Robert Aitken (1734-July 15, 1802) was a Scottish immigrant and printer. In January of 1775, he began a monthly publication, The Pennsylvania Magazine, with 600 subscribers and Thomas Paine as its editor.
In January of 1776, Robert Aiken began printing the journals of the Continental Congress. In 1777, Aitken printed a small New Testament, followed by the first English-language Bible printed in America, called the 'Bible of the Revolution,' the only Bible ever authorized by an act of Congress.
During colonial America, the printing of Bibles had been highly regulated by the British government. It was actually illegal to print the Bible in English without a Royal license from the King, who only granted licenses to Oxford and Cambridge University Presses and a printer in Scotland. English language Bibles in America had to be imported either from Europe or England.
When the Revolutionary War interrupted trade with the King's authorized printers in England, there was a shortage of the King James Authorized Version of the Bible, which was commonly used by clergy, courts of justice and in education.
In July of 1777, three clergymen signed a petition to the Continental Congress:
<To the honourable Continental Congress of the United States of North America now sitting in Philadelphia.
Honoured Gentlemen,
We the Ministers of the Gospel of Christ in the City of Philadelphia, whose names are under written, taking it into our serious consideration that in our present circumstances, books in general, and in particular, the Holy Scriptures contained in the Old and New Testaments are growing so scarce and dear, that we greatly fear that unless timely care be used to prevent it, we shall not have Bibles for our schools and families, and for the publick worship of God in our churches.
We therefore think it our duty to our country and to the churches of Christ to lay this danger before this honourable house, humbly requesting that under your care, and by your encouragement, a copy of the Holy Bible may be printed, so as to be sold nearly as cheap as the common Bibles, formerly imported from Britain and Ireland, were sold.
The number of purchasers is so great, that we doubt not but a large impression would soon be sold, But unless the sale of the whole edition belong to the printer, and he be bound under sufficient penalties, that no copy be sold by him, nor by any retailer under him, at a higher price than that allowed by this honourable house, we fear that the whole impression would soon be bought up, and sold again at an exorbitant price, which would frustrate your pious endeavours and fill the country with just complaints.
We are persuaded that your care and seasonable interposition will remove the anxious fears of many pious and well disposed persons; would prevent the murmurs of the discontented; would save much money to the United States; would be the means of promoting Christian knowledge in our churches, and would transmit your names with additional honour to the latest posterity.
Our sincere prayers shall ever be for your welfare and prosperity, and we beg leave with the greatest respect to subscribe our selves.
Honoured Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble servants,
Francis Alison
John Ewing
William Marshalle> 1734RA001
The Chaplain of Congress at the time, Patrick Allison, brought the issue to the attention of the Continental Congress, which referred it to a committee composed of John Adams, Daniel Roberdeau and Jonathan Bayard Smith.
On September 11, 1777, the Committee reported to Congress that it had:
<Conferred fully with the printers, etc., in this city and are of the opinion, that the proper types for printing the Bible are not to be had in this country, and that the paper cannot be procured, but with such difficulties and subject to such casualties as render any dependence on it altogether improper.> 1734RA002
The Committee recommended:
<The use of the Bible is so universal and its importance so great that your committee refers the above to the consideration of Congress...The Committee recommends that Congress will order the Committee of Commerce to import 20,000 Bibles from Holland, Scotland, or elsewhere, into the different parts of the States of the Union. Whereupon it was resolved accordingly to direct said Committee of Commerce to import 20,000 copies of the Bible.> 1734RA003
That same day, September 11, 1777, Washington's troops lost the Battle of Brandywine and had to retreat, eventually to Valley Forge. At the same time, British General John Burgoyne's troops were marching toward Saratoga. In a panic, the Continental Congress evacuated Philadelphia before action could be taken on the Bible resolution. Congress fled to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and then to York, Pennsylvania.
On September 26, 1777, British General William Howe occupied Philadelphia, expecting the war to be over, as was the practice in European warfare when an enemy's capital was captured.
