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Diary of William Bradford at Plymouth Plantation

Diary of William Bradford at Plymouth Plantation

William Bradford 1630   Of Plymouth Plantation CHAPTER I It is well known unto the godly and judicious, how ever since the first breaking out of the light of the gospel in our honorable nation of England, (which was the first of nations whom the Lord adorned therewith after the gross darkness of popery which had covered and overspread the Christian world), what wars and oppositions ever since, Satan hath raised, maintained and continued against the Saints, from time to…

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The First Charter of Virginia, 1606

The First Charter of Virginia, 1606

Virginia May 10, 1606 The colony is established with a firm invocation of Almighty God and a commitment to propagating the Christian religion to the “Infidels and Savages.” JAMES, by the Grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. WHEREAS our loving and well-disposed Subjects, Sir Thorn as Gales, and Sir George Somers, Knights, Richard Hackluit, Clerk, Prebendary of Westminster, and Edward-Maria Wingfield, Thomas Hanharm and Ralegh Gilbert, Esqrs. William Parker, and George…

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The Barbary Treaties : Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Signed at Tripoli

The Barbary Treaties : Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Signed at Tripoli

US Government November 4, 1796 A treaty negotiated during the Washington administration and ratified by the Senate during the presidency of John Adams, attempted to assuage Tripoli that America was not pursuing a religious war against them: “As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered…

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South Carolina Constitution of 1778

South Carolina Constitution of 1778

South Carolina January 1, 1778 Section XXI. And whereas the ministers of the gospel are by their profession dedicated to the service of God and the cure of souls, and ought not to be diverted from the great duties of their function, therefore no minister of the gospel or public preacher of any religious persuasion, while he continues in the exercise of his pastoral function, and for two years after, shall be eligible either as governor, lieutenant-governor, a member of…

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Patrick Henry on “Bill Establishing A Provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion”

Patrick Henry on “Bill Establishing A Provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion”

Patrick Henry January 1, 1784 After the revolutionary war, some in Virginia came to fear that religion had gone into decline. Church buildings had been destroyed during the war. It was thought that worship attendance was declining, immorality rising and clergy struggling.  The measure would provide support for Christianity in general, and would not force members of minority denominations to support churches other than their own. Richard Henry Lee argued that it was least the citizens of Virginia could do…

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Trial of Anne Hutchinson

Trial of Anne Hutchinson

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Massachusetts Court 1637 Anne Hutchinson was a reputable Boston matron who began holding meetings after church to discuss the day’s sermons or the Bible. It was deemed a direct assault on the official church. Theologically, she believed that the Puritans emphasized good works too much and put insufficient emphasis on grace. She was brought before the general court, where her accusers were also her judges. She declared that the local clergy lacked inspiration from God, and asked what laws she’d…

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Massachusetts Constitution of 1780

Massachusetts Constitution of 1780

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Massachusetts January 1, 1780 It was the right as well as the duty” to worship “the Supreme Being.” While some states were moving to end the practice of having official, taxpayer-supported “established” religion, Massachusetts continued with the practice. They did, however, become more pluralistic In the sense that before the war, state support went mostly to the Congregational Church, the ancestors of the Puritans. This constitution allowed and encouraged taxpayers to provide “the support and maintenance of public Protestant teachers…

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Maryland Constitution of 1776, Declaration of Rights

Maryland Constitution of 1776, Declaration of Rights

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Maryland January 1, 1776 The Constitution provided religious freedom for Christians; allowed for taxes to pay for church contruction, clergy salaries and other religious functions; and limited public offices to Christians. XXXIII. 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…

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Luther Martin Complains About Lack of Religious Test in Constitution (Genuine Information XII)

Luther Martin Complains About Lack of Religious Test in Constitution (Genuine Information XII)

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Luther Martin February 8, 1788 Although some praised the Constitution for banning religious tests for public office, others feared that it would lead to Pagans, Jews, and Muslims taking office and Catholicism becoming the official religion. Responses came from two leading federalists, James Spencer and James Iredell, who later became a Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. The part of the system, which provides that no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under…

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A Model of Christian Charity by John Winthrop, 1630

A Model of Christian Charity by John Winthrop, 1630

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John Winthrop 1630 OD ALMIGHTY in His most holy and wise providence, hath so disposed of the condition of mankind, as in all times some must be rich, some poor, some high and eminent in power and dignity; others mean and in submission.The Reason hereof: 1st Reason. First to hold conformity with the rest of His world, being delighted to show forth the glory of his wisdom in the variety and difference of the creatures, and the glory of His power…

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