DECLARATION ON INDEPENDENCE
(Adopted by Congress, July 4, 1776)
We hold these truths to be self-evident: That
all men are created equal; that they are endowed
by their Creator with certain unalienable rights;
that among these are life, liberty and pursuit of
happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments
are instituted among men, DERIVING THEIR
JUST POWERS FROM THE CONSENT OF THE
GOVERNED; that, whenever any form of govern-
ment becomes destructive to these ends, it is the
right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to
institute a new government, laying its foundation
on such principles, and organizing its powers in such
form as to them shall seem most likely to effect
their safety and happiness.
... And for the support of this Declaration,
with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine
Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our
lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.