FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon on Signing the Declaration of Independence
(QUICK READ) — Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon is the lone pastor among the 56 signers of the American colonies’ Declaration of Independence in 1776. A Presbyterian, his powerful preaching in the Reformed Scottish tradition was known and respected throughout the colonies.
Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Witherspoon was among the most widely influential members of the Founders generation, thanks both to his sermons. and the fact that he taught many of his fellow Founders while they were yet students at the College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton University) where Witherspoon served as president.
Among the most significant of those students was young James Madison, who would later be known as the “Father of the Constitution,” as well as for succeeding Thomas Jefferson in the White House as the fourth President of the United States.
The effect of Witherspoon’s brief remarks to the assembled delegates to the Continental Congress was reported to be electric, thanks to Witherspoon’s undoubted courage, conviction and faith:
“Mr. President, that noble instrument on your table , which ensures immortality to its author , should be subscribed this very morning by every pen in the House. He who will not respond to its accents, and strain every nerve to carry into effect its provisions, is unworthy the name of freeman.
“Although these grey hairs must descend into the sepulchre, I would infinitely rather they should descend thither by the hand of the executioner , than desert at the crisis the sacred cause of my country.” – Cited by Morris.
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 Strand 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).