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PASTOR
A
SERMON"
DELIVERED ON THE DAY OF. G.ENERAL
ELECTION,
,AT MOJVTPELIER, OCTOEilR i3~ i~l4,
DEFORE THE HONORABLE
. . LEGISLATURE OF ·VE.RMONTo
BY ELIJAH LYMAN, A. M. OF THE CONGREc.ATIONAL CHURCH IN BR09KFIELD.
Published at the request of the Legislature
lVIONTPELIER, Vt. PRINTED BY W ALTON AND GOSS, OCTOBER,
1814. '
AN
ELECTION .SERl\ION..
L PETER, II. 13, 14, 16•
.suhmit yom-selves to every·ordinance of man for the Lord's·sake: whether it be to the ·king as supreme; or, unto governors, as
, 'Unto them that are sent by him for the,punishment of evil do.. ers, and for the pra'ise of them that do well. For so is the will uf God, that with 'Well doing .ye may plit to siletzce the ignorance offoolish tnen.
THE enemies of cJlristianity have always sought occasiolD
against its professors to bring ~heir principles. and practice into contempt. Christ himself w.as charged wit.h being a se... ditious person. "\Ve found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cresar, saJing tbat he him
self is Christ a king." Again, it was said, "He stirreth up the peol>le, teaching thi'.ougbout an Jewry." 1.'he same al
legation was brought .against his disciples. The unbelieving
Jews at Thessalonica, said ().fPaul and Silas, "These, that
have turned the world upside down, have come hitber also."
By this it is evident, that they were desirous to prove that I
Christ and his apostles were opposed to their civil gove!~-
ment~ thereby to secure its power to suppress them. And doubtless there was the same disposition in the bearts of un
.41
,believers, when Peter wloofe thi$ epistle; tllerel'ore,lte exb ,Ilis ehdsfian brethren, .saying, "abstain f.oom thoie 8es
lusts, wh~ch war against the 561.11, llaving )'Ollf eonversa.ti
.hone~t among t,he Gentiles: that whereas tbey speak ag
you ~s ev.il ~oer.s, they may, by your gQo,~ \l'910 ks, whieh t shall behold, glorify God in the day of'visitationo" Ha·
, thus exhorted .them ,to -lead an honest and sobfr life . . ~': .
those who did not embrace ch,'istianity, the Apostle pro ,to poin.t them tn some particular duties. He begins with
,duty to civil governors-"Sllbmi,t yours,~lv.es to every (} .nance of man for 't~e Lord's 'fiake, :whetJlel' it be to the
.as sUl~rem~, o,r Ull,to ~ov.ernors,.~.s unto ther:n that are sent
hi~l for the 'pullislnnent' of e"il doers, an.d for t},le pra~se
tbem that do well. For so is the will of Go(l that with d?ing y~ n;ay P.':lt to' ~il,ence the' ignorance ~f foolish 'Ill'
i~ illustrating tbes~ words, ,0t;t the present o,ce~sioJ), it may proper to consider, .
· I. The institution of civil government.
II. The duty of rulers in the administration of that goVi. -' . . ~ - , .
ment.
· III. The duty of su~ject~ under tlfe administratiolJ. of . ., " ... .
government•
. I. I am to consider the institution of civil government.. ," . ~. .
The Apo~tle observes, "Submit yourselve~ to every 0
nance of man for the Lord's sake, wh,etherit be 10 the k· a~ supreme, or unto gover;lOl'S, as unto them th'at are 'sent · .' ..
him." From this it appears that civil. ~overnment is both a
instit.ution of God and an onJillance of men. Here, then, '.' - ' . . '. " .~ -
,~ould observ,e,
!irst, Civil gover~m.ent is an institut~on of God. 1'his i evident, in t~lat God has ordered, in the course ~f his holl
and wise providence, that men sboul~ be necessarily conneei. , .' ed with, and dependaBt on each other. Man being formecl
, . . . :'or societ~r,~t was not good for him to be ~l~~e. The happf~ . ~
f I 'Ill so(~iaI nature. can be effected only in society. 13u(,esS 0 11'"
d\\'ell toO'ether in society, rnles amI ,regulations mlJ!~tdo men ~ • . led to which they all might have due respect, that th~)
·be Iior~ . ~i ht realize "how good and how pleasant -it is for br~thre
.to ~wej] together in unit.y;" 'This'is e§p~eiaHy necessalY,
since men ha're become selfish ancI depraved, ,Snch is the 'depravit.y of men5s hearts, anti so COfl'Upt their practice, that
it is abso-lute.Jy necessa9"' 'lh.ey s'houId adopt certain ·Iaws by wbicb to reguIat.~ .and govern themselves. 'They ,must enjoin
'suitable pl:~ee.pts, ami enf~rce ,t.hem wi,tll proper penalties,
that person and pl"op.erty may be secured. rh,eir ~dminisc
iratioll mU5t :le such as to punish. the evil dOel", an~ eneour..
age them that do weil. 'yithout su~b an institution of gov~
ermnent, no society of men can exh;t; and as God, in his Pl'OV
iJellce, ·bas thus situatE:'~] men, in t~his ~ire-, it is ev!de~t th.at
,civil government is ~Y his appointment.
Secondly. From God's holy .word, it appears, that civil go
vernment is of his appointrnent. He (lirected Iris ancie?t
people, Israel, to ',provide o,,:,-t of aU the people, a'ble men, such as f'ea." Oorl, men or trut,h, hating {'.ovetousness; and
place suc,h over diem, to be rulers of thousands, an,d rulers of
'llUudreds, and rulers of fifties, and ruJ~l's of tens. And to let
them jUdge the people at aU seasons.' 'But mat,lers of great
~r concern were to b,e brought to Mose.s, tll~il' supreme magis-'
trate. The king of Israel, sl)eaking ~n the name of the Lord,
says, "By t11", kings reign, a~<l prince~ decree jus.tice." This , .
is the langu:v'e of the old testament. f\nd in the new, the Apostle speaks th,e same things. "Let every ~oul -be subject
to the higher powers; for there is no power 'but of God;. the
powers th~t be, are ordai~ed of God~ whosoever, therefore, rea
sisteth tbe power, resisteth the ordinance of 00<1, and they
that resist ihall receive to themseJves damnation. For he is
the minister of God to thee for good." And the Apostle Pe
~er, in the text, o-bserves, 1hat kings and governors were' s~nt
6
by God "ftlr the punisllment of evil duefs, and for the p •
i)f them that do well." These make it evident that civi ,rernment is by the authority of God.
