John Witherspoon

My name is John Witherspoon. I was born in Scotland, a minister by calling and educator by trade. Never expecting to become a revolutionary, I came to America to lead a college. Back then it was known as the College of New Jersey. You know it today as Princeton University. I crossed the sea to shape minds, yet found myself helping to shape a nation. At the first Continental Congress, when some said independence was premature, I rose and spoke out. The country is not only ripe for the measure, but in danger of rotten for the want of it. I sacrificed much. The British destroyed my home and my college. Those were material things and could be rebuilt. But I could never replace my dear son James. From the Battle of Germantown in 1777. He. He made the ultimate sacrifice for my son and my adopted country. I did not waver. Liberty must be built not only on strength, but on principle, on conscience and on courage. Let those who inherit this nation never forget. Freedom is a gift, but it is also a test.