[^o^ Sherry ^o^]

Would anyone who kind enough paraphrase this for me? I have homework and I don't understand this at all x__x;;;
Basically, I have to know what each paragraph means =\ it's from Washignton's Farewell Adress


Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports." (page 612)
"In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert [religion and morality] these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties men and citizens." (page 612)
"Let it simply be asked--Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?" (page 612)
"And let us with caution indulge the supposition that can be morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever... the influence of refined education... reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle." (page 612)
"It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends... to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?"

[^o^ Sherry ^o^]

Can anyone help? =(

;_;

[=___=]

Out of the behaviors, actions, etc., which lead to success in politics, religion and morality are essential.

It is impossible to be patriotic while at the same time trying to destroy religion and morality, [describes good things about religion and morality].

How can you be secure in property, reputation, life, if you don't base your oaths on religion? Oaths are the tools of investigation in courts of justice.

Let's just for the moment, suppose that morality can exist without religion. Whatever education tells us, our reasoning abilities and our experience make it impossible for us to expect that national morality can exist without religion.

Of course it's true that popular government (government by the people, democracy) should be virtuous and moral. This is true of all free governments (again, presumably government by the people, etc.). Who can love democracy yet not care when virtue and morality are being trampled on?

In essence, lots of flourishes re: goodness of religion and morality, but few actual arguments for that position.