in their own words

Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers. John Jay, 1st Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indespensible supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens...And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion...Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. George Washington, Farewell Address