The rediculousness of assumption that founders were not Christian

[NewGuy]

From another thread in which ajwps refused to adress the topic, but contaminate with another idea, I have started a new thread.

Here is the context:

Originally posted by NewGuy



Tell me what this says:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

The definition of respecting is "regarding". That means no law can be made for or against.

That means it cannot be ruled upon.

I am NOT smarter than that. I make the doc explain its self which is what context and wisdom of understanding ANYTHING written is all about.

Isn't that how we understand and prove the Bible?

Isn't that what the founders would have done?

The question posed by ajwps:

Do you believe that the USA is a Christian country established by Christian CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMERS for Christians? Do you believe that the US Constitution said that as a fact in Amendment 1?

Do you feel that as a Christian, the US Constitution made a law which was designed to exclude any other religion on the North American continent. Or do you believe that this means your own personal opinion or word definitions limits the power of the Supreme Court of the United States to protect the rights of all religions to flourish in this land of the FREE and LIBERTY FOR ALL ?

Do you 'respect' or 'regard' the fact that the US Supreme Court was not given the power by the US Contitution to protect every citizen's right to pray to their G-d in their own way or were the framers of the Constitution intent on establishing a national Christian religion for these United States and respect and regard no others faiths?

At least that is what you implied in your statement: "Isn't that how we understand and prove the (CHRISTIAN) Bible?"

Last edited by ajwps on 06-26-2004 at 04:46 AM

I responded appropriately, here was the answer:

Originally posted by NewGuy

AJ.....As I have been reviewing more and more historical documents the last 5 days, all of your questions are clearly and easily andwered.

However, I am going to stick to Jeffs discussion as it has been ongoing in other topics for weeks.

Please adress this in another thread if you desire an answer simulteneously, or wait until we are done here.

For reference, I won't be back on until monday.


Stated by ajwps:

Another thread you say? My retort to your post is right on the mark as this is exactly what you are trying to express to GopJeff.

The fact that you say you can refute my post with historical documents gives insight into your aberrant thought processes.

If there was one shred of evidence that the Framers of the Constitution were creating an only Christian country, then this fact would be so widely known as to be evident to all who can read.

Just the main framer of the US Constitution said the following:

NewGuy if you intend to use manufactured or flawed quotes from the Framers of the US Constitution, you had better be able to site the exact reference and validated document on-line that purports or proposes a Christian country intended by the Framers. If you can....

Ignore the truth and you deny your own salvation.

Last edited by ajwps on 06-26-2004 at 11:42 AM

--------------------------------------

Now for the final response.

I have attempted a civil discussion with Jeff.

You insist on being uncivil, insulting, degrading, stupid, and putting words in my mouth.

The problem you attempt to pose in an insulting manner to me, our nation, the thread, my faith, and the American foundation, is:

Were the founders Christian?

The answer:

In order of historical reference:

The Virginia Declaration of Rights (June 12, 1776)-Predecessor for the Bill of Rights and the original preamble to the Constitution but later left out.

The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)

The Articles of Confederation (Nov. 15, 1777)- The original predecessor and template of the Constitution.

The Treaty of Paris (1783)

The Memorial and Remonstrance (June 20, 1785)

The Constitution of the United States. (1787)

The Bill of Rights (December 15, 1791)

These documents were ALL ratified and signed by many into law. Here is what they say regarding faith of the founders:

1. The Virginia Declaration of Rights (June 12, 1776)-
"XVI That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other."

Written by George Mason, it was adopted by the Virginia Constitutional Convention on June 12, 1776.

2. The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)-
"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....."

"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.

* New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

* Massachusetts: John Hancock, Samual Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

* Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

* Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

* New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

* New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

* Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

* Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

* Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

* Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

* North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

* South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

* Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton. "

3. The Articles of Confederation (Nov. 15, 1777)-
"To all to whom these Presents shall come, we the undersigned Delegates of the States affixed to our Names send greeting.
Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union between the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts-bay Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia."

"And Whereas it hath pleased the Great Governor of the World to incline the hearts of the legislatures we respectively represent in Congress, to approve of, and to authorize us to ratify the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union. Know Ye that we the undersigned delegates, by virtue of the power and authority to us given for that purpose, do by these presents, in the name and in behalf of our respective constituents, fully and entirely ratify and confirm each and every of the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union, and all and singular the matters and things therein contained: And we do further solemnly plight and engage the faith of our respective constituents, that they shall abide by the determinations of the United States in Congress assembled, on all questions, which by the said Confederation are submitted to them. And that the Articles thereof shall be inviolably observed by the States we respectively represent, and that the Union shall be perpetual."

