FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: John Quincy Adams on the American Foundation
President John Quincy Adams (White House Historical Association).
(QUICK READ) — No, John Quincy Adams was not a member of the Founders Generation, but he was the son of John Adams, one of the central figures in the independence movement that culminated in the Declaration of Independence and then becoming the second President of the United States, following George Washington.
Both of the Adams men were controversial chief executives, serving a single term and then leaving office in general disfavor as a result of their positions and personalities. But, given his father’s central role in the American founding, Quincy’s understanding of the core tenets of that founding is surely worth considering:
“Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission on earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?” – President John Quincy Adams, July 4, 1837. 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).