--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As government, and strong rods for the…" description: "\"“As government, and strong rods for the exercise of it, are necessary to preserve public societies from dreadful and fatal calamities arising from amon..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf4/jonathan-edwards-770_fitness_as-government-and-strong-rods-for-the-ex_2330583.jpg" --- # As government, and strong rods for the exercise of it, are… ![“As government, and strong rods for the exercise of it, are necessary to preserve public societies from dreadful and fatal calamities arising from among themselves; so no less requisite are they to defend the community from foreign enemies. As they are like the pillars of a building, so they are…” quote by Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf4/jonathan-edwards-770_fitness_as-government-and-strong-rods-for-the-ex_2330583.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf4/jonathan-edwards-770_fitness_as-government-and-strong-rods-for-the-ex_2330583.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf4/jonathan-edwards-770_fitness_as-government-and-strong-rods-for-the-ex_2330583.jpg) > ““As government, and strong rods for the exercise of it, are necessary to preserve public societies from dreadful and fatal calamities arising from among themselves; so no less requisite are they to defend the community from foreign enemies. As they are like the pillars of a building, so they are also like the walls and bulwarks of a city: they are under God the main strength of a people in a time of war and the chief instruments of their preservation, safety and rest.”” [Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-edwards/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Argues that strong government is essential for protecting society from internal chaos and external threats. **In simple terms:** Government is a pillar protecting the people. Key Takeaway Support robust institutions for safety. Themes government security order divine providence Mood serious reflective Type philosophical political When to use this quote - national defense - public safety - law enforcement Key Concepts political theory social contract theology of authority Questions to Reflect On - What limits should government have? - How to balance security and freedom? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on authority can suppress liberty. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bulwarks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bulwarks-4447410/) [Defend Community](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defend-community-3993082/) [Fitness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fitness/) [Government Strong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government-strong-409110/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Strong Rods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strong-rods-5604154/) [Walls Bulwarks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/walls-bulwarks-5604153/) ## Related quotes > [With a pen in my hand I have successfully stormed bulwarks from which others armed with sword and excommunication have been repulsed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/georg-c-lichtenberg/with-a-pen-in-my-hand-i-have-successfully-stormed-bulwarks-from-which/) [Georg C. 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His language is saturated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-edwards/the-most-determining-external-influence-on-his-style-was/) [Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-edwards/) > [“Edwards sought to impose a new test of qualification. 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By many mansions is meant many seats or places of abode.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-edwards/prop-ii-there-are-many-mansions-in-the-house-of-god-by-many-mansions/) [Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-edwards/) > [I resolve to live with all my might while I do live. I resolve never to lose one moment of time and to improve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-edwards/i-resolve-to-live-with-all-my-might-while-i-do-live-i-resolve-never/) [Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-edwards/) > [“And now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has flung the door of mercy wide open, and stands in the door…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-edwards/and-now-you-have-an-extraordinary-opportunity-a-day-wherein-christ/) [Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-edwards/) > [Christ gives peace to the most sinful and miserable that come to Him. 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