4. The Treaty of Paris (1783)-
"In the name of the most holy and undivided Trinity.

It having pleased the Divine Providence to dispose the hearts of the most serene and most potent Prince George the Third, by the grace of God, king of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith....."

" Done at Paris, this third day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three.

D. HARTLEY (SEAL)
JOHN ADAMS (SEAL)
B. FRANKLIN (SEAL)
JOHN JAY (SEAL) "

5. The Memorial and Remonstrance (June 20, 1785)-

" To the Honorable the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia

A Memorial and Remonstrance

We the subscribers, citizens of the said Commonwealth, having taken into serious consideration, a Bill printed by order of the last Session of General Assembly, entitled "A Bill establishing a provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion," and conceiving that the same if finally armed with the sanctions of a law, will be a dangerous abuse of power, are bound as faithful members of a free State to remonstrate against it, and to declare the reasons by which we are determined. We remonstrate against the said Bill,

1. Because we hold it for a fundamental and undeniable truth, "that religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence." The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. This right is in its nature an unalienable right. It is unalienable, because the opinions of men, depending only on the evidence contemplated by their own minds cannot follow the dictates of other men: It is unalienable also, because what is here a right towards men, is a duty towards the Creator. It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage and such only as he believes to be acceptable to him. This duty is precedent, both in order of time and in degree of obligation, to the claims of Civil Society. Before any man can be considerd as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governour of the Universe: And if a member of Civil Society, do it with a saving of his allegiance to the Universal Sovereign. We maintain therefore that in matters of Religion, no man's right is abridged by the institution of Civil Society and that Religion is wholly exempt from its cognizance. True it is, that no other rule exists, by which any question which may divide a Society, can be ultimately determined, but the will of the majority; but it is also true that the majority may trespass on the rights of the minority.

2. Because Religion be exempt from the authority of the Society at large, still less can it be subject to that of the Legislative Body. The latter are but the creatures and vicegerents of the former. Their jurisdiction is both derivative and limited: it is limited with regard to the co-ordinate departments, more necessarily is it limited with regard to the constituents. The preservation of a free Government requires not merely, that the metes and bounds which separate each department of power be invariably maintained; but more especially that neither of them be suffered to overleap the great Barrier which defends the rights of the people. The Rulers who are guilty of such an encroachment, exceed the commission from which they derive their authority, and are Tyrants. The People who submit to it are governed by laws made neither by themselves nor by an authority derived from them, and are slaves.

3. Because it is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of Citizens, and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution. The free men of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise, and entagled the question in precedents. They saw all the consequences in the principle, and they avoided the consequences by denying the principle. We revere this lesson too much soon to forget it. Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other Sects? that the same authority which can force a citizen to contribute three pence only of his property for the support of any one establishment, may force him to conform to any other establishment in all cases whatsoever?

4. Because the Bill violates the equality which ought to be the basis of every law, and which is more indispensible, in proportion as the validity or expediency of any law is more liable to be impeached. If "all men are by nature equally free and independent," all men are to be considered as entering into Society on equal conditions; as relinquishing no more, and therefore retaining no less, one than another, of their natural rights. Above all are they to be considered as retaining an "equal title to the free exercise of Religion according to the dictates of Conscience." Whilst we assert for ourselves a freedom to embrace, to profess and to observe the Religion which we believe to be of divine origin, we cannot deny an equal freedom to those whose minds have not yet yielded to the evidence which has convinced us. If this freedom be abused, it is an offence against God, not against man: To God, therefore, not to man, must an account of it be rendered. As the Bill violates equality by subjecting some to peculiar burdens, so it violates the same principle, by granting to others peculiar exemptions. Are the quakers and Menonists the only sects who think a compulsive support of their Religions unnecessary and unwarrantable? can their piety alone be entrusted with the care of public worship? Ought their Religions to be endowed above all others with extraordinary privileges by which proselytes may be enticed from all others? We think too favorably of the justice and good sense of these demoninations to believe that they either covet pre-eminences over their fellow citizens or that they will be seduced by them from the common opposition to the measure.

