As Americans we have the unusual privilege, when viewed alongside the history of nations, to have a voice in the selection of our government officials. When local and national elections approach, a few guiding thoughts are in order.

PAST STATESMEN

The only thing necessary for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing.– Edmund Burke

It is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers. – John Jay, first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court

Now, more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature…If the next centennial does not find us a great nation…it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces. – President James A. Garfield

INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. – Proverbs 29:2

…He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. – II Samuel 23:3

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: – Exodus 18:21

DISCERNMENT: For every tree is known by his own fruit… – Luke 6:44

But if any man love God, the same is known of him. – I Cor. 8:3

NATIONAL CHARACTER: Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. – Proverbs 14:34