FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Methodist Bishops Tell Washington ‘Most Excellent’ Constitution is Blessing From God
(QUICK READ) — When George Washington became the first President of the United States, the event elicited a multitude of declarations of praise, promises of prayer on his behalf and good wishes, including many from religious leaders and official bodies throughout the 13 states.
Among those was that composed by Methodist Episcopal Bishops Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury and dated May 29, 1789. In addition to congratulating and praising Washington, Coke and Asbury, writing on behalf of all Methodist Episcopal churches in the nation, point to the new Constitution with pride:
“We have received the most grateful satisfaction from the humble and entire dependence on the great Governor of the Universe, which you have repeatedly expressed, acknowledging Him [as] the source of blessing, and particularly of the most excellent Constitution of these States, which is at present the admiration of the world, and may in the future become its great exemplar for imitation; and hence we enjoya holy expectation that you will always prove a faithful and impartial patron of genuine, vital religion — the great end of our creation and present probationary existence.
“And we promise you our fervent prayers to the throne of grace that God Almighty might endue you with all the graces and gifts of His Holy Spirit — that He may enable you to fill your important station to His glory, the good of His church, the happiness and prosperity of the United States and the welfare of mankind.” — Cited by Benjamin Morris.
Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States of America.
Many of the quotes reprinted in HillFaith’s “The Faith of The Founders” weekly series of posts are compiled from Benjamin F. Morris’ classic work, “The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States.” Morris, an historian and pastor, published the first edition more than a century ago.
Quotations are also compiled from Mark Strand, author of the Daily Inspirations email he shares on request here and that HillFaith highly recommends to all congressional aides, be they working on Capitol Hill or in a state or district office back home.
Mark was for 16 years President of the Congressional Institute, and he is a former fellow of the Harvard Institute of Politics. He was also a 24-year veteran congressional staffer, including four years as Chief of Staff to Sen. James Talent (R-Missouri).