Affected Quote by John Hancock
“Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every measure for their support and encouragement ... Manners, by which not only the freedom, but the very existence of the republics, are greatly affected, depend much upon the public institutions of religion and the good education of youth; in both these instances our fathers laid wise foundations, for which their posterity have had reason to bless their memory.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, 1775
Emphasizes that civic virtue, religious piety, and moral education are essential for a stable, happy state and the preservation of liberty.
In simple terms: Moral education and religion support a healthy republic.
Key Takeaway
Promote virtuous education and public religious institutions.
Themes
civic virtue
religion
education
political stability
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- public policy
- community programs
- family upbringing
Key Concepts
social contract
public morality
citizenship
Questions to Reflect On
- How can modern societies balance religious influence with pluralism?
- What role should education play in fostering civic virtue?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting these foundations can lead to moral decay and weakened governance.
![“[John] Calvin's Institutes is often called a summary of Christian piety. You can't say that about many modern works of theology. You can say it of Calvin.” quote by Oliver D. Crisp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a60/oliver-d-crisp-12863_christian_john-calvin-s-institutes-is-often-called_1432981.jpg)
