LEST WE FORGET pt. 1 "God commands you to choose for rulers, ‘just men who will rule in the fear of God.’”

At a time when most Americans have no idea where our government came from we figured some might need to be reminded.  We do pray this is a blessing.

 

 

"God commands you to choose for rulers, ‘just men who will rule in the fear of God.’”

— Noah Webster (1758-1843)  Father of the Dictionary & American Patriot

 

"God cannot sustain this free and blessed country, which we love and pray for, unless the Church will take right ground. Politics are a part of a religion in such a country as this, and Christians [& citizens] must do their duty to the country as a part of their duty to God. It seems sometimes as if the foundations of the nation are becoming rotten, and Christians seem to act as if they think God does not see what they do in politics. But I tell you He does see it, and He will bless or curse this nation, according to the course they take."
— Reverend Charles G. Finney (1792-1792) Minister in the Second Great Awakening.

“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual--or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”
— Samuel Adams (1722–1803) Father of the American Revolution, Patriot and Statesman

“But the time has come that Christians [& citizens] must vote for honest men, and take consistent ground in politics. They must let the world see that the Church will uphold no man in office who is known to be a knave, or an adulterer, or a Sabbath-breaker, or a gambler, or a drunkard. Such is the spread of intelligence and the facility of communication in our country, that every man can know for whom he gives his vote. And if he will give his vote only for honest men, the country will be obliged to have upright rulers. All parties will be compelled to put up honest men as candidates. Christians have been exceedingly guilty in this matter. But the time has come when they must act differently.

“It is not easy to determine who are the more criminal. They who would make their way to places of power and trust by indirect means, or they who have so little concern for the welfare of their country as to harken to them. No civil rulers are to be obeyed when they enjoin things that are inconsistent with the commands of God: All such disobedience is lawful and glorious.”
— Jonathan Mayew (1720-1766) Preacher in The First Great Spiritual Awakening

....

"The size of the lie is a definite factor in causing it to be believed, for the vast masses of the nation are in the depths of their hearts more easily deceived than they are consciously and intentionally bad. The primitive simplicity of their minds renders them a more easy prey to a big lie than a small one, for they themselves often tell little lies but would be ashamed to tell a big one."
— Adolph Hitler (1889-1945) Founder of the Nazi Party, German leader responsible for WWII

"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt. He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man. We must not conclude merely upon a man's haranguing upon liberty, and using the charming sound, that he is fit to be trusted with the liberties of his country.”
— Samuel Adams (1722–1803) Father of the American Revolution, Patriot and Statesman

 

"Choose ye out from among you able men, such as fear God, men of truth and hating covetousness and set them to rule over you. Think not that your interests will be safe in the hands of the weak and ignorant or faithfully managed by the impious, the dissolute and the immoral. Think not that men who acknowledge not the providence of God nor regard his laws, will be uncorrupt in office, firm in defense of the righteous cause against the oppressor, or resolutely oppose the torrent of iniquity. Their own emolument, ease or pleasure, will at any time induce them to connive at injustice and iniquity, or join with the oppressor. Watch over your liberties and privileges civil and religious with a careful eye. In defense of these be zealous, resolute and intrepid. They demand it of you and are worthy of it, even though your lives were to be sacrificed.

 

“Banish party factions from among you- let the general good take place of contracted selfishness, and the public welfare triumph over private animosity. Discountenance vice, and be patterns and promoters of virtue and good morals as the only security for the support and prosperity of a republican government."
— Reverend Matthias Burnet (1749-1806) Minister in the Second Great Awakening.

 

“Let me …warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party …[it’s] common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. …It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another,  …It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. …in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged.”
— George Washington (1732-1799) Father of the Country, 1st President of the United States

 

“When a citizen gives his suffrage [vote] to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor, he betrays the interest of his country.”
— Noah Webster (1758-1843)  Father of the Dictionary & American Patriot

 

“If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.”
— Samuel Adams (1722–1803) Father of the American Revolution, Patriot and Statesman

 

“We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty or profusion and servitude. If we run into such debt, as that we must be taxed in our meat and in our drink, in our necessaries and our comforts, in our labors and our amusements, for our calling and our creeds...[we will] have no time to think, no means of calling our miss-managers to account but be glad to obtain subsistence by hiring ourselves to rivet their chains on the necks of our fellow-sufferers. …And this is the tendency of all human governments. A departure from principle in one instance becomes a precedent for[ another] ...till the bulk of society is reduced to be mere automatons of misery... And the fore-horse of this frightful team is public debt. Taxation follows that, and in its train wretchedness and oppression.”
—  Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of Independence, 3rd President of the U. S.

