Here is Pastor Shawn Mathis writing at BarbWire.com in the first of a two-part piece — part two is linked below:
(With the rise of nationalism and populism in politics and the ongoing moral deterioration, perhaps more conservatives will be open to reexamining the roots of American prosperity. The following is a modified essay from my June 13, 2016 talk at the Jefferson County Republican Men’s Club meeting. Feel free to pass it on to your moderate and conservative friends.)
What made early America great? Was is our economic industry or political fortitude? Or were these the fruit of something greater? What can we do today to replicate that greatness? Let us look at our history.
“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.” [Washington, Farewell Address, 1796]
We love to talk about the Founding Fathers. Many of us would love to go back to these simpler times with a smaller government and more freedom. But what produced those freedoms?
Washington’s farewell address gives part of the answer: religion and morality. And it is important to note that his speech was not his own but the product of Madison, Hamilton and Jay.
America was not perfect then. She had her sins, especially slavery. But she was in much better health than today. Let us dig into history further to explore some reasons for this.
In 1842, Judge Mellen Chamberlain interviewed 91-year-old Levi Preston, a soldier at the Battle of Concord of 1775. He asked the war vet if he had fought because of the Stamp Act or the tea tax. Preston replied, “No”.
Read more: BarbWire.com
