George Washington expressed the hopes and dreams of his fellow citizens when he delivered his first inaugural address in 1789. We have traveled a long road since then. Even so, Washington’s charge is still before us.
In that speech he declared, “The foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality.” To him, government that fosters respect among the nations and happiness among its citizens must be grounded in virtue. “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.” He also knew the source of virtue. “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.”
Washington couldn’t have known it would take another 74 years to purge the national sin of slavery. The Civil War replaced that unhappiness with a tenuous unity. America endured world wars which gave us a common, though external, cause. Then came the cultural upheaval of the 1960’s, including a re-thinking of morality. Since then, America has endured sharp disagreement about virtue and “the eternal rules of order and right.” The resulting chaos has contributed to national unhappiness. For decades, polls have shown that most U.S. citizens think the country is headed in the wrong direction, regardless of political party.
Theologian Andrew Walker cautions that the solution is not found in politics or policy. “The real battle is not over tax rates or regulatory reform but over the nature of family, the dignity of the human person, and virtue itself. We must reclaim the idea that truth exists. This is the true revolution we need – a counter-revolution to the chaos of the last six decades.” If only we could agree on what is true and good.
Billy Graham was a counter-revolutionary in that sense. In a 1970 Independence Day address at the Lincoln Memorial he said, “I call upon Americans to raise your voices in prayer and dedication to God and in recommitment to the ideals and dreams upon which our country was founded. Let’s dedicate ourselves to a renewal of faith in God, equality, justice, and peace for all. Let’s dedicate ourselves to building rather than burning.” He knew the way to national unity.
Were we to be the happy citizens Washington envisioned, it would be that we embrace heavenly virtue and trust in Providence. “We” means you. Stand firm with like-minded citizens declaring, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15). That old visionary, George Washington, would be proud.