… “No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People 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.” …
2nd Paragraph, middle of the paragraph
I behold the surest pledges, that as on one side, no local prejudices, or attachments; no seperate views, nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests: so, on another, that the foundations of our National policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality; and the pre-eminence of a free Government, be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its Citizens, and command the respect of the world.
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: And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.
From the middle of the 3rd paragraph through the 4th paragraph
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 favour the American people, with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparellelled 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.
Last Paragraph
I find it inspiring to read, in the very first paragraph, of the very first Inaugural Address of this country, that George Washington attributes that God is the being who helped set up this nation, and that they could not have done it without His aid!
George Washington said that the blessings of Heaven, “can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained:” He also said that God smiles on the virtue of a people.
With the state of our nation at this point, in regards to virtue, and honoring eternal rules of order, being at an all time low, perhaps we should seek to return to His rules and order, if we are to spare ourselves.
I think that if our current politicians would take a look at this last thing Washington said in this address, perhaps we would have fewer men anxious to run for office. With Washington basically asking for a little of nothing in compensation for his service, we know that he truly loved his country.
If all of our politicians were paid the way Washington was paid, most of them would disappear from the political scene, and perhaps we would find ourselves more virtuous and honest national leaders!