The Founding Fathers

If one studies the beliefs of the Founding Fathers of America it would be clear that they believed in one God ("The Creator") because it was clear to them by what they saw in nature. They were not Atheists, but many were in conflict with the ideas of the church; some didn't understand the Bible and attacked it like Thomas Paine. We can easily understand their reasoning through their books, letters and presidential documents, which led to their ideas of a separation of church and state. Never a disbelief in God, but rather an active search for truth and understanding.  Some claimed to be Christian or Deist but none were Atheists. After studing the Bible in great detail, I can see that some like Paine simply didn't have a real understanding of the scriptures which is a common mistake. Others, like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, were able to grasp the biblical message of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity and even write about it.

What is a Deist?  Most deists believed in one God but saw the religions of their day as corruptions of an original, pure religion that was simple and rational. They felt that this original pure religion had become corrupted by "priests" who had manipulated it for personal gain and for the class interests of the priesthood in general.

What is a Christian?  A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.  However, due to the long list of Christian denominations (see), apparently Christ's teachings are not easily understood.

George Washington Religion: Episcopal.
Many question Washington's view of religion; was he a Christian or Deist? (see Washington and Religion) One thing is for sure, he was not an Atheist. Washington regarded religion as a protective influence for America's social and political order, and recognized the church's "laudable endeavors to render men sober, honest, and good citizens. Washington wrote 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior when he was 16 years old.

Washington's Inaugural address of 1789 "the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."

From a letter written by Nelly Custis-Lewis, Washington's adopted daughter

"No one in church attended to the services with more reverential respect." She added: "I should have thought it the greatest heresy to doubt his firm belief in Christianity. His life, his writings, prove that he was a Christian. He was not one of those who act or pray, that they may be seen of men." In closing, Nelly attempted to answer the question of whether General Washington was a Christian. She responded, "Is it necessary that any one should certify, 'General Washington avowed himself to me a believer in Christianity?' As well may we question his patriotism, his heroic, disinterested devotion to his country. His mottos were, 'Deeds, not Words;' and, 'For God and my Country."- Nelly Custis-Lewis (Washington's adopted daughter)

Washington spoke about the importance of religion and morality to our government in his Farewell Address in 1796

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 and citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and 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 and 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[?] -George Washington Farewell Address Sept 19,1796 (full doc)

Martha Washington Religion: A devout Anglican, she also perused a variety of devotional works and was said to read from the Bible or the Book of Common Prayer almost every day.

Benjamin Franklin Religion: educated as Presbyterian.
He clarified himself as a deist in his 1771 autobiography, although he still considered himself a Christian. Ben Franklin retained a strong faith in a god as the wellspring of morality and goodness in man, wrote his own prayer book, and as a Providential actor in history was responsible for American independence.

The following quotes are from:

Ben Franklin's Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion Nov 20, 1728

"That I may be preserved from Atheism and Infidelity, Impiety and Profaneness, and in my Addresses to Thee carefully avoid Irreverence and Ostentation, Formality and odious Hypocrisy,  Help me, O Father"

Thou abhorrest in thy Creatures Treachery and Deceit, Malice, Revenge, [Intemperance] and every other hurtful Vice; but Thou art a Lover of Justice and Sincerity, of Friendship, Benevolence and every Virtue. Thou art my Friend, my Father, and my Benefactor. Praised be thy Name for ever. Amen. -Ben Franklin

"I presume not to ask such Things, but rather Humbly, and with a sincere Heart express my earnest Desires that he would graciously assist my Continual Endeavours and Resolutions of eschewing Vice and embracing Virtue"  -Ben Franklin

Therefore the Lord himself will give you  a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right  -  Isaiah 7:14-15

Ben Franklin's Autobiography The life of Benjamin Franklin pg 225

"I had been religiously educated as a Presbyterian; and though some of the dogmas of that persuasion, such as the eternal decrees of God, election, reprobation, etc., appeared to me unintelligible, others doubtful, and I early absented myself from the public assemblies of the sect, Sunday being my studying day, I never was without some religious principles. I never doubted, for instance, the existence of the Deity; that he made the world, and governed it by his Providence; that the most acceptable service of God was the doing good to man; that our souls are immortal; and that all crime will be punished, and virtue rewarded, either here or hereafter. These I esteemed the essentials of every religion; and, being to be found in all the religions we had in our country, I respected them all, though with different degrees of respect, as I found them more or less mixed with other articles, which, without any tendency to inspire, promote, or confirm morality, served principally to divide us, and make us unfriendly to one another." -Benjamin Franklin

