At our founding 250 years ago, there was much separation between the original 13 states soon to be called the United States of America (big states v. small states, slavery), and between America and Great Britain. However, what our Founding Fathers did have in common was a strong Trust in God and desire for freedom.
Starting from the very beginning, we have “The Mayflower Compact in 1620”: “We have undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern Parts of Virginia”. Moving to Patrick Henry’s “Liberty” Speech in 1775: “We must fight! We shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations—Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery. Forbid it, Almighty God! As for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”
The Declaration of Independence signed on July 4, 1776, stated: “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—with a firm Reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence.”
