August 8

PATRIOTISM depends on the character of its citizens

 I have strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.  ~ Philippians 4:13

 I sought for the greatness
and genius of America
in her vast world commerce,
and it was not there.
Not until I went
into the churches of America
and heard her pulpits,
aflame with righteousness,
did I understand the secret
of her genius and power.
America is great
because she is good,
and if America ever ceases to be good,
America will cease to be great.  ~ Alexis de Tocqueville

 Tocqueville was a great observer of early American democratic life.  In what areas today would he be critical of the state of the union?

 A patriot without religion in my estimation is as great a paradox as an honest man without the fear of God.  Is it possible that he whom no moral obligations bind, can have any real good will towards men?  Can he be a patriot who, by an openly vicious conduct, is undermining the very bonds of society?....  The Scriptures tell us “righteousness exalteth a nation.” ~ A. Adams

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