Three years later, 1780, another motion pertaining to the printing of Bibles was made in Congress by James McLene of Pennsylvania and seconded by John Hanson of Maryland:
<Resolved: That it be recommended to such of the States who may think it convenient for them that they take proper measures to procure one or more new and correct editions of the Old and New Testament to be printed and that such states regulate their printers by law so as to secure effectually the said books from being misprinted.> 1734RA004
On January 21, 1781, Robert Aitken presented a 'memorial' petition to Congress to publish the entire Bible, which he described as "a neat edition of the Holy Scriptures for the use of schools":
<To the Honourable The Congress of the United States of America The Memorial of Robert Aitken of the City of Philadelphia, Printer Humbly Sheweth
That in every well regulated Government in Christendom, The Sacred Books of the Old and New Testament, commonly called the Holy Bible, are printed and published under the Authority of the Sovereign Powers, in order to prevent the fatal confusion that would arise, and the alarming Injuries the Christian Faith might suffer from the Spurious and erroneous Editions of Divine Revelation.
That your Memorialist has no doubt but this work is an Object worthy the attention of the Congress of the United States of America, who will not neglect spiritual security, while they are virtuously contending for temporal blessings. Under this persuasion your Memorialist begs leave to, inform your Honours That he both begun and made considerable progress in a neat Edition of the Holy Scriptures for the use of schools, But being cautious of suffering his copy of the Bible to Issue forth without the sanction of Congress, Humbly prays that your Honours would take this important matter into serious consideration & would be pleased to appoint one Member or Members of your Honourable Body to inspect his work so that the same may be published under the Authority of Congress.
And further, your Memorialist prays, that he may be commissioned or otherwise appointed & Authorized to print and vend Editions of, the Sacred Scriptures, in such manner and form as may best suit the wants and demands of the good people of these States, provided the same be in all things perfectly consonant to the Scriptures as heretofore Established and received amongst us.> 1734RA005
In early September, 1782, Robert Aitken sent a message to Congress informing them he had nearly completed his Bible, "accomplished in the midst of the Confusion and Distresses of War." Congress requested the Chaplains of Congress review it:
<REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS ON MR. AITKEN'S MEMORIAL
By The United States Congress Assembled:
September 12th, 1782.
THE Committee to whom was referred a Memorial of Robert Aitken, Printer, dated 21st January, 1781, respecting an edition of the Holy Scriptures, report,
That Mr. Aitken has, at a great expense, now finished an American edition of the Holy Scriptures in English, that the Committee have from time to time attended to his progress in the work; that they also recommended it to the two Chaplains of Congress to examine and give their opinion of the execution, who have accordingly reported thereon; the recommendation and report being as follows: 'Philadelphia, 1st September, 1782. Reverend Gentlemen,
OUR knowledge of your piety and public spirit leads us without apology to recommend to your particular attention the edition of the Holy Scriptures publishing by Mr. Aitken. He undertook this expensive work at a time when, from the circumstances of the war, an English edition of the Bible could not be imported, nor any opinion formed how long the obstruction might continue. On this account particularly he deserves applause and encouragement.
We therefore wish you, Reverend Gentlemen, to examine the execution of the work, and if approved, to give it the sanction of your judgment, and the weight of your recommendation. We are, with very great respect, Your most obedient humble servants.
(Sign'd) JAMES DUANE, Chairman in behalf of a Committee of Congress on Mr. Aitken's Memorial.'> 1734RA006
The two Chaplains of Congress at the time were Rev. William White and Rev. George Duffield. Rev. Dr. William White was rector of Christ Church. He was instrumental in organizing the Protestant Episcopal Church in America and was the first president of the first Bible Society in the United States, the Bible Society of Philadelphia. Rev. George Duffield was pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and a leader in the formation of the Presbyterian Church in the United States.
On September 10, 1782, Chaplains White and Duffield reported to Congress:
<REPORT OF THE CONGRESSIONAL CHAPLAINS
Reverend Doct. White and Revd. Mr. Duffield, Chaplains of the United States in Congress assembled. Report.
Gentlemen,
AGREEABLY to your desire we have paid attention to Mr. Robert Aitken's impression of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. Having selected and examined a variety of passages throughout the work, we are of opinion that it is executed with great accuracy as to the sense, and with as few grammatical and typographical errors as could be expected in an undertaking of such magnitude. Being ourselves witnesses of the demand of this invaluable book, we rejoice in this present prospect of a supply; hoping that it will prove as advantageous as it is honorable to the Gentleman, who has exerted himself to furnish it, at the evident risque of private fortune. We are,
Gentlemen,
Your very respectful and humble servants, (Sign'd) William White, George Duffield. Philadelphia, September 10th, 1782.> 1734RA007
On September 12, 1782, Congress approved of Robert Aitken's printing of the Bible with its endorsement:
<ENDORSEMENT OF CONGRESS
Honble James Duane, Esq. Chairman, and the other Honble Gentlemen of the Committee of Congress on Mr. Aitken's Memorial.
