7Nov 09
Facts for the Christian Patriot
posted by
One of America’s founding Father, John Jay (1745-1829) played an important role in the birth of America. He was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Governor of New York, Ambassador to Britain and Spain, writer of many Federalist papers, 2nd President of the American Bible society, and could also be called the penman of the American Revolution. Because of his skill, he was commissioned by the Continental Congress to write letters both to Canada, the British people, and 13 colonies. Below are excerpts from a letter he wrote and then was circulated through the colonies:
“…And why all this desolation, bloodshed, and unparalleled cruelty? They tell you, to reduce you to obedience. Obedience to what: to their sovereign will and pleasure. Why then you shall be pardoned, because you consent to be slaves. And why should you be slaves now, having been freemen ever since the country was settled? because, forsooth, the king and parliament of an island, three thousand miles off, choose that you should be hewers of wood, and drawers of water for them… For shame! for shame!…You may be told that your forts have been taken; your country ravaged; and that your armies have retreated; and that, therefore, God is not with you. It is true, that some forts have been taken, that our country hath been ravaged, and that our Maker is displease with us. But it is also true that the King of Heaven is not like the king of Britain, implacable. If we turn from our sins, He will turn from his anger…Let a general reformation of manners take place–let universal charity, public spirit, and private virtue be inculcated, encouraged, and practiced. Unite in preparing for a vigorous defense of your country, as if all depended on you own exertions. And when you have done all things, then rely upon the good Providence of Almighty God for success, in full confidence that without his blessing, all our effort will inevitably fail….”
But if there be any among us, dead to all sense of honor, and love of their country; if deaf to all the calls of liberty, virtue and religion; if forgetful of the magnanimity of their ancestors, and the happiness of their children; if neither the examples nor the success of other nations–the dictates of reason and of nature; or the great duties they owe to their God, themselves, and their posterity, have any effect upon them–if neither the injuries they have received , the price they are contending for, the future blessing or curses of their children–the applause or the reproach of all mankind–the approbation or displeasure of the Great Judge–or the happiness or misery consequent upon their conduct, in this and a future state, can move them;–then let them be assured, that they deserve to be slaves, and are entitled to nothing but anguish and tribulation. Let them banish from their remembrance the reputation, the freedom, and the happiness they have inherited from their forefathers. Let them forget every duty, human and divine; remember not that they have children: and beware how they call to mind the justice of the Supreme being: let them go into captivity… and be a reproach and a by-word among the nations. But we think better things of you–we believe and are persuaded that you will do you duty like men, and cheerfully refer your cause to the great and righteous Judge. If success crown you efforts, all the blessings of freemen will be your reward. If you fall in the contest, you will be happy with God in Heaven.”
- Letter discovered from The Life of John Jay written by his son William Jay.