America's Greatness
In the early 19th century, Alexis de Tocqueville, a famous Frenchman, came to the United States to study our prison system. After careful observation, here is what he wrote.
I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her fertile fields and boundless forests; it was not there. I sought for it in her free schools and her institutions of learning; it was not there. I sought for it in her matchless Constitution and democratic Congress; it was not there. Not until I went to the churches of America and found the pulpit aflame for righteousness, did I understand the greatness and genius of America. America is great because America is good. When America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.
As American, we tend to glory in our greatness. But one can't help but wonder what observation would be made by the famed Frenchman today. How many pulpits "aflame for righteousness" would be found today? Few pulpits today are aflame with anything; most simply smolder with platitudes or glimmer with social pronouncements. The smokescreen, or liberalism, has given many a false sense of warmth, but the fires of righteousness have long since gone out! The morals of Americans are plunging lower every week as more churchmen, with the "if-you-can't-fight'em-join'em" attitude, speak of the 'new morality' which sanctions anything and proclaims that nothing is wrong if done with a sense of social consideration for others. Even some in the Lord's body have sold out all conviction for community and for social acceptance, and are ashamed to proclaim, "the whole counsel of God," for fear of hurting someone's feelings. The visiting Frenchmen was certainly right when he said, "When America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." The hope of America, or any nation, is to return to God, to Christ, and to the Bible, and to Christianity. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." Proverbs 14:34
From Our Archives, 1967
Easton Epistle, South Boston, Mass.