FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Samuel Adams on God and American Liberty
(QUICK READ) — Samuel Adams was a cousin of John Adams and a well-known radical leader of the American Revolutionary movement in its birthing stages (think Boston Tea Party!) prior to the first battles in 1775 and the official Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Samuel Adams, organizer of the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
But Adams was no devotee of Rousseau and the secular totalitarian doctrines of the French Revolution. Adams was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and a firm believer that the sovereignty of God governs the nations. He also believed God favored the colonies in the struggle for independence from the tyrannical English monarchy.
The following excerpt from Adams’ letter to James Warren, another revolutionary leader, makes clear the central role of God in the affairs of men generally and those of the American Revolution specifically:
“Our unalterable resolution would be to be free. They have attempted to subdue us by force, but God be praised, in vain. Their arts may be more dangerous than their arms. Let us then renounce all treaty with them upon any score but that of total separation, and under God trust our cause to our swords.” – Samuel Adams, Letter to James Warren, April 16, 1776
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).