Webster's Dictionary defines "merciful" as full of mercy (refraining from harming or punishing offenders, enemies, persons in ones power, etc. kindness in excess of what may be expected or demanded...
The words of the people for the people by the people also known as the Gettysburg Address can be seen carved into the south interior wall of the Lincoln Memorial building.
"...and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. " is the last line of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. See the link below.