Another Forgotten American Forefather: Benjamin Rush

"To spend, and be spent, for the good of mankind is what I chiefly aim at." Benjamin Rush did spend his life for the good of mankind as a doctor, writer, and philosopher. Rush had his share of critics, but any outspoken person of brilliance usually does.

He believed in keeping "older and wiser" company than himself, and made close friends out of Americans like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. His friendship with another great American, Thomas Paine, would result in one of the most recognized pieces of literature in the world, Common Sense.

Most Americans today may not recognize his name, but Benjamin Rush should be considered a great historical figure because of his lasting contributions to America.

Rush made great contributions in the field of medicine. In fact, Rush's great accomplishments as a doctor earned him a title as "The Father of American Medicine." His medical career began at age fourteen in his hometown of Philadelphia in 1760 under the apprenticeship of Dr. John Redman. In 1764, he attended the College of Philadelphia for two years, and then studied for two more years in Scotland at the University of Edinburgh. By age twenty-three, Rush was already a college professor at the College of Philadelphia.

During the Revolutionary War, he worked on the battlefield as a medic, and became for a short time the head surgeon of the army. Perhaps Rush's greatest medical achievement occurred during the yellow fever outbreaks in and around Philadelphia. At a time when Americans were running for their lives, Rush told his medical students: "As for myself, I am determined to remain. I may fall a victim to the epidemic. . . but I prefer, since I am placed here by Divine Providence, to fall in performing my duty." Rush concluded, "I will remain, if I remain alone." He did not fall, but he did save the lives of at least 6,000 in Philadelphia. But the positive influence of Benjamin Rush was evident not only in medicine, but also in philosophy.

He made great contributions as a social reformer. Rush loved classical literature. In fact, he polished his Latin and Greek in order to read the classics in their original language. He did not hide the fact that Biblical principles still lay at the foundation of his beliefs. "Smoking" he said, "is merely a relief from the anguish which attends the inactivity and vacuum of the mind." Rush also studied alcoholism from a medical perspective and documented the pitfalls thereof. A tablet placed at his grave recognizes him as the "energizer of the American temperance movement."

Although he sought reform on tobacco and alcohol, perhaps his greatest social cause was the abolition of slavery. Rush believed all men were created equal. "[Slavery] is a practical denial of the extent and efficacy of the death of a common Savior."

Rush and Franklin combined in 1774 to form the first anti-slavery society. As a result, Pennsylvania became one of the first states to abolish slavery, and for the next twenty years Rush urged other states and even other nations to follow suit. Rush spent his life on social issues, but we should also recognize his great investments in America.

Benjamin Rush made lasting contributions to America's future. During his time, Benjamin Rush was considered one of America's three most important individuals, along with George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. He is immortalized in American history among the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Rush always emphasized a Biblical foundation for America, and believed that "all power will always fail of producing order and happiness in the hands of man." In 1787, Rush succeeded in getting the approval of a new federal Constitution, and in 1790, co-authored the Pennsylvania State Constitution.

In all, Rush gave over four decades of political service to America. He also helped to establish five universities, and wrote a large number of textbooks. His commitment to education was unrivaled. Rush believed that education must be based on the Bible. "Without religion, I believe learning does real mischief to the morals and principles of mankind." These principles which Rush championed ultimately led to the birth and growth of the greatest nation in history.

The name of Benjamin Rush may be slowly slipping from the pages of history, but America owes its greatness in some part to the influence of his life. Reflecting on the life of Dr. Rush, an early historian declared: "His life was a blessing not only to our country, but to the great family of mankind." A loving and devoted husband and father, his private life was reflected in his public character, and his public character shaped a nation. America cannot forget its history, and must not forget Benjamin Rush.