Again. 1t is observed, t.hat civil government is an ordi ()f III n. "Submit )'ourselves to every ordinance of Dlan
1he Lord's sake, whether it be to the king, as supreme,or
.0 governors," Though civil government be an illstitutiQ
God; ')'et it may he called au ordinance 01' men, as it. Was
l'0inte~l with a particular design for them. The civil
1-\'ho is to administ~r this govel'nment, is said to be "the islet' 01' GDd to thee fO)~ good." Civi! government is des'
~'Ul' the benefit of' men, while associated togethel'In thi perfect state.
Again, It may be caUell an ordinan of man, in refi
tits iud. God has left it with every nation to c 0
fo'm 0' "ovcrnmcnt as will be most condHcive t.o th'
ileac ~. . velfare; in their Ilarlieu}a sitnafon. There ( . 'ere t sad modes of govemment, among di
a.tio s; such as despoti.e, monarchical, aristocrati aI,
,)fIb ic .n. Civil government is, therefore, called an ol'di
of ,mall, beeause it is thus left to ever)! Bation to et
'lich of these forms of government they will bave, ~
le.. t suited to theil' local situation, interest, te _pel's, edue and habits of living. But every nation is necessita ed
dopt Ie mode of civil government; aLhen-vise hey e~
e~· t as a community. 'fhis necessity is by the apl10in r tl e great Gover.Dor of the world.
II. I am to consider the duty of rulers in tie admini ion of civil government.. God has not only instituted .
government, but he has given directions concerning men
administer it. The object of this administration is paiD out in the text. Let the mode of govel'nment be what it
.and let rulers be ca.lIed by what names they pleas.e, whet
kings or gove.rn rs, they 'are sent by God for the punisbme
7 /
, 'I doers and for the praise of them that do well,'" ThiS'" ~~ .,
, to the object to be obtained, and the way to pursue It pOints - . f' 11
. kedHess is equally pt'ejudieial to the prospenty 0 H~ W IC f ' d' .d Ieivil community, as it is to the happiness 0 In IVI un~,
"Righteousness exaIteth a nation, but sin is a i"eproaeh to allY people." If civil government be an institution of .heaveD, and rulers be the miuisters of God for goml to the people, then it must be their incumbent duty to pay special regard to the directions he has give~l them, in their commis
sion, which is contained in the' holy scriptures. In that saered vohtme, he has, in infinite mercy, given them dlat connsel and wisdom which are prQfitable to direct. They should'
have a special regard to the glory and honor of their Supreme
Lord and Governor. His name is excellent in all the earth,
and his glory is above the heayens. The 'Lord, as the Gov
ernor of the Universe, ruleth among the nations; therefore, it should -be the first object with rulers and their subjects, to
ensure his blessing and protection. "The God of Israel saidt
the Rock of Israel spake-He that ruleth over men, must He just, ruling in the fear of G~d." /
All the laws they enact, f'or the government of, HIe ,people,
:must be in the fear of the Lord, and according to his requirments, the sum, of" ",hieh is contained in the ten co,nmandments.
Then they will be careful that the fear of the Lord be diligently set before their subjects, being clearly expressed in aU
their statutes.
~s "God is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, and c'an Q
Bot look upon sin but with abhorrence," tberefore he haUl'
~et rulers over the people for "tbe llUnishment of evil doers,.
and Cor the praise of them -that do well." In all their deliberat.ions and results, tbey are to have the general good, a& their ultimate object. They bave no liberty to exercise tlleh" power to promote the interest and aggrandizement of any in
dividual or individuals; ~o, not even of themselves, only a~'
the llublic good shaH require. According t.o the Apostle'8 .
rection, they are to unite the ~rhole weight of their authori
and influence to suppress vice and immnralit)' among the p
ple~ and encou rage tllings \' irtuuus ,and I)raiseworthy.
accomplish this end, several things are necessary. Such a
First, They should prayerfully and attentively consult t
sacre(l scriptures. Though we have the mind and ,will God clearly revealell in his holy \"i"ord, yet sucb is the depra
'dty of the human heart that we are liable to pervert l
right wa)'s of the Lord, and "call evil good and good ev
and put darkness for light, and ligllt for dal'kness." Hen
it is necessary that we shouhl supplicate the light and ioft
ence of the Spirit of truth to open our minds, tbat we Dlig understand tIle scriptures. Is it not of great importance th civil magistrates should be able, with the wise man's hea
to discern both time and judgment? Let no man be so pum IIp with the elevation of a civil magistrate, as- to think it b
neath bis dignity to be daily fOrlnd ImmblJ asking wisdom
God, WllO giveth liberally to all men and upbraideth n~t.
One of the gl·ea.te~t earthly monarclls, this world ever p
duced, was found a humble suppliant at the Throne of Grae that God would give him a wise and understanding hea that he might discern between good and bad; for, said he
"'Vho is able to judge this thy so great a people?" If it ·"'ere sQitable for a man of such distinguished and extraordinary
talents as Solomon to supplicate wisdom from above; how
much more for men, comparatively, of our ordinary abilities?
