I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbours and ample rivers – and it was not there; in her fertile lands and boundless prairies – and it was not there. Not until I went to the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good – and if America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.
This quote has been attributed to Alexis de Toqueville, but it’s apparently apocryphal, like the quote attributed to Alexander Fraser Tytler. It has become “an old adage” however, and remains true – as the “Tytler” quote remains accurate.