American Heritage Library


Alter at Valley Forge
by Albert J. Beveridge

The sublimest figure in American history isWashington on his knees at Valley Forge.

He was in that hour and place the American personified, not depending on their owncourage or goodness, but asking aid fromGod, their Father and Preserver.

Washington knew that morals are priceless,but he knew that morals are from within.And he knew that in that dread day when all,save courage, had forsaken the Americanarms, appeal must be to that Power beyondourselves, eternal in the heavens, which afterall, in every crisis of the lives of men and nations, has been their surest source ofstrength.

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