(QUICK READ) — It was April 15, 1791, “when the Hon. Daniel Carroll and Dr. David Stewart superintended the fixing of the first cornerstone of the District of Columbia, at Jone’s Point, near Alexandria,” according to Benjamin F. Morris.

The commemorative remarks on that day featured Rev. James Muir of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House where he served from 1788 to 1820. In his remarks, Morris tells us, Muir made the following observations:

“Amiable it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity; it is more fragrant than the perfumes on Aaron’s garment, it is more refreshing than the dews on Hermon’s hill! May this stone long commemorate the goodness of God in those uncommon events, which have given America a name among nations.

“Under this stone, may jealousy and selfishness be forever buried. From this stone may a superstructure arise whose glory, whose magnificence, stability, unequalled hitherto, shall astonish the world, and invite even the savage of the wilderness to take shelter under its wings.”

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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 by 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).

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PREVIOUSLY ON HILLFAITH

FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: God and the Three Authors of The Federalist Papers

FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: John Adams on Liberty as the Gift of God

FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Washington on Americans’ Debt of Gratitude to God for Our Independence