Almost all nations have peace or war at the will and pleasure of rulers whom they do not elect, and who are not always wise or virtuous. 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, Letter To John Murray (October 12, 1816), published in the Life of John Jay (1833) By William Jay, Vol. 2, p. 376