Again. Rulers having their authority and directions from
God, shows the propriety of their consulting. his holy word
far instruction to a right discharge of the duties to whieh
they are called. To this t11ey should carefully attend, that
their laws conde,!In the same thing·s., which are. condemned
by the laws of' God, and encoul'age those things, wbich his
~,ncourage.. As they are sent by hiill for the punishment of
:tf.-.~.I"
'I d r" the'" S!lauhl hoht ull Ilis tbreateJ.lihgs to d~tel' meneVl oe." J <
froro wickedness, ana his !Jromises (0 encourage them in well . 'Vhat are all the threatenings and punishments,
dOIog. which men can inflict, which can go no farther than to chas··
, ond kill the body, compared to the threatenings of thetJ!!le 46 I <
Almighty, who 'hath flOWN" to cast hoth so~l and bod)' into
hell? But in God's holy word his "wrath is revealed against
all ungodliness and and unrighteousness of men, WllO hold the truth in unl"igIlteousness," Then, knowing the telTors or
ihe Lord, they should persuade men to turn from tlleir evil
ways to the fear and service of the living God, and flee from
tlH\t dreadful wrath to come, which he has denounced against
all impenitent siuners, The weight of ter'l:or in the magis
trate's Iland arises from the tbreatenings of the Almighty, which aloe against the wicked. And what is the recom~
pence, which is in Hie power of man to bestow, as an encour· JIlent to \VeIl doing, compared to that reward which God bas
promised? How low and contemptible is Jlis station, who cau
only receive the applause of men, in comparison with his, wlJOm the King of Glory sball delight to bonor? And )lOW
mean are the silver and gold, yea, the crowns and dominions
of earthly princes, compared to that crown of immortal life
and glory, wllich Christ will give to those, who, in his se.l'..
vice, are faithful unto death? Tben, -is it not of great impor..
t nee, that rulers shouhl improve the tl reatenings and pro· mises of the llOly scriptures, that tllCy might, to the best advantage, stand a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do well?
Serondly~ 'Vould rulers gain tbe olljcct of their appoint..
ment, they must enact laws, which forbid all ungodliness and unrighteousu~sg of men, and require that which is morally
good. The stCltutes should lmrticularize those acts of wick
ednes' ey would condemn, that there might be a just foundati,OI n which to prosecute the transgressor. ~"Vbere there
B
i§ no law there IS no transgression." AmI tbat they an' be a punishment to evil doers, it is necessary that SIl!ta
penalties be annexed to the \-io)alioll of the precept.
the punishment be commensurate with the crime. Furt more, the pl'er.ept and penalty of the law must appear'
that conviction may be fastened u}lon the consciences of
Tbis woultl bring a double puuishment to the offt'nder.·
would be the infliction of the llenalty, and the upbraidi
his con~cif'llce, that he hacl violate(l a p reeelt1, which Just and goM.
ThirdJy. The laws must be' promulgated aRlong th~
ple, and faithfully exeeu ted~ tha.t fhp), might ha\le thf sired effect. Proper means, ther~fore, should be t~..... give the people cOl'reef information o·r the existing la
la.!lfl. that they llUl'Y .·cgulate themsehres accordingly.
uJ)le~s they are f(lithfl~lly exeeuleo, the best of laws I
tlleir utility; yr-a~ they are worse tban none to the co
ty. l\len absolutely harden, and become worse and
while they are suffered, with impunity, to trample um]
feet, the ~ood and wholf'snme la\vSi of the land. "
sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily,
forr-, the heart of the sons of men is fulJy set in the
evil."
Fourthly. Th-a.t nilers rna)" stand for a punishment, or
ror to evil doers, and a praise to them tbat do well, they be exempl al'y in theil' Jives, before their subjects. They be careful that they' sacredl)' regard the rules they upon othen.
/ The force of example from those who are elevated a
us is~reat upon the human mind. Nothing has a greater
ftnence to bring rulers and their laws into contempt, in
view of their subjects, than to see them the open trans
sors. For law makers to be Jaw breakers is justly repreh
sible, in the view of eYer)' class of citizens.' In suc~ a
it
,'({"vherein thou judgest another tbou cond~mnest thyself, fur
thou that judgest doest the same things, tThou, theref"ore,
ll'Jlich teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Tbou that
.preachest a man should not ste~l, uost thou, steal? Thou ihat
iayest a nJan should not commit adultery, dost thou commit
:adultery? ThoU thatabhorest idols,dostthou cOlnmit sacri~
lege?" / / . As it is with public teachers of J'eHgion and HI0T'ality, sa it
,is" ith ci\,iI rulers; their examples are of great importance
to enforce their precepts upon the minds' of pe~ple, And
wbile tbey teach good precepts, and their dai'~ examples
correspond, they are a terror to evil doers, and a I)raise io
them that do well. Not onl)' in their public an official acts,
but also in tlleir' l)rivate walks, they must hear deciaed les,"
.timolJY a.;-aillst all ungodliness and \-~orldly Ii!ts, ';Jiviug SO~
berJy, righteously and godly," Then "the ighteous shall see it and rejoice; ami aU iniquity shall sto hel' mouth."
But if rulers give countenance to iniquity, ei her by neglect
,ing to enact Ja ws for the suppl~ession·of' vic and immoral it)';
or neglect to adopt measures I'or,their faitb ul executioJI; and especiallJ' do t'ney explieitly- tI'am!l!e und .. foot the laws of
God and men, which ar-e against aU uugod~ines and unrigh
teousness of men--dG they s'peak lightly and yainly respect
ing the being alHl .J)erfectiensof God-llls universal provi..
deuce, which is over all the concerus of men-do they spea.k
lightly of OU1' accountability ·to him, or the tl'utl1 of the hol~
-scriptures; the observation of tpe sabbath, and all chris: ian
institution!, this <>.ontagious poison will cateb, like flames, a
.Dlong the people, whose deprave{l minds are pel'fectl y pre..
pared to imbibe such a corrupt exam!)!e and discourse. Soon
·,,;ill they become followers of those who al~e evil. Of course,
dleil' minds and habits being corrupted, the)' ripen fas.t for
i·he desolating judgments of heaven. And "w heil the vilest
men are exalted" to pQstsof civil tr~st and honor, "the
~~---- ~----... 12
"'ickcd walk on e 'ery side." Then, '\ 'imid leiv I rUle-"".,as a terror to e,v 1 doers, they must he correct 'u fheir
and exemplary in their -lives. They must be ready) at suitahle opport -ify, to admonish the profane and iUIII...
and dG£s lie .con{inue in his wieked com'ge, they In
JIim wish llt"gle-e-t, both as a. particular associate, and
giving him' _any place of civil trust ot· emolument._
~~metime8, 'Wiil restrain a man from hi~ nicked w-aYSt ()ther measures !Jroye ificllectnal. It must be truly Ibe
jug to a man, unless l~e be lost to all sense of honor all
Friety, to I'effect that he i~ despised and n.eglecte f
on account of his vicious habits. Gloomy and dange
deed, is the state of society, when, in the view of the
and especial y, of the rulers, vice shall loose her d,,·...
and disqualifying influence for eliteern and Ilromotion.
they shall 'ca I the proud liappy; yea, they that work w· ness shall be S ,t up; l'e&., when they that tempt God s
eveil delivered. Such corrupt 8entiments and practice-s
at the very vita of the ci\~il community. "Sin is a rep
to any people." It is disgraceful and ruinous.
