James McHenry

1753 - 1816
U.S. Secretary of War
Signer of the Constitution

What he did:

Supervised the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point

Served with distinction under General Washington as a member of the medical staff during the Revolutionary War

Fort McHenry, where the battle of 1812 with Britain inspired the writing of the National Anthem was named after him

President of the American Bible Society

What he said:

“Public utility pleads most forcibly for the general distribution of the Holy Scriptures.”

“The doctrine they preach, the obligations they impose, the punishment they threaten, the rewards they promise, the stamp and image of divinity they bear, which produces a conviction of their truths, can alone secure to society, order and peace, and to our courts of justice and constitutions of government, purity, stability and usefulness.”

“In vain, without the Bible, we increase penal laws and draw entrenchments around our institutions. Bibles are strong entrenchments. Where they abound, men cannot pursue wicked courses, and at the same time enjoy quiet conscience.”

“Consider also, the rich do not possess aught more precious than their Bible, and the poor cannot be presented by the rich with anything of greater value. Withold it not from the poor. It is a book of councils and directions, fitted to every situation in which man can be placed. It is an oracle which reveals to mortals the secrets of heaven and the hidden will of the Almighty.”

“It (the Bible) is an estate, whose title is guaranteed by Christ, whose delicious fruits ripen every season, survive the worm, and keep through eternity. It is for the purpose of distributing this divine book more effectually and extensively among the multitudes, whose circumstances render such donations necessary that your cooperation is most earnestly requested.” Written as an appeal to the public to support the Bible Society.