The Constitution as an Instrument of National Salvation

The notion that America had a special providence in the divine order was an idea that was present during the colonial and revolutionary periods and continued through the ratification debates. Both Federalists and Antifederalists appropriated the rhetoric of millennialism as they attempted to persuade audiences that God’s continued blessing on the nation was contingent on their decision. Both sides were quite confident that blessings or curses would follow either course of action. For Federalists, “this great blessing which Heaven has pointed to your view,” needed to be ratified if the nation wanted to receive divine blessings. Accordingly, if the Constitution was rejected “generations yet unborn, will curse your dying fame.” In a society steeped in covenantal theology, causing God’s displeasure was no small matter. Thus, emotions ran deep as individuals considered the Constitution. Perhaps the best example of the Constitution being an instrument of national salvation was Samuel Langdon’s sermon, The Republic of the Israelites an Example to the American States. The items below also highlight the earnestness of religious rhetoric that surrounded the question of ratification.