Toward Political Prosperity from George Washington's Farewell Address

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, 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. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?
Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.

What is the purpose of each statement from Washington's address? Match the correct purpose to each text statement.

- to argue that religion and morality,
while necessary, must remain
separate from the political state
- to remind that morality will
eventually deteriorate unless it
is based on religious principles
- to state that there are numerous
ways in which our national well-being
depends on religion and morality
- to suggest that the legal system
must actively support issues
touching on religious freedom
- to warn that anyone seeking to
undermine religion and morality
makes a poor American citizen

1. In vain would that man claim the
tribute of patriotism, who should
labor to subvert these great
pillars of human happiness,

2. A volume could not trace all their
connections with private and public
felicity.

3. And let us with caution indulge
the supposition that morality
can be maintained without religion.