FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: John Adams on the ‘Grand Scene’ of America’s Settlement
(QUICK READ) — It was in 1765 — a dozen years before the Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence he helped Thomas Jefferson compose — that John Adams drafted his “Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law.”
He was at the time a successful young attorney practicing in Boston. It was in this dissertation that Adams offered the following observation (note capitalization is as Adams composed it):
“I always considered the settlement of America with Reverence and Wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design of Providence, for the illumination of the Ignorant and the Emancipation of the slavish part of Mankind.” (As cited by James H. Hutson in his “The Founders on Religion.”
Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States of America, by Benjamin F. Morris.
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).
PREVIOUSLY ON FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS:
Thomas Jefferson on God Creating the Mind of Man Free
John Locke on How to Make Good Laws
James Otis on God Made Man Naturally Free