Here is another example from Franklin's autobiography. from page 226

"Had he been in my opinion a good preacher, perhaps I might have continued, notwithstanding the occasion I had for the Sunday s leisure in my course of study ; but his discourses were chiefly either polemic arguments, or explica tions of the peculiar doctrines of our sect, and were all to me very dry, uninteresting, and unedifying, since not a single moral principle was inculcated or enforced, their aim seeming to be rather to make us Presbyterians than good citizens. At length he took for his text that verse of the fourth chapter of Philippians, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report, if there be any virtue, or any ^praise, think on these things" And I imagin d, in a sermon on such a text, we could not miss of having some morality. But he confined himself to five points only, as meant by the apostle, viz.:
i. Keeping holy the Sabbath day. 2. Being diligent in reading the holy Scriptures. 3. Attending duly the publick worship. 4. Partaking of the Sacrament. 5. Paying a due respect to God's ministers. These might be all good things ; but, as they were not the kind of good things that I expected from that text, I despaired of ever meeting with them from any other, was disgusted, and attended his preaching no more. I had some years before compos d a little Liturgy, or form of prayer, for my own private use (viz., in 1728), en titled, Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion. I returned to the use of this, and went no more to the public assemblies. My conduct might be blame- able, but I leave it, without attempting further to excuse it ; my present purpose being to relate facts, and not to make apologies for them.* It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wished to live without committing any fault at any time.

Proverbs 2:1-8
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Thomas Jefferson Religion: Episcopal
Jefferson was a Bible reader and put together this book containing what he felt were the important passages from the New Testament (See Jefferson Bible). Jefferson defined being a Christian as one who followed the simple teachings of Jesus.

In 1803 he asserted, "I am Christian, in the only sense in which [Jesus] wished any one to be." -Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Paine Religion: Deist
Paine was known as the Father of the American Revolution, authored the two most influential pamphlets at the start of the American Revolution called "Common Sense" Paine believed in God but felt that the Priests were misrepresenting scripture for their own gain. He called this Priestcraft and wrote about this in his book. (see The Age of Reason).  Paine argues that the only reliable, unchanging and universal evidence of God's existence is the natural world and questioned the authority of the Bible. He argues that the Church and the State are a single corrupt institution which does not act in the best interests of the people—both must be radically altered:

"I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life. I believe the equality of man, and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellowcreatures happy." -Thomas Paine , The Age of Reason

"Soon after I had published the pamphlet "Common Sense," in America, I saw the exceeding probability that a revolution in the system of government would be followed by a revolution in the system of religion. The adulterous connection of Church and State, wherever it has taken place . . . has so effectually prohibited by pains and penalties every discussion upon established creeds, and upon first principles of religion, that until the system of government should be changed, those subjects could not be brought fairly and openly before the world; but that whenever this should be done, a revolution in the system of religion would follow. Human inventions and priestcraft would be detected; and man would return to the pure, unmixed and unadulterated belief of one God, and no more" -Thomas Paine

John Adams Religion: Congregationalist (Puritan).
John Adams, one of the writers of the Declaration of Independence and the 2nd President of the United States, was both a devout Christian, and an independent thinker. Adams was educated at Harvard as a Lawyer.  John Adams was a man of great faith and through his letters to his wife Abigail we can see his complete devotion to the intelligence he found in scripture.

John Adams diary 7, 21 March - 18 October 1761
Every Man has in Politicks as well as Religion, a Right to think and speak and Act for himself. No man either King or Subject, Clergyman or Layman has any Right to dictate to me who the Person I shall choose to for my Legislator and Ruler. I must judge for myself, but how can I judge, how can any Man judge, unless his Mind has been opened and enlarged by Reading. A Man who can read, will find in his Bible, in the common sermon Books that common People have by them and even in the Almanack and News Papers, Rules and observations, that will enlarge his Range of Thought, and enable him the better to judge who has and who has not that Integrity of Heart, and that Compass of Knowledge and Understanding, which form the Statesman.

So here is a lawyer telling us that to him, the Bible is a "compass" to knowledge and understanding.  John Adams believed that regular church service was beneficial to a man's moral sense.  He spoke out against Paine and his rejection of the Bible.

"The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity, let the Blackguard Paine say what he will" -John Adams

Day Feb 22, 1756 "John Adams diary 1" , 18 November 1755 - 29 August 1756
"Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged, in conscience, to temperance and frugality and industry; to justice and kindness and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love and reverence towards Almighty God. In this commonwealth, no man would impair his health by gluttony, drunkenness, or lust; no man would sacrifice his most precious time to cards or any other trifling and mean amusement; no man would steal, or lie, or in any way defraud his neighbor, but would live in peace and good will with all men; no man would blaspheme his Maker or profane his worship; but a rational and manly, a sincere and unaffected piety and devotion would reign in all hearts. What a Utopia; what a Paradise would this region be." -John Adams Feb 22, 1756

