The Fourth of July is just around the corner. In honor of our upcoming Independence Day, we are publishing daily quotes from our nation’s founders highlighting the high esteem they had for religion, religious liberty, and virtue.

The following is an excerpt from a letter written by John Jay, one of the framers of our constitution and the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. It was written to Representative John Murray on October 12, 1816. It highlights Jay’s view that Christians should care deeply about the political process and elect rulers they believe best reflect their values.

“It certainly is very desirable that a pacific disposition should prevail among all nations. The most effectual way of producing it is by extending the prevalence and influence of the gospel. Real Christians will abstain from violating the rights of others, and therefore will not provoke war.

“Almost all nations have peace or war at the will and pleasure of rulers whom they do not elect, and who are not always wise or virtuous. Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”