Since public schools won't teach it, the following is provided for a
more complete education...
George Wa****ngton - 1st President (1789-1797)
Political Party: Federalist
Denomination: Episcopalian
Selections from his Inaugural Address - 1789
"Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience
to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be
peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent
supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe,
who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential
aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may
consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the
United States a Government instituted by themselves for these
essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in
its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to
his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every
public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your
sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow- citizens at
large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore
the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of
the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the
character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by
some token of providential agency; and in the im****tant revolution just
accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil
deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities
from which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by
which most
governments have been established without some return of pious
gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future
blessings which the past seem to presage."
"I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an
ardent love for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more
thoroughly established than that there exists in the economy and course
of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and
happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an
honest and magnanimous policy and the solid
rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no
less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be
expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order
and right which Heaven itself has ordained..."
"Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have
been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall
take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the
benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication that,
since He has been pleased to favor the American people with
op****tunities for deliberating in perfect tranquillity, and
dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of
government for the security of their union and the advancement of their
happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the
enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise
measures on which the success of this Government must depend."
-from my book, A Nation Under God.
Ken Clifton
Everfresh Radio
http://www.geocities.com/writingken/
|
