(November 8, 1732\u2013February 14, 1808), was a signer of the United States Constitution. He was a member of the Continental Congress, 1774\u201376, and wrote the first draft of The Articles of Confederation, 1776. He served as the President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, in addition to being an accomplished lawyer, planter and state legislator. In 1773, he foundered Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and was known for giving generously to the Friends (Quakers) in Philadelphia for their educational pursuits.<\/p>\n
John Dickinson wrote persuasive letters regarding the authority of Scripture and the soundness of Christian evidences.1014 He campaigned for the ratification of the Constitution by writing a series of letters which he signed \u201cFabius.\u201d These letters contributed to Delaware and Pennsylvania being the first two states to ratify the Constitution.<\/p>\n
John Dickinson is best remembered as \u201cThe Penman of the Revolution.\u201d His pamphlets, which gained wide circulation promoting the cause of freedom, included: Petition to the King,<\/i> 1771; The Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress,<\/i> 1774; and The Declaration of the Cause of Taking Up Arms,<\/i> 1775. His most stirring pamphlets were the Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania<\/i>, 1767\u201368:<\/p>\n
But while Divine Providence, that gave me existence in a land of freedom, permits my head to think, my lips to speak, and my hand to move, I shall so highly and gratefully value the blessing received as to take care that my silence and inactivity shall not give my implied assent to my act, degrading my brethren and myself from the birthright, wherewith heaven itself \u201chath made us free.\u201d \u2026 <\/p>\n
I pray GOD that he may be pleased to inspire you and your posterity, to the latest ages, with a spirit of which I have an idea, that I find a difficulty to express.<\/p>\n
I express it in the best manner I can, I mean a spirit that shall so guide you that it will be impossible to determine whether an American\u2019s character is most distinguishable for his loyalty to his Sovereign, his duty to his mother country, his love of freedom, or his affection for his native soil. \u2026 <\/p>\n
But, above all, let us implore the protection of that infinitely good and gracious Being \u201cby whom kings reign, and princes decree justice. \u2026 \u201d[Proverbs 8:15]<\/p>\n
A communication of her rights in general, and particularly of that great one, the foundation of all the rest\u2014that their property, acquired with so much pain and hazard, should be disposed of by none but themselves\u2014or to use the beautiful and emphatic language of the sacred scriptures \u201cthat they should sit every man under his vine, and under his fig-tree, and NONE SHOULD MAKE THEM AFRAID. \u2026 \u201d[Micah 4:4]<\/p>\n
But whatever kind of minister he is, that attempts to innovate a single iota in the privileges of these colonies, him I hope you will undauntedly oppose; and that you will never suffer yourselves to be cheated or frightened into any unworthy obsequiousness.<\/p>\n
On such emergencies you may surely, without presumption, believe that ALMIGHTY GOD himself will look upon your righteous contest with gracious approbation.1015<\/p>\n
In 1776, in the Continental Congress, John Dickinson courageously bid farewell to the English government:<\/p>\n
The happiness of these Colonies has been, during the whole course of this fatal controversy, our first wish; their reconciliation with Great Britain our next: ardently have we prayed for the accomplishment of both. <\/p>\n
But if we must renounce the one or the other, we humbly trust in the mercies of the Supreme Governor of the universe that we shall not stand condemned before His throne if our choice is determined by that law of self-preservation which his Divine wisdom has seen fit to implant in the hearts of His creatures.1016<\/p>\n
In 1776, less than two month prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Dickinson met with the other delegates from Pennsylvania to suggest requirements for the members of the Convention to subscribe to before being seated. One of the recommended stipulations was the attestation:<\/p>\n
I do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ his Eternal Son the true God, and in the Holy Spirit, one God blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be given by Divine inspiration.1017<\/p>\n
John Dickinson stated:<\/p>\n
The rights essential to happiness. \u2026 we claim them from a higher source\u2014from the King of kings and Lord of all the earth.1018<\/p>\n
John Dickinson wrote in The Liberty Song<\/i>, 1768:<\/p>\n
Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all!<\/p>\n
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall!1019<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
(November 8, 1732\u2013February 14, 1808), was a signer of the United States Constitution. He was a member of the Continental Congress, 1774\u201376, and wrote the first draft of The Articles of Confederation, 1776. He served as the President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, in addition to being an accomplished lawyer, planter and state … Continue reading “DICKINSON,
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