Fellow-citizens: Clouds and darkness are around Him; His pavilion is dark waters and thick clouds; justice and judgment are the establishment of His throne; mercy and truth shall go before His face! Fellow citizens! God reigns and the Government at Washington lives.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Garfield asserts that divine justice and mercy govern the nation, implying that the government reflects higher moral laws.
- In plain terms
- God is in charge, and His justice and mercy guide the government.
- What can you take from it?
- Government authority is grounded in moral principles.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does faith influence political legitimacy?
- What makes a government just?
Another view
The quote assumes a specific religious framework that may not align with secular governance.
More from James A. Garfield
If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old.
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