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Tag: Value of Religion

Washington’s Farewell Address 1796

Washington’s Farewell Address 1796

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George Washington January 1, 1796 In this famous address, he criticizes the spirit of faction that erupted among his colleagues. In terms of religion, the key paragraph is two thirds of the way down, starting, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” He declared that it would be literally unpatriotic to attack religion and suggested that the rule of law would disintegrate without religion because the legal system relies on…

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Letter from George Washington to John Rogers, June 11, 1783

Letter from George Washington to John Rogers, June 11, 1783

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George Washington June 11, 1783 Washington supports the distribution of Bibles to the troops. Head Quarters, June 11, 1783. Dear Sir: I accept, with much pleasure your kind Congratulations on the happy Event of Peace, with the Establishment of our Liberties and Independence. Glorious indeed has been our Contest: glorious, if we consider the Prize for which we have contended, and glorious in its Issue; but in the midst of our Joys, I hope we shall not forget that, to…

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George Washington, General Orders, March 22, 1783

George Washington, General Orders, March 22, 1783

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George Washington March 22, 1783 Washington orders his soldiers to observe the Sabbath. Parole Ghent. Countersigns Holland, Ireland. For the day tomorrow Major Ashley. Brigd. Qr. Master 3d. Massa. Brigade. For duty the 2d. Massachusetts regiment. In justice to the zeal and ability of the Chaplains, as well as to his own feelings, the Commander in chief thinks it a duty to declare the regularity and decorum with which divine service is now performed every sunday, will reflect great credit…

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George Washington, General Orders, July 16, 1775

George Washington, General Orders, July 16, 1775

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George Washington July 16, 1775 Washington orders his troops to worship and abide by Congress’s declaration of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 16, 1775. Parole Carolina. Countersign Springfield. The Continental Congress having earnestly recommended, that “Thursday next the 20th. Instant, be observed by the Inhabitants of all the english Colonies upon this Continent, as a Day of public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer; that they may with united Hearts and Voice unfeignedly confess their Sins before God, and…

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Northwest Ordinance, 1787

Northwest Ordinance, 1787

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Continental Congress July 13, 1787 This is the law that governed a huge swath of land. Though Congress deferred to the states on most matters, these were nationally-owned lands and therefore policy was set by the national Congress. It was the most significant effort by the pre-Constitution Congress to spell out views on religion and the state. The key provision was Article 1, which provided expansive religious freedom: “No person, demeaning himself in a peaceable and orderly manner, shall ever…

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Letter from Benjamin Franklin to an Atheist

Letter from Benjamin Franklin to an Atheist

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Benjamin Franklin December 13, 1757 Frankln here tries to dissuade an atheist from writing an article attacking religion. Franklin makes the argument that while a rare few might be able to get along without the help of religion, the masses need religion to keep them straight. To ————— Cravenstreet, Dec. 13. 1757 Dear Sir, I have read your Manuscrit with some Attention. By the Arguments it contains against the Doctrine of a particular Providence, tho’ you allow a general Providence,…

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