Alaska Tea Party

 Many people think the phrase "Separation of Church and State" is in our Constitution; or maybe our Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments of the Constitution); or maybe the Declaration of Independence. However, it is not found in any of our early government documents. 

 Benjamin Rush was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was a leader in calling for free public education, and is also known as a leading proponent of opportunities for women in education.

In his "Of the Mode of Education Proper in a Republic" (1798), Rush said:

"I proceed in the next place, to enquire, what mode of education we shall adopt so as to secure to the state all the advantages that are to be derived from the proper instruction of youth; and here I beg leave to remark, that the only foundation for a useful education in a republic is to be laid in Religion. Without this there can be no virtue, and without virtue there can be no liberty, and liberty is the object and life of all republican governments."

John Adams, Letter of June 21, 1776

"Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which freedom can securely stand."

Charles Carroll  Signer of Declaration of Independence/ Letter to James McHenry  November 4, 1800

Without morals, a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion...are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.

John Adams, Address to Officers of the Massachusetts Militia   1798

We have no government armed in power capable of contending in human passions unbridled by moreality and religion...Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.  IT is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

Patrick Henry  1736-1799   Letter to Archibald Blair   1/8/1799

The great pillars of all government and social life (are) virtue, morality and religion.  This is the armor...and this alone, that renders us invincible.

Benjamin Franklin   Letter to Messrs.  The Abbes Chalut and Arnaud    April 17, 1787

Daniel Webster   4th of July 1800  Oration at Hanover N.H.

To preserve the government we must preserve morality...If you destory the foundation the superstructure must fall.  ..the public mind becomes vitiated and corrupt, laws are a nullity and constitutions are waste paper.

"...only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.  As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of Masters."