John Witherspoon (1723–94) was a Scottish-American Presbyterian clergyman and theologian. He was the only clergyman and the only college president to sign the American Declaration of Independence.
Born in Gilford, East Lothian, Scotland, Witherspoon completed theological studies at the University of Edinburgh (1743.) He was minister at Beith, Ayrshire, and then Paisley, Renfrewshire, and in 1768 immigrated to America to become president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) from 1768–94.
Witherspoon taught several future leaders in American public life, including President James Madison, whose co-authorship of The Federalist papers bore the influence of his teacher’s Calvinist social and political thought.
Witherspoon was a representative of New Jersey to the Continental Congress (1776–82) and helped frame the American Declaration of Independence (1776.)
His writings include Ecclesiastic Characteristics (1753,) Serious Enquiry into the Nature and Effects of the Stage (1757,) Justification (1756,) and Regeneration (1764,) and Considerations on the Nature and Extent of the Legislative Authority of the British Parliament (1774.) He also produced numerous essays, sermons, and pamphlets.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by John Witherspoon
Never rise to speak till you have something to say; and when you have said it, cease.
—John Witherspoon
Topics: Speech, Speakers, Speaking
There is scarcely anything more harmless than political or party malice. It is best to leave it to itself. Opposition and contradiction are the only means of giving it life or duration.
—John Witherspoon
Topics: Politics
It is only the fear of God that can deliver us from the fear of man.
—John Witherspoon
Topics: Anxiety, Fear
Men talk in raptures of youth and beauty, wit and sprightliness; but after seven years of union, not one of them is to be compared to good family management, which is seen at every meal, and felt every hour in the husband’s purse.
—John Witherspoon
Topics: Economy
Never read a book through merely because you have begun it.
—John Witherspoon
Topics: Reading
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