All heaven and earth resound with that subtle and delicately balanced truth that the old paths are the best paths after all.
—J. C. Ryle
Daniel Webster once quipped, “Whatever makes a man a good Christian also makes a good citizen.” Although the subject of informed public virtue has been much maligned of late, it is no less true today than it was in Webster’s day. And thankfully, it is a subject not without its champions. That this book exists at all is substantial evidence of that happy fact.
It was David Drye who first suggested that I make good my long-held hope of revising and publishing a new edition of what was once an American educational tradition: a citizen’s handbook of essential historical and inspirational resources. He encouraged me along the way, supported my efforts, and pushed me forward when other obligations threatened to sidetrack this project. His graciousness and enthusiasm unhesitatingly I count among the greatest gifts in my life.
Likewise, Ron and Julia Pitkin at Cumberland House and Heather Armstrong, Dean Andreola, Phil Hibbard, and Will Wallace at Highland Books prompted me to move apace. Their professionalism, friendship, and constancy have all combined to make this an extraordinarily pleasant publishing experience—a genuine rarity these days. And Stephanie Bowen at Sourcebooks enthused over the possibility of a refreshed edition, encouraging me to make the material as relevant for a whole new generation of readers.
Each of these champions of public virtue has taught me what it means to be a good citizen by exemplifying what it means to be a good Christian. Thus, I am grateful to them all.
Of course, my family has been my greatest source of inspiration and encouragement. It has been with them that the roots of public virtue have been made known to me—in the guise of private virtue. They are not only my chief joys in life, they are my first audience and my best critics: my wife, Karen; my children, Joel, Joanna, and Jesse; their spouses Jamie, Nolan, and Jackie; and my grandchildren David, Elijah, Santi, and Luca. All that I am and all that I do, I owe to them.
King’s Meadow
Eastertide 2015