ence will under every difficulty be best placed, next to that which we have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising Republic, and to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the future."

Madison is also inclined to accept, or one may add believe that this America is the “destiny” regulated by the Lord and makes people think positively of the past and hopefully about the future.

In the second long paragraph, Madison, who is now fallen deep into the webs of war, fills the air of his speech with war discourse without any indication to their permanent guardian. Even in the last paragraph, this is usually devoted to prayer to God, Madison talks on the rights of their nation and the triumphs of heroes.

James Monroe, twice elected by his fellow-citizens, produced 21 paragraphs, nearly 7 pages, in which he announced proudly that the country has passed chaotic years of the war and is now on the verge of a great progress. Improvements that could be enjoyed during peace period constitute main body of his speech and, like the others, he returns to God and reliance to gracious Providence:

"I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor."

Monroe fixes his opinion that objects of his “most fer

Introduction:

All American presidents from the first to the 43rd, George W. Bush, have had their own agendas. The 1776 revolution and the subsequent conventions that followed the Independence Day were all arranged so that at last the most powerful person of a superpower country in the world is created and given shape. This character is the president of the United States. Although the head of the executive branch, in comparison with congress, Senate and the Judiciary, US presidents through out history have repeatedly indicated, directly or indirectly, that it is the president who has the word in major concerns of the country, especially wars.

The line of this powerfulness starts with George Washington, who was involved in the revolutionary wars of independence. In order to narrow the scope and broaden the affectivity, the writer of this short essay has decided to consider only the elements related to divinity in seven presidents’ inaugural speeches.

These men are the first seven ones who each in a way laid the foundation stones of presidential behavior, his power, duties and responsibilities. They may have various approaches which could be tracked down first in their presidential addresses. As one of the major sources that may help understand what is going on in the mind f the president and in his people’s during the times both before and after the election could be the inaugural address.

In this study after a quick glance over the 12 addresses that presidents produced before the public which revealed some interesting points regarding the repetition of some key words such as God, freedom, liberty, men, women, Indian and slaves (note 1), a reading will be done in which every president’s use of any word related to divinity is highlighted and discussed. The writer hopes that at the end the amount of each president’s feeling of a godly presence in his speech is revealed to the reader of this essay.

George Washington is the first whose lecture is too be dismantled in the hope of finding a non-human power. Washington went directly to god in his second paragraph. (There are paragraphs) with saying:

"It would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either."

In this paragraph, Washington reminds himself and the rest of the country that it (independence and the government) is the grant of the “Almighty Being” who rules over the world. In addition, that his “invisible hand” conducts and will do so, the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Washington does not finish with God here and again at the end of his first address “resorts once more to the Parent of the Human Race” , do that “His divine blessing my be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views , the temperate consultations , and the wise measures on which the success of this government must depend.”

However, Washington does not go into the God dialogue with his people in his second presidential address that is rather brief, only taking people as witnesses to his deeds.

The second president, John Adams, who came into power in 1797, gives a long lecture about 14 paragraphs (while Washington’s was 6), and just a four line paragraph is devoted to his “Almighty Being” concerns. John Adams, who was thought to be a tough and rather conservative character, thus ended his exhaustive address:

"And may that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this nation and its Government and give it all possible success and duration consistent with the ends of His providence."

Adams’ belief in providence, order and Justice is clearly indicated and he believes that God is the protector of all. He talks well of the duties and benefits of government, an entity guarded by constitution, chosen by the people and for the people.

Thomas Jefferson gave his first inaugural address in 1801. Jefferson’s government, called during the time a revolutionary one, had acted in a populist way and Jeff, himself believed in simplicity which showed itself in brushing off the lavishness of the Whitehouse.

In his third paragraph (all were 6), the third president argues that a government (like that of him!) is the one which is necessary after human beings have honesty, truth, temperance, gratitude, love and providence practiced as their professed religion. Thus, Jefferson’s approach towards this political entity, government is to have it as an inseparable part of people’s religion. At the end he says:

"And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity."

Jefferson’s last paragraph in his second address tempts the reader (and the listener of the time) to think of him as a servant dedicating his life to his country’s security, justice, peace and prosperity. This president of the “Israel of Old” says that he is aware and fearful of his faults and errors of judgment. Thus he asks “the favor of that being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and power, and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with me that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures that whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.”

