FFQF: John Jay
Today’s Favorite Founders’ Quote Friday is the third of the series (scroll down for the previous two). Today’s quote comes from John Jay of New York. Among the many distinguished positions he holds in American history, his role as one of the chief framers of New York State’s first constitution (1777), as one of the three co-authors of The Federalist Papers, and as the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, stand out. The quote below is from a letter to his good friend, the Reverend Jedidiah Morse. Jay encourages Morse to write a history of the United States, which Morse did. However, modern history textbooks seem to have crowded out Morse’s account, making his two-volume The History of America difficult to find. If I do find the volumes online, I will update this post and link to them.
Anyway, here is the quote from Jay’s letter:
“A proper history of the United States wold have much to recommend it: in some respects it would be singular, or unlike all others; it would develop the great plan of Providence, for causing this extensive part of our world to be discovered, and these ‘uttermost parts of the earth’ to be gradually filled with civilized and Christian people and nations. The means or second causes by which this great plan has long been and still is accomplishing, are materials for history, of which the writer ought well to know the use and bearings, and proper places. In my opinion, the historian, in the course of his work, is never to lose sight of that great plan.
“Remarkable interpositions of Divine Providence are fine subjects, but the exhibition cannot have a full effect, unless accompanied with a distinct view of the objects and state of things to which they relate; it is by discerning how admirably they are accommodated and fitted to answer their intended purposes, that the reader is made to reflect and feel properly.
“Few among us have time and talent for such a work. I am pleased with the prospect of your undertaking it; and I do believe, that with a due allowance of time, that is, of several years, you would execute it well.”Letter to Rev. Jedediah Morse, August 16, 1809
Mrs. Mecomber and Cato have decided to join the FFQ meme! Thanks guys!
4 Responses to “FFQF: John Jay”
August 16th, 2008 at 1:10 am
Hey, it is my pleasure! I love quotes,all kinds of quotes. the founders were especially visionary, so I think this is a great meme. And I hope you find the link to Morse’s history books; I’d like to see those.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:22 am
Hello, Mrs. Mecomber. Thanks for joining my meme! Already I can’t wait for next week’s!
I hope I will find Morse’s books. His name is a name which every schoolchild should know. Why? Because he was the father of American geography, who introduced the first American geography textbook in America! But that is only one of his many, many accomplishments.
When I find his books, I will update the post.
God bless.
August 16th, 2008 at 11:17 am
HM, I like this idea, but all I can say is, I’ll try to remember. My fibrofog makes it notoriously difficult to remember things. Add to that insurance people and phone people and tomorrow they’re going to take the rest of the tree down – God willing, without taking out our power lines – and I’m lucky to remember to get out of bed in the morning! But this is a great idea, I’ll do my best and I’ll put a link up on my blog … right now, so I don’t forget.
August 16th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Hi Jean, thanks for stopping by.
Yes, I know exactly what you mean about trying not to forget things. It has taken (or, still is taking) me a while to get used to remembering to add a post on Friday!
At any rate, I hope that you will be able to join the meme. If you are not able to do it regularly, don’t feel bad. Doing one FFQ post is better than none at all!
May God give you favor with the people who will be involved in your present situation.
Best wishes,
Hercules
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