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One of the great strengths of the United States is... we have a very large Christian population - we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.

It's the Law of God that gave the stability to Christian civilization.

The state has physical power and uses it when necessary; the power of religion is love and beneficence.

Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament; adversity is the blessing of the New.

To speak against religion (the Christian) is breaking down the bond of good government.

Adversity leads us to think properly of our state, and so is most beneficial to us.

Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens.

Prosperity tries the fortunate, adversity the great.

Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them.

The state can be a force for good. The Rule of law is absolutely essential to a good life. God has instituted government and leaders throughout history and throughout the Biblical narrative. However, the state is growing precisely as the church is fading as a force for good, and this does not seem to be a good trend.