William Samuel Johnson
1727 -1812 — Represented Connecticut in the Confederation Congress (1785-1787) and Federal Constitution Convention in 1787 . . . Signed the Constitution . . . President of newly reorganized Columbia College (1787-1800) . . . US Senator (1789-1791).

"I am endeavoring to attend to my own duty only as a Christian . . . let us take care that our Christianity, though put to the test . . . be not shaken, and that our love for things really good wax not cold."[1]

Delivered several sermons from the Bible at graduation ceremonies. Here is one example:
"Your first great duties, you are sensible, are those you owe to Heaven, to your Creator and Redeemer, that He be ever present in your minds and exemplified in your lives and conduct. Imprint deep upon your minds the principles of piety to God and a reverence and a fear of his Holy Name. For the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and its practice is everlasting happiness. Reflect deeply and often upon your relations with God. Remember that it is within God that you move and live and have your being. That in the language of David, 'He is about your bed and about your path and spyeth out all your ways. 'That there is not a thought on your heart or a word upon your tongue but lo, He knoweth them altogether and that he will one day call you to a strict account for your conduct in this mortal life. Remember too, that you are the redeemed of the Lord, that you are bought with a price, even the inestimable price of the precious blood of the Son of God. Finally, I commend you, humbly imploring Almighty Goodness that He will be your guardian and your guide, your protector, the rock of your defense, your Savior and your God."[10]

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