In the period between the two World Wars, just before the crash of the Great Depression, Calvin Coolidge gave this speech as both a warning and an encouragement to the American people. The name of the speech is “The Destiny of America.” It states lessons which need to re-learned today:

Settlers came here from mixed motives, some for pillage and adventure, some for trade and refuge, but those who have set their imperishable mark upon our institutions came from far higher motives. Generally defined, they were seeking a broader freedom. They were intent upon establishing a Christian commonwealth in accordance with the principle of self-government.

They were an inspired body of men. It has been said that God sifted the nations that He might send choice grain into the wilderness. They had a genius for organized society on the foundation of piety, righteousness, liberty and obedience to law. …

Out of their religious beliefs came the conviction that mankind was born with a right above all others to be free. This conviction led straight to the right of self-government…

The main characteristics of those principles from which all others are deduced is a government of limited and defined powers, leaving the people supreme.

The executive has sole command of the military forces, but he cannot raise a dollar of revenue.

The legislature has the sole authority to levy taxes, but it cannot issue a command to a single private soldier.

The judiciary interprets and declares the law and the Constitution, but it can neither create nor destroy the right of a single individual.

Freedom of action is complete, within moral bounds, under the law which the people themselves have prescribed. The individual is supported in his right to follow his own choice, live his own life, and reap the rewards of his own effort. …

“The people,” said John Adams as early as 1765, “have rights antecedent to all earthly governments.” …

Such is America, such is the government and civilization which have grown up around the church, the town meeting, and the schoolhouse. It is not perfect, but it surpasses the accomplishments of any other people. … Who can fail to see in it the hand of destiny? Who can doubt that it has been guided by a Divine Providence? …

But if our republic is to be maintained and improved, it will be through the efforts and character of the individual. It will be, first of all, because of the influences which exist in the home, for it is the ideals which prevail in the homelife which make up the strength of the nation. … The viciousness of waste and the value of thrift must continue to be learned and understood. Civilization rests on conservation. To these there must be added religion, education and obedience to law. These are the foundation of all character in the individual and all hope in the nation. …

It is to the spirit of those men, exhibited in all our wars, to the spirit that places the devotion to freedom and truth above the devotion to life, that the nation pays its ever-enduring mark of reverence and respect. …

This spirit is not dead, it is the most vital thing in America. It does not flow from any act of government. It is the spirit of the people themselves.

J. Michael Sharman is the Editorial Columnist of the Culpeper, Virginia Star-Exponent. This column first appeared in that publication on December 29, 2009 and is used with permission.