• America's Christian Heritage.
• American Presidents.
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• Moses and the Law.
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• Miracles in American History.
• The Case for Rebellion.
• America's Christian Heritage: Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Presbyterian; Episcopalian. Virginian legal scholar, educated at the College of William and Mary and studied law at London's Middle Temple. He was a delegate from Virginia to the U.S. Constitutional Convention (1787) and served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1790-1795). His father, also called John Blair (1687-1771) served on the Virginia Council and was at one time the acting Royal Governor of Virginia. (OCLC Note) Read more about Blair here, here, and here.
He was identified as a Presbyterian by 1995 Information Please Almanac. The Library of Congress was cited as the source stating he was later an Episcopalian. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• Broadside. Richmond, Va.: Printed by Dixon and Holt?, 1784. 1 sheet; 44 x 21 cm. Constitutional Society of Virginia. Note(s): Signed: John Blair [and 33 others]./ "At a meeting held on the 15th of June, 1784, resolved, that the following declaration be added to the paper origiinally signed by the members ..."/ For a discussion of this organization, see Madison, J. Papers, v. 8, p. 71-75./ N-YHS copy: fabric lining. Text and commentary here. Printed copy (DLC: Rare Book Room). Evans 18756. From an undated pamphlet, Minutes of the Meeting of the Constitutional Society, which may have been prepared under the direction of Philip Mazzei. A broadside copy (NCU) is reproduced in Schiavo, Philip Mazzei, p. 159.
  We, the underwritten, having associated for the purpose of preserving and handing down to posterity, those pure and sacred principles of liberty, which have been derived to us ... and being convinced, that the surest mode to secure republican systems of government from lapsing into tyranny, is by giving free and frequent information to the mass of people ... have determined, and do solemnly hereby pledge ourselves to each other ... that every one in his respective station, will keep a watchful eye over the great fundamental rights of the people ... Evans; 18864
• Horner, Frederick, M.D. The History of the Blair, Banister, and Braxton Families. J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, 1898, pp. 68-69. "Let us seek for comfort where alone it may be found, let us learn a dutiful acquiescence in whatsoever proceeds from that Great Being from whom we ourselves proceeded and who being the Sole Author of all our enjoyments has an undoubted Right to withdraw them in his own good time and whose Goodness so conspicuous in his General Providence may be as eminent for aught we know though not so plainly discerned even when He deals to us the bitter cup of Affliction. We may all profit in the School of Adversity if we will but make a proper use of its Sacred Lessons. If in this life only we had hope it would indeed be harder to acquire a due serenity of mind upon the loss of a beloved Friend. If he were absolutely extinct to forget him would be perhaps necessary to our Peace of Mind. But now as our Holy Religion teaches we may contemplate him translated to a better Life and ineffably enjoying all that variety of Bliss which Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard nor the Heart conceived. May the Celestial vision forever preserve you from the Gloominess of Grief and reconcile you to all the Dispensations of Him who cannot err."

  "He who afflicts even in His severest dispensations in this life thinks upon mercy. If he have made us of so delicate a substance that we are subject to ineffable poignancy of grief he has provided also a remedy in our constitution which yields to the lenient hand of time; while that religion of which he has made us susceptible powerfully cooperates to reconcile us to all his appointments." p. 71.

  "They are evils indeed and great ones; but they have their certain measure if we do not increase them by unnecessarry complainings of our condition and by repinings at Providence who best knows what is good for man. On the contrary by a dutiful submission to His will who often tries in the School of affliction we shall derive consolations which will greatly alleviate our present sufferings and open to us the fair prospect of infinitely greater in a better world. This remedy I believe you do apply with the faith of a Christian and God grant that it may have its natural its natural effect to restore tranquility of mind and of course happiness." pp. 73-74.

Episcopalian; Presbyterian. Delegate to the Constitutional Convention for North Carolina, the first and only governor of the Southwest Territory, and Democratic-Republican Senator from Tennessee (1796-1797). He played a major role in establishing the state of Tennessee. He was the first U.S. Senator to be expelled from the Senate and the only Senator expelled outside of the Civil War. Read about Blount here, here, here, here and here.
He was identified as an Episcopalian by the Library of Congress. The North Carolina State Library and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford were cited as the sources stating he was later a Presbyterian. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).
From: Robert G. Ferris (editor), Signers of the Constitution: Historic Places Commemorating the Signing of the Constitution, published by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service: Washington, D.C. (revised edition 1976), pages 146-148: Planter and land speculator Blount, who played an insignificant part at the Constitutional Convention, carved out a career in North Carolina and Tennessee as well as in national politics. It was marred, however, when he earned the dubious distinction of being the first man to be expelled from the U.S. Senate... In 1796 he presided over the constitutional convention that transformed part of the Territory into the State of Tennessee. He was elected as one of its first U.S. Senators (1796-97). During this period, Blount's affairs took a sharp turn for the worse. In 1797 his speculations in western lands led him into serious financial difficulties. That same year, he also apparently concocted a plan involving use of Indians, frontiersmen, and British naval forces to conquer for Britain the Spanish provinces of Florida and Louisiana. A letter he wrote alluding to the plan fell into the hands of President Adams, who turned it over to the Senate on July 3, 1797. Five days later, that body voted 25 to 1 to expel Blount. The House impeached him, but the Senate dropped the charges in 1799 on the grounds that no further action could be taken beyond his dismissal. The episode did not hamper Blount's career in Tennessee. In 1798 he was elected to the senate and rose to the speakership. He died two years later in Knoxville in his early fifties. He is buried there in the cemetery of the First Presbyterian Church.

• Broadside. Territory of the United States, South of the River Ohio. Governor (1790-1796: Blount) [Knoxville, Tenn.: Printed by George Roulstone, 1794. 1 sheet ([1] p.) By William Blount, governor in and over the Territory of the United States of America, South of the River Ohio, a proclamation. ... to appoint the fourth Monday in February next, the time, and Knoxville the place, for the persons duly elected to represent the several counties in the said Territory, South of Ohio, to meet together. Given under my hand and seal, at Knoxville, January 1st, 1794. Evans; 27725
• The Constitution of the State of Tennessee. [Knoxville, Tenn.?], [1796?]. 15 pp. Note: "This is the first printed form of the first state constitution of Tennessee. It is printed in two signatures, each of eight pages, the last page of signature B being blank. The second signature is printed on inferior paper than the first ... Issued without title. Caption at top of p. [3]."--Note in Catalogue of Robinson sale, April 29-May 1, 1918, no. 894. Tentatively recorded as a Knoxville imprint by McMurtrie and Bristol but not included by R.R. Allen in his Tennessee imprints, 1791-1875./ Signed (p. 16) by William Blount and 55 others./ Reproduction of original from Huntington Library.
  ARTICLE VIII, Sec. 1. Whereas the ministers of the gospel are, by their professions, dedicated to God and the cure of souls, and ought not to be diverted from the great duties of their functions; therefore no minister of the gospel, or priest of any denomination whatever, shall be eligible to a sect in either house of the legislature. Sec. 2. 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.
  See also Declaration of Rights.
• Wright, Marcus J. 1831-1922. Some account of the life and services of William Blount, an officer of the revolutionary army, member of the Continental congress, and of the convention which framed the Constitution of the United States, also governor of the territory south of the Ohio river, and senator in Congress U.S. 1783-1797. Together with a full account of his impeachment and trial in Congress, and his expulsion from the U.S. Senate. Washington: Gray, 1884. 142 pp.: port.; 23 cm. Also here.

Episcopalian. Delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention and signed the U.S. Constitution on behalf of New Jersey. First Grand Master of the New Jersey Masonic Lodge. Read about Brearley here, here, here. here. He was identified as an Episcopalian by the Library of Congress. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).
From: Robert G. Ferris (editor), Signers of the Constitution: Historic Places Commemorating the Signing of the Constitution, published by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service: Washington, D.C. (revised edition 1976), pages 148-149:
Brearly avidly backed the Revolutionary cause. The British apprehended him for high treason, but a group of patriots freed him. IN 1776 he took part in the convention that drew up the State constitution [of New Jersey]...
Brearly's subsequent career was short, for he had only 3 years to live [after the Constitutional Convention]. He presided at the New Jersey convention that ratified the Constitution in 1788, and served as a Presidential elector in 1789. That same year, President Washington appointed him as a Federal District Judge and he served in that capacity until his death.
When free from his judicial duties, Brearly devoted much energy to lodge and church affairs. He was one of the leading members of the Masonic Order in New Jersey, as well as State vice president of the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of ex-Revolutionary War officers. In addition, he served as a delegate to the Episcopal General Conference (1786), and helped write the church's prayer book. In 1783, following the death of his first wife, he had married Elizabeth Higbee.
Brearly died in Trenton at the age of 45 in 1790. He was buried there at St. Michael's Episcopal Church.

• Scarinci, Donald. David Brearley and the making of the United States Constitution. Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Heritage Press, 2005. 365 pp., 8 pp. of plates; 28 cm.

Lutheran. (OCLC): Jacob Broom (1752-1810) of Wilmington, Del., surveyor and businessman; venture in first cotton mill in the area; active in civic affairs and government in Wilmington and served several terms in the Delaware General Assembly; Delaware delegate to the Constitutional Convention; married Rachel Pierce in 1773 and they had eight children. James M. Broom (1776-1850); son of Jacob Broom; lawyer and Delaware representative in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1805 to 1807; of Wilmington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Read about Broom here, here and here. According to Ian Dorion, Jacob Broom was identified as a Quaker by the Library of Congress, and he was later an Episcopalian according to A History of Delaware Through its Governors 1776-1984 by Roger A. Martin. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• Jacob Broom Letter. February 24, 1794.
  "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 - "...
• Broom family papers,1776-1824, 1937. Library of Congress. OCLC 74986100. Two documents (1776) relating to Jacob Broom; three letters (1812-1813, 1824) belonging to James M. Broom; and correspondence (1937) relating to the fact that a portrait of Jacob Broom does not exist.
• William W. Campbell. Life and Character of Jacob Broom. Wilmington, Del.: Historical Society of Delaware, 1909. [24] pp.; 28 cm. Note: "Read before the Historical Society of Delaware, December 21, 1908."

Episcopalian. Maryland delegate, Continental Congress 1778-1781 Confederation Congress 1781-1782, Maryland State Revenue and Financial Manager 1782-1785. Read about Jenifer here, here and here. He was identified as an Episcopalian by: the Library of Congress and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution, written by M. E. Bradford. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

Catholic. Delegate from Maryland. Carroll was one of only five men to sign both the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of the United States. Read about Carroll here, here and here. He was identified as a Catholic by: U.S. Catholic Historical Society; A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford; and the Library of Congress. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• Daniel Carroll papers, 1662-1920 (bulk 1791-1868). Library of Congress. 3,100 items. 10 containers plus 1 oversize. 8 microfilm reels. 4.4 linear feet. Abstract: Correspondence, financial and legal documents, surveys of plats, newspaper clippings, and other papers pertaining primarily to Carroll's business interests and to his real estate holdings in what later became the Capitol Hill area of Washington, D.C. Includes material on land surveying and sales in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Md.; collection of rents; Carroll's holdings in Baltimore Iron Works and Hockley Forge; the settlement of Carroll's estate by his daughters, Ann C. Carroll and Maria Carroll Fitzhugh; and Pierre Charles L'Enfant's partial wrecking of Carroll's residence, Duddington Manor, a factor in L'Enfant's break with the commissioners of Washington, D.C. Correspondents during Carroll's lifetime include Richard Brent, William Leigh Brent, Charles Carroll of Bellevue (d. 1820), Charles Carroll of Carrollton (1737-1832), Daniel Carroll of Rock Creek (1730-1796), Thomas Emory, James Greenleaf, William Alexander Hammond, Christopher Johnson, and John Merryman. Later correspondents include George F. Appleby, Ann C. Carroll, Richard H. Clarke, John Sterrett Gittings, William Alexander Gordon, William Hickey, James Birdseye McPherson, and Thos. E. Waggaman.
• Essays on the Constitution of the United States: published during its discussion by the people, 1787-1788. Whitefish, Mont.] : Kessinger Publ., 2007, 1892. viii, 424 p. ; 23 cm. Contents: The letters of "Cassius" / James Sullivan -- The letters of "Agrippa" / James Winthrop -- Replies to "A landholder" / Eldbridge Gerry -- Letters of "A landholder" / Oliver Ellsworth -- A letter to "A landholder" / William Williams -- The letters of "A countryman" -- Letters of "A citizen of New Haven" / Roger Sherman -- The letters of "Cato" / George Clinton -- The letters of "Caesar" / Alexander Hamilton -- The letters of "Sydney" / Robert Yates -- Cursory remarks on the Constitution / Hugh Henry Brackenridge -- A letter of "Caution" / Samuel Chase -- A letter of "A friend to the Constitution" / Daniel Carroll -- Letters of / Martin Luther -- A letter of "A plain dealer" / Spencer, Roane -- Remarks on the Constitution / Hugh Williamson -- A letter of "A steady and open Republican" / Charles Pinckney.

Presbyterian; Episcopalian. Delegate, Representative, and Senator from New Jersey, as the Speaker of the House to the Fourth and Fifth Congresses, and was also involved in the Aaron Burr affair from 1805 to 1807. Read about Dayton here, here and here. He was identified as a Presbyterian by the Library of Congress. A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford was cited as the source stating he was later an Episcopalian. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• Jonathan Dayton papers. 1788-1821. This collection is composed of sixty-nine items, all letters between Jonathan Dayton and other notable individuals. It is unknown if final copies of some of the materials were sent, as they appear to be drafts of letters. A few of the letters were addressed to Aaron Ogden Dayton and Elias Dayton. The materials range in date from 1788 to 1821. Included in the collection are letters of: E. Beatty, Clement Biddle, Joseph Bloomfield, William Bott, Elias Boudinot, Ethan Brown, William C.C. Claiborne, Daniel Clark, Richard Cox, William Crane, Ezra F. Dayton, Lewis Dunham, Ebenezer Elmer, Jonathan Elmer, Jonathan Forman, Joseph C. Hornblower, Richard Howell, Andrew Hunter, Andrew Kirkpatrick, J. Lillie, William Norcross, Aaron Ogden, Jonathan Rhea, Israel Shreve, Richard Stockton, Isaac Ward, I.H. Williamson.

  Other papers available at the Library of Congress.

Quaker; Episcopalian. Delegate from Delaware. Read about Dickinson here, here, and here. He was identified as a Quaker in A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford; A History of Delaware Through its Governors 1776-1984 by Roger A. Martin; and the Library of Congress. A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford was cited as the source stating he was later an Episcopalian. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).
From: Robert G. Ferris (editor), Signers of the Constitution: Historic Places Commemorating the Signing of the Constitution, published by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service: Washington, D.C. (revised edition 1976), pages 158-160:
The only "signer" who did not actually pen his name to the Constitution, because illness caused his early departure from the Convention, he [Dickinson] authorized a fellow delegate [George Read] to do so on his behalf. Nevertheless, he served on the committee on postponed matters and helped arrange the Great Compromise.
Dickinson, "Penman of the Revolution," was born in 1732 ... In 1753 Dickinson went to England to continue his studies at London's Middle Temple. Four years later, he headed back to Philadelphia and became a prominent lawyer there ... Dickinson lived for two decades more, but held no public offices. Instead, he devoted himself to writing on politics, and in 1801 published two volumes of his collected works. He died at Wilmington in 1808 at the age of 75 and was entombed in the Friends Burial Ground [a Quaker cemetery].

• By the president of the Delaware state, a proclamation. ... exhorting all persons decently and reverently to attend the worship of God on every Lord's Day ... and to their utmost contribute to the discountenancing those of dissolute and debauched behaviour ... Given under my hand and the great-seal of the state, at New-Castle, this nineteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-one. 1781. 1 sheet ([1] p.) 33 x 21 cm.
• By the President of the Delaware state. A Proclamation. ... I do therefore ... proclaim, that Thursday the twenty-eighth day of November next, be observed throughout this state as a day of solemn Thanksgiving ... Given under my hand and the great seal of the state, at New-Castle, the thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two. . [Wilmington, Del: Printed by James Adams, 1782] 1 sheet; 33 x 21 cm.
• Letters from a farmer in Pennsylvania, to the inhabitants of the British Colonies. London, MDCCLXVIII. [1768]. 124 pp.
• Paul Leicester Ford. The Writings of John Dickinson, vol. 1, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1895, p. 262.

  "Kings or parliaments could not give the rights essential to happiness, as you confess those invaded by the Stamp Act to be. We claim them from a higher source from the King of kings, and Lord of all the earth. They are not annexed to us by parchments and seals. They are created in us by the decrees of Providence, which establish the laws of our nature. They are born with us; exist with us; and cannot be taken from us by any human power, without taking our lives. In short, they are founded on the immutable maxims of reason and justice. It would be an insult on the divine Majesty to say, that he has given or allowed any man or body of men a right to make me miserable." -- p. 262.

  "Thus you prove, gentlemen, that the fatal act you allude to in these expressions, is destructive of our property, our freedom, our happiness: that it is inconsistent with reason and justice; and subversive of those sacred rights which God himself from the infinity of his benevolence has bestowed upon mankind." -- pp. 262-263.

  "My attention turns with unspeakable pleasure to those brighter prospects now opening on my country, and the approaching times, when thro the mercy of ALMIGHTY GOD, to whom be ascribed everlasting glory, the inhabitants of these colonies, animated with sentiments of the most perfect gratitude, confidence, affection, and veneration, justly heightened by the engaging clemency of our amiable sovereign, and the endearing tenderness of our mother country, shall be diligently and delightfully employed in demonstrating, that they are not unworthy of the blessings bestowed upon them." -- p. 271.

