Willing to Give and Take
For many, many months, Ray has been working on a major update to his Exploring America curriculum for high school students. It is to come out next spring in honor of America 250, the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For many months, members of our team have been proofreading it. In my own proofreading, I read a quote by Henry Clay that I want to share with you, but first I would like to introduce you to or remind you of the life of Henry Clay.
Henry Clay was born in Virginia in 1777, almost one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Though Clay had only a small amount of formal education, he became licensed to practice law and moved to Lexington, Kentucky. There he secured a reputation as a brilliant lawyer.
Henry Clay by unknown artist,
courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery,
Smithsonian Institution; transfer from
the National Gallery of Art;
gift of the A.W. Mellon Educational
and Charitable Trust, 1942
Clay was elected to the Kentucky General Assembly in 1803 when he was still in his mid-20s. Three years later, he was appointed to represent Kentucky as a U.S. senator. Clay was only 29 years old, not quite old enough to serve legally. Henry Clay became one of the most powerful members of the Senate. He was a powerful speaker and had a strong commitment to American unity.
Henry Clay’s U.S. Senate chair, courtesy the Smithsonian Institution
Clay ran for president three times but was defeated by John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and James K. Polk.
Henry Clay Campaign Ribbon, 1844, courtesy the Smithsonian Institution
Clay gained a reputation in the Senate as the Great Compromiser. The quote below illustrates why.
All legislation, all government, all society is founded upon the principle of mutual concession, politeness, comity, courtesy; upon these everything is based. . . . Let him who elevates himself above humanity, above its weaknesses, its infirmities, its wants, its necessities, say, if he pleases, I will never compromise; but let no one who is not above the frailties of our common nature disdain compromises.
Christians can never compromise on right and wrong, but Clay’s words can teach our children, our families, our country, and its leaders much about humility, unity, and cooperation in things that are not inherently right or wrong, but rather a matter of what we prefer.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,
but with humility of mind regard one another
as more important than yourselves;
do not merely look out
for your own personal interests,
but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord,
implore you to walk in a manner worthy
of the calling with which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
showing tolerance for one another in love,
being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3