The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

Day 3/2/1756 from John Adams diary 1, 18 November 1755 - 29 August 1756
The great and almighty Author of nature, who at first established those rules which regulate the World, can as easily Suspend those Laws whenever his providence sees sufficient reason for such suspension. This can be no objection, then, to the miracles of J [Jesus] C [Christ]. Altho' some very thoughtfull, and contemplative men among the heathen, attained a strong persuasion of the great Principles of Religion, yet the far greater number having little time for speculation, gradually sunk in to the grossest Opinions and the grossest Practices. These therefore could not be made to embrace the true religion, till their attention was roused by some astonishing and miraculous appearances. The reasonings of Phylosophers having nothing surprizing in them, could not overcome the force of Prejudice, Custom, Passion, and Bigotry. But when wise and virtuous men, commisioned from heaven, by miracles awakened mens attention to their Reasonings the force of Truth made its way, with ease to their minds.

But all the Provisions that he has made for the Gratification of our senses, tho very engaging and unmerited Instances of goodness, are much inferior to the Provision, the wonderful Provision that he has made for the gratification of our nobler Powers of Intelligence and Reason. He has given us Reason, to find out the Truth, and the real Design and true [illegible] End of our Existence, and has made all Endeavours to promote them agreable to our minds, and attended with a conscious pleasure and Complacency.

John Adams diary 7, 21 March - 18 October 1761 August 8/1/1761
No Priest nor Pope has any Right to say what I shall believe, and I will not believe one Word they say, if I think it is not founded in Reason and in Revelation. Now how can I judge what My Bible justifies unless I can read my Bible.

Abigail Adams Religion: Unitarian.
The first 2nd Lady and second 1st Lady of the United States, the first women to live in the White House and first to also have her son (John Quincy) become president. Abigail was one of the most respected and influential women of the early revolutionary period of American history. As the closest advisor to her husband, John, and a strong influence on her son, John Quincy, Abigail’s influence at the center of American political power spans a half century or more. Abigail's faith in the Lord's word may have been the greatest contribution to our successful independence. She filled her husband’s heart with God's word as was evident in her letters. She was patient when her husband had to be away on business, was busy at home working the farm and caring for the children. Abigail was the daughter of a minister, William Smith, and his wife Elizabeth Quincy. The family had long roots in Puritan America, and was part of the Congregational church that did not believe in the doctrine of predestination. Arguably, the most important woman of the Revolutionary and Early Republic periods of American history. Her ideas about government and politics and especially religion, helped to shape the policies of her husband. They even battled about the idea of woman's rights, prior to writing the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution.

Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, 8 February 1797 (2 months before he became president)
And may it prove an auspicious prelude to each ensuing Season. You have this day to declare Yourself Head of A Nation.
And now O Lord my God thou hast made thy servant Ruler over the people, give unto him an understanding Heart, that he may know how to go out, and come in before this great people, that he may descern between good and bad, for who is able to judge this, thy so great people? Were the Words of a Royal Soverign, and not less applicable to him who is invested with the Chief Majestracy of a Nation, tho he wear not a Crown, or the Robes of Royalty. My Thoughts, and my meditations are with you, tho personally absent, and my petitions to Heaven are that the things which make for Peace, may not be hiden from your Eyes. My feelings are not those of pride, or ostentation upon the occasion. They are solemnized by a sense of the obligations, the important Trusts and Numerous Duties connected with it, that you may be enabled to discharge them with Honour to yourself, with justice and impartiality to your Country, and with satisfaction to this great people shall be
The Daily prayer of your  -A Adams

This is perhaps the greatest passage in the Bible to put in any leader's heart.  Here is the original full passage from the Book of Kings.

1 Kings 3:7-14 (KJV)
And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

According to this scripture, it appears that John Adams did keep the way of the Lord, because he lived to 90 years old back in 1836 and was the fifth oldest president.  John died on July 4, 1826, which happened to also be the fifty year anniversary of America's independence, and just few hours after Thomas Jefferson.  John's last words were something like "Jefferson lives". The people said that this coincidence, our two founding fathers and authors of the Declaration of Independence, passing within hours of each other, was "supernatural" (see story).  The 50th Year is the Jubliee in the Bible.  As for King Solomon, who made the original prayer in the Bible,  turned away from the Lord's laws, and had most of the kingdom stripped from him. He was only about 52 when he died.

Leviticus 25:11-13
The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields. “In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to their own property"

Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, 10 April 1782
I will not distrust the providential Care of the supreem disposer of events, from whose Hand I have so frequently received distinguished favours.

Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 December 1782
I feel a pleasure in being able to sacrifice my selfish passions to the general good, and in imitating the example which has taught me to consider myself and family, but as the small dust of the balance when compaired with the great community.

Which comes from..

Genesis 3:19
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 March - 5 April 1776
I have sometimes been ready to think that the passion for Liberty cannot be Eaquelly Strong in the Breasts of those who have been accustomed to deprive their fellow Creatures of theirs. Of this I am certain that it is not founded upon that generous and christian principal of doing to others as we would that others should do unto us.