The war president, as one my call Madison since he experienced fighting seriously with the British in his time, took the oath in 1809. James Madison, calling his people as fellow-citizens provided seven paragraphs and only at the end he felt “the guardianship and guidance”:

In these my confidence will under every difficulty be best placed, next to that which we have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising Republic, and to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the future."

Madison is also inclined to accept, or one may add believe that this America is the “destiny” regulated by the Lord and makes people think positively of the past and hopefully about the future.

In the second long paragraph, Madison, who is now fallen deep into the webs of war, fills the air of his speech with war discourse without any indication to their permanent guardian. Even in the last paragraph, this is usually devoted to prayer to God, Madison talks on the rights of their nation and the triumphs of heroes.

James Monroe, twice elected by his fellow-citizens, produced 21 paragraphs, nearly 7 pages, in which he announced proudly that the country has passed chaotic years of the war and is now on the verge of a great progress. Improvements that could be enjoyed during peace period constitute main body of his speech and, like the others, he returns to God and reliance to gracious Providence:

"I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor."

Monroe fixes his opinion that objects of his “most ferv

ves (note 1), a reading will be done in which every president’s use of any word related to divinity is highlighted and discussed. The writer hopes that at the end the amount of each president’s feeling of a godly presence in his speech is revealed to the reader of this essay.

George Washington is the first whose lecture is too be dismantled in the hope of finding a non-human power. Washington went directly to god in his second paragraph. (There are paragraphs) with saying:

"It would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either."

In this paragraph, Washington reminds himself and the rest of the country that it (independence and the government) is the grant of the “Almighty Being” who rules over the world. In addition, that his “invisible hand” conducts and will do so, the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Washington does not finish with God here and again at the end of his first address “resorts once more to the Parent of the Human Race” , do that “His divine blessing my be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views , the temperate consultations , and the wise measures on which the success of this government must depend.”

However, Washington does not go into the God dialogue with his people in his second presidential address that is rather brief, only taking people as witnesses to his deeds.

The second president, John Adams, who came into power in 1797, gives a long lecture about 14 paragraphs (while Washington’s was 6), and just a four line paragraph is devoted to his “Almighty Being” concerns. John Adams, who was thought to be a tough and rather conservative character, thus ended his exhaustive address:

"And may that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this nation and its Government and give it all possible success and duration consistent with the ends of His providence."

Adams’ belief in providence, order and Justice is clearly indicated and he believes that God is the protector of all. He talks well of the duties and benefits of government, an entity guarded by constitution, chosen by the people and for the people.

Thomas Jefferson gave his first inaugural address in 1801. Jefferson’s government, called during the time a revolutionary one, had acted in a populist way and Jeff, himself believed in simplicity which showed itself in brushing off the lavishness of the Whitehouse.

In his third paragraph (all were 6), the third president argues that a government (like that of him!) is the one which is necessary after human beings have honesty, truth, temperance, gratitude, love and providence practiced as their professed religion. Thus, Jefferson’s approach towards this political entity, government is to have it as an inseparable part of people’s religion. At the end he says:

"And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity."

Jefferson’s last paragraph in his second address tempts the reader (and the listener of the time) to think of him as a servant dedicating his life to his country’s security, justice, peace and prosperity. This president of the “Israel of Old” says that he is aware and fearful of his faults and errors of judgment. Thus he asks “the favor of that being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and power, and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with me that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures that whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.”

The war president, as one my call Madison since he experienced fighting seriously with the British in his time, took the oath in 1809. James Madison, calling his people as fellow-citizens provided seven paragraphs and only at the end he felt “the guardianship and guidance”:

In these my confidence will under every difficulty be best placed, next to that which we have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising Republic, and to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the future."

Madison is also inclined to accept, or one may add believe that this America is the “destiny” regulated by the Lord and makes people think positively of the past and hopefully about the future.

In the second long paragraph, Madison, who is now fallen deep into the webs of war, fills the air of his speech with war discourse without any indication to their permanent guardian. Even in the last paragraph, this is usually devoted to prayer to God, Madison talks on the rights of their nation and the triumphs of heroes.

James Monroe, twice elected by his fellow-citizens, produced 21 paragraphs, nearly 7 pages, in which he announced proudly that the country has passed chaotic years of the war and is now on the verge of a great progress. Improvements that could be enjoyed during peace period constitute main body of his speech and, like the others, he returns to God and reliance to gracious Providence:

"I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor."

