FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: William Blackstone on The Foundation for All law
(QUICK READ) — Sir William Blackstone, along with political philosopher John Locke, was an Englishman, not an American colonist, but this duo were likely the most influential thinkers read and studied by the Founders who wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Blackstone’s was the most influential commentary on the background and intent of English law and that fact alone assured that his writings would be widely read among colonial lawyers, officials and thinkers.
The following quote cited by Mark Strand provides the key to understanding Blackstone’s fundamental frame of reference in his interpreting English law. Many of the Founders considered their efforts to be toward restoring the genuine heart of the English Common Law, as articulated by Blackstone.
“Upon these two foundations, the law of nature and the law of revelation, depend all human laws.” – Sir William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England. Cited by Mark Strand.
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).