10 quotes that prove Washington wouldn’t recognize America today

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 man 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?

— Farewell Address, September 19, 1796

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? 

— Farewell Address, September 19, 1796

Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the Independence and Liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.

— Farewell Address, September 19, 1796

The liberty enjoyed by the people of these States, of worshiping Almighty God agreable to their Consciences, is not only among the choicest of their Blessings, but also of their Rights. 

— Letter to Society of Quakers, October c.13, 1789

My opinion, with respect to emigration is, that except of useful mechanic’s—and some particular descriptions of men—or professions—there is no need of encouragement: while the policy, or advantage of its taking place in a body (I mean the settling of them in a body) may be much questioned; for by so doing they retain the language, habits & principles (good or bad) which they bring with them.

— Letter to John Adams, November 15, 1794

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.

— Farewell Address, September 19, 1796

The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.

— First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789

Your love of liberty—your respect for the laws—your habits of industry—and your practice of the moral and religious obligations, are the strongest claims to national and individual happiness.

— Letter to the Citizens of Boston, October 27, 1789

Whether the present, or any circumstances should do more than soften this language, may merit consideration. But if we are to be told by a foreign Power ... what we shall do, and what we shall not do, we have Independence yet to seek, & have contended hitherto for very little. 

— Letter to Alexander Hamilton, May 8, 1796