The Preacher President of the USA

     James A Garfield became the president of the United States in 1881. His presidency, unfortunately, was only of approximately 200 days in duration. On July 2, 1881, only a few months after his inauguration he was shot by Charles J Guiteau as he walked through a railway station. Guiteau was bitter because he had not received a political appointment he wanted. President Garfield lingered until September 19, 1881, but finally died.

     Gloriously, his decision to give his heart to Christ at the age of 18 has been for him of far greater value than being elected president of the United States. Garfield is the only president in American history to also be an ordained minister. He possessed a natural booming voice. He was in New York on Wall Street when news came of President Lincoln's assassination. A large angry mob was on the verge of rioting when Garfield used his magnificent voice and proclaimed, "Fellow citizens, God reigns and the government in Washington still lives!" Those words calmed the mob and they quietly dispersed to their homes. Though his presidency was shortened, President Garfield would often leave the White House to speak at religious gatherings or preach at evangelistic services. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing the claims of Christ with non-believers. So, you can easily see why some historians refer to him as the "Preacher President."

     Can you imagine the horror of today's politically correct crowd if they had to contend with President Garfield or another soul-winning Bible-preaching president like him? On the other hand, can you imagine the welcome Garfield received in heaven as he entered those gates after his death because he loved the "name that is above every name" and that name is Jesus? 

      President Garfield was no poorly educated wimp as those who despise Christians will suggest about faithful men and women who offer themselves for election to public office. He was no wimp because he had served valiantly in the military. He was well educated as proven in that he excelled in Latin and Greek, plus being so ambidextrous and brilliant that he could write equally well both languages at the same time with both hands!

     This may cause some of you to have a migraine, but I think I would sleep better if we had more Preacher Senators, Preacher Representatives, Preacher Justices and Preacher Presidents leading our country.....and I know for a fact that God would be pleased because Proverbs 14:34 says, "Righteousness exalteth a nation..."