Only a Virtuous People: Leaders

Quotes

“But neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt. Here therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man.” (Samuel Adams, The Life of Samuel Adams, 1:22.)

“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.” (Scriptural, Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 16:19.)

“A people unused to restraint must be led, they will not be drove.” (George Washington, wrote soon after the victories of Trenton and Princeton.)

“…there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered.” (Benjamin Franklin, at the Constitutional Convention September 17, 1787.)

“The government of heaven, if wickedly administered, would become one of the worst governments upon the face of the earth. No matter how good a government is, unless it is administered by righteous men, an evil government will be made of it.” (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 10:177. June 24, 1863.)