Declaration of Independence - Our Lost Founding Archives

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Declaration of Independence Signed

On this day in 1776, fifty-six delegates of the Second Continental Congress add their signatures to the Declaration of Independence.

Eight of these 56 signers were born in Great Britain.

Exactly one month prior, on July 2nd, the Congress accepted this resolution put forth by Richard Henry Lee:

“Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

Then, two days later, on July 4th, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, put forth by the “Committee of Five.” The Committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston, although Jefferson wrote most of the Declaration with the others suggesting edits.

Finally, Timothy Matlack, a brewer known for his exceptional penmanship, likely engrossed Declaration on parchment. Parchment is animal skin that has been treated with lime and stretched.

Most importantly, the Declaration contains no less than four references to Almighty God, active in Our affairs: “Laws of Nature and Nature’s God,” “Creator,” “Supreme Judge of the world,” and “divine Providence.”

Sealed

Currently, this copy is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., with the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Interestingly, these “Charters of Freedom” are in gold plated frames encased in ballistically resistant titanium and aluminum. Additionally, the encasement contain inert gas argon and a controlled level of humidity.

Also, for more on the Declaration of Independence, please revisit Our July 2nd and July 4th posts:

https://ourlostfounding.com/illuminations-one-end-continent/

Declaration of Independence, July 4th, the Course, and the Creator

August 2, 2021/0 Comments/by Our Lost Founding

American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, The Common Thread of Our Lost Founding

Temperance, Tyranny, and Taking Up Arms

On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress issues a Declaration on the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms. The desired effect was for King George III to recognize the “severe and oppressive… tyranny” of Parliament and his ministers. That it was one day after the Olive Branch Petition underscores the tension of the times.

Even so, the king sided with Parliament. Thus, Congress had no choice but to proceed from a Declaration of Arms to a Declaration of Independence. After all, they had “pursued every temperate, every respectful measure.”

The Declaration and the Divine

Here are a few excerpts of the Declaration on the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms:

“If it was possible for men, who exercise their reason to believe, that the divine Author of our existence intended a part of the human race to hold an absolute property in, and an unbounded power over others, marked out by his infinite goodness and wisdom, as the objects of a legal domination never rightfully resistible, however severe and oppressive, the inhabitants of these colonies might at least require from the parliament of Great-Britain some evidence, that this dreadful authority over them, has been granted to that body. But a reverance for our Creator, principles of humanity, and the dictates of common sense, must convince all those who reflect upon the subject, that government was instituted to promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to be administered for the attainment of that end.”

“We gratefully acknowledge, as signal instances of the Divine favour towards us, that his Providence would not permit us to be called into this severe controversy, until we were grown up to our present strength, had been previously exercised in warlike operation, and possessed of the means of defending ourselves. With hearts fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, before God and the world, declare, that, exerting the utmost energy of those powers, which our beneficent Creator hath graciously bestowed upon us, the arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverence, employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die freemen rather than to live slaves.”

“With an humble confidence in the mercies of the supreme and impartial Judge and Ruler of the Universe, we most devoutly implore his divine goodness to protect us happily through this great conflict, to dispose our adversaries to reconciliation on reasonable terms, and thereby to relieve the empire from the calamities of civil war.”

July 6, 2021/0 Comments/by Our Lost Founding

American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, Founding Documents, Founding Fathers, The Common Thread of Our Lost Founding

Declaration of Independence, July 4th, the Course, and the Creator

On July 4th 1776, in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence. This document for the ages proclaimed the independence of the United States of America from Great Britain and its king.

First, Our Declaration contains several references to Almighty God, active in Our affairs. They are as follows: “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God,” “Creator,” “Supreme Judge of the world,” and “divine Providence.”

Self-evidently

Here they are in their context:

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

The American Revolution lasts for five more years. Finally, upon signing the Treaty of Paris with Britain in 1783, the United States formally becomes a free, independent nation. This was seven years after the ratification of the Declaration of Independence.

Clearly, the acknowledgement of and dependence on Almighty God were essential to the Founding of Our nation, and its future. These are critical to the enjoyment of our “unalienable Rights.”
After all, freedom, virtue, and faith are all interdependent.

July 4, 2021/2 Comments/by Our Lost Founding

American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, Founding Fathers, The Common Thread of Our Lost Founding

John Adams on “The Second Day of July…”

On this day in 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopts the resolution for independence from Great Britain. Of course, Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. Twelve of the thirteen colonial delegations vote unanimously, with New York abstaining.

Previously, in early June, Congress appointed a committee consisting of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert R. Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson to draft that declaration of independence. Then, the committee presented it to Congress on June 28, 1776.

Our Lost Founding will ‘unfurl’ the Declaration in Our July 4th post.

Illuminations…

The eventual second president John Adams wrote this of July 2nd, to his beloved wife Abigail:

“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.”

He continues:

“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.” (emphasis added)

July 2, 2021/2 Comments/by Our Lost Founding

Declaration of Independence, Founding Documents, Founding Fathers, The Common Thread of Our Lost Founding

The Declaration of Independence goes Intercontinental

On this day in 1776, news (finally) reaches London that the American Continental Congress had drafted the Declaration of Independence. It was indeed a bold justification for their rebellion to retain their God-given rights.

Suffice it to say, the news cycle was a little different back then.

So, it seems appropriate to repost Our July 4th post, which lists the references to Almighty God contained within the Declaration:
“Laws of Nature and Nature’s God,” “Creator,” “Supreme Judge of the world,” and “divine Providence.”