Which comes from this biblical law that Christ said was the second most important law of humanity.

Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Abigail is known for her stance on woman's rights, however, as a Bible scholar, I understand the biblical error of her position and so did her husband. What she is really saying here is that the biblical law does not permit men to mistreat their godly wives.

Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, 26 February 1794
but as  Reigning and Ruling is so much out of fashion, at the present day. My ambition will extend no further than Reigning in the Heart of my Husband. That is my throne and there I aspire to be absolute.

Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 March - 5 April 1776
They have time and warning given them to see the Evil and shun it. -- I long to hear that you have declared an independency -- and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation. That your Sex are Naturally Tyrannical is a Truth so thoroughly established as to admit of no dispute, but such of you as wish to be happy willingly give up the harsh title of Master for the more tender and endearing one of Friend. Why then, not put it out of the power of the vicious and the Lawless to use us with cruelty and indignity with impunity. Men of Sense in all Ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your Sex. Regard us then as Beings placed by providence under your protection and in immitation of the Supreem Being make use of that power only for our happiness

Many sites only print the first half of this quote (example), hiding the fact that Abigail did understand that it was God's will for her to be under her husbands protection, even if she challenged it.  According to scripture, this law is already in place: (love your wives and do not be harsh with them).

Colossians 3:18-19
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

What Abigail exposes in her letters is the fact that the idea of Woman's Rights, meaning rights that are separate and contrary from biblical law, were fully discussed at the time of the writing of the Constitution.  John Adams response clarifies the Founding Fathers position on the subject.  The Declaration of Independence states that our unity comes from following God's laws, so who is man to change God's Law?  From the Bible, the Lord's advice in marriage is to seek a partner who fears the Lord and will follow His law. This law is the same for both men and women.  However, if a woman chooses to ignore that advice and marry a man who follows other gods (like money), or an atheiest who follows his own way, she will likely end up with many hardships. No additional laws are required.  This is explained this in great detail in section "The Law: Marriage Laws" .

Here is John Adams warning to America about a Womans Rebellion, which is in complete violation to God's Torah Laws, and he warns that it would lead to: Despotism

John Adams 14 April 1776
But your Letter was the first Intimation that another Tribe more numerous and powerfull than all the rest were grown discontented. -- This is rather too coarse a Compliment but you are so saucy, I wont blot it out. Depend upon it, We know better than to repeal our Masculine systems. Altho they are in full Force, you know they are little more than Theory. We dare not exert our Power in its full Latitude. We are obliged to go fair, and softly, and in Practice you know We are the subjects. We have only the Name of Masters, and rather than give up this, which would compleatly subject Us to the Despotism of the Peticoat, I hope General Washington, and all our brave Heroes would fight. I am sure every good Politician would plot, as long as he would against Despotism, Empire, Monarchy, Aristocracy, Oligarchy, or Ochlocracy.

des·pot·ism
NOUN 1.the exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way. A form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. That entity may be an individual, as in an autocracy, or it may be a group, as in an oligarchy.

Abigail is falling into Eve's trap which John speaks about and clearly is in violation of the biblical law. If we are to be a nation under God's laws, we all need to trust and submit to God's laws. John knows this which is why he says that men are really the subjects. What women and men need to understand is that if we all were united under God's laws, and we all followed them, there wouldn't be a women who wasn't happy. As John said above, we would have Utopia.

Ephesians 5:22-33
Wives, make yourselves accountable to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy

1 Peter 3:1-6
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Psalm 73:6-8
Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.

Psalm 133:1
“how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”

All opinions aside, if we signed a declaration to be united by the Law's of God, how can we dare change those laws?  We would be in violation of our own document.  It's time to put our bitterness aside and learn from these two great people, they had a great marriage and helped form a great nation.  Eve was tempted but this Adam didn't make the same mistake.  He obeyed God's law, and the nation rose high.

Deuteronomy 4:5-6
See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”  

Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, 17 April 1777
As to cloathing of any sort for myself or family I think no more of purchaseing any than if they were to live like Adam and Eve in innocence. I seek wool and flax and can work willingly with my Hands, and tho my Household are not cloathed with fine linnen nor scarlet (proverbs 31), they are cloathed with what is perhaps full as Honorary, the plain and decent manufactory of my own family, and tho I do not abound, I am not in want. I have neither poverty nor Riches but food which is convenient for me and a Heart to be thankfull and content that in such perilous times so large a share of the comforts of life are allotted to me. I have a large Share of Health to be thankfull for, not only for myself but for my family.

