Thus it happened that the first act of Congress on September 7, 1774, was an
official prayer, pronounced by an Episcopalian clergyman dressed in his
pontificals. And what did he read? He read a
Jewish prayer,
Psalm 35 in The Book of Common Prayer: Plead my cause, O Lord, with them
that strive with me. Fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of
buckler and shield, and rise up for my help. Say to my soul, "I am your
salvation." Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my life. Let those
be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me.
[Homestead] e pluribus unum - in god we trust - etc.,
Toni Hawryluk, 10/19/2004