Then if civil r lers have regard for the glory of God
sent them to rule over men, or for the best good of the
munity, over which they pl'eside, they will bear a decid t'jmony against ev ry srjecies of wickedness, both in sen··
o.nd practice; and on every spitable occasion, will lilt
sword of civil justice to punish evil doet's.
Aga.i'n. On. tbe otheI' lland, rulers shoul~ improve their
most endeavors for the praise and encouragement of til who do well. 'flus will lead th~m to inculcate the prinei
and practice of the christian religion, which is the
scheme of morality that leads guilty men to that which is e
sent~lIy and permanently good. "'There is none good but 0
that is God." And ther.e is no doing well in his sight,
in exereisin* bis holy temper, a.nd in havin{; respect k) all .
d~ And, through the plan of the gosn J, he hag,eom",aD •
ht os hoW' degenerate men, whose heart.s a: e enmity a .. aug t d '1" t" " h h" I h" I"• od may fin reCOllC: IU Ion WIt Im,)V avmg t leI aIDS 'w .. lleetions ehanged from the love of sin to the love of boliness~
lh n, tbroogh the merits 0 -. Christ, their sins may be all for~ t. n 'lnd they ""ill be inclined to \\ alk in the way of hisgive ,.oo" . eommands, with great delIght. Rulers, .therefore, wdl en
~oUl'age the Ministers of the g051lel to a faithf'ul discharge 0
theil' dut)', ill holding up to the vi~\V of the people, the <118
Jingui -hing doctrines of tbe graee of God; and that hoJy Jl.oactice enjoined in the gospel of Jesus Chriit. "Tbe grace of'
God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto a.1I men,
teaching us, that denying ungodliness antI worldly lusts, we
should Ji v,e soberly, righteously, and godJ)' in this present
,,·orId." "Godliness is profitable unto all fhings, having
promise of the life that now is, and that which is to
,come." Let these principles of godliness be thoroughly es
tablished in the minds of people, and he r~duced to practice,
nd they will "lead a. quiet and peaceable life in all godli
ness aJld honesty," under the good administration of their
magistrates, It is the same benevolent temp.er and holy prac
tice of the gospel, which qualifies men for rulers and subjects.
It qualifies rulers to be the ministers of God for good to the
people. And it disposes the subjects to be 'quiet and peacea..
ble, submiting to every or.dinance of man, for the Lord's sake.
Then it will be suitable for rulers and legislators, who are
the ministers ofOod, while they are framin,g laws to secure
the lives and property of their eonstituents, and for the 'equal
administration of jastiee) to do every thing, consisteJ;ltly in
their power., to support and encourage the religion of the gos..
pel, and to extend its divine influenC.e among the poop,le. .
By this, I would not suggest that civil rulers ought to ime
pose religious creeds and eonfessions of faith upon their sub..
jects; establishing;, wllat iome term, a na.tional reljg~on. All
-men have a right to think alldjudge for themselves, in reli
·as well as civil matters. Yet, let it be remembered, fha man has a right to think and judge wrong, any more than has to do wrong; though it may br in religious COhee..
Great caution, therefoloe, ought to be exelocised, when to our religious sentiments, Jest we should ~)e mure bia.sed by ]nclination of a de~ raved heart, than by sound reason, aDd worc1 of God. But what I would intimate, is, whet
would not be consistent, )rea; absolute dUly 1'01' chril rul )
manifest a supreme regard for God and the best good 0' spiritual kingdom, and adopt lSuch measures as wilT mo ectly eneom'age and promote the progress of' the ch
'eligion, in the hearts and lives of their subjects? Wh rosperity of the church was predicted, it was Sai.UI.·i'....
:'''kings shaH be thy nursing fathers, and theil' que
. ursing mothers,'"
Should civil rulers set up their bannelos against vice,
port the institutions of christianity, and encourage men 0
toe, would tbey not punish. the evil doer, and eucour
,good; and thus gain the object of their aI)poiutment?
'are many of the subordinate officers in the governmen
are appointed by the Legislature; tben if men of corre
virtuous principles, and of sober and discreet habits, frO
to religion, order, ancl good government, were distinguis
as 'objectS" of peculiar favor; and if, on the other haud, idle anti discipated, the loose and profane, the infidel and
despise~s of religion and vital piety, and those w40 ner;
religious institntions, were neglected, would it not be a mortifying stroke to the openly wicked, and a great .enoon
agement and animation to them that do w~U? In this rulers would let their subjects know, that men u,re to be
pised and neglected for their wickedness; and that they a
to' be noticed, encouraged, and promoted, in conseque
o their virt.uous principles a.nd correct habits. No stren~
of rational faculties or improvements in scientific knowledg can overballance a corrupt heart, and a dish~nest and ungod....
Jy lire, that the subject should b~ considered a proper candi
date for promotion and intrustmerrt with civil power and
honor. Ill. I now pass to consider the dUf)T of subjects under the
administlaation of civil governoAent. "Submit your~elves t
every ordiuanee of mall for the 14ol'd's sake, whether it be to. , the king as supreme, or unto governors, as unto tllem that are
sent b)7 hitH. For so is the will of God, (hat with well doiD~
ye may J)ut to silence the ignorance of foolish men.~'
This implies that it is equally the dut), of EH.l~jects to sub· mit to good and wholesome laws, as it is for rulers to enact
dIem. If it be fhe will of God that rulers should stand a
llis ministers for the punishment of e\'iI doers, and for the' prai8e of them tbat do well, it is also, his will that their s~b. jects should submit to all their laws and ordinances.