"When will Mankind be convinced that true Religion is from the Heart, between Man and his creator, and not the imposition of Man or creeds and tests?" Letter January 3, 1818

I acknowledge myself a unitarian – Believing that the Father alone, is the supreme God, and that Jesus Christ derived his Being, and all his powers and honors from the Father ... There is not any reasoning which can convince me, contrary to my senses, that three is one, and one three  wikipedia

Abigail had a loving relationship with her husband whom she addressed in her letters to him as "My dearest friend". Through that love, she influenced her husband, and the nation, by supporting him in the way of the Lord with Bible verses. While John was working Abigail was often home alone for months, running the farm and raising their children. But it is what happened to the Abigail and John after John's presidency that was so traumatic that it sent Abigail into depression. Their daughter Nabby was diagnosed with a breast cyst.  After seeing many doctors who said not to do anything, Abigail sent a list of her symptoms to an old friend of her fathers called Dr Benjamin Rush from Philadelphia. Dr Rush insisted that she have immediate breast removal surgury.  The procedure was performed in their house and was so gruesome that Abigail, who witnessed it, wrote to a friend that she thought that the operation had been a "furnace of affliction". (see Jim Olson's Essay). 

The Furnace of Affliction
The "furnace of affliction" comes from the Bible Isaiah 48:10. It's a warning about the expected judgment for rebelling against the Lord. A judgment reserved especially for those who "take oaths in the name of the Lord", like Presidents do before they take office. This is such a powerful understanding because of Abigail's letters, which testify against her, a desire to start a Woman's rebellion. Here's what the scripture says, so judge for yourself what Abigail believes she has done against the Lord. There is only one "furnace of affliction" in the Bible, so this is a powerful statement from Abigail that the Lord by have punished her for being a rebel, hoping to refine her.  Here is a shortend version.

Isaiah 48:1-6 (full) 
You who take oaths in the name of the Lord and invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness;  you who call yourselves citizens of the holy city and claim to rely on the God of Israel—the Lord Almighty is his name: I foretold the former things long ago,
my mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. For I knew how stubborn you were; your neck muscles were iron, your forehead was bronze. Therefore I told you these things long ago; before they happened I announced them to you
so that you could not say, ‘My images brought them about; my wooden image and metal god ordained them.’ You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not admit them? Well do I know how treacherous you are; you were called a rebel from birth. For my own name’s sake I delay my wrath;
for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to destroy you completely. See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.  For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed?

Isaiah 48:17-19
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.
Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be blotted out nor destroyed from before me.”

Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 May 1775
God grant that the Furnace of Affliction may refine them. God grant that they may be relieved from their present Distress. It is Arrogance and Presumption in human Sagacity to pretend to penetrate far into the Designs of Heaven.

Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776 Britain has been fill'd with Folly, and America with Wisdom, at least this is my judgment. Time must determine. It is the Will of Heaven, that the two Countries should be sundered forever. It may be the Will of Heaven that America shall suffer Calamities still more wasting and Distresses yet more dreadfull. If this is to be the Case, it will have this good Effect, at least: it will inspire Us with many Virtues, which We have not, and correct many Errors, Follies, and Vices, which threaten to disturb, dishonour, and destroy Us. The Furnace of Affliction produces Refinement, in States as well as Individuals. And the new Governments we are assuming, in every Part, will require a Purification from our Vices, and an Augmentation of our Virtues or they will be no Blessings. The People will have unbounded Power. And the People are extreamly addicted to Corruption and Venality, as well as the Great. I am not without Apprehensions from this Quarter. But I must submit all my Hopes and Fears, to an overruling Providence, in which, unfashionable as the Faith may be, I firmly believe.

Now maybe we can understand why Abigail wanted to burn those letters. Her words testify against her as a rebel.  Here are some additional quotes from her letters to show her "irreparable" state of mind.

“She has always been my closest companion.” — Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, April 10,h 1810

“The wound which has lacerated my Bosom cannot be healed. The broken Heart may be bound up; and religion teach submission and Silence, even under the anguish of the Heart, but it can not cure it. The unbidden sigh will rise. And the bitter tear flow long after the Tomb is closed.” Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, October 22nd 1813

“I fear it will be, to be laid by her Ancestors. Such are her complaints; that I fear I shall have one of the distressing and trying scenes of my Life to go through To heaven I submit, trusting that as my trials are, so will my strength be“ Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, July 14th, 1813

“To me the loss is irreparable”  Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, September 13th 1813

“Bitter is the loss of a sweet Infant but now much more increased are the pangs which rent the heart of a Mother, when called to part with the Head of a family, in the midst of her Days, and usefulness? Endorsed by a thousand strong ties?”  Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, December 6th 1813

2 Chronicles 36:16
But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.

James Madison Religion: educated as Presbyterian.

"Whilst we assert for ourselves a freedom to embrace, to profess and to observe the Religion which we believe to be of divine origin, we cannot deny an equal freedom to those whose minds have not yet yielded to the evidence which has convinced us. If this freedom be abused, it is an offence against God, not against man. " -James Madison, A Memorial and Remonstrance

John Jay Religion: Episcopal.

