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James McHenry is one of Americas little known Founding Fathers. A native of Ireland, he migrated to the colonies in 1771. He worked as a surgeon for the American forces for a time during the War for Independence. He also served as George Washington's secretary. He then served on the staff of the Marquis de Lafayette. While the war continued he left the army to join the Maryland Senate. After the war he became a member of the Continental Congress (1783-1786). James McHenry was also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia and a signer of the Constitution. McHenry became Secretary of War in both George Washington and John Adams' administrations.
McHenry was not only an American patriot; he was, as were many of the founders, a Christian. McHenry, a Presbyterian, served as president of the first Bible Society in Baltimore. He believed knowledge, and belief in the doctrines of the Scripture's vital to good government and a free society. Here is a quote from him.
Neither...let it be overlooked, that public utility pleads most forcibly for the general distribution of the Holy Scriptures. The doctrine they preach, the obligations they impose, the punishment they threaten, the rewards they promise, the stamp and image of divinity they bear, which produces a conviction of their truths, can alone secure to society, order and peace, and to our courts of justice and constitutions of government, purity, stability, and usefulness.
McHenry says what the great majority of early Americans, of whatever denomination, believed. They truly thought biblical Christianity vital to liberty and justice. We Americans have strayed very far from our roots. Today, McHenry would be castigated by the newspapers and national news networks for a statement like this. The ACLU, People For the American Way, The National Council of Churches and other anti-Christian organizations would rampage and declare his words dangerous and that his views violate our "doctrine of separation of church and state."
We need to learn and teach the truth to our children. If our children fail to learn the truth it is our fault not the schools. God commands us to teach our children, we can delegate the work, but not the responsibility.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Kenith
McHenry was not only an American patriot; he was, as were many of the founders, a Christian. McHenry, a Presbyterian, served as president of the first Bible Society in Baltimore. He believed knowledge, and belief in the doctrines of the Scripture's vital to good government and a free society. Here is a quote from him.
Neither...let it be overlooked, that public utility pleads most forcibly for the general distribution of the Holy Scriptures. The doctrine they preach, the obligations they impose, the punishment they threaten, the rewards they promise, the stamp and image of divinity they bear, which produces a conviction of their truths, can alone secure to society, order and peace, and to our courts of justice and constitutions of government, purity, stability, and usefulness.
McHenry says what the great majority of early Americans, of whatever denomination, believed. They truly thought biblical Christianity vital to liberty and justice. We Americans have strayed very far from our roots. Today, McHenry would be castigated by the newspapers and national news networks for a statement like this. The ACLU, People For the American Way, The National Council of Churches and other anti-Christian organizations would rampage and declare his words dangerous and that his views violate our "doctrine of separation of church and state."
We need to learn and teach the truth to our children. If our children fail to learn the truth it is our fault not the schools. God commands us to teach our children, we can delegate the work, but not the responsibility.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Kenith
