Columbia University (1754) founded in New York City. Originally named Kings College in honor of King George II, it was renamed Columbia College, 1784, and Columbia University, 1896. It has grown to become one of the most influential universities in America.
Its seal consisted of a seated woman and written above her head the Hebrew Tetragrammaton name of God, YHVH. The Latin motto inscribed across the top is Psalm 36:10, "In Thy light we see light." The Hebrew phrase Uri El, which is written on a ribbon, alludes to Psalm 27:1 "God is my light." Under the woman's feet is inscribed the scripture, "I PET.II.1-2", admonishing students to desire of the pure milk of God's Word.
Admission requirements for Columbia College, which John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, passed at the age of fourteen, included translating from Greek the first ten chapters of the Gospel of John. The requirements stated:
<No candidate shall be admitted into the College...unless he shall be able to render into English...the Gospels from the Greek....It is also expected that all students attend public worship on Sunday.> 1754CU001
In 1787, William Samuel Johnson, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, became the first president of the new Columbia College, 1787-1800. In his commencement speech to the college's graduates, William Samuel Johnson stated:
<You this day, gentlemen,...have...received a public education, the purpose whereof hath been to qualify you the better to serve your Creator and your country....Your first great duties, you are sensible, are those you owe to
Heaven, to your Creator and Redeemer. Let these be ever present to your minds and exemplified in your lives and conduct. Imprint deep upon your minds the principles of piety towards God and a reverence and fear of His holy name. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom....
Remember, too, that you are the redeemed of the Lord, that you are bought with a price, even the inestimable price of the precious blood of the Son of God....Love, fear, and serve Him as your Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier.
Acquaint yourselves with Him in His Word and holy ordinances.
Make Him your friend and protector and your felicity is secured both here and hereafter.> 1754CU002
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1754CU001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Columbia University. 1754, Seal of Columbia University. Gabriel Sivan, The Bible and Civilization (New York: Quandrangle/The New York Times Book Co., 1973), p. 237. Gary Demar, God and Government (Atlanta: American Vision Press, 1984), p. 23. Columbia Rules (New York: Samuel Loudon, 1785), pp. 5-8. Frank Monaghan, John Jay: Defender of Liberty (Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1935, 1972), p. 26. John Eidsmoe, Christianity and the Constitution-The Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, A Mott Media Book, 1987; 6th printing, 1993), p. 22.
1754CU002. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Columbia College. 1787, commencement speech by Columbia College President William Samuel Johnson, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. Edwards Beardsley, Life and Times of William Samuel Johnson (Boston: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1886), pp. 141-142.