On May 17, 1776, John Witherspoon (1723-94) preached one of the most significant sermons in the history of this country.
Preaching at Princeton, the Scottish pastor turned college president, delivered his most famous address. It was a General Fast day, appointed by the congress of the American colonies for prayer and humble supplication before God in the face of an unknown, and possibly war-filled, future.
Witherspoon’s sermon, based on Psalm 76:10, was entitled The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men. It is widely regarded as one of the principal sermons which prepared the way for the Declaration of Independence, which Witherspoon himself would sign less than two months later.
After imploring his hearers to not only prepare “for the resolute defense of your temporal souls,” but to consider “the truly infinite importance of the salvation of your souls,” Witherspoon turned his attend to politics.
Sounds relevant.
The sermon is worth reading in its entirety (go here, scroll down, and click on the Dominion of Providence), both for it political-historical significance and to learn from Witherspoon’s great concern for conversion and personal holiness even in the midst of such national tumult.
