JFK Quoting Scripture

In the Holy Bible, Matthew 5:14 states, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." Those words are used in part in the speech of President-to-be John F. Kennedy, Jan. 9, 1961. He is describing the type of leadership he would like to display when he is President.

"But I have been guided by the standard John Winthrop set before his shipmates on the flagship Arbella three hundred and thirty-one years ago, as they, too, faced the task of building a new government on a perilous frontier.

"'We must always consider,' he said, 'that we shall be as a city upon a hil—the eyes of all people are upon us.'
...
"And these are the qualities which, with God's help, this son of Massachusetts hopes will characterize our government's conduct in the four stormy years that lie ahead.

"Humbly I ask His help in that undertaking—but aware that on earth His will is worked by men. I ask for your help and your prayers, as I embark on this new and solemn journey."

See the whole speech at the Miller Center of Public Affairs