State Of The Nation

   History tells of a French political philosopher who visited America when she was a new young nation. Alexis de Tocqueville said he came to the United States to learn what magic quality enabled a handful of people to defeat the mighty British Empire twice in 35 years. He looked for the greatness of America in her harbors and rivers, her fertile fields and boundless forests, mines, and other natural resources. He studied America's schools, her Congress, and her matchless Constitution without comprehending America's power. Not, he said, until he went into the churches of America and heard pulpits, 'aflame with righteousness' did he understand the secret of her genius and strength. de Tocqueville returned to France and wrote: "America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." - SFA