Firm Foundation

Today, 29 June 2010, marks the passing of an era—the death of U.S. Senator Henry Clay in 1852.

The son of a Baptist pastor, Clay was born 12 April 1777 during America’s War for Independence. Clay was 10 years old when the Constitutional Convention took place. Without attending law school, he studied for the law while working for George Wythe. As his law practice succeeded, he entered the Kentucky Legislature and then then the United States Congress, serving as the Speaker of the House and also as Secretary of State. But he was most famous for his role as a United States Senator, where he was known as the Great Compromiser. Trying to save the Union from dissolution, he repeatedly tried to mediate conflict between two giants, Massachusetts Senator Daniel Webster and South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun. Senator Clay played a major role in the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, hoping to avoid dissolution of the Union and armed conflict. Calhoun died in 1850, Webster and Clay in 1852. Perhaps it was merciful that they did not live to see the failure of their efforts to preserve peace.

But there was another side to Henry Clay, one which may reveal the true source of his strength. Years ago, I attended a Christian Legal Society conference in Lexington, Kentucky. One night I left the hotel and walked through town, and came upon an historical marker:

MAIN STREET CHRISTIAN CHURCH MARKER (hmdb.org)

It reads:

MAIN STREET CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Built on this site in 1842. The 16-day Campbell-rice debate on Christian Baptism, Etc. was held here Nov 1843, Hon. Henry Clay, Presiding.

The debate pitted two prominent church leaders, Church of Christ Pastor Alexander Campbell vs. Presbyterian Pastor N.L. Rice, and encompassed not only baptism but also church creeds and the operation of the Holy Spirit. The transcript of the debate is over 900 pages in length and was widely read throughout the country. And the moderator of this debate was U.S. Senator Henry Clay.

How many U.S. Senators today would have the theological acumen, let alone the spiritual interest and dedication, to moderate a 16-day theological debate? Most would say they are too busy. Very few history books even mention this debate, but in the annals of eternity it may last and shine as gold, silver and precious stones long after his political accomplishments have crumbled as wood, hay and stubble. Rest in peace, Senator Clay. You are not forgotten.