  "I am no further concerned in any thing affecting America, than any one of you; and when liberty leaves it, I can quit it much more conveniently than most of you: but while divine providence, that gave me existence in a land of freedom, permits my head to think, my lips to speak, and my hands to move, I shall so highly and gratefully value the blessing received, as to take care, that my silence and inactivity shall not give my implied assent to any act, degrading my brethren and myself from the birthright, wherewith heaven itself 'hath made us free'." -- p. 322.

  "I hope, my dear countrymen, that you will, in every colony, be upon your guard against those, who may at any time endeavour to stir you up, under pretences of patriotism, to any measures disrespectful to our Sovereign and our mother country. Hot, rash, disorderly proceedings, injure the reputation of a people, as to wisdom, valor and virtue, without procuring them the least benefit. I pray GOD, that he may be pleased to inspire you and your posterity, to the latest ages, with a spirit of which I have an idea that I find a difficulty to express. To express it in the best manner I can, I mean a spirit, that shall so guide you, that it will be impossible determine whether an American?s character is most distinguishable, for his loyalty to his Sovereign, his duty to his mother country, his love of freedom, or his affection for his native soil." --pp. 324-325.

  "Let us consider ourselves as MEN -- FREEMEN -- CHRISTIAN FREEMEN -- separate from the rest of the world, and firmly bound together by the same rights, interests and dangers." --p. 400.

  "But whatever kind of minister he is, that attempts to innovate a single iota in the privileges of these colonies, him I hope you will undauntedly oppose; and that you will never suffer yourselves to be either cheated or frightened into any unworthy obsequiousness. On such emergencies you may surely, without presumption, believe, that ALMIGHTY GOD himself will look down upon your righteous contest with gracious approbation." -- p. 405.

Methodist. Delegate from Georgia at the Constitutional Convention. Read about Few here, here, here and here. He was identified as a Methodist by: A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford; Georgia Public Library Service; and the Library of Congress. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• Address of the Republicans of the city of New-York to their Republican brethren throughout the state. Peace, liberty, and happiness. New-York: Printed by James Cheetham, 1807. 8 pp.; 22 cm. Note: "At a ... meeting of the Republicans of the city and county of New-York ... the following address, reported by the General Committee, was read, unanimously approved of, and ordered to be published."--p. [2]. Opposing the re-election of Gov. Morgan Lewis, and advocating the election of Daniel D. Tompkins for governor and John Broome for lieutenant-governor./ Caption title: Address to the electors of the state of New-York./ Signed on p. 8: William Few, chairman. Pierre C. Van Wyck, secretary. New-York, March 11, 1807.
• New York, to Edward Telfair, 1804 June 30. Autograph letter signed. Cincinnati: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Letter from William Few, a signer of the Constitution, to Edward Telfair, who served several terms as Georgia's governor. In the letter, Few condemns the importation of black slaves into Georgia as a ploy to increase the state's congressional representation. Few writes, "Is there one person of understanding & reflection among you who will not admit that every confederation of justice, humanity, and safety, forbids that any more Negroes should be brought into your state, and yet it is well known that the avarice of your citizens, and the rage for acquiring that property has broke through all legal restrictions, and in violation of law and every principle of policy and expediency they are carrying on that diabolical and injurious traffic, and hastening those evils in their nature most dreadful, which seems to demand every exertion to retard or prevent it. Trust not on your Eastern friends for aid, if you do not enforce righteous measures for your own safety; they will laugh at your calamity and seek for profit by your misfortunes. Already they begin to resist that principle in the Constitution which admits the Negroes of the Southern States to increase the number of Representatives in the Congress of the United States. A motion has been brought forward in the Legislature of Massachusetts to instruct their Members of the Senate ... to move for an amendment ... so as to apportion the number of Representatives according to the number of free men in the United States."
• [Letter] 1791 Jan. 15, Philadelphia [to] Governor Edward Telfair, Augusta. 1791. 4 pp. /leaves. This is a letter dated January 15, 1791 from William Few, a Senator from Georgia, to Governor Edward Telfair (Governor of Georgia, 1786-1787 and 1790-1793) respecting the Treaty of New York, which was signed on August 7, 1790 by representatives of the U.S. and the Creek Nation, including U.S. Secretary of War Henry Knox and Creek leader Alexander McGillivray. Few writes that the Assembly of Georgia did not approve of the Treaty of New York, which undermined the treaties that Georgia had already signed with the Creeks. He notes that most people in Georgia disapproved of the treaty as well. Few discusses the treaty only briefly and devotes the rest of his letter to a discussion of the debate over state versus federal authority.
• An Autobiography of Colonel W[illia]m Few of Georgia, to [a member] of his family in New York. 1748-1816? 27 pp. /leaves. OCLC: This undated document is the (incomplete?) autobiography of Colonel William Few of Georgia, and it is addressed to a member of his family named Frances who lives in New York. Few chronicles his life from his birth in Baltimore, Maryland in 1748, to his childhood in North Carolina and his extensive public service in Georgia, to his late adult life in New York....

A Founding Father of the United States of America. Author, printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. While he is considered to be a universalist, we include him here because he did promote Christian values. Read more about Franklin here, here, here, and in The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.

• Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin. Volume 1, McCarty & Davis, Philadelphia, 1840.

  "You will see in this my notion of good works, that I am far from expecting to merit heaven by them. By heaven we understand a state of happiness, infinite in degree, and eternal in duration: I can do nothing to deserve such rewards. He that for giving a draught of water to a thirsty person, should expect to be paid with a good plantation, would be modest in his demands, compared with those who think they deserve heaven for the little good they do on earth. Even the mixt imperfect pleasures we enjoy in this world, are rather from God's goodness than our merit: how much more such happiness of heaven!" -- p. 236.

  "I shall only add respecting myself, that having experienced the goodness of that Being in conducting me prosperously through a long life, I have no doubt of its continuance in the next, though without the smallest conceit of meriting such goodness." -- p. 623.

• Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin. Volume 2, McCarty & Davis, Philadelphia, 1834.

  "You express yourself as if you thought I was against Worshipping of God, and believed Good Works would merit Heaven; which are both Fancies of your own, I think, without Foundation. I am so far from thinking that God is not to be worshipped, that I have compos'd and wrote a whole Book of Devotions for my own Use: And I imagine there are few, if any, in the World, so weake as to imagine, that the little Good we can do here, can merit so vast a Reward hereafter. There are some Things in your New England Doctrines and Worship, which I do not agree with, but I do not therefore condemn them, or desire to shake your Belief or Practice of them. We may dislike things that are nevertheless right in themselves. I would only have you make me the same Allowances, and have a better Opinion both of Morality and your Brother. Read the Pages of Mr. Edward's late Book entitled Some Thoughts concerning the present Revival of Religion in NE. from 367 to 375; and when you judge of others, if you can perceive the Fruit to be good, don't terrify your self that the Tree may be evil, but be assur'd it is not so; for you know who has said, Men do not gather Grapes of Thorns or Figs of Thistles." -- p. 109.

  "We do not pretend to merit any thing of God, for he is above our Services; and the Benefits he confers on us, are the Effects of his Goodness and Bounty." -- p. 471.

• Labaree, Leonard W., et al. The Papers of Benjamin Franklin. Vol. 2, Yale University Press, Connecticut, 1960.

  "Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all Iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar People zealous of Good-Works. And there is scarcely a Chapter in the whole Gospels or Epistles from which this Doctrine can't be prov'd ? I would ask these reverend Gentlemen, Does God regard Man at all? The Answer I suppose will be, That he does, but that it is upon the Account of Christ's Merits; which I shall grant them, and allow it to be the Merits and Satisfaction of Christ that purchased such easy and plain Conditions of Happiness; but still it is our Compliance with these Conditions that I call inward Merit and Desert which God regards in us." -- p. 37.

  "Christ by his Death and Sufferings has purchas'd for us those easy Terms and Conditions of our Acceptance with God, propos'd in the Gospel, to wit, Faith and Repentance." -- p. 90.

• Joseph Priestley. Memoirs of Dr. Joseph Priestley to the year 1795. Volume 1 of 2. London, 1825. 499 pp. Extract.

• Henry D. Gilpin. The Papers of James Madison. Volume 3. Washington: Langtree & O'Sullivan, 1840). "We should remember the character which the Scripture requires in rulers, that they should be men hating covetousness." --p. 1284.

• With William Temple Franklin. The Posthumous and other writings of Benjamin Franklin. Volume 1 of 2. Second editon. London, H. Colburn, 1819. Published from the originals, by his grandson, William Temple Franklin. Extract.

• Two tracts: information to those who would remove to America, and remarks concerning the savages of North America. 2nd ed. London: Printed for J. Stockdale, 1784. 39 pp.; 23 cm.
  "To this may be truly added, that serious Religion, under its various denominations, is not only tolerated, but respected and practised. Atheism is unknown there; Infidelity rare and secret; so that persons my live to a great age in that country without having their piety shocked by meeting with either an Atheist or an Infidel. And the Divine Being seems to have manifested his approbation of the mutual forbearance and kindness with which the different sects treat each other, by the remarkable prosperity with which he has been pleased to favour the whole country."--p. 18.

• The Life of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, written by himself; with essays, humorous, moral and literary. Boston: I. Thomas, Jun.: J.T. Buckingham, (Boston: J.T. Buckingham), 1815. 169 pp.: port. Extracts: Preface. Franklin's epitaph. Franklin's will.
  The Body
  Of
  Benjamin Franklin, printer,
  (Like the cover of an old book
  Its contents torn out
  And stript of its lettering and gilding)
  Lies here food for worms;
  Yet the work itself shall not be lost,
  For it will (as he believed) appear once more
  In a new
  And more beautiful edition,
  Corrected and amended
  By
  The Author
  
• Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion, in Two Parts.
• Jared Sparks, editor. The Works of Benjamin Franklin: containing several political and historical tracts not included in any former edition, and many letters official. Vol. 1 of 10. Boston, 1840. Extracts: Preface. Contents. Chapter XV, which discusses Franklin's religious beliefs.
• Jared Sparks, editor. The Works of Benjamin Franklin: containing several political and historical tracts not included in any former edition, and many letters official. Vol. 2 of 10. Boston: Hilliard, Gray and Co., 1836. Extracts from "Essays on Religious and Moral Subjects and the Economy of Life," "A Comparison of the Conduct of the Ancient Jews and of the Anti-federalists in the United States of America," "Queries and Remarks Respecting Alterations in the Constitution of Pennsylvania."
• Jared Sparks, editor. The Works of Benjamin Franklin: containing several political and historical tracts not included in any former edition, and many letters official. Vol. 5 of 10. Boston, 1837. Extracts: "Motion for Prayers in the Convention," "Speech in the Convention."
• Jared Sparks, editor. The Works of Benjamin Franklin: containing several political and historical tracts not included in any former edition, and many letters official. Vol. 7 of 10. Boston, Hillard Gray, 1838. Extracts.

  Letter to Mrs. Jane Mecom:
  "I am so far from thinking that God is not to be worshipped, that I have composed and wrote a whole book of devotions for my own use; and I imagine there are few if any in the world so weak as to imagine, that the little good we can do here can merit so vast a reward hereafter."

  Letter to George Whitefield, June 6, 1753:
  "Even the mixed, imperfect pleasures we enjoy in this world, are rather from God's goodness than our merit; how much more such happiness of heaven! For my part I have not the vanity to think I deserve it, the folly to expect it, nor the ambition to desire it; but content myself in submitting to the will and disposal of that God who made me, who has hitherto preserved and blessed me, and in whose fatherly goodness I may well confide, that he will never make me miserable; and that even the afflictions I may at any time suffer shall tend to my benefit."

  ... "The worship of God is a duty; the hearing and reading of Sermons may be useful; but, if men rest in hearing and praying, as too many do, it is as if a tree should value itself on being watered and putting forth leaves, though it never produced any fruit."

  Letter to George Whitefield, June 19, 1764:
  "That Being, who gave me existence, and through almost threescore years has been continually showing his favors upon me, whose very chastisements have been blessings to me; can I doubt that he loves me? And, if he loves me, can I doubt that he will go on to take care of me, not only here but hereafter?

  Letter to Sarah Franklin, November 8, 1764:
  "Go constantly to church, whoever preaches. The act of devotion in the Common Prayer Book is your principal business there, and if properly attended to, will do more towards amending the heart than Sermons generally can do. For they were composed by men of much greater piety and wisdom, than our common composers of Sermons can pretend to be; and therefore I wish you would never miss the prayer days; yet I do not mean you should despise Sermons, even of the preachers you dislike, for the discourse is often much better than the man, as sweet and clear waters come through very dirty earth."

• Jared Sparks, editor. The Works of Benjamin Franklin: containing several political and historical tracts not included in any former edition, and many letters official. Vol. 10 of 10. . Boston, 1836-1840. 558 pp. Extract, pp. 281-282.

  Letter to Thomas Paine:

  DEAR SIR,

  I have read your manuscript with some attention. By the argument it contains against a particular Providence, though you allow a general Providence, you strike at the foundations of all religion. For without the belief of a Providence, that takes cognizance of, guards, and guides, and may favor particular persons, there is no motive to worship a Deity, to fear his displeasure, or to pray for his protection. I will not enter into any discussion of your principles, though you seem to desire it. At present I shall only give you my opinion, that, though your reasonings are subtile and may prevail with some readers, you will not succeed so as to change the general sentiments of mankind on that subject, and the consequence of printing this piece will be, a great deal of odium drawn upon yourself, mischief to you, and no benefit to others. He that spits against the wind, spits in his own face.

  But, were you to succeed, do you imagine any good would be done by it? You yourself may find it easy to live a virtuous life, without the assistance afforded by religion; you having a clear perception of the advantages of virtue, and the disadvantages of vice, and possessing a strength of resolution sufficient to enable you to resist common temptations. But think how great a portion of mankind consists of weak and ignorant men and women, and of inexperienced, inconsiderate youth of both sexes, who have need of the motives of religion to restrain them from vice, to support their virtue, and retain them in the practice of it till it becomes habitual, which is the great point for its security. And perhaps you are indebted to her originally, that is, to your religious education, for the habits of virtue upon which you now justly value yourself. You might easily display your excellent talents of reasoning upon a less hazardous subject, and thereby obtain a rank with our most distinguished authors. For among us it is not necessary, as among the Hottentots, that a youth, to be raised into the company of men, should prove his manhood by beating his mother.

  I would advise you, therefore, not to attempt unchaining the tiger, but to burn this piece before it is seen by any other person; whereby you will save yourself a great deal of mortification by the enemies it may raise against you, and perhaps a good deal of regret and repentance. If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be if without it. I intend this letter itself as a proof of my friendship, and therefore add no professions to it; but subscribe simply yours,

  B. Franklin

• David Barton. Benjamin Franklin's Letter to Thomas Paine.
• With William Temple Franklin. The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, in philosophy, politics, and morals: containing, beside all the writings published in former collections, his diplomatic correspondence, as minister of the United States, at the court of Versailles, a variety of articles, and epistolary correspondence, never before published: with memoirs and anecdotes of his life. Vol. 6 of 6. Philadelphia: William Duane, 1809. ill., map; 22 cm. Extracts.

Congregationalist. Soldier in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, a delegate to the Continental Congress, and a signer of the U.S. Constitution, representing New Hampshire. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives during the first four Congresses, and served in the U.S. Senate from 1804 until his death in 1814. Read about Gilman here, here and here. He was identified as a Congregationalist by: the Library of Congress and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution, written by M. E. Bradford. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

Congregationalist. Delegate from Massachusetts. Read about Gorham here, here here and here.He was identified as a Congregationalist by the Library of Congress and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution, written by M. E. Bradford. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• Thacher, Peter. A Sermon, preached at Charlestown, June 19, 1796, and occasioned by the sudden death of the Honourable Nathaniel Gorham, Esquire, aet. 59.. By Peter Thacher, D.D. Minister of a church in Boston. [Boston], MDCCXCVI. [1796].

Congregationalist. American statesman and economist. Delegate from Massachusetts. Read about Hamilton here, here, and here. He was identified as a Congregationalist by the Library of Congress and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution, written by M. E. Bradford. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• John Church Hamilton. History of the Republic of the United States of America, as Traced in the Writings of Alexander Hamilton and of his Contemporaries.
  
  • Volume 1 of 7. D. Appleton & Company, 1857.
  • Volume 2 of 7. D. Appleton & Company, 1879.
  • Volume 3 of 7. D. Appleton & Company, 1859.
  • Volume 4 of 7. Houghton, Osgood and Co., 1879.
  • Volume 5 of 7. D. Appleton & company, 1879.
  • Volume 6 of 7. D. Appleton & Company, 1860.
  • Volume 7 of 7. 2nd edition. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1864.

    Hamilton's Christian faith discussed in History of the Republic of the United States of America, as Traced in the Writings of Alexander Hamilton and of his Contemporaries. 2nd edition, vol. 7 Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1864, p. 790.
    His religious feelings grew with his growing intimacy with the marvellous works of nature, all pointing in their processes and their results to a great pervading, ever active Cause. Thus his mind rose from the visible to the invisible; and he found intensest pleasure in studies higher and deeper than all speculation. His Bible exhibits on its margin the care with which he perused it. Among his autographs is an abstract of the Apocalypse--and notes in his hand were seen on the margin of "Paley's Evidences." With these readings he now united the habit of daily prayer, in which exercise of faith and love, the Lord's prayer was always a part. The renewing influences of early pious instruction and habit appear to have returned in all their force on his truest sensibilities, quickened by the infidelity shown in the action of the political world, and in the opinions and theories he had opposed, as subversive of social order. "War," he remarked, on one occasion, "by the influence of the humane principles of Christianity had been stripped of half its horrors. The French renounce Christianity, and they relapse into barbarism. War resumes the same hideous form which it wore in the ages of Gothic and Roman violence." It was the tendency to infidelity he saw so rife that led him often to declare in the social circle his estimate of Christian truth.
    "I have examined carefully," he said to a friend from his boyhood, "the evidence of the Christian religion; and, if I was sitting as a juror upon its authenticity, I should unhesitatingly give my verdict in its favor."* To another person, he observed, "I have studied it, and I can prove its truth as clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the mind of man."
    * Reminiscences of General Morton. (Presumably Jacob Morton, 1761-1836) Authenticity of these quotes examined here.

