FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Charles Carroll on a Republic’s Need for Christian Morals
(QUICK READ) — “Without morals, a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure, [and] which denounces against the wicked eternal misery, and [which] insured to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.” — Charles Carroll (Revolutionary War leader from Maryland and the lone Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence) in a letter to John McHenry on November 4, 1800. Compiled 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 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).
PREVIOUS QUOTES IN FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS:
God and the Authors of ‘The Federalist Papers’
What Four Memorials in the Nation’s Capital Tell Us
Washington Tells His Soldiers to Seek Heaven’s Blessing to be Free