The Best Cement

Mercy Otis Warren was the first historian of the American Revolution. Some historians give her credit for the idea for the Bill of Rights. This is from her 1805 History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution:

“Perhaps few will deny that religion, viewed merely in a political light, is after all the best cement of society, the great barrier of just government, and the only certain restraint of the passions, those dangerous inlets to licentiousness and anarchy.”

Reflection

Today’s Bible passage is from Ezekiel 45, a vision of instructions for building a just society. The prophet is told to set aside land for the temple, the prince, and the people.  

• What is the reason given in verses 8 and 9?  
• What does this suggest about human beings who have power?  
• What is the role of the government in this vision?  
• Mercy Warren thought that “few [people] will deny” her statement. Do you agree with her? 

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