Whereupon, RESOLVED,
THAT the United States in Congress assembled highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitken, as subservient to the interest of religion, as well as an influence of the progress of arts in this country, and being satisfied from the above report of his care and accuracy in the execution of the work, they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States, and hereby authorize him to publish this Recommendation in the manner he shall think Proper.
CHA. THOMSON, Sec'ry.> 1734RA008
The endorsement of Congress was signed by Charles Thomson, the Secretary of of Congress. Charles Thomson, along with John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, were the two men who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the rest signing mostly on August 2, 1776.
After retiring from Congress, Charles Thomson researched and wrote his 'Thomson Bible,' a four-volume work which contained the first American translation of the Greek Septuagint. It was published by Jane Aitken, Robert Aitken's widow.
Robert Aitken's Bible was finished being printed on September 25, 1782. He included three documents in the front of his Bible: the Report of the Committee established to review his Memorial; the Report of the Congressional Chaplains; and the Endorsement of Congress. Aitken's Bible was 1,452 pages long, and measured 5 and 5/8's inches by 3 and 1/8 inches.
He sent a special copy to John Hanson, then president of the Congress, for the use of that body. Printing ten thousand copies, he placed an advertisement for them in the Freeman's Journal, September 25, 1782.
In 1783, Dr. John Rodgers, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in New York, wrote to General Washington suggesting that copies of Aitken's Bible be presented to each of the soldiers in the army when they were discharged.
On June 11, 1783, General Washington replied to the Reverend John Rodgers:
<Your proposition respecting Mr. Aitken's Bibles would have been particularly noticed by me, had it been suggested in Season; but the late Resolution of Congress for discharging part of the Army...it is now too late to make the Attempt.
It would have pleased me if Congress should have made such an important present to the brave fellows who have done so much for the Security of their Country's Rights and Establishment.> 1734RA009
Robert Aitken's 'Bible of the Revolution' is one of the rarest books. In 1940, the Rev. Edwin A.R. Rumball-Petre was able to locate 28 copies in institutions in America and abroad, and 22 in private collections. Copies are in the possession of the American Bible Society's Museum of Biblical Art in New York, and Houston Baptist University's Dunham Bible Museum.
By 1789, other American printers were publishing Testaments. In 1790, Philadelphia printers published Mathew Carey's Rheims-Douay Bible, and a smaller Bible by William Young. In 1791, Isaiah Thomas at Worcester and Isaac Collins at Trenton began publishing a series of editions of the Bible. By 1800, printers in Philadelphia, Boston, Trenton, Wilmington, New York and Worcester printed 48 editions of the English New Testament and 24 editions of the entire English Bible.
