This painting, one of five that hang in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., depicts 42 of the 56 signers of the Declaration. When John Trumbull returned to America in 1817 after many years abroad, he was commissioned by Congress to paint four large murals to be placed in the newly finished Capitol Rotunda. Trumbull,…
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On August 2, 1826, on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration, Daniel Webster spoke at Faneuil Hall in Boston, giving a eulogy of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who had both passed away on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1826. Jefferson was 83, and Adams was 90.…
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In November of 2025, Dr. Paul Jehle and Col. John Eidsmoe reenacted a debate between John Adams of Massachusetts and John Dickenson of Pennsylvania and Delaware. It was moderated by former Congresswoman Michele Bachman, Dean of the Robertson School of Government at Regent University in Virginia. From the writings of both Adams and Dickenson, Jehle…
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In the North Carolina State Capitol building, there is a plaque that states that the Fourth Provincial Congress was to “concur with the delegates of other Colonies in declaring independency.” John Adams sent his “Thoughts on Government” (recommending “republican principles”) in letter form to both William Hooper and John Penn, delegates from North Carolina who,…
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John Adams’ treatise called “Thoughts on Government,” published in April of 1776, was really a response to Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. As David McCullough has written: “Friends in Massachusetts reported to Adams that because of Common Sense, the clamor for a declaration of independence was never greater.… In a letter to Abigail… Adams said he…
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March 17 is well known to most Americans as St. Patrick’s Day. While this is an important day that commemorates some of the deepest Christian roots in our nation, another event took place on the same day in 1776 that helped set the stage for independence. This drama included the fortification of Dorchester Heights. A…
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William Bradford begins his journal for 1626 with the news that their pastor, John Robinson, had passed away the previous year. Roger White, a member of the Leyden Congregation, writes the letter to inform those in Plimoth that beyond losing their pastor, “…in England we have lost our old King James, who departed this life,…
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Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, published anonymously in January of 1776 (250 years ago), ignited the people of the 13 colonies in a way that was truly remarkable. It was like a spark that brought to a flame the deeply held beliefs and principles already resident in colonial minds and hearts. It became an instant bestseller,…
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Transition is inevitable. It will touch all of us, especially when it involves the death of a mentor. The disciples of Jesus had to face His departure. He said, “I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away.” Though they did not want to hear this, the reason was, “If…
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Following the creation of the U.S. Navy in October, the Continental Congress formed the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775: “That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant-Colonels, two Majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other…
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On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved: “That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and proportionate number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted with all possible dispatch, for a cruise of three months . . . That a[nother] Committee of three be appointed to prepare an estimate for expense, and…
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The greatest fear the clergy had 250 years ago was that if the Colonies did not resist tyranny lawfully, the Supreme Judge of the Universe would be their adversary. There is no way you can win a war when God opposes you! When George Washington was appointed by the Second Continental Congress to be the…
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by Col. John Eidsmoe, PRF Chairman, with Dr. Paul Jehle, PRF President William Bradford closed out his commentary on the year 1625 with these words: “…it pleased the Lord to give the Plantation peace and health and contented minds, and so to bless their labors as they had corn sufficient, and some to spare…
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Today we often celebrate and interpret the Declaration of Independence (which soon turns 250) outside its historic context. But there would not have been a Declaration of Independence if there had not been A Declaration Setting forth the Causes and Necessity of Their Taking Up Arms. Ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 6,…
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On June 17, 1825, at the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, over 100,000 people (including 190 veterans of the actual battle) witnessed the Marquis de Lafayette, “America’s Guest” from France who fought with us for our independence, lay the cornerstone for the monument. Daniel Webster, master of ceremonies, closed by saying; “Let…
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