FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Rev. Jonathan Mayhew on Faith and Liberty
Rev. Jonathan Mayhew, Old West Church, Boston (Library of Congress).
(ONE-MINUTE READ) — “It is my fixed resolution to do all I can for the service of my country, that neither the republic nor the churches of New England may sustain injury. Having been initiated in youth by the doctrines of civil liberty, as they were taught by such men as Plato, Demosthenes, Cicero and other renowned persons among the ancients, and such as Sydney and Milton, Locke and Hoadly among the moderns, I liked them: They seemed rational.
“And having learned from the Holy Scriptures that wise, brave and virtuous men were always friends to liberty; that God gave the Israelites a king in His anger because they had not sense and virtue enough to like a free commonwealth; that where the Spirit of the Lord, there is liberty; this made me conclude that freedom was a great blessing.” Congregation Minister Jonathan Mayhew, Old West Congregational Church in Boston (as cited by Wilson).
Quotes reprinted in HillFaith’s “The Faith of The Founders” 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 Hill aides.
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).