Historical Writings Library Page
Daniel Webster – Vidal v. Girard’s Executors
In the last year of his life Daniel Webster (1782-1852) stood before the New York Historical Society and declared: That if we, and our posterity, shall be true to the Christian religion, if we shall respect his commandments, if we, and they, shall maintain just, moral sentiments, and such conscientious convictions [...]
Proclamation – America Seeks God in a Time of War – 1777
In light of America's current war in Iraq and ongoing war against terrorism, the actions of our Founding Fathers in times of war are instructive. This is the text of the first national day of thanksgiving in America (set for December 18, 1777), declared by the Continental Congress on November 1, [...]
The Importance of Voting and Christian Involvement in the Political Arena
John Adams We electors have an important constitutional power placed in our hands; we have a check upon two branches of the legislature . . . the power I mean of electing at stated periods [each] branch. . . . It becomes necessary to every [citizen] then, to be in some [...]
“Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death”
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, [...]
George Washington’s Farewell Address
(There is an outline and a select dictionary at the end of this Address.) Friends and Fellow-Citizens: The period for a new election of a citizen, to administer the Executive Government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in [...]
Letters Between the Danbury Baptists and Thomas Jefferson
(For the latest FBI forensic research on Thomas Jefferson's letter click here. For an analysis of the context of this exchange between the Danbury Baptists and Jefferson, see Daniel Dreisbach's "'Sowing Useful Truths and Principles': The Danbury Baptists, Thomas Jefferson, and the 'Wall of Separation'" in the Journal of Church and State, [...]
Proclamation – Humiliation and Prayer – 1812
Resolution requesting the President of the United States to recommend a day of public humiliation and prayer. It being a duty peculiarly incumbent in a time of public calamity and war, humbly and devoutly to acknowledge our dependence on Almighty God, and to implore his aid and protection: Therefore, Resolved by [...]
Should Christians – Or Ministers – Run For Office?
Today's critics assert that Christians should not be involved with politics or government, and especially that ministers should not be involved. Such opposition is not new. In fact, two centuries ago, Founding Father John Witherspoon delivered a sagacious rebuttal to these same objections. Courtesy: Independent National Historical Park John Witherspoon (1723-1794) [...]
Qualifications for Public Office
Daniel Webster, known as the "Defender of the Constitution," was a famous orator and statesman who argued cases before the US Supreme Court, served as a US Congressman, a US Senator, and US Secretary of State. In testimony before the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention (transcribed below), Mr. Webster persuasively reasons for the [...]
The Founders on Gambling
Continental Congress Whereas true religion and good morals are the only solid foundations of public liberty and happiness: Resolved, That it be, and it is hereby earnestly recommended to the several states, to take the most effectual measures for the encouragement thereof, and for the suppressing theatrical entertainments, horse racing, [...]
