FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Thomas Jefferson’s Farewell Advice to a Namesake

“Adore God. Reverence and cherish your parents. Love your neighbor as yourself, and your country more than yourself. Be just. Be true. Murmur not at the ways of Providence. So shall the life into which you have entered, be the portal to one of eternal and ineffable bliss.” — Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Smith, February 21, 1825. Jefferson would die on July 4, 1826, but was aware in February 1825 that his days were numbered.

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 by 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).