"He also expressed a belief that the moral precepts of Christianity were necessary for good government, saying, "No human society has ever been able to maintain both order and freedom, both cohesiveness and liberty apart from the moral precepts of the Christian Religion. Should our Republic ever forget this fundamental precept of governance, we will then, be surely doomed"-John Jay, A Memorial and Remonstrance

Alexander Hamilton Religion: Presbyterian and Episcopalian

Probably the least religious of all the founding fathers; Hamilton made jokes about God at the Constitutional Convention. At the same time, he never doubted God's existence, embracing Christianity as a system of morality and cosmic justice. He later slandered Aaron Burr secretly in a letter soon after the 1804 gubernatorial election in New York and Burr found out and challenged him to a duel. According to Wikipedia...

The night before the duel, Hamilton wrote a defense of his decision to duel. Hamilton viewed his roles of being a father and husband, putting his creditors at risk, placing his family's welfare in jeopardy and his moral and religious stances as reasons not to duel, but he felt it impossible to avoid due to having made attacks on Burr which he was unable to recant

Perhaps Hamilton's lack of biblical knowledge led to his poor decisions and ultimately his senseless death.

“Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord"
-Leviticus 19:16

Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.
-Psalm 101:5

After being shot in the duel in Weehawken, New Jersey, a dying Hamilton spoke of his belief in God's mercy, and of his desire to renounce dueling; Bishop Moore administered communion to Hamilton

Hamilton had always had respect for Jews. His birthplace of Charlestown had a large Jewish population with whom Hamilton came into contact on a regular basis. As a boy, he had learned Hebrew and could recite the Ten Commandments in its original language. He believed that Jewish achievement was a result of divine providence and warned that those who discredit the Jews "destroy the Christian religion."

Hamilton was one of the founders of “The Christian Constitutional Society.” Its objectives were to:
1st The support of the Christian Religion.
2nd The support of the Constitution of the United States

Also See (Religious affiliations of Presidents of the United States)

Abraham Lincoln Religion: Baptist (but never joined a church)
Lincoln was raised as a Baptist by his parents but later never formally joined a church. Some ministers privately lamented the fact that he had never formally joined a church. Yet, Lincoln had nonetheless became one of America's most theological presidents. (see PBS) Lincoln rejected the belief that the fate of all men and women had been predetermined.

"Fondly do we hope -- fervently do we pray -- that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man's 250 years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, ... as was said 3,000 years ago, so still it must be said 'the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.' -Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

"And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God." - Emancipation Proclamation  (full doc)

"I do not think I could myself, be brought to support a man for office, whom I knew to be an open enemy of, and scoffer at, religion. Leaving the higher matter of eternal consequences, between him and his Maker, I still do not think any man has the right thus to insult the feelings, and injure the morals, or the community in which he may live." -A. Lincoln July 31, 1846 from Handbill Replying to Charges of Infidelity

About the American Indians Religion: Many gods and spirits including sun gods and  animal gods.  (see American Indian Gods and The Plains Indians)

Washington encouraged the Indians to study the teaching of Jesus Christ in a letter he signed: see (SPEECH TO THE DELAWARE CHIEFS)

Brothers: I am glad you have brought three of the Children of your principal Chiefs to be educated with us. I am sure Congress will open the Arms of love to them, and will look upon them as their own Children, and will have them educated accordingly. This is a great mark of your confidence and of your desire to preserve the friendship between the Two Nations to the end of time, and to become One people with your Brethen of the United States. My ears hear with pleasure the other matters you mention. Congress will be glad to hear them too. You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are. Congress will do every thing they can to assist you in this wise intention; and to tie the knot of friendship and union so fast, that nothing shall ever be able to loose it.

There are many Bible verses that show how the Lord intended to drive out the people who worship other gods and gives the land to those who obey his laws.  

Leviticus 18:24-28
Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. But you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the foreigners residing among you must not do any of these detestable things, for all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled. And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you.

Deuteronomy 7:22-23
The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you. But the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed.

 Washington gave the indians a choice but they continued to follow their own false gods.

Exodus 23:33
Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.

Deuteronomy 7:16
You must destroy all the peoples the Lord your God gives over to you. Do not look on them with pity and do not serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you.

This is the key to it all right here,  people are natural followers. The brain research show us how our facial expression and mirror neurons work, how people, especially children, will be influenced subconsciously to follow the practices of the people around them (even those they watch on TV). The pilgrims learned this from their twelve year experience in Holland as their children were led into sin by "great licentiousness* (promiscuity) of the young people of the country". So we finally can understand the humanity of this command as it is natural for young people to be lured into following the beliefs of the people around them. America would never have rose up as a great nation without protecting and teaching it's children moral laws.  History shows that America did try to covert the Indians, to teach them by Christ's moral example, but they would not let go of their strange gods, animal gods and sun and moon gods..