Hel'e it may be pl'oper to·observe, that 8.8 we are directed
by God to submit to the ordinances of rulers for his saKe, as
thos~ who are sent by hiiu for the pllnisbment of e\'il doers,
and for the praise of them that do well, it must necessarily
imply this proviso, namely: If their laws be consistent with
those laws which God lias revealed in the scriptures; but if
the laws of our rulers be contrary to the laws of God, then
we are not obligated to o~y them. For instance; should our
rulers command us to iwear profanely, or fals-ely, disregard
the Sa.bbath, take the lives or property of .our neighbor un·· .
justly, we shQuld be UDder no obligation to obey them. Yea,
it \Va-uld be wicked to do it, becal.lse it would be a violation
of the express commands of God, as metttioned in the third,.
fourth, sixth, eighth aDd ninth commandments of tbc decaa
logue. 'Ve ought to obey God, rather than men. The law"
nf men cannot disannul tbe commands of God. But where
the ol'diunnces of rulers correspond with those of God thei"
I
suhjects are muler ohligation to ohey,
sons; namely: First, FOl' the Lord's sake. "Submit Jourselves t•.
orclina..nce of man f'or the Lord's sake." That is, in 0 i to his commands. He requires it. The revealed will 0
is a law to men; but it is his revealed will fbat we s submit to the ol'dinances of our rulers; therefore, for his
we must comply. And it must he done with a supreqt
gard to his glory. Ruleri are Ilis lninisters, or serva
act for him in administering gOOf} to the people; . tberell
tbey al'e invested W'ith his authority. If their laws be
- ding to his word, and we violate them, we are guilty of •
iog the law and autbority orGod. The Apostle Paul OBa '~Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, for t~i:i~J
no power, but of Go(),-the powers that be are,ordained'Q1fltiftl
'Vhosoever, therefore, l'esisteth the power, resisteth the
llance of' God.,,. All men are naturally upon a level.
ruler is ele\"ated above his subjects, by their sutfrage,
authority of God, with which they are invest.ed. This at
ity, which God delegates to rulers~ gives them dignity
supremacy above their subjects. Then, for the Lord's Jet people be in due subjection to the ordinances of the' lers.
Second. The general good of the community requires. people should submit to the ordinances of their rulers.
is the depravity of the buman heart, that unless its lusts
passions were restrained, there would be no security tor
son or property. Hence th~ propriety and neeessityof
civil compact, in which ~ll the individuals of comma •
pledge themselves· to each other for their' mutual defeD" "1"0 obtain which, it is necessary' to appoint wise and judioio men, who fear God, men of truth, and hating oovetouSD to superintend the necessary and prudential.c&l1ceros of com·
munity;. and to ap~iot laws and reglllatioliiJ by which the
'ern themselves, and their conduct toward eacl1 othe!". are to 0'0' .
l:' 'e tl'e bonds by wllich the society are enclosed and kept'fbese at J w
Then s110uid those laws be dil1trega.rded, the ci vii toooetbe·r CO~0111Dity would come to desolation. But while every in
dividual ~heerrully submits to the wholesome la\vs of the land,
each supplying his own place, leading a quiet amI peaceable
life in all godliness and honesty, the whole body politic will
prosper, and it is well with them; and happy for them.
Though in some particular instance, what may be for the
general good, may crowd upon the interest of an in~ividuaI;
Jet, if he possess the benevolence of the gospel, he will cheer
fully sacrifiee his llel'sonal ease and property, to promote the
O"ood of the wllOle community, 'Wllich is vastly more impor
~ant tban the interest of an individual. 'l'hird. The interest of an individual is secured in·no oth
er way, :but by submilting to the laws of the co,nmuniry,
therefore it is his duty. ~Ien ought to consider that their
persons and property are secured through the protection of
the civil law. 'Vhat COQld an individual do~ were he cast
out, as it were alone, into the wicked w~rld of' degenerate men,
where be might be found against every man and ever)' man's
hand against him? He must soon be devoured. But through
the influence of God's law, and that of his civil ministers,
being attenl1ed with the power of divine grace, the hands of' the sons of \vickedness are restrained, and the rights of indi
viduals are seetHed; and society is made comf·ortable. But
(10 tbey resist the ordinance of the civil l'ulers~ wllich agre~s
with the laws of God, how can they answer it at his bar, who
will render to every man according to the deeds done in the
body,. whether they be good 01' bad? "Whosoever resisteth
the power l'esisteth the on~inaBce of God; and they that re
sist shall receive to themselves damnation." That is, temporal puni~hlllent at tbe bands of the magistrate, to whom the
iword i~ given; ,and eternal p~n ishmen at the bands of God.,
c
:i8
who will vindicate tIle cause antI honor of bis faithful 1111
tel's, heTe on earth, and , ... ill cast them into lleJI, unless a I" cere and t.imely repentance pre\'enL Then as people r
their _own personal profit and saft>ty? in this world or '\",hich is to come, let each individual readily submit
well enacf-ed laws oft.he r-ulers, 11'Jll'·th.- To be ohedient to the wholesome laws of
trates tends to suppress "ice, and encourage the virt
therefore, pcop.le ought to suhmit to them, "Sin is a re
to any people," and is the sO,llrce, from whieh individual
a community have any eause to apprehellll danger. It
nlC~ to- deny God, rl:'jeet his holy word, and defy his la s
tbose of his faithful minis-lei's, which leads to swift d~
tion. But righ(eousness, 01' religious sentiments and
exalteth a nation. It lea.ds men to acknowledge
brace his word, and submit to his institutions, civil an
gious. Civil rulers are sent. h)' Goel to discountenance'
punish evil doers, and to encourage the VII'tuoUS. It is rious fact tbat where ci' il la\\'~ are judiciollsly enacted
fuithfulJy executed, they have tlle most salutary effects u
morals and habits of men. The magistrate '''is the ml of God io thet' for good. But if thou do that which is be afraid, for he heareth not the sword in vain; for be i minister of' Go.d, a...revengc,' to execute wrath upon him
doeth eyit" Everyone, therefore, who is opposed to wie
ness-, and is a friend to religion and good order, wiIJ ub with the magistrate, and be ohedient to the civil statut~,
all godliness and honesty; that every 'species of vice may
suppre"seu, and tl'uth, ri~bteousue8§ and peace established.
