FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Maryland ‘s Charles Carroll on Faith and Freedom
(QUICK READ) — Charles Carroll of Carrollton is notable in the American Revolutionary period for several things, including the fact he was not actually present at the time of voting on the Declaration of Independence, but he signed it anyway after arriving late.
He did so despite knowing that putting his name on the Declaration, including the “of Carrollton” addition, would very likely put a price on his head as the British crown would view all of the signers as traitors. Carroll was also significant for being the lone Catholic among the signers of the great document.
Born in Anapolis, Carroll received a classical education in France, including becoming fluent in five languages. Returning to the colonies, he was initially barred from holding public office as a result of his Catholicism.
Undaunted, he set about making a fortune and was actively involved in the pro- independence movement, including being a member of the Committee of Correspondence, the Provincial Congress, and the Committee of Safety.
He lived to the ripe old age of 95, being the last of the signers to pass on to his eternal reward.
“Without morals, a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they, therefore, who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure, which denounces against the wicked the eternal misery, and insures to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundations of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.” – Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 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.
Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States of America.