• The War in Europe - Alexander Hamilton. From The Works of Alexander Hamilton ed. Henry Cabot Lodge. (Federal Edition) New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1904. Vol. 6 of 12 [1799]. "War, by the influence of the humane principles of that religion [Christianity], had been stripped of half its horrors. The French renounce Christianity, and they relapse into barbarism;--War resumes the same hideous form which it wore in the ages of Gothic and Roman violence."
• John Torrey Morse. The Life of Alexander Hamilton. Boston, 1876. Volume 1 of 2. 433 pp. Volume 2 of 2. 387 pp. "I have studied it, and I can prove its truth as clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the mind of man." Volume 2, p. 370.
• Alexander Hamilton, Patriot. "The most extensive documentation of Hamilton's religious beliefs and principles on the Internet."

Presbyterian. Delegate from Pennsylvania. Read about Ingersoll here, here, here and here. He was identified as a Presbyterian by: the Library of Congress and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution, written by M. E. Bradford. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• Lawrence Henry Gipson. Jared Ingersoll: A Study of American loyalism in relation to British colonial government. Volume 8 of Yale historical publications: Miscellany. Yale University Press, 1920. 432 pp.

Episcopalian; Congregationalist. Delegate from Massachusetts. Read about King here, here, here, here and here. He was identified as an Episcopalian by A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution, by M. E. Bradford. The Library of Congress was cited as the source stating he was later a Congregationalist. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997). From: Robert G. Ferris (editor), Signers of the Constitution: Historic Places Commemorating the Signing of the Constitution, published by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service: Washington, D.C. (revised edition 1976), page 182: ...at the age of 72, in 1827, he died ... He was laid to rest near King Manor in the cemetery of Grace Episcopal Church, Jamaica, Long Island, N.Y.

• The Life and Correspondence of Rufus King comprising his letters, private and official, his public documents, and his speeches. New York: G.P. Putnam, 1894-1900. 6 vol.: ports.; 24 cm. Volume 1 of 6. -- v. 1. 1755-1794. Volume 2 of 6. -- v. 2. 1795-1799. Volume 3 of 6. -- v. 3. 1799-1801. Volume 4 of 6. -- v. 4. 1801-1806. Volume 5 of 6. -- v. 5. 1807-1816. Volume 6 of 6. -- v. 6. 1816-1827.

Congregationalist. Delegate from New Hampshire. Read about Langdon here, here, here, here and here. He was identified as an Congregationalist by: the Library of Congress and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution, written by M. E. Bradford. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• New Hampshire. President (1785-1786: Langdon). By His Excellency John Langdon, Esquire, President of the state of New-Hampshire: a Proclamation for a general Thanksgiving. ... Thursday the 24th day of November, next, to be observed and kept as a day of general Thanksgiving ... Given at the Council-chamber in Concord, this twenty-first day of October ... one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five. Portsmouth [N.H.]: Printed by Melcher and Osborne, 1785. 1 sheet; 41 x 33 cm.
• New Hampshire. President (1785-1786: Langdon). A Proclamation for a general thanksgiving, Thursday the 24th day of November, next, to be observed and kept as a day of general thanksgiving, Given at the Council-chamber in Concord, this twenty-first day of October, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five. By His Excellency John Langdon, Esquire, President of the state of New-Hampshire. Portsmouth [N.H.]: Printed by Melcher and Osborne, 1785. 1 sheet; 41 x 33 cm.
• A Proclamation for a day of public fasting throughout the state. Thursday the sixth day of April next, to be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer, Given at the Council-chamber in Portsmouth, this twenty-first day of February, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six. By His Excellency John Langdon, Esq. president of the state of New-Hampshire. Portsmouth [N.H.] : Printed by R. Gerrish, 1786. 1 sheet; 39 x 31 cm.
• A Proclamation for a general thanksgiving. ... Thursday the twenty-seventh day of November next, to be observed as a day of public thanksgiving, Given at the Council-chamber at Portsmouth, the tenth day of October, anno Domini, one thousand, seven hundred and eighty eight . By His Excellency John Langdon, Esquire, captain-general and commander in chief in and over the state of New-Hampshire. [Portsmouth, N.H.: s.n., [1788]. 1 sheet ([1] p.); 39 x 32 cm
• New Hampshire. Governor (1805-1809: Langdon) By the Governor, a Proclamation. New Hampshire, 1805. 1 broadside. John Langdon - 10/10/1805 Proclamation - Thanksgiving Day - 1805, New Hampshire. This is the text of a Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer issued by John Langdon, a signer of the United States Constitution, while he was serving as governor of New Hampshire. This proclamation was issued on October 10, 1805 and the day of Thanksgiving was to be November 28, 1805.

  New Hampshire. President (1786: Langdon) A Proclamation for a day of public fasting throughout the state. Thursday the sixth day of April next, to be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer, Given at the Council-chamber in Portsmouth, this twenty-first day of February, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six. By His Excellency John Langdon, Esq. president of the state of New-Hampshire. Portsmouth [N.H.]: Printed by R. Gerrish, 1786. 1 sheet; 39 x 31 cm. Also here.
  VAIN is the acknowledgement of a supreme Ruler of the Universe, unless such acknowledgements influence our practice, and call forth those expressions of homage and adoration that are due to his character and providential government, agreeably to the light of nature, enforced by revelation, and countenanced by the practice of civilized nations, in humble and fervent application to the throne of grace for needed mercies, and gratitude for favours received.
  It having been the laudable practice of this State, at the opening of the Spring, to set apart a day for such reasonable service, and the General-Court having appointed THURSDAY the sixth day of April next, to be observed as a Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer, throughout this State:
  I do therefore issue this PROCLAMATION, and recommend to Ministers and People of every denomination, to assemble together on said day, in their respective places of public worship; that the citizens of this State, may, with one heart and voice, penitently confess their manifold sins and transgressions, and fervently implore the divine benediction, that a true spirit of repentance and humiliation may be poured out upon {Omitted text, 2w} degrees of {Omitted text, 1w} and a compleat and universal reformation take discretion to extricate us from succeeding embarrassments, build up, support and establish this rising Empire; particularly, that he would be pleased to bless the great Council of the United-States of America, and direct their deliberations to the wisest and best determinations, succeed our embassies at foreign Courts, bless our Allies, and national Benefactors: that he would always be pleased to keep this State under his most holy protection: that all the legislative, executive and judicial departments, may be guided and supported by wisdom, integrity and firmness: that all the people through this State, and through the land, may be animated by a true estimation of their privileges, and taught to secure, by their patriotism and virtue, what they have acquired by their valour: that a spirit of emulation, industry, oeconomy and frugality, may be diffused abroad, and that we may all be disposed to lead quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness and honesty: that he would be graciously pleased to bless us in the seasons of the year, and cause the earth to yield her increase, prosper our husbandry, merchandize, navigation and fishery, and all the labour of our hands, and give us to hear the voice of health in our habitations, and enjoy plenty in our borders: that unanimity, peace and harmony, may be promoted and continue, and a spirit of universal philanthropy pervade the land: that he would be pleased to smile upon the means of education, and bless every institution of useful knowledge; and above all, that he would rain down righteousness upon the earth, revive religion, and spread abroad the knowledge of the true GOD, the Saviour of man, throughout the world.
  And all servile labour and recreations are forbidden on said day. GIVEN at the Council-Chamber in Portsmouth, this twenty-first day of February, in the year of our LORD, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, and in the tenth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.

• New Hampshire. Governor (1805-1809: Langdon) State of New-Hampshire. By the Governor. A Proclamation for a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer. 1 sheet; 33 x 41 cm.[Proclamation. 1808 Feb. 16]
  PRAYER is the reasonable duty, and one of the most valuable privileges of dependent creatures; and as Man is Formed for society, his religious duties become the more delightful when he sees others associated with him in acts of devotion. Our Fathers found in this the best refuge in times of danger and distress, and the surest means to obtain divine protection and aid. In seasons of adversity it is unquestionably a privilege to supplicate the favor of God, when he has assured us that he will be enquired of, for the bestowment of temporal as well as spiritual blessings; and when we consider that we are but too prone to forget our Heavenly Benefactor in the multitude of his benefits, it is no less salutary that we should in times of prosperity humble ourselves before the Lord, that a sense of our dependence on his Providence may be maintained and cherished in our minds.--If humiliation and prayer be the duty and the privilege of individuals, it can be no less the duty of communities to unite in these acts of religious worship: for all the members of a community have a common interest in its prosperity and happiness.
  For these reasons and in compliance with the constant and useful custom of our forefathers, I do by and with the advice of the Council, Appoint Thursday the seventh day of April next, to be observed as a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer, throughout this state, and I do earnestly recommend to all religious societies of every denomination, that for this purpose they assemble together on that day at their usual places of public worship.--Let us humble ourselves before the Lord under a sense of our numerous transgressions and past offences, and particularly that while we have been favored with the best advantages for improvement and happiness, having that gospel which bringeth Salvation, we have not prized it more highly, or more carefully exemplified its precepts in our lives; and that while he has bestowed in such abundance the fruits of his providence upon us we have ungratefully abused his favours. Let us supplicate his pardoning mercy that for the sake of the great Redeemer he would graciously be pleased to grant us the remission of our sins, and dispose and enable us by the influence of his spirit to live holy and obedient lives; so that iniquity prove not our ruin. That he would put an end to those errors, which tend to the prostration of good morals, and social order, and correct those habitual vices, which are incompatible with individual and public happiness. That he would avert those public calamities that threaten our land, and cause that our National peace, honour, union and tranquility may be perpetuated, and our rights and privileges extended entire to future generations. Let us unitedly implore his blessing on the Government and People of the United States, that the President may be endued with divine direction and support, his life and health preserved, and that the administration of the General Government may be prospered. That he would especially have this State in his holy keeping, endue those who administer its government with the wisdom which is from above; and protect and prosper the People in their lawful employments; their agriculture, commerce, manufactures and fisheries; and cause that the blessing of health may be enjoyed throughout our land. That he would bless all institutions of Learning, that the the youth may be furnished with those treasures of science, and be trained up in those habits of piety, industry and good order, as will fit them for usefulness in their day and generation. Above all, that the glorious gospel of the Saviour, may be extended into all parts of the world, and be attended with its benign and saving effects; and that its Ministers may be aided and abundantly blessed in their labours. And it is earnestly recommended that all Persons do abstain from such labor and recreation, as would be inconsistent with the design of this public solemnity.
  Given under my hand at the Council-Chamber in Portsmouth, this sixteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eight ... John Langdon ... [Portsmouth, 1808].

Presbyterian. Governor of New Jersey during the American Revolution. Read more about Livingston here, here, here, here and here. He was identified as an Presbyterian by: the Library of Congress and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution, written by M. E. Bradford. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• Some serious thoughts on the design of erecting a college in the province of New-York: Shewing the eminent advantages of a liberal education, more especially with regard to religion and politicks. Humbly offered to the publick, for the encouragement of so useful an undertaking. / By Hippocrates Mithridate. Apoth.; [Three lines of quotations] New-York: Printed by John Zenger, MDCCXLIX. [1749]. [5], 9 pp.
• A Letter to the Right Reverend Father in God, John, Lord Bishop of Landaff; occasioned by some passages in His Lordship's Sermon, on the 20th of February, 1767, in which the American colonies are loaded with great and undeserved reproach. / By William Livingston. New-York: Printed for the author; and to be sold by Garrat Noel, near the coffee-house, MDCCLXVIII. [1768]. [4], 25, [1] pp.; 20 cm. (8vo)
• The Independent Reflector: or, Weekly essays on sundry important subjects: More particularly adapted to the province of New-York. New-York: Printed (until tyrannically suppressed), in MDCCLIII [i.e., 1754] [4], 31, [1] pp.; 29 cm. (fol.)
• New Jersey. Governor. (1746-1757: Belcher). "November Thanksgiving Thursday": Origins of Fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day (includes Governor Jonathan Belcher's Proclamation for Day of Thanksgiving (1749)).

• New Jersey. Governor (1776-1790: Livingston). By His Excellency William Livingston, Esq. ... a Proclamation. to appoint the said second Thursday of December next, to be set apart and observed as a day of Publick Thanksgiving in this state ... Given under my hand and seal at arms at Trenton, the eleventh day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, and of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America the eighth. Trenton: Printed by Isaac Collins, printer to the state, [1783]. 1 sheet.

• New Jersey. Governor (1776-1790: Livingston). By His Excellency William Livingston, Esquire ... Proclamation. ... to recommend the said twenty-sixth day of November next, to be set apart and observed as a day of Publick Thanksgiving and prayer ... Given under my hand and seal at arms, in Perth-Amboy, the twenty-eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine. Trenton: Printed by Isaac Collins, [1789]. 1 sheet.

Episcopalian. Delegate from Virginia. Fourth President of the United States. Rector of the University of Virginia at Charlottesville. Read more about Madison here, here and here. James Madison attended St. John's Episcopal Church while he was President. Some sources classify Madison was a deist.
He was identified as an Episcopalian by the 1995 Information Please Almanac; A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford; and the Library of Congress. Memoirs & Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson, IV, page 512 was cited as the source stating explicitly that Madison was a "theist." (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• David Barton. James Madison and Religion in Public.
• A Memorial and Remonstrance, presented to the General Assembly of the State of Virginia, at their session in 1785.
• "Concerning the Difficulties of the Convention in Devising a Proper Form of Government From the Daily Advertiser." Friday, January 11, 1788. From The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, p. 278.
  "Would it be wonderful if, under the pressure of all these difficulties, the convention should have been forced into some deviations from that artificial structure and regular symmetry which an abstract view of the subject might lead an ingenious theorist to bestow on a Constitution planned in his closet or in his imagination? The real wonder is that so many difficulties should have been surmounted, and surmounted with a unanimity almost as unprecedented as it must have been unexpected. It is impossible for any man of candor to reflect on this circumstance without partaking of the astonishment. It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution."
• Religious Freedom: A Remonstance and Memorial. Boston: Printed and sold by Lincoln and Edmands, 1819. 11 pp.
• Richard Peters, Counsellor at Law, editor. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845, Arranged in Chronological Order, withan Index to the Contents of Each Volume, and a Full General Index to the Whole Work, in the Concluding Volume. Volume 2 Extract. Twelfth Congress. Session I. June 17, 1812. Resolution requesting the President of the United States to Recommend a Day of Public Humiliation and Prayer. Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown, 1845, p. 786.
  "It being a duty peculiarly incumbent in a time of public calamity and war, humbly and devoutly to acknowledge our dependence on Almighty God, and to implore his aid and protection:
  Therefore,
  Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That a joint committee of both Houses wait on the President of the United States, and request that he recommend a day of public humiliation and prayer to be observed by the people of the United States, with religious solemnity, and the offering of fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, his blessing on their arms, and the speedy restoration of peace."
• First Inaugural Address, Saturday, March 4, 1809.
  "... But the source to which I look or the aids which alone can supply my deficiencies is in the well-tried intelligence and virtue of my fellow-citizens, and in the counsels of those representing them in the other departments associated in the care of the national interests. In these my confidence will under every difficulty be best placed, next to that which we have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising Republic, and to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the future."
• Journal of the Senate of the United States of America, 1789-1873; TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1812.
• Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States, 1811-1813; TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1812.
• Resolution and Proclamation for a Day of Public Humiliation and Prayer. Introduction by David Barton, who reports, "During the War of 1812, the House and Senate passed a resolution requesting that the President recommend a day of national public humiliation and prayer, which President James Madison did by proclamation on July 9, 1812."
• Message from the President of the United States, transmitting certain documents, being a continuation of those heretofore communicated to Congress, on the subject of our affairs with Great Britain.. Washington: Printed by Roger C. Weightman, 1812. 12 pp.; 21 cm.
• Proclamation, July 9th, 1812. Alternate source: James D. Richardson, editor. A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents. Volume 1 of 11. Part 4: James Madison, March 4, 1809 to March 4, 1817. Project Gutenberg. [From Annals of Congress, Twelfth Congress, part 2, p. 2224.]
  BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
  A PROCLAMATION.
  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.
  [SEAL.]
  Given at Washington, the 9th day of July, A.D. 1812.
  JAMES MADISON.
  
