FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Samuel Adams, Patriot Revolutionary and Man of Faith
(QUICK READ) — Samuel Adams is often forgotten by comparison to his brother John Adams, who was at the center of so many milestones of the American Revolution, and ultimately became the second President of the United States.
But Samuel Adams was there in the beginning of the revolution, being an organizer of the Boston Tea Party, and a man who would go on to serve as congressman from Massachusetts.
Not bad for a guy who thought he was living the good life and would be around for a long time:
“And as it is our duty to extend our wishes to the happiness of the great family of man, I conceive that we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world that the rod of tyrants may be broken to pieces, and the oppressed made free again; that wars may cease in all the earth, and that the confusions that are and have been among nations may be overruled by promoting and speedily bringing on that holy and happy period when the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and all people everywhere willingly bow to the sceptre of Him who is Prince of Peace.” — Samuel Adams, As Governor of Massachusetts, Proclamation of a Day of Fast, March 20, 1797.
Samuel Adams was a hero of the first generation of Americans.
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).