Exodus 20:4-6
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

However that could all change if they would just repent the sins of their ancestors and turn to the Lord and follow his laws. The Indians, like ancient Israel at the time of the Exile, have not been destroyed completely; so if you understand the scripture, the Lord may be waiting for them to turn.

Isaiah 57:13
When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away. But whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land”

Deuteronomy 8:19-20
If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.

 

Why Do Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving as a National Holiday?

Thanksgiving did not become a national holiday in the United States until the fall of 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation that the last Thursday in November would be a day of national thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving proclamation follows: October 3, 1863 By the President of the United States: Abraham Lincoln
A Proclamation

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and provoke their aggressions, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United Stated States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

Abraham Lincoln

 

More Notes about the Pilgrims from "Of Plymouth Plantation" (Full PDF)

Departing Letter from: Pastor John Robinson in Holland to the Pilgrims departing from Southampton for New England:

Loving Christian Friends, I salute you all heartily in the Lord, as being they with whom I am present in my best affections and most earnest longings, though I am constrained for a time to be bodily absent from you. I say constrained, God knowing how willingly, and much rather than otherwise, I would have borne my part with you in this first brunt, were I not by strong necessity held back for the present. Think of me in the meanwhile as of a man divided in himself with great pain, and (physical limitations set aside) as having his better part with you. Though I doubt not that in your godly wisdom, you foresee what is applicable to your present condition, I have thought it but my duty to add some further spur, even to those who run already,—not because you need it, but because I owe it in love and duty. First, as we ought daily to renew our repentance with our God, especially for our sins known, and generally for our unknown trespasses, so doth the Lord call us in a singular manner, upon such an occasion of difficulty and danger as lies before you, both to more narrow search and careful reformation of our ways in His sight lest He, calling to remembrance of our sins forgotten by us or unrepented of, take advantage of us, and, as a judgment upon us, leave us to be swallowed up in one danger or another. Whereas, on the contrary, sin being taken away by earnest repentance, and the pardon thereof from the Lord sealed up into a man’s conscience by His spirit, great shall be his security and peace in all dangers, sweet his comfort in all distresses, with happy deliverance from all evil, whether in life or in death. Now next after this heavenly peace with God and our own conscience, we are carefully to provide for peace with all men so far as in us lieth especially with our associates; and for that we must be watchful that we ourselves neither give, nor easily take, offence. Woe be unto the world for offences; for though it be necessary (considering the malice of Satan and man’s corruption) that offences come, yet woe unto the man or woman either, by whom the offence come, saith Christ (Math. xviii, 7). And if offences arising from unseasonable actions, innocent in themselves, are more to be feared than death itself, as the Apostle teacheth (I Cor. ix, 15), how much more when arising from things simply evil, in which neither honour of God nor love of man is thought worthy to be regarded. Nor is it sufficient that we keep ourselves by the grace of God from giving offence, except we be armed also against taking offence when it is given by others. For how imperfect is the work of grace in him who lacks the charity that covers a multitude of offence, as the scripture says. Neither are you exhorted to this grace only upon the common grounds of Christianity. Persons ready to take offence, either lack the charity which should cover offences; or the wisdom duly to weigh human frailty; or lastly, are gross though close hypocrites, as Christ our Lord teaches (Math. vii, 1, 2, 3). In my own experience I have found few who are quicker to give offence, than those who easily take it. They who have nourished this touchy humour have never proved sound and profitable members in societies. But there are, besides, many reasons why you, above others, should use special care in this direction. You are, many of you, strangers to each other and to the infirmities of one another, and so stand in need of the more watchfulness, lest when unsuspected qualities appear in men and women, you be inordinately affected by them. This requires at your hands much wisdom and charity. Further, the plans for your intended civil community will furnish continual occasion of offence, and will be as fuel to the fire, unless you diligently quench it with brotherly forbearance. And if taking offence causelessly or easily at men’s doings should be so carefully avoided, how much more is it to be heeded lest we take offence at God himself,—which we do as often as we murmur at His providen in our crosses, or bear impatiently such afflictions as He pleases to visit upon us. Store up, therefore, patience against the evil day, with which we take offence at the Lord Himself in His holy and just works. A fourth think is carefully to be provided for, to wit, that with your employments, which will be common to all, you join affections truly bent upon the general good, avoiding, as a deadly plague of your comfort, all retiredness of mind for selfish advantage. Let every one repress within himself, as so many rebels against the common good, all private partialities, not consistent with the general convenience and as one is careful not to have a new house shaken with any violence before it is well settled and the parts firmly knit, so be you, I beseech you brethren, much more careful, that the house of God, which you are and are to be, be not shaken with unnecessary novelties or other oppositions at the first settling thereof. Lastly, whereas you are to become a body politic, administering among yourselves civil government, and are furnished with persons of no special eminence above the rest, from whom you will elect some to the office of government, let your wisdom and godliness appear, not only in choosing such persons as will entirely love and promote the common good, but also in yielding them all due honour and obedience in their lawful administrations; not beholding in them the ordinariness of their persons, but God’s ordinance for your good; nor being like the foolish multitude, who honour a gay coat more than either the virtuous mind of the wearer or the glorious ordinance of the Lord. But you know better, and understand that the image of the Lord’s power and authority which the magistrate bears, is honourable, in how humble persons soever. And this duty you can the more willingly perform, because you are at present to have only those for your governors as you yourselves shall choose. Several other things of importance I could put you in mind of, but I will not so far wrong your godly minds as to think you heedless of these things, there being many among you well able both to admonish themselves and others. These few things, therefore, I do earnestly commend unto your care and conscience, joining therewith my daily incessant prayers unto the Lord, that He Who has made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all rivers of waters, and Whose providence is over all His works, especially over all His dear children for good, would so guide and guard you in your ways, as inwardly by His spirit, so outwardly by the hand of His power, that both you and we also may praise His name all the days of our lives. Fare you well in Him in Whom you trust, and in Whom I rest. An unfeigned well-willer of your happy success in this hopeful voyage.
JOHN ROBINSON.