• Second Inaugural Address, Thursday, March 4, 1813.
  "ABOUT to add the solemnity of an oath to the obligations imposed by a second call to the station in which my country heretofore placed me, I find in the presence of this respectable assembly an opportunity of publicly repeating my profound sense of so distinguished a confidence and of the responsibility united with it. The impressions on me are strengthened by such an evidence that my faithful endeavors to discharge my arduous duties have been favorably estimated, and by a consideration of the momentous period at which the trust has been renewed. From the weight and magnitude now belonging to it I should be compelled to shrink if I had less reliance on the support of an enlightened and generous people, and felt less deeply a conviction that the war with a powerful nation, which forms so prominent a feature in our situation, is stamped with that justice which invites the smiles of Heaven on the means of conducting it to a successful termination."
• Proclamation, November 16, 1814. Alternate source: James D. Richardson, editor. A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents. Volume 1 of 11. Part 4: James Madison, March 4, 1809 to March 4, 1817. Project Gutenberg.
  BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
  A PROCLAMATION.
  The two Houses of the National Legislature having by a joint resolution expressed their desire that in the present time of public calamity and war a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States as a day of public humiliation and fasting and of prayer to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessing on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace, I have deemed it proper by this proclamation to recommend that Thursday, the 12th of January next, be set apart as a day on which all may have an opportunity of voluntarily offering at the same time in their respective religious assemblies their humble adoration to the Great Sovereign of the Universe, of confessing their sins and transgressions, and of strengthening their vows of repentance and amendment. They will be invited by the same solemn occasion to call to mind the distinguished favors conferred on the American people in the general health which has been enjoyed, in the abundant fruits of the season, in the progress of the arts instrumental to their comfort, their prosperity, and their security, and in the victories which have so powerfully contributed to the defense and protection of our country, a devout thankfulness for all which ought to be mingled with their supplications to the Beneficent Parent of the Human Race that He would be graciously pleased to pardon all their offenses against Him; to support and animate them in the discharge of their respective duties; to continue to them the precious advantages flowing from political institutions so auspicious to their safety against dangers from abroad, to their tranquillity at home, and to their liberties, civil and religious; and that He would in a special manner preside over the nation in its public councils and constituted authorities, giving wisdom to its measures and success to its arms in maintaining its rights and in overcoming all hostile designs and attempts against it; and, finally, that by inspiring the enemy with dispositions favorable to a just and reasonable peace its blessings may be speedily and happily restored.
  [SEAL.]
  Given at the city of Washington, the 16th day of November, 1814, and of the Independence of the United States the thirty-eighth.
  JAMES MADISON.
  
• Message from the President of the United States, to both Houses of Congress at the commencement of the second session of the Twelfth Congress. Washington City: Printed by Roger C. Weightman, 1812. 88 pp.
• Proclamation, March 4, 1815. Alternate source: James D. Richardson, editor. A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents. Volume 1 of 11. Part 4: James Madison, March 4, 1809 to March 4, 1817. Project Gutenberg.
  BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
  A PROCLAMATION.
  The Senate and House of Representatives of the United States have by a joint resolution signified their desire that a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity as a day of thanksgiving and of devout acknowledgments to Almighty God for His great goodness manifested in restoring to them the blessing of peace.
  No people ought to feel greater obligations to celebrate the goodness of the Great Disposer of Events and of the Destiny of Nations than the people of the United States. His kind providence originally conducted them to one of the best portions of the dwelling place allotted for the great family of the human race. He protected and cherished them under all the difficulties and trials to which they were exposed in their early days. Under His fostering care their habits, their sentiments, and their pursuits prepared them for a transition in due time to a state of independence and self-government. In the arduous struggle by which it was attained they were distinguished by multiplied tokens of His benign interposition. During the interval which succeeded He reared them into the strength and endowed them with the resources which have enabled them to assert their national rights and to enhance their national character in another arduous conflict, which is now so happily terminated by a peace and reconciliation with those who have been our enemies. And to the same Divine Author of Every Good and Perfect Gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.
  It is for blessings such as these, and more especially for the restoration of the blessing of peace, that I now recommend that the second Thursday in April next be set apart as a day on which the people of every religious denomination may in their solemn assemblies unite their hearts and their voices in a freewill offering to their Heavenly Benefactor of their homage of thanksgiving and of their songs of praise.
  [SEAL.]
  Given at the city of Washington on the 4th day of March, A.D. 1815, and of the Independence of the United States the thirty-ninth.
  JAMES MADISON.
  
• Journal of the Senate of the United States of America, being the Second Session of the Twelfth Congress, begun and held in the City of Washington, November 2d, 1812, and in the thirty-seventh year of the sovereignty of the said United States. Washington City: Printed by Roger C. Weightman, 1812 [1813]. Extracts. See page 188: "The President of the United States, on the 2d instant, approved and signed "An act for the relief of the Bible Society of Philadelphia."

Presbyterian. Delegate from Maryland. Read about McHenry here, here, here, here and here. He was identified as a Presbyterian by: the Library of Congress and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution, written by M. E. Bradford. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• Papers of Dr. James McHenry on the Federal Convention of 1787. Philadelphia. May 14, 1787.
• Bernard Christian Steiner. The Life and correspondence of James McHenry: Secretary of War under Washington and Adams. The Burrows Brothers Company, 1907. 640 pp.
• Historical relics of George Washington inherited and collected by Mr. William Lanier Washington: original letters and documents, by George Mason and others on the formation of the Constitution, original unpublished diary of James McHenry, member of the Constitutional convention, and a miniature of Washington, painted by Birch, to be sold Thursday evening, April 19, 1917. New York: Anderson Galleries, 1917. (90 pp.): ill., plates, ports., facsims.

Quaker; Lutheran. Delegate from Pennsylvania. Read about Mifflin here, here and here.

• State of Pennsylvania, an act to explain and amend an act, entitled, "An act for the gradual abolition of slavery." Philadelphia: Printed by T. Bradford., 1788.
• To the Freemen of Pennsylvania. , the proposed extension of the excise law in this province, has for some days been the subject of conversation in almost every company ... Philadelphia: s.n., 1772. 1 p.
• The following extracts from the votes and proceedings of the American Continental Congress, we are induced to publish thus early purely to ease the impatience of our readers. Association, &c. ... . Also here. 8 pp.
• Pennsylvania, ss. By Thomas Mifflin, governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A proclamation, appointing a day of general humiliation, thanksgiving & prayer. Given ... at Philadelphia, this fourteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety three ... Philadelphia : Printed by E. Oswald, no. 156, Market-Street, south, between Fourth & Fifth-Streets., 1793. 1 p.
• By the United States in Congress assembled, a proclamation. Whereas definitive articles of peace and friendship, between the United States of America and His Britannic Majesty, were concluded and signed at Paris ... we have thought proper by these presents, to notify the premises to all the good citizens of these United States ... Given under the seal of the United States, witness His Excellency Thomas Mifflin, our president, at Annapolis, this fourteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four ... January 14, 1784.
• Sir, In the present state of our national affairs, relatively to the belligerent powers of Europe, I think it my duty to call the attention of the officers of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to the prospect of such events, as cannot fail to interest the patriotism of every good citizen ... Philadelphia: s.n., 1794. 4 pp.
• Smith, William, 1727-1803. A Funeral Address, Delivered in the German Lutheran Church, Lancaster; at the public interment of Major-General Mifflin, January 22, 1800. By William Smith, D.D . 19, [1] pp. 17 cm. (12mo)

Presbyterian. Served as secretary to New Jersey's Provincial Congress before being named Attorney General in 1776, a position to which he served until 1783. Between 1780 and 1781 he served as a member of the Continental Congress. He was elected to the U.S. Senate from 1789-1790 and then became Governor of New Jersey until 1793. In 1793 he was appointed Justice of the United States Supreme Court until his death in 1806. Read more about Paterson here and here. He was identified as a Protestant by the 1995 Information Please Almanac. The Library of Congress and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford were cited as the sources stating he was a Presbyterian. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• New Jersey. Governor (1790-1793: Paterson). Proclamation - Thanksgiving Day - 1791, New Jersey. This is the text of the November 21, 1791 William Paterson Thanksgiving Day proclamation, as he served as governor of New Jersey; as printed in the Gazette of the United States, November 26, 1791.
• New Jersey. Laws of the state of New Jersey, revised and published under the authority of the Legislature, by William Paterson. New Brunswick [N.J.], M,DCC. [1800].
• Extract from The United States Oracle of the day, May 24, 1800. Found in Vol. 10, no. 12 (Jan. 4, 1800)-v. 11, no. 53 (Oct. 10, 1801) Portsmouth, N.H.: C. Peirce, 1800-1801. Continues: Oracle of the day. Continued by: United States oracle and Portsmouth advertiser. Supreme Court Justice William Paterson reminds his fellow justices of Proverbs 29:2: "When the righteous rule, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
• An Oration, delivered February 22d, 1815, before the New-Jersey Washington Benevolent Society, in the city of New-Brunswick. New-Brunswick [N.J.], 1815. 19 pp.

Congregationalist; Presbyterian. Signer of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Hampshire. Read about Thornton here, here, here, here, here, here and here. He was identified as a Presbyterian by the Presbyterian Historical Society and the Presbyterian Church, USA. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).
From: B. J. Lossing, Signers of the Declaration of Independence, George F. Cooledge & Brother: New York (1848) [reprinted in Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, WallBuilder Press: Aledo, Texas (1995)], page 21: Dr. Thornton was greatly beloved by all who knew him, and to the close of his long life he was a consistent and zealous Christian. He always enjoyed remarkably good health, and by the practice of those hygeian virtues, temperance and cheerfulness, he attained a patriarchal age.

• In Provincial Congress, Exeter, June 2, 1775. To the inhabitants of the colony of New-Hampshire. Friends and brethren, You must all be sensible that the affairs of America have at length come to a very affecting and alarming cricis [sic]. ... We would therefore recommend to the colony at large, to cultivate that Christian union, harmony and tender affection, which is the only foundation upon which our valuable privileges can rest. [Exeter, N.H.?: Printed by Robert Fowle, 1775. Broadside [1] p.; 36 x 25 cm.
• New Hampshire. Provincial Congress. In Provincial Congress, Exeter, June 6, 1775: Whereas it has pleased the righteous Governor of the World to permit evil men, on both sides of the Atlantick, to ripen their plots against the liberties of America into violence ... Resolved ... that Thursday the twenty-second day of this instant, be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer. [Exeter, N.H.: Printed by Robert Luist Fowle, 1775]. 1 sheet; 38 x 26 cm.

• New Hampshire. Provincial Congress. In Congress, Exeter Nov. 4, 1775. A Proclamation for a Publick Thanksgiving. ... Thursday the 30th of this instant November, be observed and kept as a day of Publick Thanksgiving throughout the colony. [Exeter, N.H: Printed by Robert Luist Fowle, 1775]. 1 sheet; 30 x 19 cm.

Episcopalian. Delegate from Virginia. President of the Constitutional Convention. First President of the United States. Read more about Washington here and here. George Washington was identified as an Episcopalian by the 1995 Information Please Almanac; the Library of Congress; and A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford. Memoirs & Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson, IV, page 512 was cited as the source stating that Washington was a "theist." (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• W. R. Miller, compiler. George Washington: His Christian Faith in His Own Words. 162 pp. Word document. Primary source documentation of his attendence at church and service as a Christian. Washington's writings include his recommendations for chaplains to serve in the army, his promotion of Christianity through Thanksgiving proclamations and General Orders to his troops and in other public addresses. This essay includes testimony from his daughter, Eleanor (Nelly) Parke Custis Lewis (1779-1852) regarding Washington's religious beliefs.
• W. R. Miller, compiler. George Washington: Advocate of Prayer and Worship, in His Own Words. 58 pp. Word document. Companion piece to the above compilation, these records come from Washington's diaries, general orders as Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and proclamations as President of the United States. This documents his personal prayer life, and his recommendations of prayer to God for his troops, and for the American nation.
• Christian Answers.netWas George Washington a Christian?
• David Barton. Was George Washington a Christian?
• David Barton. Did George Washington Actually Say 'So Help Me God' During His Inauguration?. Posted December 2011.
• William Jackson Johnstone. George Washington, the Christian. Published by The Abingdon Press, 1919. 299 pp. Original from the New York Public Library.
• Clinton Locke. George Washington's Faith. Chicago Tribune, June 24, 1889, p. 6, Column F.
• D. C. Garrett. George Washington: He Was a Christian and a Communicant. Morning Oregonian (Portland, OR), Issue 11,602. Thursday, February 17, 1898; pg. 7, Column A. Corrections: Garrett refers to Sewall of New Hampshire as "Newhall" and Dr. Berrian as "Dr. Berlen."
• Washington's Religion: A Rejoinder from Dr. Garrett, of Trinity (Letter to the editor). Morning Oregonian (Portland, OR), Issue 11,615. Friday, March 04, 1898; pg. 6, Column F.
• Bring on the Prayerbook. Arguments from W. A. Cruffet, Rebecca S. Price and Wm. F. Carne regarding Washington's Christianity. Washington Post, July 20, 1903, p. 10.
• The Colonial Vestry Book of Truro Parish.
  • Augustine Washington (father of George Washington) sworn in as vestryman (1735). Page 11.
  • Augustine Washington nominates Charles Green as Truro Parish's first Rector (1736). Page 12.
  • George Washington elected to the vestry (1762). Page 80. October 25, 1762.
  • George Washington recommends Lee Massey to be the rector of Truro Parish (1766). Page 109.
  • George Washington to procure linens and prayer books for Polick Church (1773). Page 161.
  • Philip Slaughter. The History of Truro Parish in Virginia. Published by George W. Jacobs & Company, Publishers, Philadelphia, 1907. 1908 edition here. Published by G.W. Jacobs & Co., 1908. 164 pp.

    WASHINGTON AS A CHURCH-GOER
    In a popular work entitled "The True George Washington," by the late Paul Leicester Ford, the brilliant author devotes a few pages only to a subject which demands a far more accurate and sympathetic treatment than is given to it, namely, Washington's religious training and habits. Referring to Washington's services as a Vestryman, it is acknowledged that he was "Quite active in Church affairs;" but in touching these the author not only repeats all the traditional errors which, for lack of authentic data, have been made by previous writers on this subject, but he falls into a number of new and strange ones, and becomes involved in a most curious labyrinth of inaccuracies. All these the foregoing pages will correct.

  • W.M. Clark. Colonial Churches: A Series of Sketches of Churches in the Original Colony of Virginia, with Pictures of Each Church. Published by Southern churchman co., 1907. 319 pages.
    "At a Vestry held for Truro Parish October 25, 1762," so the old vestry book states, it was "Ordered, that George Washington Esqr. be chosen and appointed one of the Vestrymen of this Parish, in the room of William Peake, Gent, deceased." And the court records show that "At a Court held for the County of Fairfax, 15th February, 1763, George Washington Esqr. took the oaths according to Law repeated and subscribed the Test and subscribed to the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England in order to qualify him to act as a Vestryman of Truro Parish.
    These numerous oaths and subscriptions, which the law was explicit in requiring of every vestryman, are not without interest in this connection. The well-known test oath was in these words: "I do declare that I do believe there is not any Transubstantiation in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, or in the elements of Bread and Wine at or after the Consecration thereof by any person whatsoever." For the subscription to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England there was no formula prescribed by law. The other oaths, too long to be reproduced here, are to be found in the Statutes at Large of England, First of George I., stat. 2, c. 13, and may also be seen, with slight errors in transcription, in Bishop Meade's Old Churches, &c., Vol. II., p. 4.
    --p. 110.
  • Bishop William Meade. Old Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia, Vol II. Published by J. B. Lippincott Company, 1900. Article 68. The Religious Character of Washington, pp. 242-255. Also, Appendix No. 23. Further Statements Concerning the Religious Character of Washington and the Question Whether He was a Communicant or Not, pp. 490-495.
• William Montgomery Brown. The Church for Americans ...: Revised and Enlarged 10th edition. Published by T. Whittaker, 1899. 501 pp. Washington a Communicant.
• Religious Opinions and Character of George Washington.
• News from America. Morning Chronicle and London Advertiser (London, England), Monday, June 10, 1776; Issue 2201. Extracts from the New York Constitutional Gazette, April 10 and April 17. The Address of the honorable Council and House of Representatives to his Excellency George Washington, Esq.; General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United Colonies.
  ... "The Supreme Ruler of the Universe having smiled on our arms, and crowned your labours with remarkable success, we are now, without that effusion of blood we so much wished to avoid, again in the quiet possession of our capital; the wisdom and prudence of those movements, which have obliged the enemy to abandon our metropolis, will be ever remembered by the inhabitants of this colony. May you still go on approved by Heaven, revered by all good men, and dreaded by those tyrants who claim their fellow men as their property!" ...

  With reply by Washington:
  ..."When the councils of the British nation had formed a plan for enslaving America, and depriving her sons of their most sacred and invaluable privileges, against the clearest remonstrances of the constitution--of justice and of truth; and to execute their schemes, had appealed to the sword, I esteemed it my duty to take a part in the contest, and more especially, on account of my being called thereto by the unsolicited representatives of a free people; wishing for no other reward than that arising from a conscientious discharge of the important trust, and that my services might contribute to the establishment of freedom and peace, upon a permanent foundation, and merit the applause of my countrymen, and every virtuous citizen."
  ... "That the metropolis of your colony is now relieved from the cruel and oppressive invasion of those who were sent to erect the standard of lawless domination, and to trample on the rights of humanity, and is again open and free for its rightful possessors, must give pleasure to every virtuous and sympathetic heart, and being effected without the blood of our soldiers and fellow citizens, must be ascribed to the interposition of that Providence, which has manifestly appeared in our behalf through the whole of this important struggle, as well as to the measures pursued for bringing about the happy event.
  "May that Being who is powerful to save, and in whose hands is the fate of nations, look down with an eye of tender pity and compassion upon the whole of the United colonies; may he continue to smile upon their counsels and arms, and crown them with success, whilst employed in the cause of virtue and mankind. May this distressed colony and its capital, and every part of this wide extended continent, through his divine favour, be restored to more than their former lustre and once happy state, and have peace, liberty, and safely secured upon a solid, permanent, and lasting foundation."

• Letter to Burwell Bassett, August 28, 1762 . The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor. "I was favoured with your Epistle wrote on a certain 25th of July when you ought to have been at Church, praying as becomes every good Christian Man who has as much to answer for as you have; strange it is that you will be so blind to truth that the enlightning sounds of the Gospel cannot reach your Ear, nor no Examples awaken you to a sense of Goodness; could you but behold with what religious zeal I hye me to Church on every Lords day, it would do your heart good, and fill it I hope with equal fervency; ..."
• Letter to Robert Stewart, April 27, 1763. . The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• Letter to Colonel Benedict Arnold, Camp at Cambridge, September 14, 1775 . The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• Instructions to Colonel Benedict Arnold, September 14, 1775 . The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• General Orders, Head Quarters, Cambridge, February 26, 1776 . The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.