JtVth, Let those, \vho profess to believe in the christian r
ligio~n, be obedient to the ci"'il institutions und~r which th dwell, that. wit 1 well d.oi~t~; they may put to silence the ilr'~'_
J'ance or -fi olish men. If 'is wen floing in the si~ht of til
Lord to obey magistrates. This will put to silence the e8Ulr' I.
laiots and clamors ~f ,ignorant, foolish and, w!cked .~en, Ph opposed to relIgIOn, and are ever declaumnp' agamstw 0 are its followers, as being unft'ie.ndJy to Ci\li1 order and gOllern
ment, with a ,-iew to turn the civil llower against them, This
was the stratagem which the enemies of Clu·ist improved a~
0' nst him, "\Ve fonnd t!jis fellow pel'\fel'ting the nation, ~
forbidding to gi,-e tribute (0 Cresar, salin~ that he himself is
Christ a king." But this was falSe. He wrought. a mit'acle to
furnish tribute money for himself and Peter, to })a)' to Cresar,
At anotJler time he said., "render unto Cresar tbe things that are Cresar's, and unto God the things that are God's." By this
it is e\'ideutl,)' the mind of Christ that God and t he civil magis
trate should be a.cknuwledged by all his followers, and each
receive his proper uue. The Apostles were accused of the
same c]'ime. '·These all do contrary to the decrees of Cre
sur, sayin;, therei§ another .king, one Jei;u;;,'" Though
Paul I}reached Christ and him crucified, as the l\'lesiab, the
Prince of Peace, King in Zion, yea, of the universe, who was
head over all things to the church, and who ordered and dis...
posed of all beings and events, so as to secUI'e his own glory, and the greatest good of his spiritual kingdom, yet, ·h~ testi
fied before Festus, '''Neither against the law of Ule Jews;
neither against the temple, nor }'ct against Cresar 11ave I of
fendc(l at all," And Peter, in the text., commands his chris
tian brethren to submit to every ordinance of man for the
Lord's sake, let them be· kings or governors. Thus it is evi..
dent that Christ and his Apostles did personally submit to the
.civil authority where tlle," d'","clt, and t.aught the same lesson
to all their followers, There is nothing; in the principres or
practico of lhe christia.n religion, ,,\,hich is fl'pugnant to the
best good of" the civil community; but they are allogether cal.
culated to promote its peace and haPl>iness. But the ,vain
and infidel philosophy of" the l>resent day, suggests that moral
and religious principles are of no importanc,c; that religian
20
and government are enemies to the Ilappiness of' ma und. tha.t individuals, or a civil community, especially an tbe fOli'li1 <1£ a republican government, cannot enjoy their It ties amI 11lghest happiness, unle~s they cast off' the shae
and restrictions of the christian religion. But expel'ienee taught the contrary_ This was e~emplified in the revolu
of Franee. 'Vhen t.hey e mmenced a republican forlll of
, vern~de.nt, t.he;y burnt their bihies, beheaded their priests,
aboI1shed the Sabbath and all reH6iou5 institutions.
their form of governrnent was soon lost: And as the ~atU
consequence of such wi ckedness, we find a nwrciless ty upon the throne of the kingdom, whose heart appear
be replete with ~theism and infidelity. But wit~ aU subtilfy, terror and power, h~ could not support his ciVil minion without, ~t least, the appearanc f.H~ ~ome kInd ~r.
ligion. Therefore, t~le Pope mijst be re~tored and a
ledged, an(l his religion, aga.in, be set HI) in the la~4. is it not said, in our day and nation, that the distingui doctrines of the gospel al'e reJlUgnant to the principles
republican government, amI that tbey must come dowlIj
they shall come down? Have we not reason to' fear
such objections arise, rather from atheistical and infidel " eipIes, than from any sincere a.ttacbment to republic
; vernme11l, or: trne patriotism? Every person of correct
mation, mllst acknowledge that such a form of governm ours can be sUPIlorted only upon the moral vir-tue of the
pIe; and that no system of moral instruction, ever. tang
mong men, was so well adapted to instil pUI'e sentiments,
encourage a correct practice, among every class of citi
as that enjoined in the gospel of Goll's grace. It teaehes
preme love to Gqd, and sincere good will to men-to be
ject to principalities-to obey magistrates, and to be rea
every good work. Then let all those who pretend to
the christian name, readily submit to the good ~dm~Qi8tra , ..
Gt their rulers; and with well doing- put to silence the igno. d clamors of foolish and wicked men, who are seek·nranee a .
• 11 Occ'-\slon a~ainst tbe religion amI followers of the meek lDg a ' <J
and lowly Jesus. Let their daily walk and conversation be
a constant convicti.on to tJle ungodly world around them, that
they JOye and fear tl e Lord; and have l'e~pect to all his
commalHls. I DOW proceed to ma.ke some r~marks upon wbat has beeR
said. First. If ci\ril government be an institution ~f God, t.hen he
ougllt to he acknowledged in its constitution. Do we believe
-in his being, and universal government, and our aecollntabiIi
ty to him? th-en nothing can be more rational, thall tbat these
.fundamental truths shollld be expressed in our systems of civil
government. Let it be exliil~ited to the view of all, that we
look up to God a.s our Supreme Governor; and that under him, and by authority derived from him, we organize ourselves into a state of civil goverument, with a humhle bOlle that his blessing will crown our exertions with success. 'Vithout
such an ackuowledgment, what reason have we to expect the .divine interpositio? and favor, without whi6h, all our exel~·
tions will be in yain.? "E~cept the Lord build the bouie they
labor in vain tbat build ,it: except the ;Lord keep the ci.ty, the
ketI1 b · ."watchman wa ut III Yam.