Declaration of Independence, July 4th, the Course, and the Creator

August 10, 2020/0 Comments/by Our Lost Founding

American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, Founding Documents, The Common Thread of Our Lost Founding

Richard Henry Lee, John Adams, and “The indispensable duty of all men”

On this day in 1776 in Philadelphia, Richard Henry Lee introduces a resolution for independence to the Continental Congress. John Adams seconds the motion.

Richard Henry Lee Resolution

Here is the full, but brief, transcript:

“Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.”

A vote on this Resolution was delayed until July 2nd, during which time the Declaration of Independence was drafted.

Acknowledge with gratitude

The following is a brief excerpt from the Continental Congress November 1, 1777 National Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. The appointed committee of Daniel Roberdeau, Samuel Adams, and the aforementioned Richard Henry Lee drafted this Proclamation:

“Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with gratitude their obligation to him for benefits received, and to implore such farther blessings as they stand in need of; and it having pleased him in his abundant mercy not only to continue to us the innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also smile upon us in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defense and establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased in so great a measure to prosper the means used for the support of our troops and to crown our arms with most signal success…”

‘Acknowledge’ and ‘adore’… where have we heard that before? That’s right! From George Washington.

June 7, 2020/0 Comments/by Our Lost Founding

Declaration of Independence, Founding Fathers, The Common Thread of Our Lost Founding

John Adams aboard the Boston

On this day in 1778, two future presidents of the United States, John Adams and his 10-year-old son John Quincy Adams, sit on board the frigate, Boston, off the coast of Massachusetts.
The warship will take them to France, where Adams will join Benjamin Franklin in securing France as an ally in the war against Great Britain.
Mr. Adams had to be smuggled because of British spies in Boston and British warships just off the coast.

On July 1, 1776, John Adams declared this before the Continental Congress:
“Before God, I believe the hour has come. My judgement approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it. And I leave off as I began, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence now, and Independence for ever!”

John Adams USS Boston

February 16, 2020/0 Comments/by Our Lost Founding

Declaration of Independence, State Constitution, The Common Thread of Our Lost Founding

Massachusetts : Sixth State and Supreme Being

On this day in 1788, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution, thereby becoming the sixth state in the Union.

The state motto is “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem.”
It means “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.”

However, the full Latin phrase which serves as the source of this motto provides proper context. First, that phrase: “Manus haec inimica tyrannis ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem.”
Now, the translation: “This hand of mine, which is hostile to tyrants, seeks by the sword quiet peace under liberty.”

Much like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts also counts the right of “enjoying and defending [our] lives and liberties” among Our “unalienable rights.”

What follows are some additional key excerpts from that Constitution. First, the third and final paragraph of the Preamble:

“We, therefore, the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the goodness of the great Legislator of the universe, in affording us, in the course of His providence, an opportunity, deliberately and peaceably, without fraud, violence or surprise, of entering into an original, explicit, and solemn compact with each other; and of forming a new constitution of civil government, for ourselves and posterity; and devoutly imploring His direction in so interesting a design, do agree upon, ordain and establish the following Declaration of Rights, and Frame of Government, as the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

Rights, Duties, and Happiness

To conclude, this next, highly instructive portion immediately follows the Preamble:

PART THE FIRST
A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Article II.

It is the right as well as the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons to worship the Supreme Being, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping God in the manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship.

Article III.

As the happiness of a people, and the good order and preservation of civil government, essentially depend upon piety, religion and morality; and as these cannot be generally diffused through a community, but by the institution of the public worship of God, and of public instructions in piety, religion and morality… .”

February 6, 2020/0 Comments/by Our Lost Founding

Declaration of Independence, Founding Fathers, The Common Thread of Our Lost Founding

William Ellery : Hope on the Road to Liberty, Heaven

On this day in 1727, William Ellery, signer of the Declaration of Independence is born in Newport, Rhode Island. He worshipped at the Second Congregational Church of Newport. Fittingly, he was known to say “The Lord reigneth” in times of trouble.

Interestingly, the size of Ellery’s signature on the Declaration of Independence is second only to that of John Hancock. Ellery also signed of the Articles of Confederation.

Hope

He was a 1747 graduate of Harvard College in 1747, and along with Ezra Stiles, pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Newport (and future president of Yale), he co-authored the charter for the college that became Brown University. Its motto, “In Deo Speramus,” also featured on its Seal, means “In God We Hope.”

A few years later, in 1770, Ellery became involved with the Rhode Island Sons of Liberty.

During the American Revolution, in a letter to Pastor Stiles dated July 20, 1776 he wrote, “The Road to Liberty, like the Road to Heaven is strewed with Thorns. Virtue lives in Exertion. But thank Providence…“

William Ellery walked those hard roads, and as seen on his tombstone, also in Newport, he “wait[ed] for death with the hope of a Christian.”

At Christmastime, it’s worthwhile to take some time to consider the source of Our hope.

December 22, 2019/0 Comments/by Our Lost Founding

Declaration of Independence, State Constitution, The Common Thread of Our Lost Founding

Indiana : Crossroads and the Creator

On this day in 1816, Indiana, the Hoosier state, becomes the nineteenth state in the Union.

First, here is the Preamble of the Constitution of the State of Indiana:

“TO THE END, that justice be established, public order maintained, and liberty perpetuated; WE, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the free exercise of the right to choose our own form of government, do ordain this Constitution.”

Then, we see that the first part of the Constitution of the “Crossroads of America,” the Indiana state motto, contains a considerable amount of crossover with the Declaration of Independence:

“ARTICLE 1. Bill of Rights
Section 1. Inherent rights
Section 1. WE DECLARE, That all people are created equal; that they are endowed by their CREATOR with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…”

Lastly, here is the nearly identical text from the Declaration of Independence
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

December 11, 2019/0 Comments/by Our Lost Founding