  "All Officers, non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers are positively forbid playing at Cards, and other Games of Chance. At this time of public distress, men may find enough to do in the service of their God, and their Country, without abandoning themselves to vice and immorality."

• General Orders, Head Quarters, New York, July 9, 1776 . The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.

  "The Hon. Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Chaplain to each Regiment, with the pay of Thirty-three Dollars and one third per month 'The Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure Chaplains accordingly; persons of good Characters and exemplary lives' To see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect and attend carefully upon religious exercises. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger'The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country."

  • President Abraham Lincoln General Order Respecting The Observance Of The Sabbath, November 15, 1862 .

    GENERAL ORDER RESPECTING THE OBSERVANCE OF THE SABBATH DAY IN THE ARMY AND NAVY

    EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, November 15, 1862

    The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, desires and enjoins the orderly observance of the Sabbath by the officers and men in the military and naval service. The importance for men and beast of the prescribed weekly rest, the sacred rights of Christian soldiers and sailors, a becoming deference to the best sentiment of a Christian people, and a due regard for the divine will demand that Sunday labor in the Army and Navy be reduced to the measure of strict necessity. The discipline and character of the national forces should not suffer nor the cause they defend be imperiled by the profanation of the day or name of the Most High. 'At this time of public distress,' adopting the words of Washington in 1776, 'men may find enough to do in the service of God and their country without abandoning themselves to vice and immorality.' The first general order issued by the Father of his Country after the Declaration of Independence indicates the spirit in which our institutions were founded and should ever be defended:

    The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.

    ABRAHAM LINCOLN

• The Corporation of Harvard College at Cambridge, In New England. [DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF LAWS Conferred By Harvard College On George Washington.] The following is a translation of the Diploma from the University of Cambridge, in New England, to his Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq; Captain General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United Colonies in North America. London Evening Post, (London, England), October 5, 1776 - October 8, 1776; Issue 8511.

  The Corporation of Harvard College at Cambridge, in New England, to all faithful in Christ, to whom these presents shall come. Greeting. Boston,-April 3, 1776.

  Whereas academical degrees were originally instituted for this purpose, that men, eminent for knowledge, wisdom and virtue, who have highly merited of the republic of letters, should be rewarded with the honor of these laurels, there is the greatest propriety in conferring such honor on that very illustrious gentleman, George Washington, esq., the accomplished general of the confederated colonies in America; whose knowledge and patriotic ardor are manifest to all; who, for his distinguished virtues, both civil and military, in the first place being elected by the suffrages of the Virginians one of their delegates, exerted himself with fidelity and singular wisdom in the celebrated congress in America, for the defence of liberty, when in the utmost danger of being forever lost, and for the salvation of his country, and then at the earnest request of that grand council of patriots, without hesitation, left all the pleasures of his delightful seat in Virginia, and the affairs of his own estate, that, through all the fatigues and dangers of camp, without accepting any reward, he might deliver New England from the unjust and cruel arms of Great Britain, and defend the other colonies; and who, by the most signal smiles of Divine Providence on his military operations, drove the fleet and troops of the enemy with disgraceful precipitation from the town of Boston, which for eleven months had been shut, fortified and defended by a garrison of above 7,000 regulars; so that the inhabitants, who suffered a great variety of hardships and cruelties while under the power of their oppressors, now rejoice in their deliverance; the neighboring towns are also freed from the tumults of arms, and our university has the agreeable prospect of being restored to its ancient seat.

  Know ye, therefore, that we, the president and fellows of Harvard College in Cambridge, (with the consent of the honored and reverend overseers of our academy) have constituted and created the aforesaid gentleman, GEORGE WASHINGTON, who merits the highest honor, DOCTOR OF LAWS, the law of nature and nations, and the civil law; and have given and granted him at the same time all rights, privileges and honors to the said degree pertaining.

  In testimony whereof, we have affixed the common seal of our university to these letters, and subscribed them with our hand-writing, this third day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six.

  Samuel Langdon, S. T. D. Preses.
  Nathaniel Appleton, S. T. D.
  Johannes Winthrop, Mat. et. Phi. P.
  Andreas Elliot, S. T. D. (Hoi.) LL. D.
  Samuel Cooper, S. T. D.
  Johans Wadsworth, Log. et. Eth. Pre.
  

• General Orders, May 2, 1778The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• General Orders, June 30, 1778 The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• Speech to the Delaware Chiefs, Head Quarters, Middle Brook, May 12, 1779 . The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• General Orders, November 27, 1779 . The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• Circular Letter of farewell to the Army/Circular to the States, 8 June 1783: Introduction: here; Original: here; Transcript: here and here and here.

  I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.

• A Circular letter from His Excellency General Washington, to the several states, called his legacy, being his last public communication. Annapolis, [1783]. 29 pp. Also here.
  • America--The Royal Gazette Extraordinary, New-York, July 12, 1783. A Circular letter from His Excellency General Washington, Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States of Amerrica [sic]. Dated June the 18th, 1783. Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser, (London, England), Wednesday, August 13, 1783; Issue 17,058.
  • George Washington to Continental Army, November 2, 1783, Farewell Orders. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.

    A contemplation of the compleat attainment (at a period earlier than could have been expected) of the object for which we contended against so formidable a power cannot but inspire us with astonishment and gratitude. The disadvantageous circumstances on our part, under which the war was undertaken, can never be forgotten. The singular interpositions of Providence in our feeble condition were such, as could scarcely escape the attention of the most unobserving; while the unparalleled perseverence of the Armies of the U States, through almost every possible suffering and discouragement for the space of eight long years, was little short of a standing miracle.
    ... To the various branches of the Army the General takes this last and solemn opportunity of professing his inviolable attachment and friendship. He wishes more than bare professions were in his power, that he were really able to be useful to them all in future life. He flatters himself however, they will do him the justice to believe, that whatever could with propriety be attempted by him has been done, and being now to conclude these his last public Orders, to take his ultimate leave in a short time of the military character, and to bid a final adieu to the Armies he has so long had the honor to Command, he can only again offer in their behalf his recommendations to their grateful country, and his prayers to the God of Armies. May ample justice be done them here, and may the choicest of heaven's favours, both here and hereafter, attend those who, under the devine auspices, have secured innumerable blessings for others; with these wishes, and this benediction, the Commander in Chief is about to retire from Service. The Curtain of seperation will soon be drawn, and the military scene³⁰ to him will be closed for ever.³¹
    [Note 30: The word "Scene" is inadvertently omitted.]
    [Note 31: From the copy in the writing of John Singer Dexter, assistant adjutant general of the Continental Army. From this paper, presumably, the orders were read to the troops then at West Point. It is indorsed by Brig Gen. James Clinton: "Genl Washington farewell orders to the Army in 1783." It is now (1937) on deposit in the Library of Congress. The draft, in the writing of David Cobb, is in the Washington Papers.]

• To the President of Congress, Mount Vernon, February 8, 1785. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• George Washington to Selina S. Hastings, June 30, 1785. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• Letter to George Mason, Mount Vernon, October 3, 1785 . The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor. To Marquis De LaFayette, Philadelphia, August 15, 1787. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799.
• John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor. George Washington to Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, February 7, 1788. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799.
  "[T]he [federal] government . . . can never be in danger of degenerating into a monarchy, and oligarchy, an aristocracy, or any other despotic or oppressive form so long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people."
• George Washington to John Ettwein, May 2, 1788. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• George Washington to Congress, April 30, 1789/First Inaugural Address, 30 April 1789: Introduction: here; Original: here and here; Transcription: here and here and here and here.

  Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States.

  Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, 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 tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.

• Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends. To the President of the United States. The address of the religious society called Quakers, from their yearly meeting for Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware, and the western parts of Virginia and Maryland. 1789. 1 sheet ([1] p.) 34 x 21 cm. With response by Washington.
• Letter to General Assembly of Presbyterian Churches/George Washington to Presbyterian Church General Assembly, May 1789: here; Transcript: here
• George Washington to Virginia Baptists General Committee/Letter to the General Committee of the United Baptist Churches in Virginia, May 10, 1789: here; Transcript: here.
• Address of the House of Representatives to George Washington, President of the United States. May 5, 1789.
  ... This anticipation is not justified merely by the past experience of your signal services. It is particularly suggested by the pious impressions under which you commence your Administration and the enlightened maxims by which you mean to conduct it. We feel with you the strongest obligations to adore the Invisible Hand which has led the American people through so many difficulties, to cherish a conscious responsibility for the destiny of republican liberty, and to seek the only sure means of preserving and recommending the precious deposit in a system of legislation founded on the principles of an honest policy and directed by the spirit of a diffusive patriotism.
  ... All that remains is that we join in our fervent supplications for the blessings of Heaven on our country, and that we add our own for the choicest of these blessings on the most beloved of her citizens.
• Message in Reply to the House of Representatives, May 8, 1789.
  GENTLEMEN: Your very affectionate address produces emotions which I know not how to express. I feel that my past endeavors in the service of my country are far overpaid by its goodness, and I fear much that my future ones may not fulfill your kind anticipation. All that I can promise is that they will be invariably directed by an honest and an ardent zeal. Of this resource my heart assures me. For all beyond I rely on the wisdom and patriotism of those with whom I am to cooperate and a continuance of the blessings of Heaven on our beloved country.
• Letter to George Mason, July 6, 1789 . The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• The Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789, Introduction, Transcription, Original

  Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor--and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

• John C. Fitzpatrick, editor. Address to the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church in North America, October 9, 1789.. The Writings of George Washington, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1932, Vol. XXX, p. 432 n.
  "You, Gentlemen, act the part of pious Christians and good citizens by your prayers and exertions to preserve that harmony and good will towards men which must be the basis of every political establishment; and I readily join with you that 'while just government protects all in their religious rights, true religion affords to government its surest support.'
  I am deeply impressed with your good wishes for my present and future happiness--and I beseech the Almighty to take you and yours under his special care.
  G. Washington."
• Letter to the First Presbytery of the Eastward, Newburyport, October 28. Text is referenced in The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor. Complete text here. Published in The Massachusetts Centinel, December 5, 1789. See below.
  
• To the Ministers and Ruling Elders delegated to represent the Churches in Massachusetts and New-Hampshire, which compose the first Presbytery of the Eastward. Published in Massachusetts Centinel, vol. XII, iss. 24, December 5, 1789, page 96.

  "The tribute of thanksgiving, which you offer to the gracious Father of Lights, for his inspiration of our publick councils with wisdom and firmness to complete the National Constitution, is worthy of men, who, devoted to the pious purposes of religion, desire their accomplishment by such means as advance the temporal happiness of their fellow men. And, here, I am persuaded, you will permit me to observe, that the path of true piety is so plain, as to require but little political direction.
  "To this consideration we ought to ascribe the absence of any regulation respecting religion from the Magna Charta of our country, to the guidance of the Ministers of the Gospel, this important object is, perhaps, more properly committed. It will be your care to instruct the ignorant, and to reclaim the devious: And in the progress of morality and science, to which our Government will give every furtherance, we may confidently expect the advancement of true religion, and the completion of our happiness.
  "I pray the munificent Rewarder of virtue, that your agency in this work, may receive its compensation here and hereafter."
  

• To Richard Cary, New York, November 23, 1789. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• The Address of the Roman Catholics to George Washington, Esq. President of the United States; and George Washington's Answer. Diary or Woodfall's Register (London, England), Friday, July 30, 1790; Issue 419.
  John Carroll (in behalf of the Roman Catholic Clergy); Charles Carroll, of Carrolton, Daniel Carroll, Dominick Lynch, Thomas Fitzsimons (in behalf of the Roman Catholic Laity).

  ... You encourage respect for religion, and inculcate, by words and actions, that principle on which the welfare of nations so much depends--that a superintending Providence governs the events of the world and watches over the conduct of men. Your exalted maxims and unwearied attention to the moral and physical improvement of our country have produced already the happiest effects. Under your administration, America is animated with zeal for the attainment and encouragement of useful literature; she improves agriculture, extends her commerce, and acquires with foreign nations a dignity unknown to her before. From these happy events, in which none can feel a warmer interest than ourselves, we derive additional pleasure by recollecting that you, sir, have been the principal instrument to effect so rapid a change in our political situation. This prospect of national prosperity is peculiarly pleasing to us on another account; because, whilst our country preserves her freedom and independence, we shall have a well-founded title to claim from her justice the equal rights of citizenship, as the price of our blood spilt under your eyes, and of our common exertions for her defence, under your auspicious conduct--rights rendered more dear to us by the remembrance of former hardships. When we pray for the preservation of them where they have been granted, and expect the full extension of them from the justice of those states which still restrict them, when we solicit the protection of Heaven over our common country, we neither admit, nor can omit, recommending your preservation to the singular care of divine Providence, because we conceive that no human means are so available to promote the welfare of the United States as the prolongation of your health and life, in which are included the energy of your example, the wisdom of your counsels, and the persuasive eloquence of your virtues.

  Washington:
  Gentlemen:--While I now receive with much satisfaction your congratulations on my being called by an unanimous vote, to the first station of my country, I cannot but duly notice your politeness, in offering an apology for the unavoidable delay. And as that delay has given you an opportunity of realizing, instead of anticipating, the benefits of the general government, you will do me the justice to believe, that your testimony of the increase of the public prosperity, enhances the pleasure, which I should otherwise have experienced from your affectionate address.

  I feel that my conduct, in war and in peace, has met with more general approbation than could have reasonably been expected; and I And myself disposed to consider that fortunate circumstance, in a great degree, resulting from the able support, and extraordinary candor, of my fellow-citizens of all denominations.

  The prospect of national prosperity now before us, is truly animating, and ought to excite the exertions of all good men, to establish and secure the happiness of their country, in the permanent duration of its freedom and independence. America, under the smiles of divine providence, the protection of a good government, and the cultivation of manners, morals, and piety, cannot fail of attaining an uncommon degree of eminence in literature, commerce, agriculture, improvements at home, and respectability abroad.

  As mankind become more liberal, they will be more apt to allow, that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community, are equally entitled to the protection of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations in examples of justice and liberality. And I presume that your fellow citizens will not forget the patriotic part which you took in the accomplishment of their revolution, and the establishment of their government, or the important assistance which they received from a nation in which the Roman Catholic faith is professed.

  I thank you, gentlemen, for your kind concern for me. While my life and my health shall continue, in whatever situation I may be, it shall be my constant endeavor to justify the favorable sentiments which you are pleased to express of my conduct. And may the members of your society in America, animated alone by the pure spirit of Christianity, and still conducting themselves as the faithful subjects of our government, enjoy every temporal and spiritual felicity.

  GEORGE WASHINGTON

  • The Address of the Roman Catholics to George Washington, Esq. President of the United States; and George Washington's Answer. Public Advertiser (London, England), Saturday, July 31, 1790; Issue 17493.
• To President Thomas Mifflin, March 15, 1790. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• To Reverend John Carroll (First Roman Catholic Bishop in the United States), Philadelphia, April 10, 1792. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources , 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
• Farewell Address of Washington: Introduction; Transcript; Original

  Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men & citizens. The mere Politican, equally with the pious man ought to respect & to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private & public felicity. Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the Oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure--reason & experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

  'Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of Free Government. Who that is a sincere friend to it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric.

  ... Observe good faith & justice towards all Nations. Cultivate peace & harmony with all--Religion & morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great Nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a People always guided by an exalted justice & benevolence.

