“The adoption of the Constitution will demonstrate as visibly the finger of Providence as any possible event in the course of human affairs can ever designate it.” ~ George Washington
Adherence to the spirit and intent of our Constitution was so important to our Founding Fathers that one of the first acts of the First Congress in 1789 was to pass the verbiage for the Oath of Affirmation of office in compliance with Article VI of our Constitution.
George Washington was administered the Oath of Affirmation of office, as prescribed by Artlcle II, Section I, on April 29, 1789, to which he added: “So help me God.” He then made a few brief remarks:
“I shall take my present leave: but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the human race, in humble supplication, that since He was been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of Government for the security of their union, and the advancement of their happiness, so his divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the template consultations and the wise measures, on which the success of this government must depend.”
Sadly, with the passing of time, the Oath or Affirmation of office has become perfunctory. It has lost its meaning to many of our elected leaders. ~ Ronald M. Mann, Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution.
“I regard the Constitution as the work of the purest patriots and wisest statesmen that ever existed, aided by the smiles of a benignant, gracious Providence…it almost appears a Divine interposition in our behalf.” ~ Daniel Webster
“In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
If these words are not comforting to you, get yourself a one way ticket to the country of your choosing…you are in the wrong place!
cross-posted from the Minnesota Tenth Amendment Center
- We the People are the natural guardians. - February 16, 2011
- Governor signs Obamacare Medicaid Expansion in Minnesota - January 6, 2011
- In Minnesota…A Solution or A Continuing Problem - December 3, 2010