Counsel to a Nation – Sunday, February 21, 1943
Today America is closely examining her past and earnestly contemplating her future. The anniversary of the birth of one of our great patriots would seem to be an appropriate time for the restatement of some basic fundamentals. George Washington lived a century and a half ago, and there are those who would contend that conditions have so changed that the principles he laid down have outlived their usefulness.
This is not surprising. There are also those who would say that because Moses lived thirty-five centuries ago the ten commandments are no longer fundamental to our conduct. There are those who would have us believe that because Jesus the Christ lived nearly two thousand years ago the Sermon on the Mount is now out-dated. Proceeding upon this fallacy, there are those abroad in every generation who haven’t learned that while the superficial fashions and material circumstances of life may change, the basic principles do not.
Neither does human nature. And so the words of George Washington* bring us these reminders. To quote: “The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.” . . .”It is important . . . that. . . those entrusted with . . . administration [in a free country] confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres.” . . . “The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism.” . . . “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.” . . . “A just estimate of that love of power and proneness to abuse it which predominate in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.” . . . “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” . . . “And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.”. . . “Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.” . . . “As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. . . . avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidably wars have occasioned.” . . . “Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people to surrender their interests.” . . . “I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs that honesty is always the best policy.” . . . Such are a few of the principles and precautions which George Washington laid down for the safety and preservation of a nation—principles which always contribute to the well-being of any people who regard them and which are always followed by trouble for those who disregard them. May God bless the memory of George Washington and preserve freedom and righteousness and integrity in the nation to which he gave his life.
*See Washington’s Farewell Address.
By Richard L. Evans, spoken from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, Feb. 21, 1943, over Radio Station KSL and the nationwide Columbia Broadcasting System. Copyright – 1948.
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February 21, 1943
Broadcast Number 0,705