FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: William Samuel Johnson’s Remarks to First Columbia Graduating Class After the Revolution
(QUICK READ) — William Samuel Johnson was the third president of Columbia University (then known as Columbia College) from 1787 until his death in 1819. A Yale graduate, he was the son of the school’s first president, Samuel Johnson (not to be confused with the British writer of the same name and period).
William Samuel Johnson, third president of Columbia College.
Before his Columbia tenure, Johnson was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and was a member of the assembly’s committee on literary aspects of the document. He was elected to the Senate from Connecticut and served in that position while also at Columbia until 1791. He left the Senate that year when Congress removed to Philadelphia.
The following selection from his graduation remarks to the first class to graduate following the successful conclusion of the American Revolution is notable in showing Johnson’s deeply theologically informed Christian faith and his encouragement to his graduates to make reading the Bible a regular habit:
Remember… that you are the redeemed of the Lord, that you are bought with a price, even the inestimable price of the precious blood of the Son of God. Adore Jehovah, therefore, as your God and your Judge. Love, fear, and serve Him as your Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Acquaint yourselves with Him in His word and holy ordinances. Make Him your friend and protector and your felicity is secured both here and hereafter. And with respect to particular duties to Him, it is your happiness that you are well assured that he best serves his Maker, who does most good to his country and to mankind.” 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 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).