Monroe fixes his opinion that objects of his “most fer

Race” , do that “His divine blessing my be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views , the temperate consultations , and the wise measures on which the success of this government must depend.”

However, Washington does not go into the God dialogue with his people in his second presidential address that is rather brief, only taking people as witnesses to his deeds.

The second president, John Adams, who came into power in 1797, gives a long lecture about 14 paragraphs (while Washington’s was 6), and just a four line paragraph is devoted to his “Almighty Being” concerns. John Adams, who was thought to be a tough and rather conservative character, thus ended his exhaustive address:

"And may that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this nation and its Government and give it all possible success and duration consistent with the ends of His providence."

Adams’ belief in providence, order and Justice is clearly indicated and he believes that God is the protector of all. He talks well of the duties and benefits of government, an entity guarded by constitution, chosen by the people and for the people.

Thomas Jefferson gave his first inaugural address in 1801. Jefferson’s government, called during the time a revolutionary one, had acted in a populist way and Jeff, himself believed in simplicity which showed itself in brushing off the lavishness of the Whitehouse.

In his third paragraph (all were 6), the third president argues that a government (like that of him!) is the one which is necessary after human beings have honesty, truth, temperance, gratitude, love and providence practiced as their professed religion. Thus, Jefferson’s approach towards this political entity, government is to have it as an inseparable part of people’s religion. At the end he says:

"And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity."

Jefferson’s last paragraph in his second address tempts the reader (and the listener of the time) to think of him as a servant dedicating his life to his country’s security, justice, peace and prosperity. This president of the “Israel of Old” says that he is aware and fearful of his faults and errors of judgment. Thus he asks “the favor of that being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and power, and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with me that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures that whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.”

The war president, as one my call Madison since he experienced fighting seriously with the British in his time, took the oath in 1809. James Madison, calling his people as fellow-citizens provided seven paragraphs and only at the end he felt “the guardianship and guidance”:

In these my confidence will under every difficulty be best placed, next to that which we have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising Republic, and to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the future."

Madison is also inclined to accept, or one may add believe that this America is the “destiny” regulated by the Lord and makes people think positively of the past and hopefully about the future.

In the second long paragraph, Madison, who is now fallen deep into the webs of war, fills the air of his speech with war discourse without any indication to their permanent guardian. Even in the last paragraph, this is usually devoted to prayer to God, Madison talks on the rights of their nation and the triumphs of heroes.

James Monroe, twice elected by his fellow-citizens, produced 21 paragraphs, nearly 7 pages, in which he announced proudly that the country has passed chaotic years of the war and is now on the verge of a great progress. Improvements that could be enjoyed during peace period constitute main body of his speech and, like the others, he returns to God and reliance to gracious Providence:

"I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor."

Monroe fixes his opinion that objects of his “most fer

after human beings have honesty, truth, temperance, gratitude, love and providence practiced as their professed religion. Thus, Jefferson’s approach towards this political entity, government is to have it as an inseparable part of people’s religion. At the end he says:

"And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity."

Jefferson’s last paragraph in his second address tempts the reader (and the listener of the time) to think of him as a servant dedicating his life to his country’s security, justice, peace and prosperity. This president of the “Israel of Old” says that he is aware and fearful of his faults and errors of judgment. Thus he asks “the favor of that being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and power, and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with me that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures that whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.”

The war president, as one my call Madison since he experienced fighting seriously with the British in his time, took the oath in 1809. James Madison, calling his people as fellow-citizens provided seven paragraphs and only at the end he felt “the guardianship and guidance”:

In these my confidence will under every difficulty be best placed, next to that which we have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising Republic, and to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the future."

Madison is also inclined to accept, or one may add believe that this America is the “destiny” regulated by the Lord and makes people think positively of the past and hopefully about the future.

In the second long paragraph, Madison, who is now fallen deep into the webs of war, fills the air of his speech with war discourse without any indication to their permanent guardian. Even in the last paragraph, this is usually devoted to prayer to God, Madison talks on the rights of their nation and the triumphs of heroes.

James Monroe, twice elected by his fellow-citizens, produced 21 paragraphs, nearly 7 pages, in which he announced proudly that the country has passed chaotic years of the war and is now on the verge of a great progress. Improvements that could be enjoyed during peace period constitute main body of his speech and, like the others, he returns to God and reliance to gracious Providence:

"I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor."

