“I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors…; in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great. The safeguard of morality is religion, and morality is the best security of law as well as the surest pledge of freedom.” ~ Alexis de Tocqueville
In honor of Alexis de Tocqueville, French political thinker and historian, who died on this day in 1859. Tocqueville traveled the United States and wrote one of the earliest works of sociology and political science in his Democracy in America.
Resources:
This Day in History for 16th April
Alexis de Tocqueville Quotes on America as a Christian Nation
A DEVOTED LIFE 