 

“A patriot without religion in my estimation is as great a paradox as an honest Man without the fear of God. Is it possible that he whom no moral obligations binds, can have any real good will towards men? Can he be a patriot who, by an openly vicious conduct, is undermining the very bonds of society? ... The Scriptures tell us ‘righteousness exalteth a nation.’”
— Abigail Adams (1744-1818) Wife of John Adams, Mother & Patriot

 

“When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers, just men who will rule in the fear of God. The preservation of [our] republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this Duty; if the citizens neglect their Duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizen will be violated or disregarded.”
— Noah Webster (1758-1843) Father of the Dictionary & American Patriot

 

“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” (and today we need more masters)
— Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Statesman, Scientist, Inventor, Printer and Philosopher

 

“A good moral character is the first essential in a man ...”
— George Washington (1732-1799) Father of the Country, 1st President of the United States

 

"If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation and temperance, of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety and true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honour of the Supreme Being and the welfare of the commonwealth; if men possessed of these other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid and permanent foundation."
— Samuel Adams (1722–1803) Father of the American Revolution, Patriot and Statesman

 

“I go on this great republican principle, that the people will have virtue and intelligence to select men of virtue and wisdom. Is there no virtue among us? If there is not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form of government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical (imaginary; fanciful or vainly conceived) idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men; so that we do not depend on their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them.”
— James Madison (1751-1836) Father of the Constitution, 4th President of the United States

 

“But still the people themselves must be the chief support of liberty. While the great body of the freeholders (voters) are acquainted with the duties which they owe to their God, to themselves, and to men, remain free. But if ignorance and depravity should prevail, they will inevitably lead to slavery and ruin.”
— Samuel Huntington (1731-1731) Founding Father, patriot and statesman

 

"The freedom and happiness of man...[are] the sole objects of all legitimate government."
—  Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of Independence, 3rd President of the U. S.

 

It is alledged by men of loose principles, or defective views on the subject, that religion and morality are not necessary or important qualifications for political stations. But the Scriptures teach a different doctrine. They direct that rulers should be men who rule in the fear of God, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness. But if we had no divine instruction on the subject, our own interest would demand of us a strict observance of the principle of these injunctions. And it is to the neglect of this rule of conduct in our citizens, that we must ascribe the multiplied frauds, breaches of trust, peculations and embezzlements of public property which astonish even ourselves; which tarnish the character of our country; which disgrace a republican government; and which will tend to reconcile men to monarchy in other countries and even in our own.”

 

“When a citizen gives his suffrage [vote] to a man of known immorality, he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor; he betrays the interest of his country. Nor is it of slight importance, that men elected to office should be able men, men of talents equal to their stations, men of mature age, experience, and judgment; men of firmness and impartiality. This is particularly true with regard to men who constitute tribunals of justice—the main bulwark of our rights—the citadel that maintains the last struggle of freedom against the inroads of corruption and tyranny. In this citadel should be stationed no raw, inexperienced soldier, no weak temporizing defender, who will obsequiously bend to power, or parley with corruption.”
— Noah Webster (1758-1843)  Father of the Dictionary & American Patriot

 

"The Americans are the first people whom heaven has favored with an opportunity of deliberating upon, and choosing the forms of government under which they should live; —all other constitutions have derived their existence from violence or accidental circumstances, ...Your life, your liberties, your property, will be at the disposal of your Creator and yourselves. You will know no power but such as you will create; no authority unless derived from your grant; no laws, but such as acquired all their obligations from your consent. ...Adequate security is also given to the rights of conscience and private judgment. They are, by nature, subject to no control but that of the Deity and in that free situation they are now left. Every man is permitted to consider, to adore and to worship his creator in the manner most agreeable to his conscience. No opinions are dictated; no rules of faith prescribed; no preference given to one sect [of Christianity over] to the prejudice of others.”

