FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: James Madison on the ‘Duty of Every Man’
(QUICK READ) — James Madison is known mainly as the “Father of the Constitution” for his crucial role at the Constitutional Convention and only secondarily as the nation’s fourth President, who presided over the nation during the War of 1812 with Great Britain.
The specifics of Madison’s personal view of Christianity are not known, but what is known from his multiple public comments on related issues is his tremendous respect for the moral and public values linked to that faith. The following quote is a suitable example of that respect.
“It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage. Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe.” – James Madison, Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments, 1785. 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 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).