The war with Britain had cut off supply of Bibles to the colonists. Congress instructed its Committee of Commerce to purchase and import 20,000 Bibles from "Scotland, Holland or elsewhere." When this endeavor proved problematic for the young nation, Robert Aitken, a Philadelphia printer, petitioned Congress to officially approve for him to publish the Bible for "use in schools" at his own expense. On September 12, 1782, Congressional members stated they "highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitken, as subservient to the interest of religion . . . in this country, and . . . they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States." The endorsement was printed in the front of the Aitken Bible and was signed by Charles Thomson, who was Secretary of the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Aitken Bible became known as "The Bible of the Revolution" and opened the door for numerous other Bibles to be printed which helped strengthen the pursuit of religious freedom in the new formed republic!
Speaking of religious freedom, the Bible played an integral role in the building of our nation. It was from Scripture that many of our founding documents were derived and it was from Scripture that most of our Founding fathers found guidance and wisdom. Let's take a look at their words:
"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." George Washington, 1st President of the United States
"The Bible is the Rock on which this Republic rests." Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States
"If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible. Our country will go on prospering; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury our glory in profound obscurity." Daniel Webster, Early American Politician and Lawyer
"In regard to this Great Book [The Bible], I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But if not for it, we would not know right from wrong." Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States
"The American nation from its first settlement in Jamestown to this hour is based upon and permeated by the Bible." David Josiah Brewer, 20 Year Supreme Court Justice
"The teachings of the Bible are so interwoven with our whole civic and social life that it would be literally impossible for us to figure what life would be if those teachings are removed." Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
"[My] great joy and glory that in occupying an exalted position in the nation, I am enabled, to preach the practical moralities of the Bible to my fellow-countrymen and to hold up Christ as the hope and Savior of the world." Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
"The meaning of the Bible must be known and understood if it is to make a difference in our lives, and I urge all Americans to read and study the Scriptures. The rewards of such efforts will help preserve our heritage of freedom and signal the message of liberty to people in all lands." Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States
"Whereas the Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation of people. Whereas Biblical teachings inspired concepts of civil government that are contained in our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of The United States ... Whereas that renewing our knowledge of, and faith in God through Holy Scriptures can strengthen us as a nation and a people. Now therefore be it resolved ... that the President is authorized and requested to designate 1983 as a national "Year of the Bible" in recognition of both the formative influence the Bible has been for our nation, and our national need to study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures." Oct. 4, 1982, Joint Resolution of Congress
More from the legal side of America tomorrow . . .
