The kingdom of God is an order of government established by divine authority. It is the only legal government that can exist in any part of the universe.

In this quote, Orson Pratt expresses a deeply religious perspective on governance, stating that the kingdom of God is the only legitimate form of government in the universe, established by divine authority. According to Pratt, all other systems of government are subordinate to this divine order, implying that true political authority is rooted in spiritual or religious principles. This reflects a worldview where the authority of God supersedes any secular or human-made institutions.

Pratt emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not just a spiritual or abstract concept but a legal government, meaning that it carries with it the force of law and order. This suggests that the moral laws and principles governing human behavior are directly tied to the divine, and any earthly authority that contradicts or undermines God’s authority is not valid. In Pratt's view, the kingdom of God is the only legitimate system of governance that can truly bring order and righteousness to the universe.

The origin of this quote is tied to Pratt's work as a prominent theologian and one of the early leaders of the Latter-day Saint movement (often referred to as Mormonism). As an influential figure in the early church, Pratt's writings and teachings often blended religious belief with political thought, advocating for a government that aligns with divine laws. His views on governance are reflective of the Mormon doctrine, which teaches that God has a direct role in governing His people, both spiritually and temporally.

Ultimately, Pratt's quote asserts the supremacy of divine authority in the realm of governance, positioning the kingdom of God as the ultimate and eternal form of government. His statement reflects the belief that all human systems of law and politics must ultimately align with divine principles to achieve true justice and order.