May the spirit of Witherspoon be revived
In the afterglow of the celebration of our independence, consider how much you know regarding this character.
Among the Founding Fathers, John Witherspoon is one of the least known, yet most influential members.
The eldest of six children, he was born to the Rev. James Alexander and Anne Walker Witherspoon in Yester, Scotland, on Feb. 5, 1723. Anne was his first teacher, enabling him to read by age 4 and eventually recite most of the New Testament. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh divinity school at age 19.
In 1768, he and his family emigrated to New Jersey where he became president of what would become Princeton University. Forthright he expanded the school’s curriculum, enlarged the school of science, and increased the enrolment and endowment. After the war he rebuilt the severely damaged university.
Over the years, Witherspoon taught president James Madison, vice president Aaron Burr, 39 congressmen, 21 senators, 12 governors, nine cabinet members, and three Supreme Court justices. He was a close advisor to George Washington.
In Congress he served on over 100 committees — speaking often in debates, helping draft the Articles of Confederation, aiding in organizing the executive departments, playing a role in foreign policy and serving as a strong proponent of virtue as a standard for leadership.
As war clouds thickened on the horizon, Congress, realizing the seriousness of the hour, designated May 17, 1776, as a day of national fasting and prayer, asking Witherspoon to preach on the occasion.
He spoke on “The Dominion of Providence over the Affairs of Men.” He spoke from the Scripture of God’s revealed purpose in the unfolding history of mankind. Because of the popularity resulting from the message, John Hancock appointed him Congressional Chaplain.
In response to one convention delegate who said, “We are not ripe for revolution,” Witherspoon said, “Not ripe Sir, we are not only ripe for the measure, but in danger of rotting for the want of it.”
On July 1, 1776, a storm swept across Philadelphia as John Hancock called the Congress to order punctually at 9 a.m.
Witherspoon and the four other delegates from New Jersey were absent as the opponents of independence spoke convincingly against it. In the early afternoon, with the issue very much in doubt, Witherspoon and his four companions entered. They had been delayed by the storm.
Seeing the mood of the assembly, he addressed them with such conviction the mood changed and the Declaration was approved. Work began immediately on the final draft.
On July 4, 1776, the final document was ready for a vote. Many of the cautious ones were hesitant. Witherspoon again addressed the assembly.
“There is a tide in the affairs of men. We perceive it now before us. To hesitate is to consent to our own slavery. That noble instrument should be subscribed to this very morning by every pen in this house. Though these gray hairs must soon descend to the sepulcher, I would definitely rather that they descend thither by the hand of the executioner than desert at this crisis the sacred cause of my country.”
Secretary Charles Thomson called for the vote. One “aye” followed another. The vote was unanimous. A pause ensued and a hush fell over the hall. Some prayed, some stared out the window, and some wept.
He was the only active clergyman and college president to sign the Declaration. Later he signed the Articles of Confederation and supported the ratification of the Constitution.
May the spirit of Witherspoon be revived.
The Rev. Nelson Price is pastor emeritus of Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta and a former chairman of the Shorter University board of trustees.