American Scriptures

Abstract

Washington's Farewell Address (1796) and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address (1865) occupy positions of extraordinary importance in American political history. Authored by arguably the greatest presidents, these statements arose from critical moments in the nation's life: its formative coalescence under a new Constitution and its complete dissolution after four years of civil war. Though neither Washington nor Lincoln pretended theological sophistication, analysis of their last great speeches reveals discerning claims about God and humanity, often biblically based, which are at once subtle and stark. Christologically soft yet anthropologically tough, these final pronouncements by Washington and Lincoln still summon their readers to consider “the American experiment” within the framework of an inscrutable, intractable Providence.