Our Sacred Honor: Words of Advice from the Founders in Stories, Letters, Poems, and Speeches

by William J. Bennett (Editor)

Featuring the wisdom of Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Washington, Hamilton, and others, an anthology of the words and accomplishments of America's founders offers inspirational lessons in courage, civility, honesty, piety, and other important virtues and values. 250,000 first printing. Tour.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Politics, Poetry, Philosophy, Education

430 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1997

About the author

William J. "Bill" Bennett is a politician and author who served in the Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations, as chief of National Endowment for the Humanities and later Secretary of Education under Reagan, and Drug Czar under Bush. He is a nationally well-known figure of political and social conservatism and authored many books on politics, ethics, and international relations.

Reviews

[Becky Marietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humbling, profound, and, I'll admit, a little depressing. Why depressing? Because to read the hopes of our founders, the absolute laser focus they employed in crafting this new country, the seriousness with which they took their duties, and their expectations that the citizens of America would continue this great experiment in the same spirit, is to realize how much we've let them down. American schools and colleges had one purpose at their inception: to teach young people their rights and responsibilities as citizens and developed adults. Are either of these things taught now? Voting was (IS!) a privilege; serving in government was (SHOULD BE!) just that: SERVICE. Not a bother or a way to get rich or achieve lifetime power.

"Well Doctor, what have you given us?" a woman asked Benjamin Franklin after the crafting of the Constitution, to which he famously responded, "A republic, if you can keep it." To keep it implied a continuing action, that there was work yet to be done. I fear we've lost the truest parts of our republic because of our apathy and lazy selfishness. (Forgive me my gloom; I voted for state issues yesterday and was dismayed to hear one woman, annoyed by how long it was taking her son to vote, snap at him, "Just pick a name you like. That's what I do. I don't know who any of them are." Having just read how the revolutionaries who fought to bring about our freedom walked through the snow, leaving blood trails because they had no shoes, that comment gutted me.)

I could quote the entire book, but I will just leave two here. First, Thomas Jefferson, in his first Inaugural Address, lays out what this government was meant to be:

"Still one thing more, fellow-citizens--a wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicities."

Sigh. A wise, frugal, limited government that has a specific role and stays in that role . . .

And last, Noah Webster (of Webster's dictionary fame), tells us the following about choosing our leaders. (I don't see "just a pick a name you like" anywhere, astonishingly enough.)

"When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule with the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty, and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good, so much as for the selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizens will be violated or disregarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws. Intriguing men can never be safely trusted."

Bad government = our fault. Will we ever learn? Will our republic (the Founders never, ever called it a "democracy" because it's NOT a democracy) survive? And what will we say to the Founders when we see them again in heaven? I shudder to think.

[Kelly]

Yes, I have read it before (I reread it every couple of years).
What have I learned?
That the current crop of federal politicians are not worthy to tie the shoe laces of the original crop who fought and sacrificed to establish our country.
Does that sound cynical? I suppose it does. It's not my nature. I will only say that the direction our nation is now heading is diametrically opposed to the vision of our founding fathers.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading primary sources to feel connected to a person or place. Gratitude for these lovely, human, committed, courageous, forward-thinking souls. Thank you forever and ever for our freedoms!!!

[Brandon Colligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Our Sacred Honor" by William J. Bennet is a compilation of writings, speeches and songs by the founding fathers along with other key figures in American history. This largely conservative book is referenced as a "moral guide" during troubled times. The book has a common message of sticking to the roots of American fundamentalism.

There is not a single main character in this book but is rather a collection of pieces from a numerous amount of famous Americans such as John Adams and Ralph Waldo Emerson. In these pieces, these characters describe the rights of all human being such a liberty and justice. In a letter written by James Madison to his wife Dolly Madson, James describes the importance of morals and freedom and how they are the key to prosperity in the newly founded nation. Writings written also worship morals such as virtue to be the key to a successful nation.

The time period varies. The book is meant for a modern audience to take fundamental ideals from pieces of writings from the 18th and 19th century.

William J. Bennett's theme is simple in some sense. The weakness of our nation is the lack of discipline and morality that the fundamental code of the United States stands for. Bennett's obvious conservative approach seems to be outdated in the 21st century but has good points when it comes to the morality of every day American citizens.

I would recommend this to college students or adult who is interested in fundamental American ideals. Having an open mind is key to reading this, due to the bias nature of the book.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every parent should have this book in their home. The schools are not teaching History as they should. This is a must read for every family.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MARVELOUS COLLECTION OF QUOTES FROM THE FOUNDERS

William John Bennett (born 1943) is a conservative commentator and former politician, and who served as Secretary of Education during Reagan's second term, and was "Drug Czar" under President George H. W. Bush. [NOTE: page numbers below refer to the 431-page hardcover edition.]