5. Because the Bill implies either that the Civil Magistrate is a competent Judge of Religious Truth; or that he may employ Religion as an engine of Civil policy. The first is an arrogant pretension falsified by the contradictory opinions of Rulers in all ages, and throughout the world: the second an unhallowed perversion of the means of salvation.

6. Because the establishment proposed by the Bill is not requisite for the support of the Christian Religion. To say that it is, is a contradiction to the Christian Religion itself, for every page of it disavows a dependence on the powers of this world: it is a contradiction to fact; for it is known that this Religion both existed and flourished, not only without the support of human laws, but in spite of every opposition from them, and not only during the period of miraculous aid, but long after it had been left to its own evidence and the ordinary care of Providence. Nay, it is a contradiction in terms; for a Religion not invented by human policy, must have pre-existed and been supported, before it was established by human policy. It is moreover to weaken in those who profess this Religion a pious confidence in its innate excellence and the patronage of its Author; and to foster in those who still reject it, a suspicion that its friends are too conscious of its fallacies to trust it to its own merits.

7. Because experience witnesseth that eccelsiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of Religion, have had a contrary operation. During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less in all places, pride and indolence in the Clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution. Enquire of the Teachers of Christianity for the ages in which it appeared in its greatest lustre; those of every sect, point to the ages prior to its incorporation with Civil policy. Propose a restoration of this primitive State in which its Teachers depended on the voluntary rewards of their flocks, many of them predict its downfall. On which Side ought their testimony to have greatest weight, when for or when against their interest?

8. Because the establishment in question is not necessary for the support of Civil Government. If it be urged as necessary for the support of Civil Government only as it is a means of supporting Religion, and it be not necessary for the latter purpose, it cannot be necessary for the former. If Religion be not within the cognizance of Civil Government how can its legal establishment be necessary to Civil Government? What influence in fact have ecclesiastical establishments had on Civil Society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the Civil authority; in many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny: in no instance have they been seen the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty, may have found an established Clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just Government instituted to secure & perpetuate it needs them not. Such a Government will be best supported by protecting every Citizen in the enjoyment of his Religion with the same equal hand which protects his person and his property; by neither invading the equal rights of any Sect, nor suffering any Sect to invade those of another.

9. Because the proposed establishment is a departure from the generous policy, which, offering an Asylum to the persecuted and oppressed of every Nation and Religion, promised a lustre to our country, and an accession to the number of its citizens. What a melancholy mark is the Bill of sudden degeneracy? Instead of holding forth an Asylum to the persecuted, it is itself a signal of persecution. It degrades from the equal rank of Citizens all those whose opinions in Religion do not bend to those of the Legislative authority. Distant as it may be in its present form from the Inquisition, it differs from it only in degree. The one is the first step, the other the last in the career of intolerance. The maganimous sufferer under this cruel scourge in foreign Regions, must view the Bill as a Beacon on our Coast, warning him to seek some other haven, where liberty and philanthrophy in their due extent, may offer a more certain respose from his Troubles.

10. Because it will have a like tendency to banish our Citizens. The allurements presented by other situations are every day thinning their number. To superadd a fresh motive to emigration by revoking the liberty which they now enjoy, would be the same species of folly which has dishonoured and depopulated flourishing kingdoms.

 

[NewGuy]

11. Because it will destroy that moderation and harmony which the forbearance of our laws to intermeddle with Religion has produced among its several sects. Torrents of blood have been split in the old world, by vain attempts of the secular arm, to extinguish Religious disscord, by proscribing all difference in Religious opinion. Time has at length revealed the true remedy. Every relaxation of narrow and rigorous policy, wherever it has been tried, has been found to assauge the disease. The American Theatre has exhibited proofs that equal and compleat liberty, if it does not wholly eradicate it, sufficiently destroys its malignant influence on the health and prosperity of the State. If with the salutary effects of this system under our own eyes, we begin to contract the bounds of Religious freedom, we know no name that will too severely reproach our folly. At least let warning be taken at the first fruits of the threatened innovation. The very appearance of the Bill has transformed "that Christian forbearance, love and chairty," which of late mutually prevailed, into animosities and jeolousies, which may not soon be appeased. What mischiefs may not be dreaded, should this enemy to the public quiet be armed with the force of a law?

