To the Officers of the First Brigade of the Third Division of the Militia of Massacusetts
October 11, 1798
Gentleman,
While our country remains untainted with the principles and manners which are now producing desolation in so many parts of the world; while she continues sincere, and incapable of insidious and impious policy, we shall have the strongest reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned us by Providence. But should the people of America once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another, and towards foreign nations, which assumes the language of justice and moderation while it is practising iniquity and extravagance, and displays I have received from Major-General Hull and Brigadier, General Walker your unanimous address from Lexington, animated with a martial spirit, and expressed with a military dignity becoming your character and the memorable plains on which it was adopted. in the most captivating manner the charming pictures of candor, frankness, and sincerity, while it is rioting in rapine and insolence, this country will be the most miserable habitation in the world; because we have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
Significance
He begins by saying that it is by the will of Providence that they are sent to their next area. I imagine if someone of high military standing were to refer to God or Providence. I know that it would not be well received and that many people would probably be very angry by it. It is crazy how much things have changed from the original intent of the Founding Fathers. While none of the Founding Fathers believed that one God should be worshiped, they strongly believed that religion was crucial. Adams uses the word "simulation" to describe an awful behavior that must be avoided. I love his description here of what would happen if the people of America became fake in their actions and words. We must not act or feel one way while portraying another way to others. Honesty and integrity are the main principles he is trying to promote to the soldiers. He speaks strongly against the dishonesty and false behavior that can be shown to others and foreign countries. This is a beautiful speech he gives, and it shows that the Constitution and the American law system is based on the virtues of honesty and goodness. Romans 12: 17 states, "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men." Paul gives similar advice and counsel as he tells the Saints to be honest to all men. John Adams was not shy about telling others the correct way to act. He knew that sometimes correction was needed to uphold good values. I think more people should be like John Adams was.
While our country remains untainted with the principles and manners which are now producing desolation in so many parts of the world; while she continues sincere, and incapable of insidious and impious policy, we shall have the strongest reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned us by Providence. But should the people of America once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another, and towards foreign nations, which assumes the language of justice and moderation while it is practising iniquity and extravagance, and displays I have received from Major-General Hull and Brigadier, General Walker your unanimous address from Lexington, animated with a martial spirit, and expressed with a military dignity becoming your character and the memorable plains on which it was adopted. in the most captivating manner the charming pictures of candor, frankness, and sincerity, while it is rioting in rapine and insolence, this country will be the most miserable habitation in the world; because we have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
Significance
He begins by saying that it is by the will of Providence that they are sent to their next area. I imagine if someone of high military standing were to refer to God or Providence. I know that it would not be well received and that many people would probably be very angry by it. It is crazy how much things have changed from the original intent of the Founding Fathers. While none of the Founding Fathers believed that one God should be worshiped, they strongly believed that religion was crucial. Adams uses the word "simulation" to describe an awful behavior that must be avoided. I love his description here of what would happen if the people of America became fake in their actions and words. We must not act or feel one way while portraying another way to others. Honesty and integrity are the main principles he is trying to promote to the soldiers. He speaks strongly against the dishonesty and false behavior that can be shown to others and foreign countries. This is a beautiful speech he gives, and it shows that the Constitution and the American law system is based on the virtues of honesty and goodness. Romans 12: 17 states, "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men." Paul gives similar advice and counsel as he tells the Saints to be honest to all men. John Adams was not shy about telling others the correct way to act. He knew that sometimes correction was needed to uphold good values. I think more people should be like John Adams was.
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