Biblical principles for guidance

In my last letter (Aug. 29), I challenged readers to read the Preamble to the Washington State Constitution: “We, the people of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this constitution.”

Nearly all the states have similar preambles. Early Presidents and members of Congress opened official proceedings with a prayer. Fisher Ames (1758-1808), who suggested the wording of the First Amendment, said this about education: “Should not the Bible regain the place it once had as a schoolbook? It’s morals are pure, its examples are captivating and noble… The reverence for the sacred book that is thus early impressed lasts long, and, probably, if not impressed in infancy, never takes firm hold of the mind…”

In the Library of Congress Reading Room there are eight statues. Above the Religion statue: “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8. The Founding Fathers wanted our leaders and our kids guided by these principles. The violence we see today is a barometer of how far we have strayed from the Founders’ goals.

Larry Treffry

Spokane