Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Geroge Washington's Farewell Address: Morality & Religion

Came across this intriguing section of George Washington's farewell address by chance while reading up on issues of morality and religion. It was for when he retired as the first ever President of the United States of America:

"
Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

1 comment:

merradoc said...

"As for how I'm going to keep the inevitable apathy from creeping into this unstructured program , ah well, that's where YOU come in. You can be my accountability partner. Check the blog every now and then, if I haven't posted something in a few days, bug me about it and don't stop until I get something else up! And if you're here and reading this it's likely that you're further along in your Biblical knowledge than I am so I'd be very encouraged if you have anything to add or to correct regarding anything I put up (but don't worry, I promise not to make you guys do all the work!)"
-This was written almost a month ago, with only one following post. You should post more.