Friday, January 1, 2010

John and Abigail Adams' New Year Salute

Hello 2010!!!

New Year's Day is finally upon us, and there's no better way for this blog to recognize this holiday's "out with the old, in with the new" sentiment of rejuvenation and rebirth than to recall the words of John & Abigail Adams!

Take for example John's sentiments of optimism and determination from January 1, 1779. At the height of the Revolution, John Adams wrote the following to his wife Abigail:


I wish you an happy new Year, and many happy Years -- and all the Blessings of Life. Who knows but this Year may be more prosperous for our Country than any We have seen. For my own Part I have hopes that it will. Great Blessings are in store for it, and they may come this Year as well as another. You and I however must prepare our Minds to enjoy the Prosperity of others not our own. In Poverty and Symplicity, We shall be happy, whenever our Country is so.
Abigail demonstrated the same optimism and determination in 1797, as her husband prepared to take office as the second President of the infant United States (filling the shoes of the legendary George Washington), when she wrote:
"O Blindness to the future kindly given
That each may fill the circle marked by Heaven."

The new Year opens upon us with new Scenes of Life before us. What are to be the trials the troubles and vexations of it, are wisely withheld from our view.

The universal cause
Acts not by partial, but by General laws
Who sees and follows that great Scheme the best
Best knows the blessing, and will most be blest.

To him who sits Supreem let us commit the hour, the day the Year, and fearless view the whole. These need but thinking right, and meaning well, and may this ensure to you, the Souls calm Sun Shine, and the Heart felt say.
A beautiful sentiment to say the least!

To all our contributors, readers, fans, followers, etc., THANK YOU for a wonderful 2009! Your 487 posts, countless number of comments and a strong and growing readership have helped to make this blog what it is! Thanks again to all. Let's do all that we can to make 2010 the best year yet for American Creation!

May you all have a happy and prosperous 2010!!!

2 comments:

King of Ireland said...

Thanks for starting this thing Brad. This is cutting edge. Thanks for letting me be a part. I have learned more here than at any point in my life.

Brad Hart said...

Well, I can't take credit for being the only creator of this blog. It was myself, Jon Rowe, Brian Tubbs and Lindsey Shuman (who has since left). In addition, we have so many readers, contributors, etc. that have made this blog what it is.

But for what it's worth, you're welcome and we are glad to have you, so thank you!