John JayJohn Jay, (1745-1829) first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, First President of the United States - preceding George Washington, one of three men most responsible for the US Constitution

John Jay Quote

“Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”

John JayJohn Jay
~ John Jay

Oct. 12, 1816, in a statement, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, Henry Johnston, America's God and Country, William Federer, p.318

Ratings and Comments


Peter, Detroit

This statement reflects the historical underpinnings Christianity had one the thinking and actions of our forefathers. I've never heard that Jay was the First President of the United States though. I've heard John Hanson was. Does anyone have an authoritative reference?

Anonymous

Washington

P.M.
  • Reply
P.M.    12/21/05

Thats a fact.

Anonymous

Amen.

David Rosenthal, Hollywood, FL

Or would you rather have a Moslem in office?

Logan, Memphis, TN

Can it be said in more simplicity?

Dale Morfey, Fort Smith, AR

A perfect example of what used to be... and probably will never be again. Therefore... America's decline will only escalate.

Terry Berg, Occidental, CA

I'm sorry, . . . someone has their head up their ... $$$. John Jay was an "American diplomat and jurist who served in both Continental Congresses and helped negotiate peace with Great Britain (1782-1783). He was the first chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1789-1795) and negotiated a second agreement with Great Britain, Jay's Treaty (1794-1795)." - (AHD) George Washington was still the first president of the US., wishful thinking and foolishness aside.

Terry Berg, Occidental, CA

PS: John Jay was elected President of The CONTINENTAL CONGRESS in 1778 - BEFORE there were any 'United' States. What zealots won't stoop to!

Preston Osborne, Cherry Valley, CA

In my opinion, America's moral decay is directly proportionate to the level of secular interpretation of the Constitution by the Courts. The more that America's Christian roots and values are marginalized, the more problems will be experienced by America. The ACLU is the antithesis of the intent of our Forefathers when they wrote our founding documents.

T. Jackson, Denver area

Read the collective quotes of America's founders and Christianity shines forth.

J. Holland, Claremore, OK

I agree whole heartedly.

Jeff Tyberg, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

The validity of the quote does not hinge on the veracity of the bio, Mr. Berg. The fact remains, and is well documented, that America's Founding Fathers believed they were founding a Christian nation, and that as such she would be best served by Christian statesmen.

B. Lee, Sylvania, Ohio

It most definitely is a valid quote despite the incorrect bio. John Jay definitely was 1st Chief Justice. However, they slightly misquoted Mr Jay (on purpose?). It should read "Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of OUR Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." (My emphasis--OUR, not A). I have seen this quote elsewhere and it is always OUR. Perhaps some bias crept in on the part of whoever publishes this website? You be the judge.

Tom Aird, Prince George, Virginia

John Jay was obviously a man who knew God and, therefore, spoke from his heart. Good News!

Chris Fry, Fort Worth

AMEN!! The reason America is crumbling before our very eyes and we are losing our freedom on a daily basis, is that Americans have NOT heeded this sound advice of John Jay, the nation's first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court!

Kenny W., Litchfield, Ill.

If we are a "Christian Nation" then we need to start acting like a "Christian Nation" Pray and fast for America. All we need is a spark to set off an American transfermation and revival.

Ken West, Litchfield

John Jay is so right on. In the book "5000 year leap" we see that when Godly men are in office the Nation is blessed and when ungodly men are in office the Nation not so blessed.

Tim, Hope
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  • Reply
Tim, Hope    5/20/12
agbjr, USA and proud to be native born

Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of The Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically ChristianThis is a Christian nation

United States Supreme Court Decision in Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States, 1892

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