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| Posted: 07 Nov 2008 16:18 |
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source: http://www.christianlaw.org/Articles/Sam-Adams.html
"The Last American Puritan"
Not many people credit Sam Adams of Boston, John’s cousin, with being an important American founding father. But he was that, as well as being one of the most dedicated Christians among the elite group of men who met in Philadelphia and signed the Declaration of Independence during that fateful summer of 1776.
Sam was also a realistic Christian who was not certain how long the Biblical heritage he had helped instill in his new nation could be preserved. Before his death in 1803, Adams was already seeing cracks in the Christian republic he had helped to bring to life at Independence Hall. He lamented: “I am greatly concerned for my dear native Town [Boston], lest after having stood foremost in the Cause of Religion and Liberty she lose her Glory.”
“The Rights of Colonists as Christians”
Samuel Adams believed that God and the Bible were the basis of all the rights being given to Americans in the Declaration of Independence and in other founding documents. In 1772, Adams wrote a document called “The Rights of the Colonists.” This treatise is viewed historically as a key document for articulating the reasons why America should sever all political ties to Great Britain. In this document, Adams argued:
The right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty . . . the rights of the Colonists as Christians . . . MAY BE BEST understood by reading and carefully studying the institutions of the great Lawgiver and the Head of the Christian Church, which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament.
Historian Robert Flood points out that: Samuel Adams “regarded individual freedom as ‘the law of the Creator’ and a Christian right documented in the New Testament.” Adams clearly saw the colonists’ rights as coming from God, a belief that several years later became the cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence:
More about Sam Adams at wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Adams
Adams was heavily influenced by his mother and sister, Mary, who were both extremely religious individuals. His father perhaps exercised the greatest influence on the young boy. His father was a very influential man in Boston, and he played an important role in many of the town's affairs. He was on the board of selectmen, a member of the colonial legislature and an active member of many political organizations and clubs.[13] Deacon Adams was active in many political discussions, and took an active stance against the control exerted by British royalty over the colonies. Adams attended Boston Latin School, an institution known for its prestige, tradition and close ties to Harvard College. Adams was especially studious, showing a profound interest in Greek and Latin literature, to which he would frequently allude in his future writing.[14] As a result of his religious upbringing, Adams felt a special appreciation for church services and the effect they had on parishioners. He too wanted to influence others with his words, and he began to consider his future as a minister.
After Samuel Adams's death, his cousin John stated:
“ Without the character of Samuel Adams, the true history of the American Revolution can never be written. For fifty years his pen, his tongue, his activity, were constantly exerted for his country without fee or reward.
__________________Lucas McCain the Rifleman: A man doesn't run from a fight, Mark...but that doesn't mean you should go running *to* one, either.
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| Posted: 10 Mar 2010 03:16 |
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Tim,
I was looking through some old statements and found the one on Sam Adams. There are lots of great, historic , and influential Americans who are sometimes forgotten. I have always been a history buff having a interest since I was a kid. I few years ago, I went back to school for my Master (in History) and re-found a great number of patriots who, as mentioned, are nearly lost to (dare I say it) history.
The ones that come to mind first are Ben Franklin and John Adams. What you say, I know them, they are not lost to history. Well not lost but overlooked much of the time. John Adams, who is remembered as a failed President (because he was not reelected), but he was also a Lawyer, who defended the officer involved at the Boston Massacre, became a true defender of his State, and the colonial movement. He was there at the beginning of the revolution, and in the Congress, he was appalled at he British Solder shooting there own citizens. He became involved in almost every committee in the early congress because he was dependable. He was always supportive of the Independence, after the separation, became a representative overseas, and return home as a great representative and asset of the US. He was a loyal Vice-President to G. Washington, unlike Jefferson was to him. In my opinion he was overlooked for so many years because he did not like political party’s (Neither did Washington). After Jefferson was elected, John Adams was pushed to the side. It took many decades for history to re-look at Adams and show what he truly contributed to this Nation early on.
Ben Franklin, “WOW” what he you say about this man. Worked hard as a youth, profound writer, started and made it in business, local politician, newspaperman, inventor, ambassador, early leader for a united colonies. Return to the US and after slowly coming to the cause of independence was instrumental, in organizing Congress, leading many of the committees, and a orator second to none. I believe Franklin could have elected President early on if he was not so old and infirmed.
__________________Jedge
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| Posted: 10 Mar 2010 13:38 |
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Who could ever forget Ben Franklin?
Role model for the ages.
__________________But the backdrops peel and the sets give way and the cast get eaten by the play, there's a murderer at the matinee, there are dead men in the aisles
And the patrons and the actors too are uncertain if the show is through and with sidelong looks await their cue, but the frozen mask just smiles
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