Monroe fixes his opinion that objects of his “most fer

ence will under every difficulty be best placed, next to that which we have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising Republic, and to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the future."

Madison is also inclined to accept, or one may add believe that this America is the “destiny” regulated by the Lord and makes people think positively of the past and hopefully about the future.

In the second long paragraph, Madison, who is now fallen deep into the webs of war, fills the air of his speech with war discourse without any indication to their permanent guardian. Even in the last paragraph, this is usually devoted to prayer to God, Madison talks on the rights of their nation and the triumphs of heroes.

James Monroe, twice elected by his fellow-citizens, produced 21 paragraphs, nearly 7 pages, in which he announced proudly that the country has passed chaotic years of the war and is now on the verge of a great progress. Improvements that could be enjoyed during peace period constitute main body of his speech and, like the others, he returns to God and reliance to gracious Providence:

"I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor."

Monroe fixes his opinion that objects of his “most fervent prayers to the supreme author of all good” will be “liberty, prosperity and happiness of our country.”

The second address is even longer than the first and covers materials more diverse and tangible than those stated before by the past presidents cover. it seems that US has gained its position and thinking more openly bout pushing the barriers back and thrust itself as much s possible either in terms of geography or in terms of economy. Monroe, who originated the famous “Monroe Doctrine” 1, confirms his “firm reliance on the protection of Almighty God.”

He is much engaged with practical issues of the day rather than with slogans like that of Jefferson or his predecessors.

On Friday, March 4, 1825, John Quincy Adams appeared in his fellow-citizens’ presence to bind himself by “religious obligation to the faithful performance of the duties” allotted to him. Ten paragraphs are given and Adams ends his commitments:

"Fervent supplications for His favor, to His overruling providence I commit with humble but fearless confidence my own fate and the future destinies of my country."

The abstraction of divinity and belief in that concept which was prevalent in the first two or three presidents’ speech is now gone. This soulless speech is now fallen deep in practicality and dealing with states’ power.

The last president under study here is Jackson. Andrew insisted in calling his audience fellow-citizens, repeated in his predecessors’ speech. He talked of his zealous dedication to their service and did not take too much time by saying that he will do his best, and finished off his inaugural address:

"And a firm reliance on the goodness of that Power whose providence mercifully protected our national infancy, and has since upheld our liberties in various vicissitudes, encourages me to offer up my ardent supplications that He will continue to make our beloved country the object of His divine care and gracious benediction."

Jackson is considered to have been a very strong person with power against states and senate who painted a tough picture of Federal Government during his time. In his second speech, he gave the last paragraph, which is to be deemed as obligatory to ask god for his protection and success.

"Finally, it is my most fervent prayer to that Almighty Being before whom I now stand, and who has kept us in His hands from the infancy of our Republic to the present day, that He will so overrule all my intentions and actions and inspire the hearts of my fellow-citizens that we may be preserved from dangers of all kinds and continue forever a united and happy people."

Conclusion:

As revealed in this study, nearly all the 12 addresses except Monroe’s second oration had resonations of a divine presence. Seven presidents who were mostly from high ranks of society when elected, although Washington started from his farm, but even he was to fight enormously and then be chosen as the president-hero of American people. In addition to this, the common people were not included in the circle of voters until Jackson’s presidency, and that would simply mean creating a power pyramid for nearly 50 years from which the layman had no share. Entrance of the people occurred when the game was set and the elites of the past and present had regulated rules.

American presidents, whatever their policies are, enjoyed speaking respectfully of God and their destiny written by the Great Author of their exceptional Providence .either they or the majority of population consisting their audience was thinking of their republican government as an entity guarded by the Almighty.

Note 1: Number of the words related to divinity in all 12 speeches is 838 out of 23400 words, nearly: 5%.The folloeing are Each key word's repetition in 12 inaugural addresses by the first seven presidents of the US. Word Repetition:

God 1, Christ 0
People 90, Christianity 1
Peace 49, Men 19
War 54, Man 10
Liberty 21, Woman 0
Freedom 13, Duty 21
Prosperity 12, Indian 5
Equality 3, Slave 2
Power 40, Government 114
fellow-citizens 46, citizens 18.

• Monroe Doctrine: a doctrine according to which the western hemisphere, including north and South America, is under the protection of the United States and no European country is allowed to have the right of colonization of the region.

References:

• www.bartleby.com/124/index.html