"[I]n the frame of society in the United States [during the 1820s, will be] found something clearly distinguishing a Christian from a heathen or Atheistic state, something worthy to be imitated by less enlightened communities and less favored nations . . . that Christianity is part of the common law of the land; that Christian schools are encouraged by legislation; that presidents and governors appoint fast and thanksgiving days expressly for the worship of Almighty God; that Christian chaplains of legislative bodies, and of the army and navy, are approved and supported by the state for the acknowledgement and service of Jehovah, and for the inculcation of the principles of his inspired book, and for the special observance of the Christian sabbath. — Hiram Bingham, A Residence of Twenty-One Years, pg. 280