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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

JAY TO REV. S. S. WOODHULL. 1 - John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, vol. 4 (1794-1826) [1893]

Edition used:

The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, ed. Henry P. Johnston, A.M. (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890-93). Vol. 4 (1794-1826).

Part of: The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, 4 vols.

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JAY TO REV. S. S. WOODHULL.1

Bedford, 7th December, 1821.

Rev. Sir:

I received by the last mail your obliging letter of the 17th instant, informing me that the board of managers had unanimously elected me to succeed the late worthy president of the American Bible Society. Those gentlemen have thereby done me honour, and I thank them for it.

The circumstances under which the British and Foreign Bible Society arose and extended its benign influence to distant countries, and the subsequent spontaneous formation of numerous similar societies in other nations, are events so singular, and so little to have been expected, as to afford reason to ascribe them to a more efficient cause than any of those from which mere human institutions usually result.

They who regard these societies as deriving their origin and success from the Author and Giver of the Gospel, cannot forbear concluding it to be the duty of Christians to promote the purposes for which they have been established; and that it is particularly incumbent on their officers to be diligent in the business committed to them.

It has long and uniformly been my opinion, that no person should accept of an office or place unless he be both able and willing to do the duties of it. This principle opposes my acceptance of the one in question. My health has been declining for twelve years past; my excursions from home have long been limited to short distances; such are my maladies that they often confine me to the house, and at times to my chamber; combined with the necessary infirmities of age, they allow me no prospect of convalescence.

As President of the society, I should think I ought to be conversant with the proceedings, and not only attend their annual meetings, but also, at least occasionally, partake in the consultations and assist in the transactions of the board of managers. Were I in capacity to do the duties of the office, I should accept it without hesitation. I say without hesitation, because I should then as much doubt my having a right to decline, as I now doubt my having a right to accept it.

From the preceding particulars relative to the state of my health, the gentlemen of the board will perceive that my inability to serve them is greater in degree than they doubtless apprehend. Be pleased, sir, to assure them of my gratitude for the distinction with which they have honoured me, and that opportunities of manifesting it would give me pleasure.

I am, reverend sir,
Your obedient servant,

John Jay.1

1822.

[1 ]Secretary of the American Bible Society.

[1 ]Mr. Jay subsequently accepted the Presidency of the Bible Society on the assurance that active duties would not be expected of him.