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30. The Weight of Testimony
Religion in the Statesman's Hearts?
Almost Always
Up to now, we've just gone skiing along the surface
of this great topic. Now, we shall immerse ourselves
in it. The following 20 pages and 85 quotations, both
in volume and tenor, show in chronological fashion that
our Forefathers, including the framers of the
Constitution, were never confused about a separation
of God and State:
In the name of Gott Amen, having
undertaken for the Glory of God and
advancement of the Christian faith
...
do
...
solemnly and mutually in the presence of God
covenant and combine ourselves together.
-- The Mayflower Compact,
1620
This love among Christians is a real thing,
not imaginary...as absolutely necessary to the
we/I-being of the Body of Christ, as the sinews
and other ligaments of a natural body are to
the well-being ofthat body. .. We are a company,
professing ourselves fellow members of Christ,
and thus we ought to account ourselves knit
together by this bond oflove. Thus out ofsmall
beginnings greater things have been produced
byHis hand that made all things ofnothing, and
gives being to all things that are; and, as one
small candle may light a thousand, so the light
here kindledhath shone unto many, yea in some
sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name
ofJehovah have all the praise.
-- Plymouth Plantation,
Governor William Bradford
115