12. Because the policy of the Bill is adverse to the diffusion of the light of Christianity. The first wish of those who enjoy this precious gift ought to be that it may be imparted to the whole race of mankind. Compare the number of those who have as yet received it with the number still remaining under the dominion of false Religions; and how small is the former! Does the policy of the Bill tend to lessen the disproportion? No; it at once discourages those who are strangers to the light of revelation from coming into the Region of it; and countenances by example the nations who continue in darkness, in shutting out those who might convey it to them. Instead of Levelling as far as possible, every obstacle to the victorious progress of Truth, the Bill with an ignoble and unchristian timidity would circumscribe it with a wall of defence against the encroachments of error.

13. Because attempts to enforce by legal sanctions, acts obnoxious to go great a proportion of Citizens, tend to enervate the laws in general, and to slacken the bands of Society. If it be difficult to execute any law which is not generally deemed necessary or salutary, what must be the case, where it is deemed invalid and dangerous? And what may be the effect of so striking an example of impotency in the Government, on its general authority?

14. Because a measure of such singular magnitude and delicacy ought not to be imposed, without the clearest evidence that it is called for by a majority of citizens, and no satisfactory method is yet proposed by which the voice of the majority in this case may be determined, or its influence secured. The people of the respective counties are indeed requested to signify their opinion respecting the adoption of the Bill to the next Session of Assembly." But the representatives or of the Counties will be that of the people. Our hope is that neither of the former will, after due consideration, espouse the dangerous principle of the Bill. Should the event disappoint us, it will still leave us in full confidence, that a fair appeal to the latter will reverse the sentence against our liberties.

15. Because finally, "the equal right of every citizen to the free exercise of his Religion according to the dictates of conscience" is held by the same tenure with all our other rights. If we recur to its origin, it is equally the gift of nature; if we weigh its importance, it cannot be less dear to us; if we consult the "Declaration of those rights which pertain to the good people of Vriginia, as the basis and foundation of Government," it is enumerated with equal solemnity, or rather studied emphasis. Either the, we must say, that the Will of the Legislature is the only measure of their authority; and that in the plenitude of this authority, they may sweep away all our fundamental rights; or, that they are bound to leave this particular right untouched and sacred: Either we must say, that they may controul the freedom of the press, may abolish the Trial by Jury, may swallow up the Executive and Judiciary Powers of the State; nay that they may despoil us of our very right of suffrage, and erect themselves into an independent and hereditary Assembly or, we must say, that they have no authority to enact into the law the Bill under consideration. We the Subscribers say, that the General Assembly of this Commonwealth have no such authority: And that no effort may be omitted on our part against so dangerous an usurpation, we oppose to it, this remonstrance; earnestly praying, as we are in duty bound, that the Supreme Lawgiver of the Universe, by illuminating those to whom it is addressed, may on the one hand, turn their Councils from every act which would affront his holy prerogative, or violate the trust committed to them: and on the other, guide them into every measure which may be worthy of his [blessing, may re]dound to their own praise, and may establish more firmly the liberties, the prosperity and the happiness of the Commonweath. "

6. The Constitution of the United States. (1787)-
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. "

7. The Bill of Rights (December 15, 1791)-
"Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. "


-------------------------------------------------------------

Now.....without any doubt......the founders WERE CHRISTIAN, wanted laws written where the LETTER of the law was not to enforce a religion, but the SPIRIT of the law was Christian morals and ethics.

Regarding your insults and accusations, you make me sick.

Regarding your knowledge, consider yourself schooled, and served.

 

[menewa]

Nice research New Guy.

 

[NewGuy]

Originally posted by menewa
Nice research New Guy.

Thanks!

I am in process of collecting a fat truckload of foundational texts.

It amazes me the number of people that spew with no knowledge.

It is one thing to only know about the Constitution's existence and no other documents...(still incredibly unfortunate). -Yet entirely another thing to not even know what it says, why, and have proof within the doc to back it up, in addition to researching WHY the text says what it says.

This IS our very foundation here.

It has only been 300 years.

-THAT is only 4 good lifetimes.