• Testimony of Washington, and of the Congress of 1776, in favor of the special Providence of God and the Bible. Providence: Printed by R. Cranston, 1836. 12 pp.; 20 cm. "The following compilation from the writings of Washington, and the Journals of the Congress of 1776, was delivered before the young men of Richmond Street congregation, in Providence, on the evening of February 22nd, 1826."
• Bedford, Gunning, 1747-1812. A Funeral oration upon the death of General George Washington: Prepared at the request of the Masonic Lodge, no. 14, of Wilmington, state of Delaware, and delivered on St. John the Evangelist's day, being the 27th of December, anno lucis 5799; and now published at the particular desire of the Lodge. / By Gunning Bedford, A.M.; [Two lines in Latin from Horace] Wilmington [Del.]: Printed at the Franklin Press, by James Wilson, 1800, 19, [1] pp.; (4to)
• Morris, Gouverneur, 1752-1816. An Oration, upon the death of General Washington: / by Gouverneur Morris; Delivered at the request of the Corporation of the City of New-York, on the 31st day of December, 1799. And published by their request; [Two lines of Latin verse]. New-York: Printed by John Furman, opposite the City Hall, 1800. 24 pp.; 21 cm. (8vo)
• Timothy Bigelow, 1767-1821. An Address, delivered on the third anniversary of the Washington Benevolent Society: April 30, 1814 / by Timothy Bigelow. Boston: Printed by C. Stebbins, 1814. 19 pp.; 21 cm.
• Timothy Dwight. A Discourse, deliverd [sic] at New-Haven, Feb. 22, 1800: on the character of George Washington, esq. at the request of the citizens. New Haven, 1800. 54 pp.
• From Works of Fisher Ames. Eulogy on Washington. Delivered, at the request of the legislature of Massachusetts, February 8, 1800. "Our liberty depends on our education, our laws, and habits, ... it is founded on morals and religion, whose authority reigns in the heart, and on the influence all these produce on publick opinion, before that opinion governs rulers."
• John Jones, Oration on Washington.
• James Madison. A Discourse on the Death of General Washington, late President of the United States: delivered on the 22d of February, 1800, in the church in Williamsburg.
• Uzal Ogden. Two Discourses, Occasioned by the Death of General George Washington at Mount-Vernon, December 14, 1799. Second edition. Philadelphia: Printed by M. Maxwell, for A. Dickins, Bookselle, North Second Street, Opposite Christ-Church. 1800. 37 pp.
• Samuel Stanhope Smith. An Oration, upon the death of General George Washington: delivered in the State-House at Trenton, on the 14th of January, 1800. Trenton [N.J.], 1800. 45 pp.
• Justice Joseph Story. An Eulogy on General George Washington: written at the request of the inhabitants of Marblehead, and delivered before them on the second day of January, A.D. 1800. / By Joseph Story, A.B.; [Two lines in Latin from Tacitus] Salem, Mass.: Printed by Joshua Cushing, County Street, Salem, 1800. 24 pp.; 21 cm. (8vo)
• William Thornton,"Sleep." William Thornton Recalls the Death of Washington.
• James Wallis, Oration on George WashingtonPart 1, Part 2.
• Address of the Trustees of Dartmouth College, to the President of the United States, Hartford, Nov. 30. Connecticut Courant, November 30, 1789, p. 3. Address of the Trustees of Dartmouth College to the President of the United States, with the President's response.
• Interesting Documents. Philadelphia Recorder, v. 6, n. 45. January 31, 1829, p. 179. Address of the Trustees of Dartmouth College to the President of the United States, with the President's response.
• Bird Wilson. Memoir of the life of the Right Reverend William White, D. D., Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, 1839. 430 pp.
• Ashbel Green. JEFFERSON'S PAPERS; To George Washington, President of the United States; To the Clergy of different denominations residing in and near the city of Philadelphia, The Christian Advocate, Vol. 8. Philadelphia: Jun 1, 1830; pp. 305-310.
• George Washington. From A Biography of the signers of the Declaration of independence: and of Washington and Patrick Henry. With an appendix, containing the Constitution of the United States and other documents, Volume 2 of 2. J. Dobson, and Thomas, Cowperthwait & co., 1839.
• American Declaration of Independence. The Chartist Circular, n. 19. February 1, 1840. Washington's response included.
• Professor Swing. The Lord's Work Some of the Discourses Delivered Yesterday in the Churches of Chicago . The Daily Inter Ocean, (Chicago, IL) Monday, February 23, 1880; pg. 3; Issue 278; col A.
• Professor Swing. Appropriate to the Day Prof. Swing's Sermon on the Religion of George Washington. Milwaukee Daily Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI) Monday, February 23, 1880; pg. 4; Issue 45; col C.
• James Abercrombie. Washington Not a Communicant. The New-York Evangelist, March 17, 1887, p. 2, col. D. Reprint of letter from Magazine of American History, June 1885.
• Washington Not a Communicant. The New-York Evangelist, October 4, 1888, p. 7, col. D. Ref. to Annals of the American Pulpit, vol. 5.
• Moral and Religious George Washington's Reliance on God. The Vermont Watchman (Montpelier, VT) Wednesday, May 08, 1889; pg. 2; Issue 19; col F.
• William Stevens Perry. Story and Incident; The Religious Character of Washington. Also James M. Buckley, editor of Christian Advocate. "Washington as a Christian," Christian Observer, February 20, 1901. pp. 20-21.
• C. T. Wettstein. The Christian Statesman; George Washington the Father of Our Country; A Tribute to His Memory. The Herald of Gospel Liberty, March 1, 1917, pp. 198-199. Includes text from a Milwaukee newspaper, "The Religion of Washington."
• William J. Johnson. George Washington, the Christian. New York and Cincinnati: Abingdon Press, 1919. 299 pp.
• John Frederick Schroeder, compiler. Maxims of Washington: Political, Social, Moral and Religious. D. Appleton, 1855. 423 pp. Also here.

Presbyterian. Congregational minister, legislator, jurist, and rector of Yale College from 1726 to 1739. Delegate from North Carolina. Read more about Williamson here, here, here, here, here and in Historical papers by Trinity College Historical Society.
He was identified as a Presbyterian by North Carolina State Library and the Library of Congress. A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford was cited as the source stating he was a Deist. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997).

• The plain dealer: or, Remarks on Quaker politicks in Pennsylvania. Numb. III.: To be continued. Philadelphia: Printed [by William Dunlap], 1764. 24 pp.
• The plea of the colonies on the charges brought against them by Lord Mansfield, and others, in a letter to His Lordship. [Philadelphia]: London, printed in the year MDCCLXXVI. Philadelphia: re-printed and sold by Robert Bell, in Third-Street, 1777, 1776. 46 pp., [1] leaf of plates: ill.; (8vo).
• Letters from Sylvius to the freemen inhabitants of the United States. Containing some remarks on the scarcity of money; paper currency; national dress; foreign luxuries; the foederal debt; and public taxes. New-York: Printed by Carroll & Patterson, no. 16, Water-Street, 1787. [2], 34 pp.
• A Discourse on the Benefits of Civil History delivered before the New-York Historical Society, December 6, 1810.
• Observations on the climate in different parts of America, compared with the climate in corresponding parts of the other continent to which are added, remarks in the different complexions of the human race: with some account of the aborigines of America: being an introductory discourse to the History of North-Carolina. New-York: Printed and sold by T. & J. Swords, no. 160 Pearl-street, 1811. Also here.
• The History of North Carolina. Philadelphia: Published by Thomas Dobson, at the Stone House, no. 41, South Second street. Fry and Kammerer, printers, 1812. Volume 1 of 2. 306 pp. Volume 2 of 2.
• Remarks on the importance of the contemplated Grand Canal, between Lake Erie and the Hudson River. 1814. 28 pp.
• Ford, Paul Leicester; 1865-1902.
  Sullivan, James; 1744-1808.
  Winthrop, James; 1752-1821.
  Gerry, Elbridge; 1744-1814.
  Ellsworth, Oliver; 1745-1807.
  Williams, William; 1731-1811.
  Williamson, Hugh; 1735-1819. Essays on the Constitution of the United States published during its discussion by the people 1787-1788. Brooklyn, N.Y., Historical printing club, 1892. viii, 424 pp. Also here and here.
  Contents: Sullivan, J. The letters of "Cassius".- Winthrop, J. The letters of "Agrippa".- Gerry, E. Replies to "A landholder".- Ellsworth, O. Letters of "A landholder".- Williams, W. A letter to "A landholder".- Sherman, R. The letters of "A countryman".- Sherman, R. The letters of "A citizen of New Haven".- Yates, R. The letters of "Sydney".- Brackenridge, H.H. Cursory remarks on the Constitution.- Chase, S. A letter of "Caution".- Carroll, D. A letter of "A friend to the Constitution".- Martin, L. Letters.- Roane, S. A letter of "A plain dealer".- Williamson, H. Remarks on the Constitution.- Pinckney, C. A letter of "A steady and open Republican".- Bibliography.- Index. 1. U.S. Constitution. 2. U.S. Constitution - Bibl. U.S. - Constitutional history - Sources. I. Sullivan, James, 1744-1808. II. Winthrop, James, 1752-1821. III. Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814. IV. Ellsworth, Oliver, 1745-1807. V. Williams, William, 1731-1811. VI. Sherman, Roger, 1721-1793. VII. Clinton, George, 1739-1812. VIII. Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804. IX. Yates, Robert, 1738-1801. X. Brackenridge, Hugh Henry, 1748-1816. XI. Chase, Samuel, 1741-1811. XII. Carroll, Daniel, 1756-1829. XIII. Martin, Luther, 1744-1826. XIV. Roane, Spencer, 1762-1822. XV. Williamson, Hugh, 1735-1819. XVI. Pinckney, Charles, 1858-1824.

Presbyterian. Delegate from North Carolina. Read about Davie here and here. From: Political Graveyard website (http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/davie-davila.html#RDH0Q0LE7; December 2005): Davie, William Richardson (1756-1820) - also known as "Father of the University of North Carolina" - of Halifax, Halifax County, N.C. Born in Egremont, England, June 22, 1756. Served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; Governor of North Carolina, 1798-99. Presbyterian. Member, Freemasons. Died in Land's Ford, Chester County, S.C., November 5, 1820. Interment at Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church, The Waxhaws, S.C. Davie County, N.C. is named for him.

• William Richardson Davie a memoir. Chapel Hill [N.C.] The University, 1907. 75 pp.
• The Revolutionary War sketches of William R. Davie. Raleigh: North Carolina Dept. of Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and History, 1976. xi, 67 pp.: ill. ; 23 cm.
• (Circular.) To the officers of the 5th and 6th Brigades of the Militia of North-Carolina. Halifax, N.C.? : Printed by Abraham Hodge?], 1798. 4 pp.

Congregationalist. Delegate from Connecticut. American statesman and jurist. Read more about Ellsworth here and here. Political Graveyard website (http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/ellsworth.html#R9M0IW34R; viewed 7 December 2005): Ellsworth, Oliver (1745-1807) - of Connecticut. Born in Windsor, Hartford County, Conn., April 29, 1745. Grandnephew by marriage of Roger Wolcott; father of William Wolcott Ellsworth. Delegate to Continental Congress from Connecticut, 1777-84; superior court judge in Connecticut, 1785-89; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; U.S. Senator from Connecticut, 1789-96; received 11 electoral votes, 1796; Chief Justice of U.S. Supreme Court, 1796-1800. Congregationalist. Member, Freemasons. Died in Windsor, Hartford County, Conn., November 26, 1807. Interment at Palisado Cemetery, Windsor, Conn.

• William Garrott Brown. The Life of Oliver Ellsworth. New York: Macmillan, 1905. ix, 369 pp., [4] leaves of plates: ill.; 23 cm.
• To the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut. Published in The Courant, August 11, 1818, p. 2. Present on the committee: Oliver Ellsworth, David Daggett, Pliny Hillyer, Eliphalet Terry, Abraham Vanhorne DeWitt, Noah Webster, George Colfax, David F. Sill, David Burr, Lewis B. Sturges, Shubael Abbe, John Parish, James Morris, Elijah Sherman, Jonathan Law, Nathan Wilcox, John T. Peters, and Jonathan Burns. Report presented June 3, 1818.
  ... "In the opinion of the committee, no legislative aid is necessary on any of the grounds of complaint specified in the Petition. This opinion however is formed on the principle recognized that every member of society should, in some way, contribute to the support of religious institutions. In illustration of this principle, it may be observed, that the primary objects of government, are the peace, order, and prosperity of society. By their preservation, individuals are secured in all their valuable interests. To the promotion of these objects, particularly in a republican government, good morals are essential. Institutions for the promotion of good morals, are therefore objects of legislative provision and support; and among these, in the opinion of the committee, religious institutions are eminently useful and important. It is not here intended that speculative opinions in theology and mere rites and modes of worship, are the subjects of legal coercion, or indeed the objects of legislation; but that the legislature, charged with the great interests of the community, may and ought to countenance, and protect religious institutions -- institutions wisely calculated to direct men to the performance of all the duties arising from their connection with each other, and to prevent or repress those evils which flow from unrestrained passion."
  Also on this page, Extract from "A series of Letters on the Establishment of the Worship of the Deity is Essential to National Happiness, Published in 1789," published from The Salem Gazette. "It is the influence of religion, and of Christianity above all other systems, which has raised the civilized nations of the earth from darkness to light, from brutes to men."

Episcopalian. Delegate from Massachusetts. Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Read about Gerry here, here, here, here and here. He was identified as an Episcopalian by the A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997). From: Political Graveyard website (http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/gerry.html#R9M0IXWKX; viewed 23 November 2005): Gerry, Elbridge (1744-1814) of Massachusetts. Born in Marblehead, Essex County, Mass., July 17, 1744. Grandfather of Elbridge Gerry (1813-1886); great-grandfather of Peter Goelet Gerry. Delegate to Continental Congress from Massachusetts, 1776-80, 1782-85; signer, Declaration of Independence, 1776; signer, Articles of Confederation, 1777; member of Massachusetts state house of representatives, 1786; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; U.S. Representative from Massachusetts 3rd District, 1789-93; Governor of Massachusetts, 1810-12; defeated, 1801, 1812; Vice President of the United States, 1813-14; died in office 1814. Episcopalian. The word gerrymander ("Gerry" plus "salamander") was coined to describe an oddly shaped Massachusetts senate district his party created in 1811, and later came to mean any unfair districting. Died in Washington, D.C., November 23, 1814. Interment at Congressional Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

• An Address to the citizens of Massachusetts, on the approaching state elections. 1810.
• His Excellency Governor Gerry's speech, to the Legislature of Massachusetts, delivered Thursday, June 7, 1810. [Boston: s.n., 1810?] 12 pp.
• Massachusetts. Governor (1810-1812: Gerry). Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By His Excellency, Elbridge Gerry, Esq. ... A Proclamation, for a day of public thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. ... Thursday, the twenty-ninth day of November next ... Given at the Council Chamber, in Boston, this twenty-fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and ten. [Boston: s.n., 1810] 1 broadside. [Proclamation. 1810 Oct. 24]
• Massachusetts. Governor (1810-1812: Gerry). By His Excellency Elbridge Gerry, Governor of the commonwealth, a Proclamation, for a day of Publick Thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. [Boston: s.n., 1811] 1 broadside.
• Massachusetts. Governor (1810-1812: Gerry). Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By His Excellency Elbridge Gerry ... A Proclamation, for a day of public fasting, humiliation, and prayer. ... Thursday, the eleventh day of April next ... Given at the Council chamber, in Boston, the thirteenth day of March ... one thousand, eight hundred, and eleven. [Proclamation. 1811 Mar. 13] Also here.
• Massachusetts. Governor (1810-1812: Gerry). Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By His Excellency, Elbridge Gerry, Esq. ... A Proclamation, for a day of public thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. ... Thursday, the twenty-first of November next ... Given at the Council chamber in Boston this twenty-second day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eleven, and in the thirty-sixth year of the Independence of the United States. [Proclamation. 1811 Oct. 22]

  ... "I do hereby appoint THURSDAY, the TWENTY-FIRST of NOVEMBER next, to be a day of Public THANKSGIVING, PRAISE, and PRAYER, throughout this Commonwealth; calling on and requesting the ministers and people of every religious denomination, to meet on that day in their respective sanctuaries, that with unanimity and fervor, we may present our unfeigned praises for all the mercies we have received of our Bountiful Creator, who has continued to us the inestimable blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, blessings not confined to time, but extended to eternity, who has confirmed to us our federal and State constitutions, which secure the enjoyment of our lives, liberties and property, who continues to bless us with a National Government and Administration, whose wisdom, virtue, and firmness have not been circumvented, corrupted or appalled by the arts, seductions, or threats of foreign or domestic foes, but whose patriotic efforts have uniformly and manifestly resulted from an ardent desire to promote the public welfare and happiness, who has not punished our ungrateful murmurs, discontents and other crimes, as He has those of distant nations, by war and its dire effects; but has preserved to us peace, the greatest of national blessings, who has favored us with a Clergy, (with few exceptions,) whose conduct, is influenced by the mild, benign and benevolent principles of the Gospel; and whose example is a constant admonition to such pastors and professors of Christianity, as are too much under the guidance of passion, prejudice, and worldly delusion, Who has enabled us from unavoidable spoliations to derive permanent benefits, by gradually diminishing our dependence on foreign markets, for necessary supplies; by rapidly increasing our manufactures thereof; and by thus preventing in future the plunder of such property by avaricious nations, who has not visited us, as He has other countries, with plague, pestilence or famine; but has kindly preserved to us a great degree of health, and crowned with plenty the labors of our industrious husbandmen, Who has increased the martial ardor and discipline of our militia, and enables us to smile at the menaces of mighty potentates, Who continues to us the due administration of justice, the full and free exercise of our civil religious rights, and the numerous blessing which have resulted from them, Who has prospered in a remarkable degree our Schools, Academies and Colleges; those inestimable sources of public information and happiness, who has protected so great a portion of the property of our merchants, when exposed to the depredations of perfidious governments, Who has granted success to our enterprising fishermen, prospered our ingenious mechanics, and loaded us with His boundless munificence." ...

  • Elbridge Gerry - 10/22/1811 Proclamation- Thanksgiving Day- 1811, Massachusetts. This is the text of a proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving, Praise and Prayer, issued by Elbridge Gerry (Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Framer of the Bill of Rights), while he was serving as governor of Massachusetts. The proclamation was issued on October 22, 1811 and was declaring November 21, 1811 to be the day of Thanksgiving.
• Speech of His Excellency the governor of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, to both houses of the legislature: at the session commencing on the second Wednesday in January, 1812: January 10, 1812: read, and ordered to be printed. Printed at the state press, 1811. 20 pp. "When, as colonists, our charter rights were infringed, and a political connexion with Great Britain, was no longer compatible with the public safety, we united in a common cause, and determined to die or to be free. We drew the sword, and threw away the scabbard. The conflict was with a SOVEREIGN, who had injured us, too much to forgive us. The GOD of Justice commanded our armies, and crowned them with victory." Congress, placed by DIVINE PROVIDENCE on untrodden ground, attempted, at an early period, a national constitution. This was in the form of the confederation. It was a feeble chain; too feeble to preserve the Union.
• Second address of the General Committee of Correspondence, (appointed at a general meeting of the Republican members of the legislature of the state of Pennsylvania,) to the Democratic citizens of the state of Pennsylvania, on the subject of the presidential election, 1812.
• Address of the democratic young men of the city and liberties of Philadelphia. 8 pp. 1812.
• Message from His Excellency the governor, February 27, 1812. [Boston : s.n., 1812] 12 pp.
• Massachusetts. Governor (1810-1812: Gerry). Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By His Excellency, Elbridge Gerry, Esq. ... A Proclamation, for a day of public fasting, humiliation, and prayer. ... Thursday, the ninth of April next ... Given at the Council chamber in Boston the sixth day of March ... one thousand eight hundred and twelve. [Proclamation. 1812 Mar. 6] Also here.
• The Gerry-mander. A new species of monster, which appeared in Essex south district in January last.
• James Trecothick Austin. The Life of Elbridge Gerry: With contemporary letters. To the close of the American revolution. Wells and Lilly. Volume 1 of 2. 1828. Volume 2 of 2. 1829.
• Elbridge Gerry. From Lives of the signers to the Declaration of Independence, by Charles Augustus Goodrich.

