The Present Situation Of Other Nations Of The Word Summary

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In his sermon “The Present Situation of Other Nations of the Word, Contrasted with Our Own,” delivered in Charlestown, MA February 19, 1795, Jedidiah Morse compares the global predicaments of the time to that of the prosperous and successful of the young American Republic. He attributes America’s success to its founding Protestant-Christian values and principles of liberty. He underscores the chaotic happenings taking place across the Atlantic, especially post-Revolutionary France, by highlighting the unique blessings the American Republic enjoys. He encourages its citizens to show a humble gratitude through public thanksgiving and prayer, owing to the country's providential dependency. Morse's sermon promulgates a swell of healthy patriotism, encouraging citizens to fulfill both the moral and civic responsibilities that come with a bonded Liberty. A complimentary …show more content…

He calls on Americans to appreciate their blessings and engage in public thanksgiving and prayer (Morse, 14-16). He believes the United States has a providential role in the world, uniquely favored to demonstrate virtues of freedom and an inner, moral integrity. However, he also cautions against social complacency and moral ambivalence, urging his fellow citizens to stay true to their moral and civic duties. He emphasizes that the American Republic’s continued success is predicated on the collective commitment to a life of collective virtue and a yielding to its foundational principles (Morse, 17-19). This includes national unity and dedication to the common good. As noted, his work also provides us with a cautious, yet balanced articulation of American exceptionalism. Morse views the American Republic as a unique experiment in self-governance and moral integrity, framed as a responsibility rather than superiority or an unearned luxury, and pushes his fellow citizens to embrace, reflect and promote values of freedom found in the Christian faith

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