FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Abigail Adams on Faith and Virtue in a Nation
(QUICK READ) — John Adams was blessed with a remarkable wife in Abigail Adams, who was his closest friend and trusted adviser throughout their long life together. In the following quote, we see her insight and candor on full display:
“A patriot without religion, in my estimation, is as great a paradox as an honest Man without the fear of God. Is it possible that he whom no moral obligations bind can have any real Good Will towards Men? Can he be a patriot who, by openly vicious conduct, is undermining the very bonds of Society?… The Scriptures tell us, ‘righteousness exalteth a Nation.'”- Abigail Adams – cited by Mark Strand.
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 Strand 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).