John Adams’ Warning to America

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” President John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, October 11, 1798.

Who Was John Adams?

The second president of the United States of America, Adams was blunt and forthright. A founding Father of the nation, he became an early critic of Britain’s treatment of America. Willing to take unpopular stands, he even represented British soldiers accused of murder during the Boston Massacre.

Though not a signer of the constitution, he strongly favored independence and was an advocate for the Bill of Rights. (Adams could not sign the constitution because he was in England representing American interests at the time.)

Adams was a devout Christian; even his opponents considered him a highly principled man.

He married Abigail Smith. Their correspondence is still admired and read today for insight into social and political matters of the time.

Why is John Adams’ Warning Important for Us Today?

Adams’ warning sounds an alarm for America today. He knew the limitations of democracy and a democratic constitution. In the same address, he warned, “We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion.”

John Adams saw the Christian religion as a restraint on human passion. He realized that self-government was ineffective without morality based on Christianity.

If America shrugs off genuine Christianity, our constitution will not work according to Adams. What does that say about America today?

During his long life, Adams warned about rioting and bloodshed akin to the French Revolution.

We all know our country faces trouble and division today. Adams tells us why: because we have thrown off morality and Christianity. (The use of the term “religion” in Adams’ day univeraly meant “the Christian religion.”

You can read Adams address in entirety here.

But should the People of America, once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another and towards foreign nations, which assumes the Language of Justice and moderation while it is practicing Iniquity and Extravagance; and displays in the most captivating manner the charming Pictures of Candour frankness & sincerity while it is rioting in rapine and Insolence: this Country will be the most miserable Habitation in the World. Because We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition, Revenge or Galantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102

What Should We Do About Adams’ Warning?

We need revival. Nothing short of supernatural revival will stem the tide of of destruction that Adams warned about.

We need the humility and prayer and repentacne that allows God to send revival.

We need to know God loves us enough to send us warnings, to give us time to take action.

One time I drove up the hill in our town called Mark Twain Overlook. As I gazed over our city and the Mississippi River, I was surprised to hear the voice of God speak to me.

“As long as you are in this town, believe Me for revival.”

Do we really need John Adams’ warning to America? The Bible has already warned us many times. Read the book of Judges. Read Isaiah. Read the Gospels. God’s warnings are clear.

Still, when an American president warns, it’s worth listening to and taking action.

Are you a part of a prayer group in your church that calls on God for revival? If not, could you start one? Is your faith stirred up for revival and renewal?

Do you see what will happen if God does not send revival?