 

[DKSuddeth]

Out of all the documents you posted, how come only virginia's documents mention christianity while the others only mention a supreme being?

 

[NewGuy]

Originally posted by DKSuddeth
Out of all the documents you posted, how come only virginia's documents mention christianity while the others only mention a supreme being?

How come every time we go through this you can't read what I post?

What part of "holy trinity" do you not understand?

 

[NewGuy]

Not only that, you didn't read The Memorial and Remonstrance .

Why are you wasting my time?

 

[DKSuddeth]

wasting YOUR time? why are you wasting EVERYONE's time with this insanity of trying to rewrite history saying that the entire foundation of the united states of america is based on christianity and the bible?

AGAIN, stop wasting everyone elses time with this crap. I've pointed out to you that you're wrong, ALTHOUGH, I've agreed with your points about SOME (maybe even half) of the founders were christians, yet the ONLY mention of christianity is in VIRGINIA's documents. Yes, the VIRGINIA documents were signed and ratified but CHRISTIANITY was NOT carried over to any documents where it concerned the federal level and the legal creation of our nation.

The nation has some christian roots but it is NOT founded on christianity. The founders kept all religion GENERIC and referred to only the supreme being so that anyone could pursue religious worship in ANY way they saw fit.

It has nothing to do with your intimation that I don't understand the holy trinity or any of your other insinuations. Plain and simple, you're wrong so stop trying to shove this down our throats.

 

[NewGuy]

Originally posted by DKSuddeth
wasting YOUR time? why are you wasting EVERYONE's time with this insanity of trying to rewrite history saying that the entire foundation of the united states of america is based on christianity and the bible?

That is the funny part DK.

You call reading our foundational documents a waste of time.

Why you are a moderator of a US message board when you consider our history a waste of time is beyond me.

Of course, you will probably delete my post or lock the thread for saying so.

AGAIN, stop wasting everyone elses time with this crap. I've pointed out to you that you're wrong, ALTHOUGH, I've agreed with your points about SOME (maybe even half) of the founders were christians, yet the ONLY mention of christianity is in VIRGINIA's documents. Yes, the VIRGINIA documents were signed and ratified but CHRISTIANITY was NOT carried over to any documents where it concerned the federal level and the legal creation of our nation.

Again, two other documents here reference it with exact wording. You still didn't read them. How did you prove all 3 didn't reference Christianity?

The nation has some christian roots but it is NOT founded on christianity. The founders kept all religion GENERIC and referred to only the supreme being so that anyone could pursue religious worship in ANY way they saw fit.

Again, you have 3 documents to prove wrong, and you can't.

It has nothing to do with your intimation that I don't understand the holy trinity or any of your other insinuations. Plain and simple, you're wrong so stop trying to shove this down our throats.

Insinuations? Wrong? Shoving it down your throat?

1. Insinuations are suggestions. I gave you the entire document on 1, and 2 others with direct quotes. You read 1 out of 3.

2. Wrong? NONE had my opinion, but exact wording and showed signatures of the people in agreement or referenced the state or federal people involved when appropriate.

3. Shoving it down your throat? You bet.

When you lie and tell people this nation's founders said nothing about Christianity and did not base this nation on it, you undermine our entire ethical and moral perspective of law.

As a moderator of the US message boards I would think you r understanding of foundational American law and ethics ought to be intact.

-But then what do I know. I just show you the documents. If you can't handle it, you only prove to everyone else you refuse to accept the obvious.

No sweat off my nose.

 

[DKSuddeth]

Originally posted by NewGuy
That is the funny part DK.

You call reading our foundational documents a waste of time.

Why you are a moderator of a US message board when you consider our history a waste of time is beyond me.

Of course, you will probably delete my post or lock the thread for saying so.



Again, two other documents here reference it with exact wording. You still didn't read them. How did you prove all 3 didn't reference Christianity?



Again, you have 3 documents to prove wrong, and you can't.



Insinuations? Wrong? Shoving it down your throat?

1. Insinuations are suggestions. I gave you the entire document on 1, and 2 others with direct quotes. You read 1 out of 3.

2. Wrong? NONE had my opinion, but exact wording and showed signatures of the people in agreement or referenced the state or federal people involved when appropriate.

3. Shoving it down your throat? You bet.

When you lie and tell people this nation's founders said nothing about Christianity and did not base this nation on it, you undermine our entire ethical and moral perspective of law.