He wrote in the Introduction to this 1997 book, “This is a book of advice. It is a collection of the thoughts of our Founders, some of the most thoughtful men and women who ever walked our nation. Their learning, their passion, and their sense of honor shine through this collection. In their advice for our nation, there is a vision of greatness and dedication to high purpose. Their words aim high—they instruct and inspire. In this book, we---all Americans---can see both our patrimony and our basic civic obligations: to keep our country safe and to hold its purpose high… The question of how to secure the republic is then the question of what sort of people we must be. This is why I have chosen to offer the American public a book on the Founders’ vision of the virtues that they believed necessary for sustaining the American experiment… in preparing this book, I reviewed the private letters, public addresses, and pamphlets of the Founders to bring to light once again their answers. My aim was to share with a new generation of Americans the private and public reflections of the founding generation on what we must do to make America great.” (Pg. 15-16)

He continues, “My goal was to include selections on the virtues most important to the future vitality of the country… There is much here that is moving, memorable, worthy, and perhaps unfamiliar to most Americans. Ready-made answers, however, are not to be found. Instead, the reader will look on as different Founders struggle with the timeless questions of love, friendship, piety, and so on… This book then is neither history nor homily; it is a book of my favorite words and deeds and struggles of the Founders… Those seeking for a comprehensive and definite portrait of the Founding generation will have to seek elsewhere… This book deals with the men and women involved in the events of 1776 through 1787. I decided not to include material relating to matters that arose later, such as the War of 1812, because I wanted to focus on the remarkable period of Founding. There is something sui generis about the Founding Generation.” (Pg. 19-20)

He quotes Patrick Henry’s famed March 23, 1775 speech, “Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace---but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! … Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?... Is life so dead, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?... I know not what course others may take; but as for me… give me liberty, or give me death!” [Bennett acknowledges, however, that “The accuracy of the speech cannot be attested to---some attribute the famous last lines to an early biographer…”] (Pg. 34-35)

He quotes Tom Paine’s ‘The American Crisis’ [available in [[ASIN:0672600048 Common Sense and Other Political Writings]: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: ‘tis dearness only that gives everything its value…” (Pg. 36)

John Adams wrote to his wife, “But the day is past. The Second Day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this time forward forever more.” (Pg. 64) [NOTE: the Second Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2; but the signing ceremony didn't happen until July 4---which is the day we now celebrate as Independence Day.]

Benjamin Franklin’s famous comments on the Constitution: “I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right… I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered, and believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic Government, being incapable of any other. I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better Constitution… Thus I consent Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best. The opinions I have had of its errors, I sacrifice to the public good. I have never whispered a syllable of them abroad. Within these walls they were born and here they shall die… I can not help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention who may still have objections to it, would with me, on this occasion doubt a little of his own infallibility, and to make manifest our unanimity, put his name to this instrument…” (Pg. 79-81)

Benjamin Rush wrote to John Adams in 1808: “You and I, in the Revolution, acted from principle. We did our duty, as we then believed, according to our best information, judgment, and consciences. Shall we now repent of this? God forbid! No! If a banishment to Cayenne or to botany Bay, or even the guillotine, were to be the necessary consequences of it to us, we ought not to repent. Repent? This is impossible. How can a man repent of his virtues?” (Pg. 89)

Abigail Adams’ famous 1776 letter to her husband: “I long to hear that you have declared an independency---and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would by tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or representation. That your Sex are Naturally Tyrannical is a Truth so thoroughly established as to admit of no dispute, but such of you as wish to be happy willingly give up the harsh title of Master for the more tender and endearing one of Friend… Men of Sense in all Ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your Sex. Regard us them as Beings placed by providence under your protection and in imitation of the Supreme Being make use of that power only for our happiness.” (Pg. 135)

Thomas Jefferson wrote to Benjamin Banneker in 1791, “Nobody wishes more than I do to see such proofs as you exhibit, that nature has given to our black brethren, talents equal to those of the other … men, and that appearance of a want of them is owing merely to the degraded condition of their existence, both in Africa & America.” (Pg. 260)

He quotes Thomas Jefferson’s 1779 “Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom”: “…the holy author of our religion… chose not to propagate it by coercion… but to extend it by its influence on reason alone… to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical: that even the forcing him to support this or that teacher of his own religious persuasion, is depriving him of his comfortable liberty of giving his contributions to the particular pastor whose morals he would make his pattern, and whose powers he feels most persuasive to righteousness… the opinions of men are not the object of civil government, nor under its jurisdiction… truth is great and will prevail if left to herself…” (Pg. 324-326)

