He credits the “King of Kings”
On this day 250 years ago Jefferson’s famous words were adopted by the Continental Congress that a Creator gave us the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Many years later Jefferson commented on these rights and on the Revolution. Here are his words:
“…our right to life, liberty,…the pursuit of happiness…. We do not claim these under the charters of kings or legislators, but under the King of kings.…” 1817 letter to John Manners
“…[for that] memorable instrument…[i.e. The Declaration] we owe indeed peculiar thanks to Providence…” 1826, letter to Jacob Taylor
“…as Providence intended that such events [of the Revolution] should take place, we should be thankful they were destined for our times and we chosen as instru[me]nts for effecting them.” 1823, letter to Richard Bruce
For the “….Anniversary of our National independance….the faithful preservation, pure and unchanged, of the spirit of that great day which gave them birth, will be themes of unceasing prayer with me….” 1823, letter to Pannil, MaCrae and Pollard
For the “…Anniversary of the birth-day of our nation….my prayers [are] offered to heaven …that the spirit of the day which gave them birth, may continue pure, strong and imperishable.” 1823, letter to John Winn