Robert Aitken's financial status unfortunately declined within a decade of his first memorial to Congress, as shown in a letter to John Nicholson, 1791, Pennsylvania's Receiver of General Taxes for the State:
<I have calculated from my true loss by Continental money 3,000 and on the Edition of 10,000 Bibles 4000-owing to these you may readily figure my situation. My house is under mortgage for a considerable sum, a foreign debt, though not of its value. I have other debts to pay, not considerable--what I earn goes to pay them as soon as earned.> 1734RA010
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1734RA001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Robert Aitken. July 1777, three clergymen, Francis Alison, John Ewing, William Marshalle signed a petition to the Continental Congress. January 21, 1781, statement presented in Congress. Memorial of Robert Aitken to Congress (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, January 21, 1781). "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. Martha J. Lamb, ed., The Framers of the Constitution, A Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII (New York: Historical Publishing Co., 1885), p. 326. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), p. 179. September 10, 1782, the Continental Congress granted approval to print an edition of the Bible. Bible for the Revolution (NY: Arno Press, 1782, reprinted 1968), cover page. Journals of Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1905), Vol. XXIII, 1782, p. 574. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. American Bible Society, 1968, reprint, title page. http://logosresourcepages.org/Versions/1st.htm http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTsignup.asp http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=46 http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Aitken_Bible_1782_Bible_of_the_Revolution.a sp?SnID=2
("The American Congress, 1774-1895," by Joseph West Moore. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1895.) http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html
1734RA002. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Robert Aitken. September 11, 1777, Continental Congress Committee report. Memorial of Robert Aitken to Congress (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, January 21, 1781). "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. Martha J. Lamb, ed., The Framers of the Constitution, A Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII (New York: Historical Publishing Co., 1885), p. 326. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), p. 179. September 10, 1782, the Continental Congress granted approval to print an edition of the Bible. Bible for the Revolution (NY: Arno Press, 1782, reprinted 1968), cover page. Journals of Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1905), Vol. XXIII, 1782, p. 574. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. American Bible Society, 1968, reprint, title page. http://logosresourcepages.org/Versions/1st.htm http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTsignup.asp http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=46 http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Aitken_Bible_1782_Bible_of_the_Revolution.a sp?SnID=2
("The American Congress, 1774-1895," by Joseph West Moore. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1895.) http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction
http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html
1734RA003. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Robert Aitken. September 11, 1777, recommendation of Continental Congress Committee. Memorial of Robert Aitken to Congress (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, January 21, 1781). "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. Martha J. Lamb, ed., The Framers of the Constitution, A Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII (New York: Historical Publishing Co., 1885), p. 326. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), p. 179. September 10, 1782, the Continental Congress granted approval to print an edition of the Bible. Bible for the Revolution (NY: Arno Press, 1782, reprinted 1968), cover page. Journals of Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1905), Vol. XXIII, 1782, p. 574. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. American Bible Society, 1968, reprint, title page. http://logosresourcepages.org/Versions/1st.htm http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTsignup.asp http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=46 http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Aitken_Bible_1782_Bible_of_the_Revolution.a sp?SnID=2
("The American Congress, 1774-1895," by Joseph West Moore. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1895.) http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html
1734RA004. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Robert Aitken. 1780, motion pertaining to the printing of Bibles was made in Congress by James McLene of Pennsylvania and seconded by John Hanson of Maryland. Memorial of Robert Aitken to Congress (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, January 21, 1781). "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. Martha J. Lamb, ed., The Framers of the Constitution, A Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII (New York: Historical Publishing Co., 1885), p. 326. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), p. 179. September 10, 1782, the Continental Congress granted approval to print an edition of the Bible. Bible for the Revolution (NY: Arno Press, 1782, reprinted 1968), cover page. Journals of Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1905), Vol. XXIII, 1782, p. 574. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. American Bible Society, 1968, reprint, title page.
http://logosresourcepages.org/Versions/1st.htm http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTsignup.asp http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=46 http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Aitken_Bible_1782_Bible_of_the_Revolution.a sp?SnID=2
("The American Congress, 1774-1895," by Joseph West Moore. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1895.) http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html
1734RA005. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Robert Aitken. January 21, 1781, Robert Aitken presented a 'memorial' petition to Congress to publish the entire Bible. Memorial of Robert Aitken to Congress (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, January 21, 1781). "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. Martha J. Lamb, ed., The Framers of the Constitution, A Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII (New York: Historical Publishing Co., 1885), p. 326. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), p. 179. September 10, 1782, the Continental Congress granted approval to print an edition of the Bible. Bible for the Revolution (NY: Arno Press, 1782, reprinted 1968), cover page. Journals of Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1905), Vol. XXIII, 1782, p. 574. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. American Bible Society, 1968, reprint, title page. http://logosresourcepages.org/Versions/1st.htm http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTsignup.asp http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=46 http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Aitken_Bible_1782_Bible_of_the_Revolution.a sp?SnID=2
