The Preamble To The United States Constitution
(Continued – Segment 2)
The Preamble states the purpose of constitution and the government it establishes. Looking at the core beliefs and ideals of the authors and signers will help us understand the bedrock foundation upon which the constitution rests. These commonly held ideals, values, beliefs and truths are clearly stated in 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 inalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness .”
This is straightforward and simple. We have a Creator who has endowed or blessed us with rights which cannot be taken or given away. The declaration further states:
“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.”
The members of congress were asking God for His guidance as to the correct moral , righteous, and truthful purpose of this new government. The Declaration further states:
“And for the support of this declaration, and with firm reliance on the protection of Devine Providence we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”
It is abundantly clear that these common beliefs were so truthful and magnificent, in the depth of their hearts, they pledged everything to each other and to God to ordain and establish the Constitution for themselves, the citizens and future generations. One Nation Under God
Understanding the common beliefs of our founders gives us greater perception and understanding of the bedrock upon which our Constitution rests.
On the day of the signing of the declaration of Independence, August 2,1776, Samuel Adams declared:
” We have this day restored to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from its rising to the setting of the sun, let His Kingdom come.” #1
John Adams wrote in his diary dated Feb 22, 1756 :
“Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited ! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness and charity toward his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God… What a Utopia, what a Paradise would this region be. #2
Thomas Jefferson penned the words of The Declaration of Independence. After signing the declaration, Jefferson proposed a seal that would express the spirit and heart of the new nation. His proposal:
An image of the children of Israel in the wilderness led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. #3
On Thursday, June 28, 1787, Benjamin Franklin spoke to the Constitutional Convention, which was in the midst of much debate and wrangling over the representation of the states in the new government. Some excerpts from that speech follow.
“ To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?
I have lived , Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid ? We have been assured , Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.
I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel.” #4
We are seeing some of the common beliefs of our Founders. They wanted a government inspired by God, directed by God ,and built by the Lord. We will look at one more of our Founders in the next segment.
References
#1 Richard Badger This Nation Under God Gorham Press 1924 p 71
#2 Diary and Autobiography of John Adams Belknap Press of Harvard Press 1961 Vol 3 p9
#3 Journals of the Continental Congress 1776 Vol 5 p530
#4 James Madison Notes of debates in the Federal Convention Ohio University Press 1966,1985 pp 209-10
Author: Steven Strzepek
