FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Samuel Adams on Depending on God to Lead Us
(QUICK READ) — Samuel Adams is best-remembered as the organizer of the Boston Tea Party in 1773, which was one of the most effectively staged political protests in modern history because it helped catalyze the “No Taxation Without Representation” issue in the American Revolution.
Samuel Adams, organizer of the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
Samuel Adams, who would later be elected Governor of Massachusetts, was also second cousin to John Adams and was well-known throughout the 13 colonies among those who would form the Continental Congress that issued the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and later participate in the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
Most importantly, as seen in the following excerpt from one of Samuel Adams’ many letters to his wife, Elizabeth, on the day after Christmas in 1776, he was a fervent follower of the Lord Jesus Christ:
“The name of the Lord (says the Scripture) is a strong tower; thither the righteous flee and are safe [Proverbs 18:10]. Let us secure His favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive us to a better. – Samuel Adams, Letters of Delegates to Congress: August 16, 1776-December 31, 1776, Paul H. Smith, editor (Washington DC: Library of Congress, 1979), Vol. 5, pp. 669-670, Samuel Adams to Elizabeth Adams on December 26, 1776. Cited by Mark Strand.
Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States of America.
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).