE THEM AFRAID……….believe that ALMIGHTY GOD himself will look upon your righteous contest with gracious approbation.
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Jacob Broom, signer of Constitution
In the text of a letter to his son:
“Dear James,
I recd.[received] your favor of the 27th ulti [last] & am well pleased at the sentiments expressed - whilst you go on, having your own approbation you have nothing to fear - I flatter myself you will be what I wish but don't be so much flattered as to relax of your application - don't forget to be a Christian, I have said much to you on this head [topic of discourse] & I hope an indelible impression is made - “
wallbuilders.com
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AS we were originally speaking of Jefferson,
What about the "Jefferson Bible?
Some sources cite the so-called "Jefferson Bible" as evidence that Thomas Jefferson was not a Christian, but rather a Deist or, at best, a Unitarian.
In this volume, published in 1820, Jefferson used excerpts from the New Testaments in four languages to create parallel columns of text recounting the life of Jesus, preserving what he considered to be Christ's authentic actions and statements, eliminating the mysterious and miraculous. He began his account with Luke's second chapter, deleting the first in which the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah by the Holy Spirit. ... Jefferson deleted the part of the birth story in which the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds. The text ends with the crucifixion and burial and omits any resurrection appearance.14
However ... "Jefferson's own words explained that his intent for that book was not for it to be a "Bible," but rather for it to be a primer for the Indians on the teachings of Christ (which is why Jefferson titled that work, "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth"). What Jefferson did was to take the "red letter" portions of the New Testament and publish these teachings in order to introduce the Indians to Christian morality. And as President of the United States, Jefferson negotiated treaties with the Kaskaskia, Cherokee, and Wyandotte tribes wherein he provided-at the government's expense-Christian missionaries to the Indians. In fact, Jefferson himself declared, "I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus." While many might question this claim, the fact remains that Jefferson called himself a Christian, not a deist.9
straight-talk.net
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Gunning Bedford, Mason
As a delegate from the State of Delaware, he would have complied with the requirements for office as stipulated by his states constitution, which included: Article XXII. Every person who shall be chosen a member of either house, or appointed to any office or place of trust…shall…make and subscribe the following declaration, to wit. “ I,_____, do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration.”
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Richard Bassett, signer Constitution, Methodist
Bassett, a devout Methodist, contributed financially to his church, and often held religious meetings at his estate
geocities.com
Twice married, to Ann Ennals and a woman named Bruff, Bassett fathered several children. He was a devout Methodist, held religious meetings at Bohemia Manor, and supported the church financially. He died in 1815 at the age of 70 and is interred at the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration
lexrex.com
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William Few, signer of Constitution, Methodist
A devout Methodist, he also donated generously to philanthropic causes.
When Few died in 1828 at the age of 80 in Fishkill-on-the-Hudson (present Beacon), he was survived by his wife (born Catherine Nicholson) and three daughters. Originally buried in the yard of the local Reformed Dutch Church, his body was later reinterred at St. Paul's Church, Augusta, GA. homepages.rootsweb.com
Courtesy of: National Archives and Records Administration
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Abraham Baldwin, signer Constitution
After attending a local village school, Abraham matriculated at Yale, in nearby New Haven. He graduated in 1772. Three years later, he became a minister and tutor at the college. He held that position until 1779, when he served as a chaplain in the Continental Army.
odur.let.rug.nl
Clergyman, lawyer; tutor at Yale; chaplain in Continental Army
constitution.org
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James McHenry, signer Constitution
He also held the office of president of a Bible society.
archives.gov
Active in community affairs, he served as president of the first Bible society in Baltimore in 1813.
bcpl.net
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Daniel Carroll, signer Constitution, Catholic
Daniel's older brother was John Carroll, the first Roman Catholic bishop in the United States. ..Daniel was born in 1730 at Upper Marlboro, MD. Befitting the son of a wealthy Roman Catholic family, he studied for 6 years (1742-48) under the Jesuits at St. Omer's in Flanders.
odur.let.rug.nl
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John Langdon, signer Constitution
One of the founders and the first President of the New Hampshire Bible Society, whose goal it was to place a Bible in every home in NH..
John Langdon of New Hampshire, p. 285.
Gov. Langdon was visited by President Monroe in 1817. The local newspaper reported the following: While at Portsmouth, the President spent part of the Sabbath which was not devoted to public divine service, with that eminent patriot and Christian, John Langdon….John Langdon of New Hampshire, p. 286
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William Livingston, signer constitution
Associated with the Calvinists
lexrex.com, Source: National Archives and Records Administration
In his publication “the Independent Reflector” No. 46, he writes:
“I believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments“
“I believe he who worketh righteousness will be accepted of Him”
“ I believe that the virulence of some…proceeds not from their affection to Christianity, which is founded on too firm a basis to be shaken by the freest inquiry, and the Divine authority of which I sincerely believe without receiving a farthing for saying so”
<William Livingston, The independent Reflector-No. 46 Life and Letters of William Livingston, reprinted by Theodore Sedgewick, Jr. , Stephan Abbott Northrop, D.D., A Cloud of Witnesses (Portland, OR., American Heritage Ministries, 1987, Mantle Ministries,228 Still Ridge, Bulverde, Texas) p. 288. America’s God and Country, Encyclopedia of Quotations, p. 395.>
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David Brearly, signer Constitution
Brearly, when he was not otherwise occupied, devoted much of his time to Masonic and church matters. He was a warden at St. Michael's Church, served as a delegate to the Episcopal General Convention, and worked on the Episcopal prayer book.
geocities.com
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Alexander Hamilton, signer Constitution
After being shot by Aaron Burr as he was given his last rites, His dying words were: “I have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a sinner, I look to Him for mercy; pray for me.
<July 11, 1804, on his deathbed. William Coleman ed., A collection of facts and documents, relating Death of..Alexander Hamilton. (New York, Hopkins and Seymour, 1804) p.p 50-55. America’s God and Country, Encyclopedia of Quotations, p. pp 274-275>
Something to be said for the prisoner on the cross , and the last shall be first ,here.
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I could use many more examples----Hugh Williamson, Gouv Morris, Charles C. Pinckney, John Blair, James Madison, to name some who were Christians. |
