Prototype for democracy

During this revolutionary period in America's development, countless political and religious leaders used the model of ancient Israel to help create a democratic government. "The Hebrew Commonwealth was explained and held up as an example" in sermons and writings, with the Old Testament as a model. Some writers would state the linkage clearly: "The evidence as to the influence of the Hebrew spirit and political structure of the Hebrew Commonwealth upon the origin of American democracy is definite and direct."(Menorah) Some religious figures, including rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, wrote that Moses had "already promulgated principles of democratic liberty and stern justice in an age of general despotism and arbitrary rule."(Meyer) Samuel Langdon, president of Harvard, explains that "under the conduct of Moses . . . . able men were chosen out of all their tribes, and made captains and rulers of thousands, . . . and acted as judges in matters of common controversy." By creating such divided bodies with the consent of the people, Langdon states, "The government therefore was a proper republic." Langdon also points out that "there was a President and Senate" at the head of each tribe, "and the people assembled and gave their voice in all great matters, . . . . which is a very excellent modern improvement in the management of republics."(Cherry, 94) Langdon summarized the value of this historical precedent: Examples are better than precepts; and history is the best instructor both in polity and morals. I have presented you with the portrait of a nation, highly favoured by Heaven with civil and religious institutions, . . . . If I am not mistaken, instead of the twelve tribes of Israell, we may substitute the Thirteen colonies and see this application plainly offering itself.(Cherry,98) Other noted clergymen, such as Jonathan Mayhew, would develop the fullest detailed Scriptural argument "that the Hebrew Commonwealth was the God- given government" and a "model for American democracy."(Menorah) John McDowell Leavitt, president of Lehigh University, would agree with most conclusions and support the validity of using ancient Israel as a model for democracy: From Joshua to Saul the rulers were judges. . . For merit they were elected by the people. For five centuries Israel was a democracy. Sovereignty was in the people. At a time in earth's history when all other nations were ruled by despots; beneath the shadows of empires, . . . anticipating and prophesying the divine ideal of human government- the Jewish Commonwealth, under the shield of Jehova, stood for ages, in the whole turbulent and inimical world, a solitary democracy. . . . As opposed to these hoary tyrannies the monarchy of Israel was a sovereignty of the people.(Leavitt) The concept of political liberty and democratic government that America adopted, in defiance of the British monarchy, was also understood by scholars in Britain who acknowledged its biblical inspirations. British legal historian Thomas Erskine May, a strong advocate of democracy in Europe and among the authors of the Constitution of the United Kingdom, described ancient Israel as the birthplace of Christianity, "liberty" and "freedom:" Israel is the country, above all others, which Christendom regards with respect and reverence, as the birthplace of its religion. Its sacred writings are cherished above all the works of human genius. Scholars revel in the masterpieces of Greek and Roman genius: but Christians of every creed, throughout the world, pay homage to the higher inspiration of the Hebrews. . . . That a race more entitled to our reverence than any people of antiquity should have afforded an example of popular freedom, notwithstanding their Eastern origin, and the influence of Eastern despotism, by which they were surrounded, is a conspicuous illustration of the principle that the spirit and intelligence of a people are the foundations of liberty. The Eastern race which was distinguished from its contemporaries by the purest faith, and the highest ideal of morals, afforded also a conspicuous example of freedom.(May) Similar arguments were advanced by Ezra Stiles, president of Yale College, Thomas Paine in his ''Common Sense'', Rev. George Duffield, Samuel West, and many others. The conclusion that democracy should be modeled after the government of ancient Israel "was carried forward in all of the New England colonies by the leading ministers from 1633 until the adoption of the Constitution of the United States."(Menorah)