The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution

by L. Carroll Judson

His mode of instruction was calculated to expand the ideas of his students and launch them upon the sea of investigation. He expelled the dogmatical and bewildering clouds of metaphysical fatality and mystic physiology that rendered darkness visible in the old schools. He illuminated the minds of his students with the mellow rays of scientific truth based upon enlightened philosophy, sound reason, plain common sense and liberal principles. He taught them to explore the labyrinthian avenues of human nature—the vast circuit of their own immortal minds. He raised before them the curtain of the material, moral, physical and intellectual panorama—lucidly demonstrated their harmonious unity of action—perfected by the great Architect of this mighty machinery made for man. He pointed them to the duties they owed to themselves, their fellow men, their country and their God. He awakened in their souls the living energies of charity that assimilates man to Deity and prompts him to noble god-like action. He taught them how to live and be useful—how to throw off this mortal coil when the journey of life should end. His instructions were luminous and enriching—his precepts fertilizing as the dew of Hermon.

On the flood tide of a high literary and theological fame he floated peacefully along until the revolutionary storm drove him from the college and the pulpit of his church to a different sphere of action. Before coming to America he understood well the relations between the mother country and the colonies. He was master of civilian philosophy, international law, monarchical policy and the principles of rational freedom. The enrapturing beauties of Liberty and the hideous deformity of tyranny passed in review before his gigantic mind. In the designs of creative Wisdom he saw the equal rights of man and resolved to vindicate them. He at once took a bold stand in favor of his adopted country. With an eagle's flight he mounted the pinnacle of political fame—with a statesman's eye he surveyed the mighty work before him. The plan of political regeneration stood approved by Heaven—he determined to give his aid to the glorious cause. Most nobly did he discharge every duty assigned him.

From the commencement of revolutionary agitation he was a member of various committees and conventions formed for the purpose of seeking redress from the king—peaceably if possible—forcibly if necessary. He was a member of the Convention of New Jersey that framed the new Constitution in 1776. On the 20th of June the same year he was elected to the Continental Congress and most ably and eloquently advocated the Declaration of Independence to which he affixed his name, appealing to his God for approval—to the world for the justice of the cause he espoused. He was continued a member of Congress up to 1782 with the exception of one year and contributed largely in shedding lustre over its deliberations. With a mind and intelligence able to grasp, comprehend and expound the whole minutiæ of government and legislation, he combined a patriotic zeal and holy devotion for his country—unsurpassed by any of his colleagues. His labors were incessant, his industry untiring, his perseverance unyielding—his patriotism as clear as the crystal fountain—pure as the pellucid stream.

During the time he served in the legislative halls he did not neglect the higher honors of the vineyard of his Lord and Master. He was often at the family altar, in the closet and the pulpit. He was one of the most able, eloquent and profound preachers of that eventful period. He was one of the brightest ornaments of the religion of the Cross—one of the strongest advocates in the cause of Liberty. As a speaker he was listened to with deep interest—as a systematic and logical debater he had few equals. His arguments were a posteriori, a priori and a fortiori—leading the mind from effect to cause, from cause to effect and deducing the stronger reason. His corollaries were often of the most thrilling character. He sometimes resorted to syllogism with great effect. His speeches would be a syllabus to many of modern times upon the same subjects. His memory was remarkably retentive, his perceptions clear, his judgment acute.

He was a member of the secret committee of Congress the duties of which were delicate and arduous. He was a member of the committee to co-operate with Gen. Washington in replenishing and regulating the army—of the committee of finance and upon several other working committees. The eloquent appeals to the people from Congress, recommending days for fasting and prayer were from his nervous pen. The burning and melting manifesto, protesting against the inhuman treatment of the American prisoners confined on board the filthy prison-ships at New York, was supposed to emanate from him.

Dr. Witherspoon was prophetic in his mode of reasoning when pointing out the results of propositions laid before Congress and opposed all those he believed would terminate unfavorably. He strongly remonstrated against the issue of continental money. His predictions of sudden depreciation were too fully realized. It took a rapid downward course and soon reached the ruinous discount of one hundred and fifty dollars of paper for one of silver and then took a fatal leap and plunged into the abysm of worthlessness. So deeply did he probe every subject that he investigated, that his powers of penetration became proverbial. Most of the measures he proposed when he entered the legislative arena that were adopted proved successful and those he opposed and were adopted uniformly proved disastrous.

In the halls of classic literature, the ecclesiastic courts or on the floor of Congress, he was a shining light to those around him. His literary, theological and political writings were numerous, of a high order and are justly celebrated here and in Europe. They exhibit a pleasing and rich variety of thought—a strong and chaste imagination—a luminous and flowing fancy—a keen and sarcastic wit—a brilliant and fascinating style—broad and liberal views—philosophic and logical propositions—clear and convincing conclusions—all mellowed with the rich freshness of living charity and universal philanthropy.

In 1779 he resigned his seat in Congress in consequence of ill health. His son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Smith was Vice President of the college and relieved him from the most arduous duties of President. The next year he was again elected to Congress and resigned finally in 1782. The trustees of the college then persuaded him to embark for Europe for the purpose of raising funds for the institution. As he predicted before he left, his efforts were unsuccessful. He returned in 1784 and retired to his country seat a mile from Princeton, there to enjoy the blessings of peace and the golden fruits that had been richly earned by years of peril and toil. Surrounded by relatives and friends, enjoying the praise and gratitude of a nation of freemen—his name immortalized as a scholar, divine, civilian, statesman and patriot—he sat down under the bright canopy of a clear conscience—an approving Heaven—anticipating a crown of unfading glory beyond the skies.

In this manner he glided down the stream of time peaceful and happy until the 15th of November 1794, when he fell asleep in the arms of his Lord and Master, calm as a summer morning, serene as a cerulean sky—welcoming the messenger of death with a seraphic smile. He was buried at Princeton.

A review of the life of this great and good man affords an instructive lesson for every considerate reader. He was endowed with all the qualities calculated to ennoble and dignify man and assimilate him to his Creator. His superior virtues and endowments eclipsed his frailties and placed him on a lofty eminence beyond the reach of envy, malice or slander. His fame is clustered with refulgent beauty that will spread a lustre over his name that will brighten and shine until the death knell of Liberty shall be sounded and social order rush back to original anarchy.