Benjamin Franklin’s 1731 “Doctrine to Be Preached”: “That there is one God Father of the Universe. That he is infinitely good, Powerful and wise. That he is omnipotent. That he ought to be worshipped… both in public and private. That he loves such of his Creatures as love and do good to others, and will reward them either in this World or hereafter. That Men’s Minds do not die with their Bodies, but are made more happy or miserable after this Life according to their Actions. That Virtuous Men ought to league together to strengthen the Interest of Virtue, in the World: and so strengthen themselves in Virtue. That Knowledge and Learning is to be cultivated, and Ignorance dissipated. That none but the Virtuous are wise. That Man’s Perfection is in Virtue.” (Pg. 370-371)

Franklin’s Invocation for Prayer at the 1787 Constitutional Convention: “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth---that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?... I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel… I therefore beg leave to move---that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven… be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business…” (Pg. 385)

Franklin also wrote to Ezra Stiles in 1790, “Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That he governs it by his Providence. That he ought to be worshipped. That the most acceptable Service we render to him is doing good to his other children. That the soul of Man is immortal, and will be treated with Justice in another Life respecting its Conduct in this. These I take to be the fundamental Principles of all sound religions, and I regard them as you do in whatever Sect I meet with them. As to Jesus of Nazareth… I think the system of Morals and his Religion, as he left them to us, the best in World ever saw or is likely to see, but I apprehend it has received corrupting Changes, and I have, with most of the present Dissenters in England, some Doubts as to his Divinity; tho’ it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think it needless to busy myself with it now… I see no harm, however, in its being believed, if that Belief has the good Consequence… of making his Doctrines more respected and better observed… respecting myself… having experienced the Goodness of that Being in conducting me prosperously thro’ a long life, I have no doubt of its Continuance in the next…” (Pg. 407)

He divides the book into sections on Patriotism and Courage; Love and Courtship; Civility and Friendship; Education of the Head and Heart; Industry and Frugality; Justice; and Piety. Bennett’s introductions to each quotation are very helpful. Although occasionally I wish he had given more specific footnoted SOURCES of the quotations, this is a very attractive and useful book of some of the most famous quotations (and many not-so-famous) of the Founders.

[Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best way to read this is slowly and in pieces. The second-best way to read this is at 2.8X just ploughing through it like a heart stress test taker hanging on until the beneficent technician pushes the stop button on the treadmill. Confession: That’s how I read this. My way is perfectly acceptable but breaking it off like it’s a literary Kit Kat bar likely enhances the experience for you.

Incidentally, if you’ve come to see the founders as evil slave-beating, dusty, dead white men whom you’d rather forget existed, this isn’t your kind of book. Those who read it will discover that Bennett tackles slavery head on as well as some of the other imperfections of the founders i.e., Hamilton’s public adultery and Ben Franklin’s dalliances, the number of which far exceed the number of construction projects on the Ohio State University campus in summer. But this is a book highly sympathetic to the founders and their ideas. He breaks the material down into seven chapters. The first deals with patriotism and courage. Chapter two focuses on Love and courtship and the overall value of solid in-tact families. Chapter three looks at civility and friendship, and chapter four drills down on Education of the Head and Heart. Chapter five is full of quotes on what the founder thought of industry and frugality. The consensus? That the United States will fail without healthy amounts of both. Chapter six includes quotes on justice and the rule of law. The final chapter focuses on the essential component of religion if the constitutional republic is to survive. The chapter focuses not only on a need for public and private piety but the extreme importance of allowing all Americans to worship how, where, or what they may.

I confess my mind wandered most during the chapter on love and courtship. Bennett filled this chapter with John and Abigail Adams letters, as you might guess. Those are beautifully written and affectionate, but I found myself thinking about what lay ahead.

So, some of the poetry is a bit cheesy and jingoistic, but it’s fun to read just the same. What you will most prize here are the speeches and correspondences among the founders. If quotes that support both the public and private expression of religion trigger you, don’t read this. I thoroughly enjoyed it, stopping from time to time to replay a specific speech or letter. While it’s true that the author is most famous for his service in the Reagan administration, he does well here at providing the speeches and letters and stepping out of the way. There are no bombastic clarifications of this speech or that letter. This may not make the most gripping nonfiction book of the year, but I’m glad I read it.

[Tamhack · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Featuring the wisdom of Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Washington, Hamilton, and others, an anthology of the words and accomplishments of America's founders offers inspirational lessons in courage, civility, honesty, piety, and other important virtues and values. 250,000 first printing"
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Sacred-Hon...

It is a great reference book to keep on your self and re-read.
I never knew that Abigail Adams said:
p33 "The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Trust in him at all times, ye people pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us....