As a moderator of the US message boards I would think you r understanding of foundational American law and ethics ought to be intact.

-But then what do I know. I just show you the documents. If you can't handle it, you only prove to everyone else you refuse to accept the obvious.

No sweat off my nose.

I've read every document you've posted. Don't blame me because the documents don't say what you're telling people they do. I do, however, have one major issue that will end this and any other discussion about your supposed ties to christianity when it comes to the founding of this nation.

You will NEVER question my decisions, statements, or judgement as a moderator again. Doing such calls into question the judgement of the other moderators on this board that decided to allow me to be one and I will not have their judgement questioned again, by you or anyone. You are done on this board until you take it up with jimnyc.

 

[OCA]

Out of control, we are officially out of control.

 

[DKSuddeth]

Originally posted by OCA
Out of control, we are officially out of control.

who's out of control?

 

[OCA]

Originally posted by DKSuddeth
who's out of control?

Take this up with me in pm if you want DK.

 

[rtwngAvngr]

Newguy, I have to side with dk. They intentionally did not want the government to be explicitly based on christianity. That's pretty obvious. Yes some of them were christians, but they kept the specifics of their religion out as much as possible. I do feel thieir attitude was one of wanting to encourage to some degree, religion and faith in general.

I know. "Prove it."

 

[OCA]

Originally posted by rtwngAvngr
Newguy, I have to side with dk. They intentionally did not want the government to be explicitly based on christianity. That's pretty obvious. Yes some of them were christians, but they kept the specifics of their religion out as much as possible. I do feel thieir attitude was one of wanting to encourage to some degree, religion and faith in general.

I know. "Prove it."

RWA you did see the "banned" under New Guy's nic, right?

 

[rtwngAvngr]

Originally posted by OCA
RWA you did see the "banned" under New Guy's nic, right?

Oh. I just now saw that. hmm.

 

[Isaac Brock]

Whoh! Miss a little, miss a lot!

 

[HGROKIT]

POST DELETED

 

[NewGuy]

Originally posted by DKSuddeth
I've read every document you've posted. Don't blame me because the documents don't say what you're telling people they do.

Fine.

I am still waiting to see what you say then about the entire The Memorial and Remonstrance (June 20, 1785) and the reference to the "Holy Trinity" in the Paris treaty.

You still have not adressed those.

For all of your thoughts on my making up fictional points, adress the text.

 

[HGROKIT]

The Declaration of Arms
July 6, 1775
A declaration by the representatives of the united colonies of North America, now met in Congress at Philadelphia, setting forth the causes and necessity of their 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. The legislature of Great-Britain, however, stimulated by an inordinate passion for a power not only unjustifiable, but which they know to be peculiarly reprobated by the very constitution of that kingdom, and desparate of success in any mode of contest, where regard should be had to truth, law, or right, have at length, deserting those, attempted to effect their cruel and impolitic purpose of enslaving these colonies by violence, and have thereby rendered it necessary for us to close with their last appeal from reason to arms. Yet, however blinded that assembly may be, by their intemperate rage for unlimited domination, so to sight justice and the opinion of mankind, we esteem ourselves bound by obligations of respect to the rest of the world, to make known the justice of our cause. Our forefathers, inhabitants of the island of Great-Britain, left their native land, to seek on these shores a residence for civil and religious freedom. At the expense of their blood, at the hazard of their fortunes, without the least charge to the country from which they removed, by unceasing labour, and an unconquerable spirit, they effected settlements in the distant and unhospitable wilds of America, then filled with numerous and warlike barbarians. -- Societies or governments, vested with perfect legislatures, were formed under charters from the crown, and an harmonious intercourse was established between the colonies and the kingdom from which they derived their origin. The mutual benefits of this union became in a short time so extraordinary, as to excite astonishment. It is universally confessed, that the amazing increase of the wealth, strength, and navigation of the realm, arose from this source; and the minister, who so wisely and successfully directed the measures of Great-Britain in the late war, publicly declared, that these colonies enabled her to triumph over her enemies. --Towards the conclusion of that war, it pleased our sovereign to make a change in his counsels. -- From that fatal movement, the affairs of the British empire began to fall into confusion, and gradually sliding from the summit of glorious prosperity, to which they had been advanced by the virtues and abilities of one man, are at length distracted by the convulsions, that now shake it to its deepest foundations. -- The new ministry finding the brave foes of Britain, though frequently defeated, yet still contending, took up the unfortunate idea of granting them a hasty peace, and then subduing her faithful friends.