More Letters Showing Religious Beliefs

Thus beseeching the Almighty, Who is all-sufficient to raise us out of this depth of difficulties, and to assist us herein, and to supply means by His providence and fatherly care for us, His poor children and servants, that we may with comfort behold the hand of our God for good towards us in this our enterprise, which we undertake in His name and fear; we take leave and remain, Yours perplexed, yet hopeful brethren,
SAMUEL FULLER EDWARD WINSLOW WILLIAM BRADFORD ISAAC ALLERTON.

Friend, if ever we establish a colony, God works a miracle; especially considering how scanty our provisions will be and most of all how disunited we are among ourselves, and devoid of good leaders. Violence will break all. Where is the meek and humble spirit of Moses and of Nehemiah, who re-edified the walls of Jerusalem and the state of Israel? Is not the sound of Rehoboam’s bragging daily among us here? Have not the philosophers and all wise men observed, that even in settled commonwealths violent governors bring neither themselves or people or both to ruin? How much more in the building of commonwealths, when the mortar is scarcely hardened which is to bind the walls. If I were to write you everything that foreruns our ruin, I should overcharge my weak head and grieve your tender heart; only this,—prepare for evil tidings of us every day. But pray for us instantly. It may be the Lord may yet be entreated. I see not how in reason we can escape the gasping of hunger-starved persons; but God can do much, and His will be done.
Letter from: Robert Cushman at Dartmouth to Edward Southworth, at Heanage House, Duke’s Place, London.

Our prayer to God is, that your Worship may see the fruit of your endeavours, which on our parts we shall not fail to further. And so praying you, as soon as convenient, to give us knowledge of the success of the business with his majesty’s Privy Council, and accordingly what your further pleasure is, so we rest.

Yours worshipful in all duty

JOHN ROBINSON. WILLIAM BREWSTER.

Said of John Robinson, Pastor of the Pilgrims
Indeed, such was the love and respect that this worthy man, Mr. John Robinson, had to his flock, and his flock to him, that it might be said of them, that it was hard to judge whether he was more delighted in having such a people or they in having such a pastor. His love was great towards them, and his care was always bent to their best good both for soul and body; for, besides his singular ability in divine things (wherein he excelled), he was also very able in directing their civil affairs and foreseeing dangers and troubles; so he was very helpful to their material well-being, and was in every way a common father to them. "Of Plymouth Plantation" chapter III. Settlement at Leyden: 1607–1608.

Abrogation

This section will be posted soon.

“Nevertheless, to keep a good conscience, and walk in such a way as God has prescribed in his word, is a thing which I must prefer before you all, and above life itself.”
― William Bradford

“All great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and both must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courage.”
― William Bradford

Do you remember the movie Pinocchio? Even Geppetto was smart enough to warn Pinocchio about Pleasure Island.

Remember this old story: Pleasure Island is a theme park located on an island. The Coachman, who made a fortune from his crooked deeds, is the owner of the park and takes all the boys that Foulfellow and Gideon traps. Apparently, the boys can do whatever they pleased on the island, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, fighting, wrecking the place and other deeds that good children wouldn't do. The boys were also free of the law and any adults who could stop them from being bad. However, unknown to the boys, Pleasure Island in truth actually serves as a trap. Once the boys had enough time being bad, they would turn into donkeys after they made "jackasses" of themselves and become slaves.

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"It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's temple shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall stream to it." - Isaiah 2:2