There were so many important voices during the Revolution that founded our great country. Politicians, Lawyers, Doctors, and, of course, Clergymen! In fact, the brightest stars of the Revolution were the voices of ardent clergymen whose hearts set on freedom for all men and whose tongues were swords of truth to set the captives free!
One Pastor who was an outstanding leader and motivator for freedom was the Reverend John Wise, who was the Pastor of a congregational church in Chebacco Parish in the southeastern part of Ipswich, Massachusetts.
Many people know that Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, and of course, Jefferson was brilliant on so many levels. But he drew his revolutionary concepts and ideas from a source not often credited with that Declaration. The ideas came from the pen and the pulpit of the Reverend John Wise. He was the first son of an indentured servant to graduate from the prestigious Harvard University. He was a forceful preacher, a community leader, and a fluent and provocative writer.
He was often at odds with government officials. In 1687, the New England governor, Sir Edmund Andros, at the command of King James II, without consent of the legislative body, levied a tax upon the citizens. Pastor Wise took to action swiftly and sounded the alarm that Tyranny was at hand! Pastor Wise roused the people of his community and others to oppose the tax. Well, guess what? The Governor had him arrested! He brought him before a crown-friendly jury and royalist judges, and he so angered them by his defense that they threatened to sell him as a slave. He was suspended from his ministry and fined. However, he did not stop preaching against tyranny.
A year later, Governor Andros was deposed, and Pastor Wise was vindicated. Wise was very forward-thinking and was able to communicate in print and speech some of the great foundational truths of the Declaration of Independence, a few examples are listed:
- God created all men equal, and every man must be acknowledged by the state as equal to every man.
- The end of all good government is to promote the happiness of all and the good of every man in all his rights: his life, liberty, estate, honor, etc.
- The consent of the governed is the only legitimate basis for government
- Taxation without representation is tyranny
As a writer, he penned two important works that the founders read and that fanned the flames of the Revolution. After his death, the reprinting of his books quickly sold out and was reprinted again. His two most famous works are: “The Churches Quarrel Espoused.” and “A Vindication of the Government of New England Churches.”
His stature was tall, and he was considered a very rough man physically. He is depicted as muscular and a formidable wrestler! The story told that he was challenged by Andover’s champion wrestler, Cape. John Chandler. Wise refused at first sighting his age, i.e., being too old and infirm. But the Captain was persistent and prevailed. In a makeshift ring, Captain Chandler grappled with the elderly Pastor. Wise promptly threw him completely over the wall/fence. Captain Chandler got up, shook himself off, and proclaimed that he would be on his way as soon as the preacher threw his horse over after him!
Finally, Cornell University historian Clinton Rossiter, in his great book, “Seedtime of the Republic,” traces six individuals that he considers the most influential thought leaders of the American Revolution. In his estimation, two were political leaders, but four were ministers of the gospel, and of course, Pastor John Wise was named among these great leaders.
Until next week!
Pastor Allen
