An Address From Washington
posted by on 05/10/07
In a few weeks, we anticipate having a living history lesson. A long-time friend and teacher, Pete Olson will come from Denver the last week of June to speak at several different places about the Christian heritage of America. For now, let us take heed again to an address from George Washington to representatives of the Baptist Churches of America right after his inauguration two hundred and eighteen years ago, May, 1789:
If I could have entertained the slightest apprehension that the constitution framed in the convention where I had the honor to preside might possibly endanger the religious rights of any ecclesiastical society, certainly I would never have placed my signature to it; and, if I could now conceive that the general government might ever be so administered as to render the liberty of conscience insecure, I beg you will be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny and every species of religious persecution. For you doubtless remember, that I have often expressed my sentiments that every man conducting himself as a good citizen, and being accountable to God alone for his religious opinions, ought to be protected in worshiping the Deity according to the dictates of his own conscience.
God grant us a love for Himself and His Word that we might always prove the benefits of self-government.
Source: George Washington the Christian (1919), William Johnson, pg. 165
Washintgon’s devotion to God and country are clearly portrayed in this dynamic quote! May we be inspired to stand up with Washington, self-govern ourselves, and thereby pass on to future generations the untold blessings of liberty, joy, and vision. Thank you Donald for brining to remembrance the words of our forefathers. May we never forget!
I look forward to hearing more about Mr. Olson’s trip to WV! Sounds like a golden opportunity.
A living History Lesson, WOW! That sounds awesome. An excellent quote, I always love reading or hearing from our nation’s founding fathers. There always so deep and rich with their thoughts.
Great post, Donald. That phrase “liberty of conscience” really got me thinking. Searching it out, I ended up back at the “wall of seperation”. It was fun to contrast this article with this one. Whew! Very thought provoking. Which reminds me, I’m really looking forward to hearing David Barton speak at the Nashville Regional Conference in a couple weeks! I’ll try to take good notes.