Second. If civil rulers a.re sent by God to govern the people,
~nd their commission and directions are contained in his word,
then they onght to believe ia the truth of the holy scriptures,
and adhere to their sacred precepts and pr~ctice. 'Vithout
the guidance and assistance of inspiration, what will tbe ru
ler do? His understanding is darkened, through the deceitful·
n~8S of sin; and separate fr.om that information which is con
tained in the holy scriptures, there is no access to that light
and wisdom from above, which God alone can give, and is
profitable tQ direct. But in tbis saered velume, every thing
which is llee.essary to be known, for rulers and snhjee
ti ve to this, or the coming world, is clearly )'evealed;
tlH~ gaspe), we are invited to the throne of grace, wit
hIe boldness, -"where we may obtain mere)', and find pe~",
help in time o-f need," And the leading precepts of the _pAl, are the best, for the regula.tion of civil so(~i('ty, of 8.81
aught to men, Every pe.rson of a seri()u~ aud candid
tion, mnst acknowledge that supreme love 10 God, and
goodwill to men, are the best calculated to promote th 'llimity, peace and IHl.ppioess of· the civil community•
.direct and dispose the subject to render to aU their
"Tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to '" bora fear to whom fear; bonor to \\ hom honor." If this t
were imbibed and put in pl'actice, there would b~ no the body. Then it is of great importance that ci....,'IIiiIIolu,
. mbrace the sentiments, and pursue the practice of.
pel; and use their utmost influence to disseminate its 8
111:inciplcs among the gl'eat body of the people.
Furthermol'e. Is it not of great importance that sllOuhl be -evangelically pious? This is neces~ary th migbt have a realizing sense of tbe infinite perfections
. God, whose ministers they are; and feel the solemnit importance ot" the oath, which qualifies arId inducts th
office; and theil' awful responsibility to him. . With
1y temper, they will feel atJ£cted with Jehovah's hODO ~
that pure practice enjoined in the sacred scriptures,
they will embrace for their guide. They will look upe
things of othel's, and feel for their prosperity. - This
lead them to reject that vain philosophy of the infit}eJ,
drowns men in perdition; and embrace that way or evangel·
"righteousness, which is life, and in the pathway ther
there is no death." They will detest every species of vi
and be engaged to suppl'ess it; aDd encourage and Slip
those things, whieh a"e virtuous and praiseworthy,
,
Let it be further observed, that pious rulers, as it were,
d between God amI the lleople, and ward oft' his Jesolat~ stan I')'h'] h d' . ell'• • daonlents. .I. l~ was t le appv con thon Oi . Sl'ae , II;!,lUg JU 0 ~
tile time of Moses, and tlleir piou!!! judges and kings, wha
adbered to the "'orship and illstitutio!l§ of beaven. But when
their kings and princes were wicked aml idolatrous men, then
tbe people were destroyed with the sword, the famine, or the
pestilence. 'I'be precepts and examples of those, who are
elevated at tbe head of tbe civil community, have a very sen~
sible and eXlensive influence upon their subjects. It is a mat..
ter of a very serious refleet.ion to all ,civil rulers to remember
that it was king Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who made
Israel to sin. This was done by his wicked precepts and ex
alDples. Then is it D?t of great importanct' to the people
that they have godly men to rule over them? And is it not of the utmost importance to rulers themselves, that they should
possess the holy temper of the gospel? That they might ~e
~ided by the Holy Spirit, into all truth; and by tile assist
ance of Almighty Graee, they will be found faithful; and re
lying on the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ, they will be ahle, at last, to give up their account with joy, and Ilot
\, ith grief. 7'hird. From what has been said, \,'e learn, that civil ru~
lers and the ministers of the gospel, are engaged essentially, in the same cause; which is to promote the,glory of God, amI
the best goml of men. They are both the ministers of God
for good to the people. If they magnify tlIeir offices, tbey
wil' certainly pursue the dh'ine glory.
The ruler lOoks more particularly to the, e.ivil good of meu,
ill this world; but in doing this, he has to attend to those mo
ral precepts and 1mbits, which the mjnisterof the gospel has
to inculcate to le~d his I)eople (0 ~he glory and blesse~lness of
the world to come. Then Loth have to discoulltenanee vice,
and encourage virtue, or the true religion of the 'gospel. In
the discharge of their official duty, each sl10uld take he IlimseJf, that he fa.ithfully performs ",,-hat God bas ~iree
"for everyone shall give account of" himself' to Gou," T '
being thus, is ,it not suitable that tile religious a.nd ciYil isters of God should nnite their exertions together, 'an
courage each others hear~s, and strengthen ~ach others ha in tbat great and gooel work to which they are called?
so in ancient times, .l\tIoses and Aaron were commis • to administer together in the civil and religions couee
Israel. They['were of eminent servi~e to each o~herJ
lived and walked together as bl'ethl'en; and the Lord b
them, and made them extensively useful to the people.
Zel'llbbabel and Joshua, under the appointment
acted in their clifferent capacities, the one a civil,
other a religious minister of God, in rebuildin?; the
and reestablishing the churcll and worship of God, at
Iem; and in restoring the civil polity to the people.
And thus did our pious forefatbers'. In times of
trial and danger, the eivil and ecclesiastical ministers united their friendly councils, and fervent praJers~
way, they incl'eased their mutual esteem and confid
couraged and strengthened each other in the right
ance of duty; and the arms of' their hands were made
by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob.
How happy would it be at the present day, could
hoM such fraternal affection and united exertions bet
civil and clerical ministers of God to promote his .glory, the best good of men, in the civil and religious commu
For a number of years past, it has been the object of a~~'
cal and infidel cbaracters, and men of corrupt and diui, haIJits, to insinuate, that the civil and religious departm have no connection in the communities of men, knowing
while they were united, they formed effectual barriers &0 \
the prevalence of corrupt sentiments and vicious practi
hat has been said in tllis discourse does it not ev" Bot front W
I a pear that they should unite and operate together? deBt Y P - - d hItTben "\Vbat God has Jome loget. el' et Dot man pu asull"
der." TJlt~n PlY dear Brell1reiJ, who al-e the ministers of Golf;
whether civil or religious, let us lJe persuaded to lay aside all animosity, party spirit, and unfriendly feeljng~, and sincerely
until our utmost exertions, by preocept, prayer aneI example, to
correct the errors. and immoralities of the present day-Through tbe astonishing increase of' corruption and wicked
nesS nJnong the people, our civil republic is made ,to tremble
to its center; and without that repentance and refurmation, ,,-hich imply a forsaking the lying 'vanities of this world, and
turning to the fear and service of the living God, we are an undone people. "Destruction and misery are in OUl' ways_"
God is ang.'y with us, bis judgments are abroad in the land, and he threatens our overthrow. Then will not every minister of GOl) whether civil or religious, who feels the spirit of
his station, in sueh a day as this, he found, as it· w.ere, he,. tween the porch and the altar, weeping and crying, "Spare '!ty people 0 Lord and git,e not thine' heritage to reproach_"
"If so be that God will think npon us that we pel'ish not."
