We all have heard the story of Washington that when his father asked him, "Who chopped down the cherry tree," told his father, "I cannot tell a lie, I did." and so we attribute to George, truthfullness, a wonderful quailty in anyone .
And we know the story of Lincoln who bought something at the general store and discovered when he retruned home that he had received too much change. He then walked back miles to return the extra money. So he is know as Honest Abe.
Whether these stories are true or not they have come down to us as attributes of these great men and which are a good example for children, grownups and presidents.
Prayer of George Washington
Almighty GOD; we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States of America at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of The Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech thee, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
Prayer and Lincoln
Lincoln's devoutness grew throughout his life; when he spoke of God, he never spoke pro forma. In his message proclaiming that November 1864 Thanksgiving, he said that the Lord "has been pleased to animate and inspire our minds and hearts with fortitude, courage and resolution sufficient for the great trial of civil war." And he prayed for the "blessings of Peace, Union and Harmony throughout the land, which it has pleased him to assign as a dwelling-place for ourselves and for our posterity throughout all generations." The Biblical language is typical of Lincoln. Like many Puritan-minded Americans, he thought of his country as a new promised land.
Thanksgiving has been celebrated annually ever since. But the day of thanksgiving Lincoln proposed in his last public speech that final April of his life was a bonus, over and above the annual observance.
* * *
 |  |
No comments:
Post a Comment