FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Samuel Adams on Vital Principles and Manners
(QUICK READ) — “A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous, they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.” – Samuel Adams, 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.
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).
And quotations featured in FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS are compiled from James H. Hutson’s “The Founders on Religion: A Book of Quotations.” Hutson’s work is of particular interest as he is the former Chief of the Manuscript Division at the Library of Congress. He is also the author of “Religion and the Founding of the American Republic.”