Religious Principle

"Of all the dispositions and habits which least 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. ... Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths...?

Let us with caution indulge the opposition, that morality can be maintained without religion.

[R]eason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

--George Washington