("The American Congress, 1774-1895," by Joseph West Moore. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1895.) http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html
1734RA006. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Robert Aitken. September, 1782, Robert Aitken's message to Congress informing them he had nearly completed his Bible and Congress requested the Chaplains of Congress review it. Memorial of Robert Aitken to Congress (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, January 21, 1781). "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. Martha J. Lamb, ed., The Framers of the Constitution, A Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII (New York: Historical Publishing Co., 1885), p. 326. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), p. 179. September 10, 1782, the Continental Congress granted approval to print an edition of the Bible. Bible for the Revolution (NY: Arno Press, 1782, reprinted 1968), cover page. Journals of Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1905), Vol. XXIII, 1782, p. 574. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. American Bible Society, 1968, reprint, title page. http://logosresourcepages.org/Versions/1st.htm http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTsignup.asp http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=46 http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Aitken_Bible_1782_Bible_of_the_Revolution.a sp?SnID=2
("The American Congress, 1774-1895," by Joseph West Moore. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1895.) http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html
1734RA007. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Robert Aitken. September 10, 1782, Chaplains White and Duffield report to Congress. Memorial of Robert Aitken to Congress (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, January 21, 1781). "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. Martha J. Lamb, ed., The Framers of the Constitution, A Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII (New York: Historical Publishing Co., 1885), p. 326. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), p. 179. September 10, 1782, the Continental Congress granted approval to print an edition of the Bible. Bible for the Revolution (NY: Arno Press, 1782, reprinted 1968), cover page. Journals of Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1905), Vol. XXIII, 1782, p. 574. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. American Bible Society, 1968, reprint, title page. http://logosresourcepages.org/Versions/1st.htm http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTsignup.asp http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=46 http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Aitken_Bible_1782_Bible_of_the_Revolution.a sp?SnID=2
("The American Congress, 1774-1895," by Joseph West Moore. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1895.) http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html
1734RA008. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Robert Aitken. September 12, 1782, Congress approved of Robert Aitken's printing of the Bible with its endorsement. Memorial of Robert Aitken to Congress (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, January 21, 1781). "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. Martha J. Lamb, ed., The Framers of the Constitution, A Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII (New York: Historical Publishing Co., 1885), p. 326. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), p. 179. September 10, 1782, the Continental Congress granted approval to print an edition of the Bible. Bible for the Revolution (NY: Arno Press, 1782, reprinted 1968), cover page. Journals of Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1905), Vol. XXIII, 1782, p. 574. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. American Bible Society, 1968, reprint, title page. http://logosresourcepages.org/Versions/1st.htm http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTsignup.asp http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=46 http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Aitken_Bible_1782_Bible_of_the_Revolution.a sp?SnID=2
("The American Congress, 1774-1895," by Joseph West Moore. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1895.) http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html
1734RA009. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Robert Aitken. June 11, 1783, George Washington wrote to Reverend John Rodgers. Norman Cousins, In God We Trust-The Religious Beliefs and Ideas of the American Founding Fathers (NY: Harper & Brothers, 1958), p. 56. Memorial of Robert Aitken to Congress (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, January 21, 1781). "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. Martha J. Lamb, ed., The Framers of the Constitution, A Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII (New York: Historical Publishing Co., 1885), p. 326. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), p. 179. September 10, 1782, the Continental Congress granted approval to print an edition of the Bible. Bible for the Revolution (NY: Arno Press, 1782, reprinted 1968), cover page. Journals of Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1905), Vol. XXIII, 1782, p. 574. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. American Bible Society, 1968, reprint, title page. http://logosresourcepages.org/Versions/1st.htm http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTsignup.asp
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=46 http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Aitken_Bible_1782_Bible_of_the_Revolution.a sp?SnID=2
("The American Congress, 1774-1895," by Joseph West Moore. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1895.) http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html
1734RA010. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Robert Aitken. 1791, letter to John Nicholson, Pennsylvania's Receiver of General Taxes for the State. Memorial of Robert Aitken to Congress (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, January 21, 1781). "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. Martha J. Lamb, ed., The Framers of the Constitution, A Magazine of American History, Vol. XIII (New York: Historical Publishing Co., 1885), p. 326. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), p. 179. September 10, 1782, the Continental Congress granted approval to print an edition of the Bible. Bible for the Revolution (NY: Arno Press, 1782, reprinted 1968), cover page. Journals of Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1905), Vol. XXIII, 1782, p. 574. Robert Flood, The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 39. "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), p. 4. American Bible Society, 1968, reprint, title page. http://logosresourcepages.org/Versions/1st.htm http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTsignup.asp http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=46 http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Aitken_Bible_1782_Bible_of_the_Revolution.a sp?SnID=2
("The American Congress, 1774-1895," by Joseph West Moore. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1895.) http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html