The Combined Wisdom of Daniel and Noah Webster

“Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens.” – Daniel Webster

If you are even a casual reader of my daily devotional messages, you know that I frequently use quotes by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Not only was his theology “spot on”, but he also had a gift for expressing deep spiritual truths in a rich and profound way.

Over the years, you may have also gathered that I am politically active, having run for public office twice in New Jersey and once in Florida. Each time, my platform was a simple one: Faith, Family, and Freedom… and my positions on the various issues came straight from one of two different sources: the Bible and the U.S. Constitution.

Apparently, Charles Spurgeon and I were cut from the same cloth. One of my favorite Spurgeon quotes is “I often hear it said, ‘Do not bring religion into politics.’ This is precisely where it ought to be brought, and set there in the face of all men as on a candlestick.” Sounds like the “Prince of Preachers” is applying Matthew 5:13-16 in very practical terms!

Many of our Founding Fathers thought the same way, linking their deep religious faith with the fight for liberty and independence. Among them were John and Sam Adams, John Hancock, John Jay, John Marshall, Patrick Henry, and Benjamin Rush… all of whom were strong evangelical Christians.

And then there was Noah Webster, Daniel’s cousin, who compiled and edited our first dictionary and laid the foundation for the American educational system. Here, in his own words, is what he thought about mixing religion, education, and governmental affairs…

"The moral principles and precepts contained in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws. All the miseries and evils which men suffer from – vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery, and war – proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible."

“To give children a good education in manners, arts, science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties."

“Our liberty, growth, and prosperity was the result of a Biblical philosophy of life. Our continued freedom and success is dependent on our educating the youth of America in the principles of Christianity."

“In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government, ought to be instructed.”

In other words, as Daniel Webster said, good Christians usually make good citizens.

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Romans 13:1 (NKJV)

“Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” I Timothy 2:2 (NLT)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President