John Witherspoon Quotes

John Witherspoon — American Politician born on February 15, 1723, died on November 15, 1794

John Knox Witherspoon was a Scottish-American Presbyterian minister and a Founding Father of the United States. Witherspoon embraced the concepts of Scottish Common Sense Realism, and while president of the College of New Jersey, became an influential figure in the development of the United States' national character. Politically active, Witherspoon was a delegate from New Jersey to the Second Continental Congress and a signatory to the July 4, 1776, Declaration of Independence. He was the only active clergyman and the only college president to sign the Declaration. Later, he signed the Articles of Confederation and supported ratification of the Constitution. In 1789 he was Convening Moderator of the First General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America... (wikipedia)

The people in general ought to have regard to the moral character of those whom they invest with authority either in the legislative, executive, or judicial branches.

Never rise to speak till you have something to say; and when you have said it, cease.

Never read a book through merely because you have begun it.

Those who wish well to the State ought to choose to places of trust men of inward principle, justified by exemplary conversation.