Yes, Ella, our present day politicians speak of God too often, IMO, each trying to outdo the others with how devout they are. I'll be more impressed when atheists are able to be elected to Congress. Then I'll know those who mouth their faith are probably telling the truth and not just pandering to their constituents. As to Garfield's writing about the laws of God, I just found it surprising that he equated religion with science. But, then, he was not a scientist.
As to your remark about so many still suffering the loss of their loved ones from the Civil War, I imagine that was very true. That reminded me of a book I have meant to read, The Republic of Suffering; Death and the American Civil War by Drew Gilpin Faust, regarding how individuals and the nation coped with the traumatic loss of so many in the war.
And, yes, I think it might be better if we had fewer lawyers in Congress, and a few more liberal arts majors.
Marj