These colonies were judged to be in such a state, as to present victories without bloodshed, and all the easy emoluments of statuteable plunder. -- The uninterrupted tenor of their peaceable and respectful behaviour from the beginning of colonization, their dutiful, zealous, and useful services during the war, though so recently and amply acknowledged in the most honourable manner by his majesty, by the late king, and by parliament, could not save them from the meditated innovations. -- Parliament was influenced to adopt the pernicious project, and assuming a new power over them, have in the course of eleven years, given such decisive specimens of the spirit and consequences attending this power, as to leave no doubt concerning the effects of acquiescence under it. They have undertaken to give and grant our money without our consent, though we have ever exercised an exclusive right to dispose of our own property; statutes have been passed for extending the jurisdiction of courts of admiralty and vice-admiralty beyond their ancient limits; for depriving us of the accustomed and inestimable privilege of trial by jury, in cases affecting both life and property; for suspending the legislature of one of the colonies; for interdicting all commerce to the capital of another; and for altering fundamentally the form of government established by charter, and secured by acts of its own legislature solemnly confirmed by the crown; for exempting the "murderers" of colonists from legal trial, and in effect, from punishment; for erecting in a neighbouring province, acquired by the joint arms of Great-Britain and America, a despotism dangerous to our very existence; and for quartering soldiers upon the colonists in time of profound peace. It has also been resolved in parliament, that colonists charged with committing certain offences, shall be transported to England to be tried. But why should we enumerate our injuries in detail? By one statute it is declared, that parliament can "of right make laws to bind us in all cases whatsoever." What is to defend us against so enormous, so unlimited a power? Not a single man of those who assume it, is chosen by us; or is subject to our control or influence; but, on the contrary, they are all of them exempt from the operation of such laws, and an American revenue, if not diverted from the ostensible purposes for which it is raised, would actually lighten their own burdens in proportion, as they increase ours. We saw the misery to which such despotism would reduce us. We for ten years incessantly and ineffectually besieged the throne as supplicants; we reasoned, we remonstrated with parliament, in the most mild and decent language.

Administration sensible that we should regard these oppressive measures as freemen ought to do, sent over fleets and armies to enforce them. The indignation of the Americans was roused, it is true; but it was the indignation of a virtuous, loyal, and affectionate people. A Congress of delegates from the United Colonies was assembled at Philadelphia, on the fifth day of last September. We resolved again to offer an humble and dutiful petition to the King, and also addressed our fellow-subjects of Great-Britain. We have pursued every temperate, every respectful measure; we have even proceeded to break off our commercial intercourse with our fellow-subjects, as the last peaceable admonition, that our attachment to no nation upon earth should supplant our attachment to liberty. -- This, we flattered ourselves, was the ultimate step of the controversy: but subsequent events have shewn, how vain was this hope of finding moderation in our enemies.

Several threatening expressions against the colonies were inserted in his majesty's speech; our petition, tho' we were told it was a decent one, and that his majesty had been pleased to receive it graciously, and to promise laying it before his parliament, was huddled into both houses among a bundle of American papers, and there neglected. The lords and commons in their address, in the month of February, said, that "a rebellion at that time actually existed within the province of Massachusetts- Bay; and that those concerned with it, had been countenanced and encouraged by unlawful combinations and engagements, entered into by his majesty's subjects in several of the other colonies; and therefore they besought his majesty, that he would take the most effectual measures to inforce due obediance to the laws and authority of the supreme legislature." -- Soon after, the commercial intercourse of whole colonies, with foreign countries, and with each other, was cut off by an act of parliament; by another several of them were intirely prohibited from the fisheries in the seas near their coasts, on which they always depended for their sustenance; and large reinforcements of ships and troops were immediately sent over to general Gage.

