America’s present situation has been periodically nurtured with falsehoods such as “America isn’t a Christian nation” – not that it’s been a major influence, but it certainly provided more steam for this anti-American engine. A corrective response is best served from the time when America gained its independence. Few realize that a deep study of previous governments enriched our Founders’ ability to create a government that would best provide freedom. Facts, such as America winning its independence, are building blocks for study and agreement. So are the Founders’ quotes our bedrock for a cure.
With respect for our American traditions, one of which is ladies first, it’s only proper to begin with a 1775 letter by Abigail Adams, in which she wrote, “A patriot without religion in my estimation is as great a paradox as an honest Man without the fear of God…The Scriptures tell us ‘righteousness exalteth a Nation.’”
Supporting her belief is George Washington’s July 9 1776 General Order to his men; “The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier…” His General Order acts as a testimony to our true Christian heritage.
After the Constitution’s ratification, a lady confronted Benjamin Franklin, wanting to know what type of government she would live under. He replied with his famous, “A Republic if you can keep it.” His response was from knowing that never before had a nation’s people been given the final authority over their people, as stipulated in the constitution. He stated, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” Sound familiar?
In agreement was Thomas Jefferson, although with one reservation: “Yes, we did produce a near-perfect Republic. But will they keep it, or will they, in the enjoyment of plenty, lose the memory of freedom?” With today’s attitudes and ease of living, his concern for the Republic’s future is being justified
This caution about tomorrow’s Republic was from their study of previous republics and of human nature. An uneasiness naturally heightened their reliance and devotion to faith, in the hope of strengthening the public’s virtue so as to temper human wants and passions. John Adams reasoned that, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.”
The government chosen required a responsible citizenry. It was James Madison who stated that, “We have staked the future of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government; upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments.” He then warned, “Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation.” His bit of curiosity is today’s “breaking news.”
As far as Religious worship and faith in general, James Madison, during Virginia’s ratifying convention, stated, “There is not a shadow of right in the general government to intermeddle with religion. Its least interference with it would be a most flagrant usurpation.” Along with “healing wounds,” it seems time also has a negative effect.
The peaceful and responsible America of our Founders continued at least until 1831, when the Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville toured our new country and was so impressed that he wrote, “America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” His applause was then appreciated, but now it would sadly be irrelevant!
