FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: John Adams on Property Law as Sacred

(QUICK READ) — Two of the 10 Commandments — “Thou Shalt Not Covet” and “Thou Shalt Not Steal” — are in the mind of America’s second President as essential to the development and preservation of civilized societies.

Protecting the security of the individual’s property against theft by other people and from theft by governments through confiscation, excessive taxation and other methods were among the chief concerns of Adams and his fellow Founders.

This passage is from Adams magisterial Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America, at Volume 6, pages 8-9, and is cited here courtesy of Mark Strand:

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“The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence.

“If ‘Thou shalt not covet’ and ‘Thou shalt not steal’ were not commandments of Heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society before it can be civilized or made free.” – John Adams

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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).