The First Continental Congress P10
Last week I ended by telling you how the Rev. John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration, was outraged over Duche’s cowardly betrayal by becoming anti-American.
Because catechisms were such a prominent part of education and writing in that day, Rev. Witherspoon shaped his scorching attack against Duche’ into a satirical catechism:
Q. Who is Fop? (Meaning a weak, vain, showy person) The Rev. J. Duche’
Q. Who is a turncoat? The Rev. Jacob Duche’
Q. What is your reason for that opinion? Because the late chaplain of the Congress entered with zeal into the service of Sir William Howe.
Q. Who is a robber?… (Duche” Why?). Because he pocketed the money of the United States when of his own showing he was an enemy to their cause.
Q. Who is a hypocrite?…. (Duche’. Why?) Because he accepted his office as chaplain after the Declaration of Independence….
Q. Who is a blasphemer?…. (Duche’. Why?) Because for a long tract of time he solemnly called upon Almighty God, conscious of the insincerity of his own heart…
He continued with other questions reflecting the same biting tone.
Q. Who is a pedant?….
Q. Who is a sycophant?….
Q. Who is a vain conceited creature?….
Q. Who is an ass?….
And so forth
More on this next week for another American Moment.
Sourced From The American Story: The Beginnings by David Barton and Tim Barton.