Almighty and eternal Lord God, the great Creator of heaven and earth, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; look down from heaven in pity and compassion upon me thy servant, who humbly prostrate myself before thee.
George WashingtonRead
I am sure that never was a people, who had more reason to acknowledge a Divine interposition in their affairs, than those of the United States; and I should be pained to believe that they have forgotten that agency, which was so often manifested during our Revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God who is alone able to protect them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing divine guidance in the history and success of the United States.
In this quote, George Washington reflects on the significant role that divine intervention played in the founding and preservation of the United States. He expresses concern that the people may have forgotten this guiding force, urging them to acknowledge the omnipotence of God and the divine support that they experienced, especially during the challenging times of the Revolution. Washington's words serve as a reminder to remain aware of the spiritual dimensions of their national identity and reliance on a higher power.
Themes
DivineInterventionRevolutionFaithNationGodHistory
In practice
Example use cases
During a national holiday speech, one might reflect on the influence of divine guidance in the founding of the country.
More from George Washington
All quotes →If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.
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The duty of holding a Neutral conduct may be inferred, without any thing more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of Peace and amity toward other Nations.
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We began a contest for liberty ill provided with the means for the war, relying on our patriotism to supply the deficiency. We expected to encounter many wants and distressed we must bear the present evils and fortitude
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What is most important of this grand experiment, the United States? Not the election of the first president but the election of its second president. The peaceful transition of power is what will separate this country from every other country in the world.
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Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.
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