 

The constitution, however, has wisely declared, that the “liberty of conscience thereby granted shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of the State.” In a word, the convention by whom that constitution was formed were of opinion that the gospel of Christ, like the ark of God, would not fall, though unsupported by the arm of flesh; and happy would it be for mankind if that opinion prevailed more generally. ...from the people it must receive its spirit, and by them be quickened, Let virtue, honor, the love of liberty and of science be, and remain, the soul of this constitution, and it will become the source of great and extensive happiness to this and future generations. Vice, ignorance, and want of vigilance, will be the only enemies able to destroy it. Against these provide, and, of these, be forever jealous. Every member of the state, ought diligently to read and study the constitution of his country, and teach the rising generation to be free. By knowing their rights [God given], they [you the voter] will sooner perceive when they are violated, and be the better prepared to defend and assert them.”
— John Jay (1745-1829), Founding Father, Patriot, Statesman and First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

 

“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!”
— Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Statesman, Scientist, Inventor, Printer and Philosopher

 

"It is a misfortune incident to republican government, though in a less degree than to other governments, that those who administer it, may forget their obligations to their constituents, and prove unfaithful to their important trust."
— James Madison (1751-1836) Father of the Constitution, 4th President of the United States

 

“Make yourself sheep, and the wolves will eat you."
— Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Statesman, Scientist, Inventor, Printer and Philosopher

 

“There must be religion. When that ligament is torn, society is disjointed and its members perish. The nation is exposed to foreign violence and domestic convulsion. Vicious rulers, chosen by vicious people, turn back the current of corruption to its source. Placed in a situation where they can exercise authority for their own emolument, they betray their trust. They take bribes. They sell statutes and decrees. They sell honor and office. They sell their conscience. They sell their country. . . . But the most important of all lessons is, the denunciation of ruin to every state that rejects the precepts of religion. Those nations are doomed to death who bury, in the corruption of criminal desire, the awful sense of an existing God, cast off the consoling hope of immortality, and seek refuge from despair in the dreariness of annihilation. Terrible, irrevocable doom! loudly pronounced, frequently repeated, strongly exemplified in the sacred writings, and fully confirmed by the long record of time. It is the clue which leads through the intricacies of universal history. It is the principle of all sound political science.”
— Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816) Statesman, Diplomat, writer of the final draft of the Constitution

 

"The true, and only true, basis of representative government is equality of rights. Every man has a right to one vote, and no more, in the choice of representatives. The rich have no more right to exclude the poor from the right of voting, or of electing or being elected, than the poor have to exclude the rich; and wherever it is attempted or proposed on either side, it is a question of force, and not of right. Who is he that would exclude another?—that other has a right to exclude him. Those who oppose an equality of rights, never mean the exclusion should take place on themselves. The right of voting for representatives, is the primary right by which other rights are protected.”

“To take away this right, is to reduce a man to a state of slavery—for slavery consists in being subject to the will of another; and he that has not a vote in the election of representatives, is in this case. The proposal, therefore, to disfranchise any class of men, is as criminal as the proposal to take away property."
— Thomas Paine (1736-1809) Patriot, Author & Pamphleteer

"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined."
— Patrick Henry (1736-1799) Patriot, Lawyer and Orator

"National defense is one of the cardinal duties of a statesman, and that there is an obligation to perform such a duty absolutely irrespective of party politics or factional differences."
— John Adams (1797-1801) Second President of the United States and Patriot

"A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one!"
— Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804) Lawyer, Secretary of the Treasury & Secretary of State

“When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.”
— Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Statesman, Scientist, Inventor, Printer and Philosopher

 

“Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is impossible that a nation of inlldcls or idolaters should be a nation of freemen. It is when a people forget God, that tyrants forge their chains. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, is incompatible with freedom. No free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue; and by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.”
— Patrick Henry (1736-1799) Patriot, Lawyer and Orator

 

“There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.”
— John Adams (1797-1801) Second President of the United States and Patriot

 

“There are virtues & vices which are properly called political. ‘Corruption, dishonesty to ones country luxury and extravagance tend to the ruin of states.’ The opposite virtues tend to their establishment. But ‘there is a connection between vices as well as virtues and one opens the door for the entrance of another.’ Therefore ‘wise and able politicians will guard against other vices,’ and be attentive to promote every virtue. He who is void of virtuous attachments in private life, is, or very soon will be void of all regard for his country. There is seldom an instance of a man guilty of betraying his country, who had not before lost the feeling of moral obligations in his private connections. …There are other things which I humbly conceive require and therefore I trust will have the most serious consideration of the government. We have heretofore complained, and I think justly, that bad men have too often found their way into places of public trust. Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a state than that all persons employed in places of power and trust be Men of unexceptionable characters. The public cannot be too curious concerning the characters of public.”
— Samuel Adams (1722–1803) Father of the American Revolution, Patriot and Statesman

 

“I go on this great republican principle, that the people will have virtue and intelligence to select men of virtue and wisdom.  Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks-no form of government can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men.  So that we do not depend on their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them.”
— James Madison (1751-1836) Father of the Constitution, 4th President of the United States

 
 

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