There are many things that we can learn from studying history and history’s figures. By studying the men and women of the past, we can see examples both of good and of evil. We can learn from the mistakes of others and do our best to avoid them. We can recognize righteous deeds and try to emulate them. Ultimately, we should base our conduct on the Bible but viewing history in light of the Scriptures, can serve to illustrate that which the LORD has laid forth. Many historical figures are great examples of various verses in Proverbs – both positive and negative. One of these figures is John Adams.
John Adams was born in the year 1735. His ancestors had emigrated from England to the United States in 1638. He was born in the same little town in which his great-great-grandparents had settled – Braintree, Massachusetts. As a young man, Mr. Adams studied hard and obtained the position of a respected lawyer. When he was in his late twenties, he married his wife Abigail. Together they had five children, one who died in infancy.
Mr. Adams was a remarkable man who was not afraid to stand up for what he believed to be right. As a respected member of Congress, he was highly influential and the LORD used him greatly to help bring about the War of Independence. Even when his closest friends were opposed to him, Mr. Adams knew that the time to separate from Great Britain had come and he boldly brought forth his arguments to a hesitant Congress. Though the approval of man was sweet to him, Mr. Adams did not allow that to prevent him from doing that which he believed to be right. He continued undaunted and courageous through the strongest opposition – he was not a man to give up easily. “A man will be satisfied with the good fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.” (Proverbs 12:14) Surely, Mr. Adams had cause to be “satisfied with the good fruit of his words”! After all of his endeavors, Congress finally did vote in favor of Independence.
As remarkable as John Adams was, like the rest of us, he still had his faults. Proverbs 12:28, “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of the sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Mr. Adams was known for talking a lot – he was well read and could converse intelligently on a variety of topics. He was also an active correspondent with a number of people, including his wife, from whom he was often absent during the war. After a disagreement with a fellow delegate in Congress, Mr. Adams was quite vexed. He managed to stay calm in his conversation with the man but later, in a private letter to another person, Mr. Adams wrote more than perhaps he meant. In sharp terms, he put forth his displeasure and vexation. The letter did not reach the intended recipient. The British intercepted it and soon published it in all the Tory newspapers – his private letter was now open to the public. Mr. Adams reaped the fruit of his words – his fellow delegate was angered and hurt. He refused to even speak to Mr. Adams. Many others, who respected the offended man, shunned Mr. Adams.
Many of the founding fathers of the United States, like Mr. Adams were quite remarkable men. We can learn a lot from them but they like the rest of us were only human. They made many mistakes and not everything they did was completely in line with the Scriptures. While studying these men, I hope that we will learn from them but always match there words and actions with the highest authority – the Word of God!
To the KING be all the glory!
True indeed.