I love the relationship between Abigail and John Adams. They were a true companions and mates.
They even had such a relationship that they catalogued each other's faults (p113-p115).

P74-77; John Paul Jones poem "I Have Not Yet Begun to Fight: poem after the victory of September 23, 1779.

P87- James Madison, Nov. 19, 1971
"Emigrations may augment the population of the country permitting them....
Freedome of immigration is due to the general interests of humanity."

p117-119. Benjamin Rush's thoughts of marriage.
p126-127 Samuel Adams thoughts of marriage.

P145-149 Thomas Jefferson
"Humans are not merely socials, like bees ro wolves, but political... political in the original meaning of the word.
p152-155 George Washington's rules of civility.

The friendship of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. p 165
Friendship of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison p 189 to 193

p282 to 283 George Washington's council to son George Washington Custis

pg 303, 396-399 Noah Webster, "Advice to the Young, " 1834

p 313-315 Benjamin Rush's thoughts on justice.....

p347-348 Thomas Jefferson's "The Word's Best hope"

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Sacred Honor by William J. Bennett collects the thoughts and advice of the ‘founding founders’ on such themes as patriotism, frugality, industry, civility, friendship, romance, and faith, adding his own commentary as introductions to each section. It is something of a patriotic canon in that it contains excerpts from not only the Declaration of Independence, but works like the Ballad of Paul Revere and the famed story about Washington cutting down a tree with his hatchet. The collection is weakest here: though Bennett lightly acknowledges that these accounts are not true to fact, they’re included more for the way they make him feel, which is patriotic. What makes up for this is the wealth of material taken from the letters of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and company. (These three and Franklin provide most of the material.) The section on piety seems superfluous given how abundant references to providence are throughout the text, but the religious sentiments of these four are a world apart from those of the current strain of politicians who try to enlist God as a running-mate. I found the collection informative, though I suppose any collection of letters from Adams and Jefferson would be superb. In short,, this collection offers a slightly naïve appreciation of the founders’ thoughts, but still enjoyable.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book 40 years ago. Of course, it wasn't possible to read then. Wanting that, I wish I'd read Benjamin Franklin's rules for "constancy". How much more focused and directed might I have been with my life?

I am gratified, yet sad, after reading this book. How far we have fallen. How little understanding we have of the minds of the men who founded this nation. How little desire there seems to be to preserve and pass that knowledge through the generations.

I believe the Founders would weep with distress if they could view the results of "the experiment" now in 2012. Getting the foundations rebuilt would take nearly the heroic effort that the founding took. I am not sure we have the will and backbone to do i.

This book made me homesick for an America I've only seen in part.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a huge fan of the Founding Fathers and an American History buff. I love my country and the tenet it was founded on. This book is such a great detailed window into the minds and hearts of the men (and women!) who were responsible for the formation of our great nation. I found it to be profound and inspiring. I have read a million times over.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a critical time of our liberties being taken away by England, a generation stood up for truth, beyond all costs. Today, I am apart of a generation that is in great moral decline, yet we stand in silence under tolerance and relativism. Will my generation stand up for truth, so that peace and justice can reign for the future? Or will our peace and freedom be striped away slowly.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compiliation of many letters and writings from our Founding Fathers. There is much to learn about these men and women, as far as their character goes, as well as the little known, but significant factual information during that time. It is a great coffee table or 'biffy' book, as most of the writings are just a page or two.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

haven't read all of the sections, but these people believe in absolute morality. right and wrong were not moving targets, but clear cut. these authors wrote to their children, and expected than to live accordingly.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who refers to the founders as "Deists" has not read any of their writings. They did indeed believe that God was guiding them in what they were doing. They deist line may be what we were taught in school, but I recommend educating youself further if you swallowed it hook, line and sinker.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks, Jared, for this book! I love it. I love the letters and the poems and insights into the forefathers' lives. I love Bennett's reverence for those who paved the way.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

gift from daddy

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing to compare what the Founders of the nation valued and believed compared with the ideas going around today.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realy like this book. It has short reads from the Founding Fathers that are very inspiring. They are sorted by subject. i really learn every time I pick it up.

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bennett draws on the beliefs and writings of our Founding Fathes and the core values upon which our country was - and should still be - based.

[Myron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Jefferson is quoted "Adore God, murmur not at the ways of Providence." The book is packed with examples of the Founding Fathers' trust in the Creator.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little vignettes about America that are suppose to inspire citizenship and patriotism in younger children. Not bad, not great. Bennett sort of dialed this one in.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books on the Revolution, and this one is a good compilation of things I've read elsewhere.

[Andy]

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