“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 important 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. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free government can more auspiciously commence.”
It’s long, I know, but bear with me. It’s important, especially as we trudge deeper into the election year. I’ve been trying, with these “Wednesday HIstory Notes” to help you understand both the path to wisdom and how our earliest leaders connected to God. So many today in 2016 like to twist the historical narrative to create a mythical false past…one in which there apparently was no Christianity in the country till much later, perhaps the 1950s. Then, in their myth, these evil Christians decided to stick their nose into the national governance and lead us to some dark place where their terrible God is honored…even on things like our money or at the start of public meetings.
Nothing could be further from the truth!! And our first leaders clearly understood this, even if they weren’t themselves “committed Christians.” You may note that so far, in these “Wednesday History Notes,” I have avoided using John Adams. Of the first five Presidents, he was clearly the devoted Christian…so thus one would expect him to honor the Christians God. But Washington, Jefferson and Madison were, at best, nominal Christians (Jefferson probably not even that). And yet, look at their words.
Even if you claim they are just being politicians, saying whatever is necessary to keep people happy…they are in fact SAYING THESE WORDS OF HONOR TO THE CHRISTIAN GOD. That fact is proof positive to the important foundational position of Christianity to the country. Washington makes this statement above his first, after the introduction where he expresses a humble acceptance to the office. Look at what he says.
- First: he acknowledges the power and dominion of God
- Second: Washington asks for God’s benediction (bestowing of a blessing) upon the country for our liberty and our happiness
- Third: That Washington is aware that all of the citizens are ALSO praying such a prayer, acknowledging the presence, protection and provision of God over the country
- Fourth: That the evidence is overwhelming to God’s work on our behalf as a nation, as a people, ALREADY and that we owe God adoration for this act.
- Fifth: That both the revolution and then the creation of a unified government (both the Articles, but more importantly in Washington’s mind, the new Constitution, our second government) happened even though throughout the 13 colonies there were different views of what a nation should look like. So, instead of other countries being formed through coercion or military force over the populace or some acknowledgment of a noble or ruling family, this nation worked together peacefully…something Washington is claiming due to the Christian God.
- Sixth: we need then pious gratitude and humble hopes for future blessings
- Seventh: there is no other being, human or otherwise, to whom we as a country owe
Perhaps what we need as a nation is not a leader to talk about economics nor accusing one another of their failings. What we need is a leader like Washington who makes it clear that he or she will put the focus of their Presidency on the Christian God.