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You've enjoyed the benefits of freedom as an American for as long as you can remember. But we're almost sure you don't know why you live in the freest country on our planet. Take time to explore our site and you'll be surprised to find the extraordinary sources of our liberty.
Our Sacred Honor
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.
From the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
True Penitence of Heart
It becomes the indispensable duty of these hitherto free and happy colonies, with true penitence of heart, and the most reverent devotion, publickly to acknowledge the over ruling providence of God . . .
Continental Congress, March 1776
Return of Praise
. . . earnest hope that the peace, happiness, and prosperity enjoyed by our beloved country may induce those who direct her national counsels to recommend a general and public return of praise to Him from whose goodness these blessings descend.
John Jay, 1826
Except the Bible
. . . except the Bible there is not a true history in the world.
John Jay, February 28, 1797
Enemy of God
Whoever is an avowed enemy of God, I scruple not to call him an enemy of his country.
John Witherspoon, May 17, 1776
Religion and Civil Liberty
God grant that in America true religion and civil liberty may be inseparable . . .
John Witherspoon
Supreme Ruler of the World
I conceive we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world . . .
Samuel Adams, 1794
Restored the Sovereign
We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient.
Samuel Adams, 1776
Let Us Humbly Commit Our Righteous Cause
Let us humbly commit our righteous cause to the great Lord of the Universe . . . Let us joyfully leave our concerns in the hands of Him who raises up and puts down the empires and kingdoms of the earth as He pleases.
[Upon signing the Declaration of Independence]
John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress
Obedience to Thy Law
. . . and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth.
[National Prayer for Peace]
Thomas Jefferson, March 4, 1805
