[All persons elected must] make and subscribe the following declaration, viz: “I do declare that I believe the Christian religion and have firm persuasion of its truth.”

Massachusetts Constitution (1780)

Each member [of the legislature], before he takes his seat, shall make and subscribe the following declaration, viz: “I do believe in one God, the Creator and Governor  of the universe, the rewarder of the good and the punisher of the wicked, and I do acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by Divine Inspiration.”

Pennsylvania Constitution (1776)

“Everyone [Elected or appointed to office] shall make and subscribe the following declaration, to wit: “I do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God, blessed forever more, and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration.”

Delaware Constitution 1776 (Article 22)

“If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We’ve been assured in the sacred writing that, ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.'”

Benjamin Franklin (Founding Father/Constitutional Convention June 28, 1787)

“Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we remove there only firm basis which is, a conviction in the minds of the people that  these liberties are of the gift of God. That they are not to be violated but by his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever.”

Thomas Jefferson (Founding Father/Constitution)

“As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and the blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him, but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety without which social happiness can not exist nor the blessings of a free government be enjoyed; and as this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of difficulty or of danger, when existing or threatening calamities, the just judgments of God against prevalent iniquity, are a loud call to repentance and reformation; and as the United States of America are at present placed in a hazardous and afflictive situation by the unfriendly disposition, conduct, and demands of a foreign power, evinced by repeated refusals to receive our messengers of reconciliation and peace, by depredations on our commerce, and the infliction of injuries on very many of our fellow-citizens while engaged in their lawful business on the seas – under these considerations it has appeared to me that the duty of imploring the mercy and benediction of Heaven on our country demands at this time a special attention from its inhabitants”

John Adams (Prayer Proclamation 1798) (Founding Father/Second President of the United States)

This prayer proclamation was given because the Muslims were attacking our merchant ships in the seas of the Middle east. These pirates were killing and stealing American shipments to the Middle East, then the Muslims decided to start holding people for ransom, then our delegates went to the Middle East and negotiated with the leaders and we paid tribute (Ransom money/extortion money) to them for the safety of our people who traded in the area. We did this until Thomas Jefferson became President and he went to Congress and told them if you build me a Navy that we would not be paying this extortion money any longer. So Congress approved our first Naval ships and we took them to the Middle East seas and fought against the Muslim pirates for over thirty years, and had such victory that the Muslims signed a peace treaty on the Shores of Tripoli. This is where we get our song for the Marine Core.

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor – and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

George Washington (Prayer Proclamation 1789) (Founding Father/First President of the United States)

“…speedily bringing on that holy and happy period when the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and all the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is the Prince of Peace.”

Samuel Adams (Prayer Proclamation 1797)(Founding Father/”Father of the American Revolution”)

“And pray especially that universal happiness can be established in the world, and that all may bow to the scepter of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that the whole earth may be filled with His glory.”

John Hancock (Oct. 15, 1791/Prayer Proclamation)(Founding Father/Declaration of Independence)

“Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, and half closed afterwards.”

Benjamin Franklin