FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: John Adams on America and God’s Providence
(QUICK READ) — America’s second President was a key influence on the young Thomas Jefferson in drafting America’s Declaration of Independence, but their relationship had ups and (mostly) downs thereafter.
John Adams, second President of the United States (Gilbert Stuart portrait, Library of Congress).
Adams was the first Chief Executive to be heavily involved in a partisan political party, the Federalist Party, which advocated an activist central government and a narrow understanding of key aspects of the civil liberties guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution.
Jefferson succeeded Adams in the Oval Office and was the leader of the Anti-Federalist Party, which favored a much more decentralized view of government. Jefferson was also an outspoken Deist who denied the divinity of Jesus Christ where Adams came out of New England’s Congregationalist tradition with its strong emphasis on divine providence, as seen in the following quote highlighted recently by Mark Strand.
“And may that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this nation and its Government and give it all possible success and duration consistent with the ends of His providence.” – John Adams.
Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States of America.
Quotes reprinted in HillFaith’s “The Faith of The Founders” 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 Hill aides.
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).