Presbyterian. Delegate from New Jersey. Read about Houston here, here, here, and here. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/houston.html#RIU0OWLC0: Houston, William Churchill (c.1746-1788) - of New Jersey. Born in South Carolina. Member of New Jersey state legislature, 1777-79; Delegate to Continental Congress from New Jersey, 1779-81, 1784-85; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787. Presbyterian. Died of tuberculosis, August 12, 1788.

• Glenn, Thomas Allen, 1864- . William Churchill Houston, 1746-1788. Norristown, Pa., Priv. print., 1903.

Episcopalian. Delegate from Georgia. Read about Houstoun here, here, here, and here. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/houstoun-howan.html#RIU0U3XQ5: Houstoun, William (1755-1813) - of Georgia. Born in Savannah, Chatham County, Ga., 1755. Father-in-law of Duncan Lamont Clinch. Delegate to Continental Congress from Georgia, 1784-86; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787. Episcopalian. Died in Savannah, Chatham County, Ga., March 17, 1813. Interment at St. Paul's Chapel, Manhattan, N.Y.

• Papers of William Houstoun, 1770-1813. Library of Congress. 5 items.

Dutch Reformed. Delegate from New York. Read about Lansing here, here, here, and here. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/ellsworth.html#R9M0IW34R: Lansing, John, Jr. (1754-c.1829) - of Albany, Albany County, N.Y. Born in Albany, Albany County, N.Y., January 30, 1754. Uncle of Gerrit Yates Lansing. Member of New York state assembly from Albany County, 1780-84, 1785-87, 1788-89; Delegate to Continental Congress from New York, 1785; mayor of Albany, N.Y., 1786-90; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; Justice of New York Supreme Court, 1790-1801. Christian Reformed. Mysteriously disappeared in New York City, December 12, 1829, after leaving his hotel to post a letter, and was never found. Cenotaph at Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, N.Y.

• Robert Yates; John Lansing; Luther Martin. Secret Proceedings and debates of the convention assembled at Philadelphia, in the year 1787 for the purpose of forming the Constitution of the United States of America. Websters and Skinners, 1821. 308 pp. Also here.

Presbyterian. Delegate from North Carolina. Read about Martin here, here, here, here and here. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/martin1.html#R9M0J5958: Martin, Alexander (1740-1807) - of Guilford County, N.C. Born in Hunterdon County, N.J., 1740. Lawyer; Governor of North Carolina, 1782-85, 1789-92; Delegate to Continental Congress from North Carolina, 1786; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; U.S. Senator from North Carolina, 1793-99. Died November 2, 1807. Interment at a private or family graveyard, Stokes County, N.C.

• A New Scene Interesting to the citizens of the United States of America additional to the historical play of Columbus. Philadelphia: Printed [by Benjamin Franklin Bache] for Thomas Condie, no. 20, Carters-Alley., 1798. 8 pp. Supposed to be written by Alexander Martin, L.L.D. Late governor of the state of North-Carolina, and now senator of the United States therefrom; [One line from Virgil in Latin]; (Lately performed with applause at the New Theatre in Philadelphia.).
• CSR Documents by Martin, Alexander, 1740-1807. Colonial and State Records of North Carolina.
• Robert M. Douglas. The Life and character of Governor Alexander Martin. Greensboro, N.C. ([Greensboro?, 1898]). Also here.

Episcopalian. Delegate from Maryland. Read about Martin here, here, here, and here. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/martin6.html#RIU0QFQ0W: Martin, Luther (1744-1826) - of Maryland. Born in New Brunswick, Middlesex County, N.J., February 9, 1744. Brother of Lenox Martin; cousin by marriage of Joseph Cresap, James Cresap and Thomas Cresap. Maryland state attorney general, 1778-1805, 1818-20; Delegate to Continental Congress from Maryland, 1784; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787. Episcopalian. Died in New York, New York County, N.Y., July 10, 1826. Interment at Trinity Churchyard, Manhattan, N.Y.

• Robert Yates; John Lansing; Luther Martin. Secret Proceedings and debates of the convention assembled at Philadelphia, in the year 1787 for the purpose of forming the Constitution of the United States of America. Websters and Skinners, 1821. 308 pp. Also here.

Episcopalian. Delegate from Virginia. Read about Mason here, here, here, here, and here. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/mason.html#RIT0GNK79: Mason, George (1725-1792) - of Virginia. Born in Stafford County, Va., December 11, 1725. Brother of Thomson Mason; uncle of Stevens Thomson Mason (1760-1803); granduncle of Armistead Thomson Mason; grandfather of James Murray Mason; great-granduncle of Stevens Thomson Mason (1811-1843). Member of Virginia state legislature, 1759, 1776-80, 1786-88; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787-88. Episcopalian. Died October 7, 1792. Interment at Gunston Hall Grounds, Near Lorton, Fairfax County, Va.; statue at State Capitol Grounds, Richmond, Va. Mason counties in Ky. and W.Va. are named for him.

• The objections of the Hon. George Mason, to the proposed foederal Constitution. 1892. 6 p. 24 cm.
• Historical relics of George Washington inherited and collected by Mr. William Lanier Washington: original letters and documents, by George Mason and others on the formation of the Constitution, original unpublished diary of James McHenry, member of the Constitutional convention, and a miniature of Washington, painted by Birch, to be sold Thursday evening, April 19, 1917. New York: Anderson Galleries, 1917. (90 pp.): ill., plates, ports., facsims.
• The Papers of George Mason, 1725-1792. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1970. (3 v. (cxxvii, 1312 p.)): ill., map. Volume One of Three. v. 1. 1749-1778. Volume Two of Three. v. 2. 1779-1786. Volume Three of Three. v. 3. 1787-1792.
• Gary Williams. A Biography of George Mason 1725-1792.

Presbyterian. Delegate from Virginia. Read about McClurg here, here, here, and here. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/mcclurg-mcconkey.html#RIU0S3LN0: McClurg, James (1746-1823) - of Williamsburg, Va.; Richmond, Va. Born in Hampton, Va., 1746. Physician; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; mayor of Richmond, Va., 1797. In 1787, he advocated establishment of a monarchy for the United States. Died July 9, 1823. Interment at St. John's Churchyard, Richmond, Va.

• Tentamen medicum inaugurale, de calore. Quod, annuente summo numine. Ex Auctoritate reverendi admodum Viri, Gulielmi Robertson, S.S.T.P. Academiae Edinburgenae praefecti; nec non Amplissimi senatus academici consensu, Et nobilissimae facultatis medicae Decreto, Pro Gradu Doctoris, summisque in medicina honoribus et privilegiis rite et legitime consequendis; Eruditorum examini subjicit Jacobus M'clurg, Virginiensis. Edinburgi : Apud Balfour, Auld, et Smellie, Academiae Typographos / Great Britain; Scotland; Edinburgh. 1770. [4],52 pp.
• James B. McCaw; James McClurg. A Memoir of James McClurg, M.D. with extracts from his writings. Richmond: Printed by Colin & Nowlan, 1854. 20 pp. port.

Episcopalian. Delegate from Maryland. Read about Mercer here, here, here, and here. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/mercer.html#R9M0J6I6Q: Mercer, John Francis (1759-1821) - Born in Stafford County, Va., May 17, 1759. Brother of James Mercer. Democrat. Colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War; Delegate to Continental Congress from Virginia, 1783-84; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; member of Maryland state house of delegates, 1788-92, 1800-06; U.S. Representative from Maryland, 1792-94 (at-large 1792-93, 2nd District 1793-94); Governor of Maryland, 1801-03. Episcopalian. Member, Freemasons. Died in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pa., August 30, 1821. Interment at a private or family graveyard, Anne Arundel County, Md. Mercer County, Mo. is named for him.

• Mr. Mercer considers Mr. Ross's publication against him in no other respect worthy of reply, than as it contains one continued tissue of misrepresentation of sentiment and mistatement of fact. Annapolis: Printed by F. & S. Green,1792. 1 sheet ([1] pp.
• Mercer, John Francis, 1759-1821. A Candid Appeal to the freemen of Maryland on the projected removal of their seat of government. United States : s.n.], 1817. 12 pp.; 21 cm.

Episcopalian. Delegate from Georgia. Read about Pierce here, here, here, and here. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/pierce.html#RB60V6FQY: Pierce, William Leigh (1740-1789) - of Savannah, Chatham County, Ga. Born in 1740. Major in Continental Army during the Revolutionary War; member of Georgia state house of representatives, 1786; Delegate to Continental Congress from Georgia, 1787; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787. Episcopalian. Member, Society of the Cincinnati. Died in Savannah, Chatham County, Ga., December 10, 1789. Burial location unknown.

• An Account of the Great Earthquakes, in the western states, particularly on the Mississippi River; December 16-23, 1811. Newburyport [Mass.]: Printed and sold at the Herald Office, and at the bookstore of Thomas & Whipple., 1812. (16 p.) Notes: Consists primarily of a personal account by William Leigh Pierce addressed "to the editor of the New-York evening post," dated "Big Prairie, (on the Mississippi ...) Dec. 25, 1811," and follow-up dated "New-Orleans, Jan. 10, 1812."/ Ephraim Williams Allen printed at the Herald Office in Newburyport at this time./ "Earthquake in North-Carolina. To the editors of the Raleigh star," p. 14-15, signed: John C. Edwards. Ashville, (N.C.) Dec. 19, 1811./ "Earthquake in Tennessee," p. 15-16, dated: Raleigh, (N.C.) Jan. 24, 1812.
• Oration on American Independence delivered in the Presbyterian Church, Savannah, Geo.: on the Fourth of July, 1812, by appointment of the Savannah Volunteer Guards, and published at their request. Savannah: Printed by John J. Evans, on the Bay, 1812. 20 pp.; 21 cm.
• William Pierce's notes on Delegates to the Federal Convention From the Constitutional Convention, May 14, 1787 - Sept. 17, 1787.
• Notes of Major William Pierce (Georgia) in the Federal Convention of 1787.

Episcopalian. Delegate from Virginia. Read about Randolph here, here, here, and here. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/randolph.html#RAV0UVJ9Q: Randolph, Edmund Jenings (1753-1813) - of Virginia. Born in Williamsburg, Va., August 10, 1753. Nephew of Peyton Randolph; second cousin once removed of Thomas Mann Randolph; second cousin of John Randolph of Roanoke; second cousin twice removed of George Wythe Randolph; ancestor of Francis Beverley Biddle. Served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War; delegate to Virginia state constitutional convention, 1776; Virginia state attorney general, 1776-82; Delegate to Continental Congress from Virginia, 1779-82; Governor of Virginia, 1786-88; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; member of Virginia state house of delegates, 1788; U.S. Attorney General, 1789-94; U.S. Secretary of State, 1794-95. Episcopalian. Member, Freemasons. Died in Millwood, Clarke County, Va., September 12, 1813. Interment at Old Chapel Cemetery, Millwood, Va. Randolph County, Ill. is named for him.

• Edmund Randolph, 1753-1813. An Oration, in commemoration of the founders of William and Mary College: delivered on the anniversary of its foundation, August 15, 1771. / By E. Randolph, student. Williamsburg [Va.]: Printed by William Rind, MDCCLXXI. [1771] 12 pp.
• Nathaniel Breading; Edmund Randolph; Samuel Bryan. Observations on the proposed Constitution for the United States of America clearly shewing it to be a complete system of aristocracy and tyranny, and destructive of the rights and liberties of the people. Printed in the State of New-York : [s.n.], 1788. 126, [2] pp. Notes: "The address and reasons of dissent of the minority of the convention of the state of Pennsylvania to their constituents."--P. [3]-30, signed: Nathaniel Breeding [and twenty others], Philadelphia, December 12, 1787./ "A letter of His Excellency Edmund Randolph, Esq. on the federal constitution ... October 10, 1787"--P. 30-45./ "Centinel. To the people of Pennsylvania. Number I[-IX]."--P. 46-111. "The 'Letters of Centinel' were by Samuel Bryan, of Philadelphia, and appeared originally in the Independent gazetteer of that city."--Ford, P.L. Pamphlets on the Constitution (Brooklyn, 1888), p. 418./ "Appendix. The Constitution, agreed on by the General Convention, seventeenth of September, 1787, at Philadelphia."--P. [112]-126.
• To the printer. Sir, The inclosed letter contains the reasons of His Excellency Governor Randolph for refusing his signature to the proposed foederal constitution of government submitted to the several states by the late convention at Philadelphia. [Richmond: Printed by Augustine Davis, 1787. 16 pp.

Congregationalist. Massachusetts lawyer and politician who served as the sixth and tenth Governor of Massachusetts. Read more about Strong here, here, here, here, and here.From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/strong.html#R9M0JEB1Z: Strong, Caleb (1745-1819) - of Massachusetts. Born in Northampton, Hampshire County, Mass., January 9, 1745. Member of Massachusetts state house of representatives, 1776; member of Massachusetts state senate, 1780; Delegate to Continental Congress from Massachusetts, 1780; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, 1789-96; Governor of Massachusetts, 1800-07, 1812-16. Congregationalist. Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Died November 7, 1819. Interment at Bridge Street Cemetery, Northampton, Mass.

• Northampton, November 9. Obituary. Connecticut Courant, November 16, 1819, p. 3.
• Alden Bradford. Biography of the Hon. Caleb Strong: several years governor of the state of Massachusetts. West, Richardson & Lord, 1820. 30 pp.

Episcopalian. Delegate from Virginia. American lawyer, a judge, a prominent law professor, signer of the United States Declaration of Independence and "Virginia's foremost classical scholar." Read about Wythe here, here and here. He was identified as an Episcopalian by A Worthy Company: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution by M. E. Bradford. (Source: Ian Dorion, "Table of the Religious Affiliations of American Founders", 1997). From: Political Graveyard website (http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/wyche-wyvell.html#R9U0H1ZK9; viewed 7 December 2005): Wythe, George (1726-1806) - of Virginia. Born in Elizabeth City County, Va. (now part of Hampton, Va.), 1726. Member of Virginia state legislature, 1758-68; Delegate to Continental Congress from Virginia, 1775-77; signer, Declaration of Independence, 1776; state court judge in Virginia, 1777; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; delegate to Virginia state constitutional convention, 1788. Episcopalian. Apparently murdered -- poisoned by his grandnephew -- and died two weeks later, in Richmond, Va., June 8, 1806. Interment at St. John's Churchyard, Richmond, Va. Wythe County, Va. is named for him.

• Oration Pronounced at the Funeral of George Wythe. Raleigh Register, and North-Carolina Weekly Advertiser, v. 7, n. 353, June 30, 1806, pp. 1-2. The Following Funeral Oration, in Honor of the Late Venerable Chancellor, George Wythe, Delivered on Monday, the 9th Inst. by William Mumford, Esq., to a Numerous Audience Assembled at the Capitol, in the Hall of the House of Delegates, Was Furnished by Him for Publication at the Request of the Editor of This Paper (News). "I think it particularly important to state that he was a christian. He commuicated to me himself, a year or two before his death, his full conviction of the truth of the Christian Religion, and, on his death bed, often prayed to Jesus Christ his Saviour for relief. But death he did not dread, expressing only a wish to lay down his life with ease, observing, that, alas! it was a pity it should be so hard for a man to die!"
• GEORGE WYTHE, Esq. American Law Journal & Miscellaneous Repertory, 1810, Vol. 3 Issue 1, pp. 93-99, 7 pp. Also here.
• Eulogium on the late Chancellor Wythe, of Virginia; Pronounced by a Gentleman of the Bar Before a Respectable Audience in the Western Part of Virginia--July, 1806. From The Massachusetts Missionary Magazine, for the Year 1807, vol. 5. Boston: Printed by E. Lincoln, Water Street, 1807. "It has lately been emphatically expressed, that Socrates died like a philosopher. But he in his last hour also displayed the fortitude and resignation of a Christian. What a sublime example!"
• Biographical Sketch of George Wythe. From The Evening Fire-Side; or Literary Miscellany, v. 2, n. 31. Philadelphia, August 2, 1806.
• Memoirs of the Late George Wythe, Esquire. From The American Gleaner, v. 1, n. 1.
  At this period he acquired that attachment to the Christian religion and reverence for its truths, which, although his faith was afterwards shaken by the difficulties suggested by sceptical writers, never altogether forsook him, and towards the close of his life was renovated and firmly established. For many years he constantly attended church, and the bible was his favourite book, as he has often informed the author. But he never connected himself with any sect of Christians, being of opinion that every sect had more or less corrupted the purity of the system of religion taught in the scriptures, and being an utter enemy to all intolerance and pretences to excluslve holiness. He thought that all good men would be entitled to a seat in the kingdom of Heaven, and endeavoured by his own upright and benevolent conduct to deserve one himself.

Dutch Reformed. Delegate from New York. Read about Yates here, here, here, and here. Robert Yates was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. From: Political Graveyard website http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/yates.html#RIU0O4CG5: Yates, Robert (1738-1801) - of New York. Born in Albany, Albany County, N.Y., January 27, 1738. State court judge in New York, 1777-98; member, U.S. Constitutional Convention, 1787; candidate for Governor of New York, 1789, 1795. Christian Reformed. Died September 9, 1801. Original interment in unknown location; reinterment at Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, N.Y.