Fruitless were all the entreaties, arguments, and eloquence of an illustrious band of the most distinguished peers, and commoners, who nobly and strenuously asserted the justice of our cause, to stay, or even to mitigate the heedless fury with which these accumulated and unexampled outrages were hurried on. -- equally fruitless was the interference of the city of London, of Bristol, and many other respectable towns in our favor. Parliament adopted an insidious manoeuvre calculated to divide us, to establish a perpetual auction of taxations where colony should bid against colony, all of them uninformed what ransom would redeem their lives; and thus to extort from us, at the point of the bayonet, the unknown sums that should be sufficient to gratify, if possible to gratify, ministerial rapacity, with the miserable indulgence left to us of raising, in our own mode, the prescribed tribute. What terms more rigid and humiliating could have been dictated by remorseless victors to conquered enemies? in our circumstances to accept them, would be to deserve them.

Soon after the intelligence of these proceedings arrived on this continent, general Gage, who in the course of the last year had taken possession of the town of Boston, in the province of Massachusetts-Bay, and still occupied it a garrison, on the 19th day of April, sent out from that place a large detachment of his army, who made an unprovoked assault on the inhabitants of the said province, at the town of Lexington, as appears by the affidavits of a great number of persons, some of whom were officers and soldiers of that detachment, murdered eight of the inhabitants, and wounded many others. From thence the troops proceeded in warlike array to the town of Concord, where they set upon another party of the inhabitants of the same province, killing several and wounding more, until compelled to retreat by the country people suddenly assembled to repel this cruel aggression. Hostilities, thus commenced by the British troops, have been since prosecuted by them without regard to faith or reputation. -- The inhabitants of Boston being confined within that town by the general their governor, and having, in order to procure their dismission, entered into a treaty with him, it was stipulated that the said inhabitants having deposited their arms with their own magistrate, should have liberty to depart, taking with them their other effects. They accordingly delivered up their arms, but in open violation of honour, in defiance of the obligation of treaties, which even savage nations esteemed sacred, the governor ordered the arms deposited as aforesaid, that they might be preserved for their owners, to be seized by a body of soldiers; detained the greatest part of the inhabitants in the town, and compelled the few who were permitted to retire, to leave their most valuable effects behind.

By this perfidy wives are separated from their husbands, children from their parents, the aged and the sick from their relations and friends, who wish to attend and comfort them; and those who have been used to live in plenty and even elegance, are reduced to deplorable distress.

The general, further emulating his ministerial masters, by a proclamation bearing date on the 12th day of June, after venting the grossest falsehoods and calumnies against the good people of these colonies, proceeds to "declare them all, either by name or description, to be rebels and traitors, to supercede the course of the common law, and instead thereof to publish and order the use and exercise of the law martial." -- His troops have butchered our countrymen, have wantonly burnt Charlestown, besides a considerable number of houses in other places; our ships and vessels are seized; the necessary supplies of provisions are intercepted, and he is exerting his utmost power to spread destruction and devastation around him.

We have rceived certain intelligence, that general Carleton, the governor of Canada, is instigating the people of that province and the Indians to fall upon us; and we have but too much reason to apprehend, that schemes have been formed to excite domestic enemies against us. In brief, a part of these colonies now feel, and all of them are sure of feeling, as far as the vengeance of administration can inflict them, the complicated calamities of fire, sword and famine. We are reduced to the alternative of chusing an unconditional submission to the tyranny of irritated ministers, or resistance by force. -- The latter is our choice. -- We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery. -- Honour, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them, if we basely entail hereditary bondage upon them.

Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great, and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable. -- 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.

Lest this declaration should disquiet the minds of our friends and fellow-subjects in any part of the empire, we assure them that we mean not to dissolve that union which has so long and so happily subsisted between us, and which we sincerely wish to see restored. -- Necessity has not yet driven us into that desperate measure, or induced us to excite any other nation to war against them. -- We have not raised armies with ambitious designs of separating from Great-Britain, and establishing independent states. We fight not for glory or for conquest. We exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies, without any imputation or even suspicion of offence. They boast of their privileges and civilization, and yet proffer no milder conditions than servitude or death.

In our own native land, in defence of the freedom that is our birthright, and which we ever enjoyed till the late violation of it -- for the protection of our property, acquired solely by the honest industry of our fore-fathers and ourselves, against violence actually offered, we have taken up arms. We shall lay them down when hostilities shall cease on the part of the aggressors, and all danger of their being renewed shall be removed, and not before.

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.