Judge John Jay’s Charge [words of wisdom to future generations]
“A revolution which, in the whole course of its rise and progress, is distinguished by so many marks of Divine favor and interposition, that no doubt can remain of its being finally accomplished. It was begun, and has been supported, in a manner so singular, and I say miraculous, that when future ages shall read its history, they will be tempted to consider great part of it fabulous. …But, however incredible these things may in the future appear, we know them to be true, and we should always remember, that the many remarkable and unexpected means and events, by which our wants have been supplied, and our enemies repelled or restrained, are such strong and striking proofs of the interposition of heaven, that our having hitherto delivered from the threatened bondage of Britain, ought, like the emancipation of the Jews from Egyptian servitude, and to be forever ascribed to its true cause, and instead of swelling our breasts with arrogant ideas of our prowess and importances, kindle in them a flame of gratitude and piety, which may consume all remains of vice and irreligion [want of religion, or contempt of it; impiety]. Blessed be to God! …
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; —all other constitutions have derived their existence from violence or accidental circumstances, …Your life, your liberties, your property, will be at the disposal of your Creator and yourselves. You will know no power but such as you will create; no authority unless derived from your grant; no laws, but such as acquired all their obligations from your consent. …Adequate security is also given to the rights of conscience and private judgment. They are, by nature, subject to no control but that of the Deity and in that free situation they are now left. Every man is permitted to consider, to adore and to worship his creator in the manner most agreeable to his conscience. No opinions are dictated; no rules of faith prescribed; no preference given to one sect [of Christianity over] to the prejudice of others.
The constitution, however, has wisely declared, that the “liberty of conscience thereby granted shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of the State.” In a word, the convention by whom that constitution was formed were of opinion that the gospel of Christ, like the ark of God, would not fall, though unsupported by the arm of flesh; and happy would it be for mankind if that opinion prevailed more generally. …from the people it must receive its spirit, and by them be quickened, Let virtue, honor, the love of liberty and of science be, and remain, the soul of this constitution, and it will become the source of great and extensive happiness to this and future generations. Vice, ignorance, and want of vigilance, will be the only enemies able to destroy it. Against these provide, and, of these, be forever jealous. Every member of the state, ought diligently to read and study the constitution of his country, and teach the rising generation to be free. By knowing their rights [God given], they [you the voter] will sooner perceive when they are violated, and be the better prepared to defend and assert them.”
— John Jay (1745-1829), Founding Father, Patriot, Statesman and First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court