(1746), was originally called “The College of New Jersey.” It was founded in Princeton, New Jersey, by the Presbyterian Church. Many influential individuals served as it president, including: Jonathan Dickinson, Aaron Burr Sr., Jonathan Edwards, Samuel Davies, Samuel Finley and Woodrow Wilson, who was the first president not a clergyman.1324 Its president just prior to the Revolutionary War was John Witherspoon, the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence, 1776.
Princeton University, under President John Witherspoon, 1768–94, graduated 478 students who directly shaped America, including: James Madison, who served eight years as Secretary of State and eight years as U.S. President; Aaron Burr, Jr., who was a U.S. Vice-President; 3 U.S. Supreme Court justices; 10 Cabinet members; 13 state governors; 21 U.S. Senators; 39 U.S. Representatives; and 114 ministers.1325 Nine of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention were graduates, including: Gunning Bedford Jr., Del.; David Brearley, N.J.; William Richardson Davie N.C.; Jonathan Dayton, N.J.; William Churchill Houston, N.J.; James Madison, Va.; Alexander Martin, N.C.; Luther Martin, Md.; and William Paterson, N.J.1326
Princeton University’s official motto was:
Under God’s Power She Flourishes.1327
The first president of Princeton University, the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, stated:
Cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ.1328
The requirements of Princeton University, during President John Witherspoon tenure, 1768–76, included:
Every student shall attend worship in the college hall morning and evening at the hours appointed and shall behave with gravity and reverence during the whole service. Every student shall attend public worship on the Sabbaths. … Besides the public exercises of religious worship on the Sabbaths, there shall be assigned to each class certain exercises for their pupils. … and no student belonging to any class shall neglect them.1329