Andrew Clyde: “I thank the gentleman for hosting this Special Order in honor of National Bible Week. To my father who preached the Word…”

“I thank the gentleman for hosting this Special Order in honor of National Bible Week. To my father who preached the Word as a minister of the Gospel, tonight, papa, you can hear me directly. Through our Nation's history, from the earliest 17th century settlements to the War of Independence and to the establishment of democracy, the Bible and its principles are intricately woven into our national fabric. This great experiment that is democracy has been undoubtedly buttressed by the Bible for now over two centuries. It was because of their devotion to the Word of God that settlers rejected the oppressive rule of the Church of England and pursued a government free from religious tyranny. On September 7, 1774, when the first Congress met together, what was their first action? It was reading the Bible followed by prayer. And what did they read? It was Psalm 35, and the first three versus of Psalm 35 say: ``Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, `I am your salvation.''' The British had just attacked and occupied Boston, and these Representatives were seeking counsel from their creator. The Bible was also crucial to the unity and success of our Founding Fathers.…”