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Washington’s Farewell Address

Toward the end of his second term as president and ten weeks before the 1796 presidential elections, George Washington (1732–1799) published his farewell address to the nation. First drafted with James Madison four years earlier, the final text was written with the assistance of Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. Here are two famous sections arguing for the importance of national morality, grounded in faith, for the health and happiness of the nation.

“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 cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections 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." 

“Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?"

“… Observe good faith and justice towards all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence … Can it be, that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue?”

Reflection

Washington was deeply conscious of the precedents he was setting as the first president. What are his concerns here? Why does he emphasize oaths? How does religion “enjoin” or demand peace and harmony? Do you agree with his connection that national prosperity depends on morality, and that morality depends on religion? 

Look at the wisdom in today’s reading from Proverbs, and at least skim the blessings promised in Deuteronomy 28. If you have time, look at the rest of Deuteronomy 28. 

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