John
Jay
1745-1829
—
First Chief Justice of US . . . Guided the drafting of first New York state constitution
(1777) . . . Delegate to first and second Continental Congress . . . President
of continental congress (1778) . . . Energetically supported the patriot cause
after the signing of the Declaration of Independence . . . Secretary of Foreign
Affairs (1784-89) . . . Contributed five papers to the Federalist.
From:
John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, Henry P. Johnston,
ed. (New York: G.P. Putnams Sons, 1890), Vol. I, p. 161.
"The
Americans are the first people whom Heaven has favored with an opportunity of
deliberating upon and choosing the forms of government under which they should
live."[9]
From
his last will and testament:
"I render sincere and humble thanks for His manifold and unmerited blessings,
and especially for our redemption and salvation by his beloved Son . . . Blessed
be his holy name."[9]