• Robert Yates; John Lansing; Luther Martin. Secret Proceedings and debates of the convention assembled at Philadelphia, in the year 1787 for the purpose of forming the Constitution of the United States of America. Websters and Skinners, 1821. 308 pp. Also here.
• William Wyche; Robert Yates; John Sloss Hobart; John Lansing; Morgan Lewis; Egbert Benson. A Treatise on the practice of the Supreme Court of Judicature of the State of New-York in civil actions. New-York : Printed by T. and J. Swords, no. 167, William-Street., Edition: The 2nd ed. 1794. (xvi, 355, [5] pp.) Half-title: Practice of the Supreme Court of the State of New-York./ Dedicated to Robert Yates, John Sloss Hobart, John Lansing, Morgan Lewis, and Egbert Benson./ Edition statement transposed; precedes "By William Wyche ..." on title page./ "Errata."--P. [356]./ Prospectuses, p. [358-359].
• Genet, Edmond Charles, 1763-1834. A Letter to the electors of president and vice-president of the United States. New-York: Printed by Henry C. Southwick, no. 2, Wall-street, 1808. (22 p.)

Read about Gilman here, here, here, and here.

• Papers. Personal and political papers of New Hampshire governor. Gilman was born in Exeter, NH, in 1753 and served as a minute man during the Revolutionary War. He became treasurer of the state (1783-1789 and 1791-1794) after serving in the Continental congress. Gilman served serveral terms as a governor (1794-1805 and 1813-1816) and died in Exeter in 1828. The papers consist of personal correspondence, state business affairs, and personal business papers. Included are materials relating to his work as a trustee of Dartmouth College, as trustee of Phillips Exeter Academy, and a report concerning Kimball Union Academy. Also included is a small quantity of material relating to his family and family affairs.
• New Hampshire. Governor (1794-1805: Gilman). By His Excellency John Taylor Gilman, governor of the state of New-Hampshire; a Proclamation for a Publick Thanksgiving. ... The legislature have appointed Thursday the thirteenth day of November next, to be observed as a day of Publick Thanksgiving ... Given at the Council-chamber in Exeter, this, 29th day of September ... one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four State of New-Hampshire: Portsmouth: Printed by John Melcher, printer to the state, 1794. 1 sheet; 39 x 33 cm.

• New Hampshire. Governor (1794-1805: Gilman) By His Excellency John Taylor Gilman, Esquire ... A Proclamation: ... Thursday the second day of April next, to be observed as a day of public fasting and prayer ... Given at the Council chamber in Concord, this thirteenth day of January, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five. [Portsmouth, N.H.: Printed by John Melcher, 1795]. 1 sheet; 37 x 32 cm.
  • Worcester, Thomas, 1768-1831. A Thanksgiving sermon. Delivered November 12, 1795. By Thomas Worcester, V.D.M. Pastor of the Congregational Church in Salisbury.

  • Rowland, William F. (William Frederic), 1761-1843. A sermon, delivered in presence of His Excellency John Taylor Gilman, Esquire, governor, the Honorable the Council, Senate, and House of Representatives, of the state of New-Hampshire, convened at Exeter on the day of the anniversary election, June 2, 1796. By William F. Rowland, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Exeter. 32 p. 24 cm. (8vo)

• Worcester, Noah, 1758-1837. An election sermon, delivered at Concord, June 4, 1800, in presence of His Excellency the governor John Taylor Gilman, Esquire, the Honorable Council and Senate and gentlemen of the House of Representatives. By Noah Worcester, A.M. Pastor of the church in Thornton. Printed by order of the Honorable General Court. 28 p. 19 cm. (4to)

Pastor of the Church of Christ in Durham, Connecticut. Read about Goodrich here, and here.

• The Duty of Gospel-ministers, to take heed to themselves, and their flock. A Sermon preached at the ordination of the Reverend Mr. Roger Newton, at Greenfield, Nov. 18, 1761. Boston: Printed and sold by Edes & Gill in Queen-Street, 1762. (30, [2] p.)
• The Principles of civil union and happiness considered and recommended. A Sermon, preached before His Excellency Samuel Huntington, Esq. L.L.D. governor and commander in chief, and the Honorable the General Assembly of the state of Connecticut. Convened at Hartford, on the day of the anniversary election, May 10th, 1787. By Elizur Goodrich, D.D. Pastor of the Church of Christ in Durham. 58, [2] p. 21 cm. (12mo) Also here. Ellis Sandoz, Political Sermons of the American Founding Era. Vol. 1 (1730-1788) [1991]
• Timothy Dwight. A Discourse, preached at the funeral of the Reverend Elizur Goodrich, D.D.: Pastor of the church in Durham, and one of the members of the Corporation of Yale-College; by the Reverend Timothy Dwight, D.D. president of Yale-College; November 25th, 1797. Printed at the request of the congregation. New-Haven: Printed by T. and S. Green, [1797]

Episcopalian. (See Wirt, page 402.) Read more about Henry here, here, and here.

• "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death". Patrick Henry's stirring speech with scripture references added. Introduction by David Barton.
• Speech delivered July 4, 1776. Includes footnote on the history of the Liberty Bell, inscribed with the verse from Leviticus 15:10.
• Against the Federal Constitution. June 5, 1788.
• Samuel Greene Arnold. The Life of Patrick Henry of Virginia. Auburn [N.Y.]: Miller, Orton and Mulligan, 1854, [c1845]. 269 pp. Henry's letter to his daughter Betsy on August 20, 1796, p. 250. Also here.
  "The view which the rising greatness of our country presents to my eyes, is greatly tarnished by the general prevalence of deism, which, with me, is but another name for vice and depravity. I am, however, much consoled by reflecting that the religion of Christ has, from its first appearance in the world been attacked in vain by all the wits, philosophers and wise ones, aided by every power of man, and its triumph has been complete. What is there in the wit or wisdom of the present deistical writers or professors that can compare them with Hume, Shaftsbury, Bolingbroke and others; and yet these have been confuted, and their fame is decaying, insomuch that at the puny efforts of Paine are thrown in to prop their tottering fabric, whose foundations cannot stand the test of time.
  "Among other strange things said of me, I hear it is said by the deists that I am one of their number; and, indeed, that some good people think I am no Christian. This thought gives me much more pain than the appellation of tory, because I think religion of infinitely higher importance than politics, and I find much cause to reproach myself that I have lived so long and have given no decided and public proofs of my being a Christian. But, indeed, my dear child, this is a character which I prize far above all this world has, or can boast. And among all the handsome things I hear said of you, what gives me the greatest pleasure is, to be told of your piety and steady virtue. Be assured there is not one tittle, as to disposition or character, in which my parental affection for you would suffer a wish for your changing, and it flatters my pride to have you spoken of as you are.
  "Perhaps Mr. Roane and Anne may have heard (he reports you mention. If it will be any object with them to see what I write you, show them this. But my wish is to pass the rest of my days, as much as may be, unobserved by the critics of the world, who would show but little sympathy for the deficiencies to which old age is liable. May God bless you, my dear Betsy, and your children."
• George Morgan. The True Patrick Henry: With Twenty-four Illustrations. Lippincott, 1907. 492 pages. Original from the New York Public Library.
  * In William Meade's "Old Churches, Ministers, and Families of Virginia," vol. ii, p. 12, the Rev. Mr. Dresser says that Patrick Henry had "a very great abhorrence of infidelity, and actually wrote a reply to 'Paine's Age of Reason,' but destroyed it before his death." "This," comments Edward Fontaine, "is certainly true. My father, Colonel Patrick H. Fontaine, was the oldest grandson of Patrick Henry. He was living with his grandfather when he wrote the reply to Paine mentioned by Mr. Dresser." But Patrick Henry, having read Bishop Watson's "Apology for the Bible," and deeming it a sufficient answer to Paine, decided not to publish his own manuscript."--p. 366 n.
  • Bishop William Meade. Old Churches, Ministers, and Families of Virginia. (Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1857), Vol. II, p. 12.
• Patrick Henry. From A Biography of the signers of the Declaration of independence: and of Washington and Patrick Henry. With an appendix, containing the Constitution of the United States and other documents, Volume 2 of 2. J. Dobson, and Thomas, Cowperthwait & co., 1839.
• William Wirt, 1772-1834. Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry. Philadelphia: Published by James Webster, 1817.
• Moses Coit Tyler. Patrick Henry. Ayer Publishing, 1970.

Episcopalian. A leading Federalist from North Carolina, one of the first Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, appointed by President George Washington. Read more about Iredell here, here, and here.

• North Carolina. Laws of the state of North-Carolina. Published, according to act of Assembly, by James Iredell, now one of the associate justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. Edenton [N.C.], M.DCC,XCI. [1791]. 741 pp.
• Jonathan Elliott. The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution Vollume 4. Washington, D.C.: Jonathan Elliot, 1836, p. 167. "But it is objected that the people of America may, perhaps, choose representatives who have no religion at all, and that pagans and Mahometans may be admitted into offices. But how is it possible to exclude any set of men, without taking away that principle of religious freedom which we ourselves so warmly contend for? This is the foundation on which persecution has been raised in every part of the world. The people in power were always right, and every body else wrong. If you admit the least difference, the door to persecution is opened. Nor would it answer the purpose, for the worst part of the excluded sects would comply with the test, and the best men only be kept out of our counsels. But it is never to be supposed that the people of America will trust their dearest rights to persons who have no religion at all, or a religion materially different from their own. It would be happy for mankind if religion was permitted to take its own course, and maintain itself by the excellence of its own doctrines. The divine Author of our religion never wished for its support by worldly authority. Has he not said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it? It made much greater progress for itself, than when supported by the greatest authority upon earth."
• Griffith John McRee. Life and Correspondence of James Iredell, One of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. D. Appleton, 1857.

Of the following definitions, two dictionaries are used: Webster's An American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828, and Oxford English Dictionary, 1989.

CHRISTIAN, n.
1. A believer in the religion of Christ.
2. A professor of his belief in the religion of Christ.
3. A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.
4. In a general sense, the word Christians includes all who are born in a Christian country or of Christian parents.

CHRISTIAN, a. [See the Noun.]
1. Pertaining to Christ, taught by him, or received from him; as the Christian religion; Christian doctrines.
2. Professing the religion of Christ; as a Christian friend.
3. Belonging to the religion of Christ; relating to Christ, or to his doctrines, precepts and example; as christian profession and practice.
4. Pertaining to the church; ecclesiastical; as courts Christian.

--Noah Webster. An American Dictionary of the English Language, intended to exhibit, I. The origin, affinities and primary signification of English words, as far as they have been ascertained: II. The genuine orthography and pronunciation of words, according to general usage or to just principles of analogy: III. Accurate and discriminating definitions, with numerous authorities and illustrations: to which are prefixed an introductory dissertation on the origin, history and connection of the languages of Western Asia and of Europe and a concise grammar of the English language. New York: S. Converse, (New Haven [Conn.]: (Hezekiah Howe), 1828.

CHRISTIAN, adj. and n.
A. adj.
1. a. Of persons and communities: Believing, professing, or belonging to the religion of Christ.
2. a. Of things: Pertaining to Christ or his religion: of or belonging to Christianity.
B. n.
1. a. One who believes or professes the religion of Christ; an adherent of Christianity.

Christian, adj. and n.
--Oxford English Dictionary,Second edition, 1989; online version November 2010. ; accessed 30 January 2011. Earlier version first published in New English Dictionary, 1889.

CHRISTIANITY, n.
2. a. The religion of Christ; the Christian faith; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ and his apostles.

Christianity, n.
--Oxford English Dictionary,Second edition, 1989; online version November 2010. ; accessed 30 January 2011. Earlier version first published in New English Dictionary, 1889.

THEOC'RACY, n. [Gr. God, and power; to hold.] Government of a state by the immediate direction of God; or the state thus governed. Of this species the Israelites furnish an illustrious example. The theocracy lasted till the time of Saul.

Noah Webster. An American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.

THEOCRACY, n.
a. A form of government in which God (or a deity) is recognized as the king or immediate ruler, and his laws are taken as the statute-book of the kingdom, these laws being usually administered by a priestly order as his ministers and agents; hence (loosely) a system of government by a sacerdotal order, claiming a divine commission; also, a state so governed: esp. applied to the commonwealth of Israel from the exodus to the election of Saul as king.

theocracy, n.
--Oxford English Dictionary,Second edition, 1989; online version November 2010. ; accessed 31 January 2011. Earlier version first published in New English Dictionary, 1912.

DEISM, n. [L. God.] The doctrine or creed of a deist; the belief or system of religious opinions of those who acknowledge the existence of one God, but deny revelation: or deism is the belief in natural religion only, or those truths, in doctrine and practice, which man is to discover by the light of reason, independent and exclusive of any revelation from God. Hence deism implies infidelity or a disbelief in the divine origin of the scriptures.
The view which the rising greatness of our country presents to my eyes, is greatly tarnished by the general prevalence of deism, which, with me, is but another name for vice and depravity. P. Henry, Wirys Sketches.

--Noah Webster. An American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.

DEISM, n.
1. The distinctive doctrine or belief of a deist; usually, belief in the existence of a Supreme Being as the source of finite existence, with rejection of revelation and the supernatural doctrines of Christianity; 'natural religion'.

deism, n.
--Oxford English Dictionary,Second edition, 1989; online version November 2010. ; accessed 30 January 2011. Earlier version first published in New English Dictionary, 1894.

DEIST, n. One who believes in the existence of a God, but denies revealed religion, but follows the light of nature and reason, as his only guides in doctrine and practice; a freethinker.

--Noah Webster. An American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.

DEIST, n.
One who acknowledges the existence of a God upon the testimony of reason, but rejects revealed religion. (The term was originally opposed to atheist, and was interchangeable with theist even in the end of the 17th c. (Locke, Second Vindication, 1695, W. Nichols Conference with a Theist, 1696); but the negative aspect of deism, as opposed to Christianity, became the accepted one, and deist and theist were differentiated as in quots. 1878-1880.)

deist, n.
--Oxford English Dictionary,Second edition, 1989; online version November 2010. ; accessed 30 January 2011. Earlier version first published in New English Dictionary, 1894.

UNITA'RIAN, n. [L. unitus, unus.] One who denies the doctrine of the trinity, and ascribes divinity to God the Father only. The Arian and Socinian are both comprehended in the term Unitarian.

--Noah Webster. An American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.

UNITARIAN, n. and adj.
A. n.
1. Theol.
a. One who affirms the unipersonality of the Godhead, especially as opposed to an orthodox Trinitarian; spec. a member or adherent of a Christian religious body or sect holding this doctrine.

Unitarian, n. and adj.
--Oxford English Dictionary,Second edition, 1989; online version November 2010. ; accessed 30 January 2011. Earlier version first published in New English Dictionary, 1924.

SEC'ULAR, a. [L. secularis, from seculum, the world or an age.]
1. Pertaining to the present world, or to things not spiritual or holy; relating to things not immediately or primarily respecting the soul, but the body; worldly. The secular concerns of life respect making making provision for the support of life, the preservation of health, the temporal prosperity of men, of states, &c. Secular power is that which superintends and governs the temporal affairs of men, the civil or political power; and is contradistinguished from spiritual or ecclsiastical power.
2. Among catholics, not regular; not bound by monastic vows or rules; not confines to a monastery or subject to the rules of a religious community. Thus we say, the secular clergy and the regular clergy.
3. Coming once in a century; as a secular year.

--Noah Webster. An American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.

PLURALISM, n.
3. Polit. A theory or system of devolution and autonomy for organizations and individuals in preference to monolithic state power. Also: (advocacy of) a political system within which many parties or organizations have access to power.
4. The presence or tolerance of a diversity of ethnic or cultural groups within a society or state; (the advocacy of) toleration or acceptance of the coexistence of differing views, values, cultures, etc.

pluralism, n.
--Oxford English Dictionary,Third edition, December 2009; online version November 2010. ; accessed 30 January 2011. An entry for this word was first included in New English Dictionary, 1907.

ENLIGHTENMENT, n.
1. b. spec. Usu. with capital initial. The action or process of freeing human understanding from the accepted and customary beliefs sanctioned by traditional, esp. religious, authority, chiefly by rational and scientific inquiry into all aspects of human life, which became a characteristic goal of philosophical writing in the late 17th and 18th centuries. Freq. in the Age of Enlightenment (cf. sense 2).Closely associated with sense 2.

2. With the and capital initial. The dominant European intellectual culture in the 18th cent. which typically emphasized freedom of thought and action without reference to religious and other traditional authority, proposed a deistic understanding of the universe, insisted on a rationalist and scientific approach to the understanding of human society, the law, education, the economy, etc., and had as an important aim the development of new theoretical methods and practical reforms for these areas; (also) the period of time during which this climate of thought was dominant. Cf. Aufklärung n., illumination n. 3. The Enlightenment spread across most of Western Europe and to European colonies in the Americas, typically with different aspects predominating in different countries or regions (e.g. the flowering of social and economic thought in Scotland). Hence, the term is often modified by an adjective denoting one of the main centres of activity, suggesting the particular characteristics or contribution of the thinkers from that area, as French Enlightenment, Scottish Enlightenment, etc.

Enlightenment, n.
--Oxford English Dictionary, Third edition, August 2010; online version November 2010. ; accessed 30 January 2011. An entry for this word was first included in New English Dictionary, 1891.

"Enlightenment, French siècle des Lumières (Age of the Enlightened), German Aufklärung, a European intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries in which ideas concerning God, reason, nature, and man were synthesized into a worldview that gained wide assent and that instigated revolutionary developments in art, philosophy, and politics. Central to Enlightenment thought were the use and the celebration of reason, the power by which man understands the universe and improves his own condition. The goals of rational man were considered to be knowledge, freedom, and happiness.

... "Enlightenment thought, however, failed in many respects. It tried to replace a religious world view with one erected by human reason. It failed in this because it found reason so often accompanied by willpower, emotions, passions, appetites, and desires that reason can neither explain nor control. In the end, the adequacy of reason itself was attacked, first by David Hume in his 'Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding', and later by Immanuel Kant in the 'Critique of Pure Reason'. Most thinkers came to realize that cool and calculating reason is insufficient to explain the variety of human nature and the puzzling flow of history."

--Enlightenment. (2011). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/188441/Enlightenment