Daniel
Webster
1752-1852
—
Part of the 2nd generation of American Statesmen . . . He was a young man during
the American Revolution and grew up listening to the speeches of George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison . . . He served almost a decade
in US House and nearly two decades in the Senate . . . Was Secretary of State
for 3 different presidents . . . Had a reputation as an exceptional orator.
"If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity."[34]
"Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens."[4]
Webster
said on December 22, 1820, observing the 200th anniversary of the landing of the
Pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts:
"Finally, let us not forget
the religious character of our origin. Our fathers were brought here by their
high veneration for the Christian religion. They journeyed by its light, and labored
in its hope. They sought to incorporate its principles with the elements of their
society, and to diffuse its influence through all their institutions, civil, political,
or literary. Let us cherish these sentiments, and extend this influence still
more widely: in full conviction, that that is the happiest society which partakes
in the highest degree of the mild and peaceful spirit of Christianity.".
. .