Washington: U.S. ‘Could Never Hope to Be Happy Nation’ Unless Citizens Imitated Christ
Editor’s Note: As he prepared to resign his command in 1783, the greatest of U.S. veterans warned that the United States could “never hope be a happy Nation” unless its citizens imitated Christ.
Gen. George Washington wrote a “Circular Letter of Farewell for the Army” and sent it to several governors of states, including Governor Harrison of Virginia. He requested that “these sentiments [be] Communication is a key element of any communication. [the] Legislature at their next meeting, and that they may be considered as the Legacy of One, who has ardently wished, on all occasions, to be useful to his Country, and who, even in the shade of Retirement, will not fail to implore the divine benediction upon it.”
The entirety of George Washington’s manuscript can be found at the Library of Congress.
I pray that God will protect you and the state over which you are the head, that God will incline hearts to love and respect one another and to show subordination to the Government.
