For further perusal when I have time and more awakeness. Noah Webster's An Examination into the leading principles of the Federal Constitution proposed by the late Convention held at Philadelphia.

"In the formation of our constitution, the wisdom of all ages is collected—the legislators of antiquity are consulted—as well as the opinions and interests of the millions who are concerned. In short, it is an empire of reason."

[anent a thesis that recently appeared on the Christian forum - 'The short answer is that Christianity IS the basis of a republican form of Government.']