American Quotations by William J. Federer 2024

Connecticut Constitution (1776) continuing in force the 1662 Colonial Charter: <PREAMBLE. The People of this State being by the Providence of God, free and independent, have the sole and exclusive Right of governing themselves as a free, sovereign, and independent State; and having from their ancestors derived a free and excellent Constitution of Government whereby the legislature depends on the free and annual election of the people, they have the best security for the preservation of their civil and religious rights and Liberties. And forasmuch as the free Fruition of such Liberties and Privileges as Humanity, Civility and Christianity call for,...

Maryland Constitution (November 11, 1776): ARTICLE 33: That, as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to him; all persons, professing the Christian religion, are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty; wherefore no person ought by any law to be molested in his person or estate on account of his religious persuasion or profession, or for his religious practice; unless, under color of religion, any man shall disturb the good order, peace or safety of the State, or shall infringe the laws of morality, or injure others,...

Pennsylvania Constitution (September 28, 1776) signed by Benjamin Franklin, President of the State's Constitutional Convention: <Whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the community as such, and to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and the other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed upon man; and whenever these great ends of government are not obtained, the people have a right, by common consent to change it, and take such measures as to them may appear necessary to promote their safety and happiness... A DECLARATION OF...

Continental Congress (July 9, 1776) on the day following the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia and the ringing of the "Liberty Bell," moved to establish prayer as a daily part of this new nation: <Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. J. Duche' be appointed chaplain to Congress, and that he be desired to attend every morning at 9 O'Clock.> 1776CC009 On July 9, 1776, the Continental Congress authorized the Continental Army to provide chaplains for their troops to be paid the rate of pay for captains. On that same day, General George Washington, the Commander in...

Continental Congress (July 8, 1776) for the first time read the Declaration of Independence publicly, as the "Liberty Bell" was rung. Congress then established a three-man committee, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, for the purpose of designing a great seal for the United States. Benjamin Franklin's suggestions for a seal and motto, characterizing the spirit of this new nation, were: <Moses lifting up his wand, and dividing the red sea, and pharaoh in his chariot overwhelmed with the waters. This motto: "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."> 1776CC007 Thomas Jefferson proposed: <The children of Israel in...