He thanked God for the bountiful land. He was also thankful for the happy confluence of religiosity, public spirit, and knowledge of history and political philosophers. We did not create governments at the point of a sword, but in quiet deliberation among free people. It would be up to us to remain happy and free.
Our choices were between, "respectable and prosperous, or contemptible and miserable." If the Confederation dissolved, our revolution would be regarded by future generations as a curse.
Liberty was the goal, and opponents should feel the public's wrath.
If Congress did not assert its powers under the Confederation, anarchy and confusion would result.
The man who probably could have been set upon a throne if he wanted it, merely asked the government to do its duty as he had done.
Hmm, on second thought, I doubt a man of such virtue could be honestly studied in today's government schools. Islam yes, Washington no.
I don't see that there were just 2 choices.
I think there was a 3rd way that the people of the time, like Washington, who wanted to be a British officer but was turned down for a commission, couldn't see.
We did create/support governments at the point of a sword. See the Whiskey Rebellion.
I find excessive lauding of a fallible man to be much to close to hero-worship.
Again, my humble opinion.
/johnny