"Lord reviv~ thy work, in the midst of the years, in the "midst .of the years make k.1l0WIl; ill wI'alb rememher merey."
l!Gurll1. This subject points to one principal source of our
D,ational calamities. The people, at large, Ilave not beeD at
tentive to obey the good and ~'holesome laws of their ruler~;
especially,- those which reslleet mor~Jity and religion.
'Vhether our rulers Ilave been particular and' faithful, as
they ought to have been, to suppress vicf\, and prevent its .in~
erease, is a matter of serious enquiry.. But let that Le. as it
may, we know that a great proportion of t.he people, at le'ast, hav-e shamefully and· wickedly neglected to submit to many
of the well enacted la\\;s of 9ur rulers., Ii there not gr.eftt
D
guilt upon the people, for the violatiolt of the SablllU~
fane and false swearing, an intemperate use of ardent
for gambling, and such like? These are erying siB. land, for wbieh, our nation .groans and bleeds under the ge-s of Almighty God. These are a violation or the
Goel and men. And while they tend greatly to d.."1..
the civil magi!5trate in the discharge of his duty, it has pro.voked a righteous Goll to con,e ~~t in wa!s ofJud
, gainst os. But while we have reason to mou:11 for our siqs all
cafe those dr~ac.lful cala~ities under which we labor, .
still canse to f!l~gnify the name of a long-suffering those numerous privileges with 'wllich we are hies this day, again behold the Legislative Council of f
assembled in this bouse· for their annual s(\ssion; to
and adopt the best me~sures to promote tbe lleaee and of their constituents. . .
'Vilhout noticin;; the particular grades of office,
compo$e this honol·able body, they will please to iod
'"ith the freedftm of a particular address. Suffer me to remind you that you are not ollly t~e
tatives of a f'ree and enlightened people; but you are !s(ers of God, sent by him for the p·unishment ~r evil
and for the llraise of them that do well. Then, in' deliberations and results for the weal and ~rosperi~
people, you will, attentively, keep i~ view this leadiD§
of your appointment from heaven. 'Vhile you behold with deep anxiety the deplorat.le
tion, in which, our once highly favored land is now"
ed, in consequence of the unhappy and destructive-war
which we ar.e engaged;- an4 the di'JisioD and party .
whieh prevail ~moDg the people, you will be led to ibqo
from whence did aU this arise? Surely, there is a ~Ule.
bDJy laws of G~d; a.nd those eivil statutes which respeet
'fb
...,a1.oonduct of me~, have been tJ"O(I~en under. ro~t, aBel the ssors are suffered to go unpunished. V Ice IS; at least,gretrans "
:implicitly countenanced and .supported; wflile virtue and true
nligion have be-eo oBliged to retire. for want of encourage
ID8nt and support. For t.bis God is ang...y with us and his
judgmentsar.e abroad in the land'. Tben ~l'.{)uld it not be lay·DIP dle axe at the root .of all our diffieulties, to discountenaneeI l' I •
,and suppress vice of eve·ry kind, and encotfra§C and support every thing virttlollS' and praisew.orthy? \Vhile there are prew
cious numbers engaged, in various parts of our natio-n, ttl ac~omplish this important .w.ork, I ki.ndly solicit your aid. and pa.tronage. Let the "'hole fO-fce o-f your e'x3Inple, authority
and influenee be levelled against all ungodliness and unrigh
teousness of men. Is it not a duty you owe to your God and
Governor-to the civil community over which you (lreside~
and ·to you'r bleeding country, which is sinking under the eIlor
JDOU~ weight of her accumulated guilt? Yea, is it not a duty
,00 owe to thousaDds of individuals, who are perishing in
their sins of open immorality and ungodliness, who need )'our
kind and faithful assistance ·to save them, not only from temporal and civil destruction, but from spiritual' and everlast.
ing wretchedness'? May you have the spirit of wisdom and
righteousness.to guide you into all truth, and dispose your •
hearts to adopt measures wbich God will own and bless for th'e reformation, peace and happiness &1 the people. May YDU be supported from on high, under aU your trials, in this
dark and difficult day. May you be faithful in your heaven·
)y Master's cause, keeping a conscience void of offence toward
God .and to\yard men. And on that solemn day when ,yOIl
must st~nd before that God whose ministers you are, may you then reeeiv.e his heavenly plaudit, 'Well done good and
faithful servants; you have been faitllfu} over a few things,
I will Dlak~ you ruler over many things, enter ye into tb~ ?"'-f/J/(I4A
joy of10U Lor<l.' --' . .
28
I win close f iis discourse with a fe,v wOl'ch to tbis nu l..US assemhly.
'I'his subject and the perilous situation in Wllich lliilltli
QUi' land, caB aloud for the reformation of the people.
ry freeman is under solemn oath not tu do any thing, di
or indirectly, to the injlll"y of the civil community; but
species of open vice and immo.'ality is of essential ()m"....
Then are we not all guilty? If not in personal transgre
yet, in that we have been given countenance to those,
]lave Imblicly violated the laws of' God and the civil st
What does it avail for ministf],§ to llreach the institotiou
God; and for civill'ulers to enact laws for the pl1nishm evil doers 5. and for the praise of them that £10 well; .
people wiiI not heed 01' obey? 0 be persuade this day:
from your" evil ways, and come up to the elp of the
and to tbe deliverance of our guilty nation; and join wit lll'ecioU!; few, both ill the religious, and civil communities.
are exerting themselves to work a gentruI reformation'
corrupt habit.s and morals of the people. Let none "
couragetl, as though the difficulties were iosurmountab
Jet eyery individual refo."an for himself, and this grea
good work is accomplished, at once. And '~who ean t
that God will think upon .us that we perish lWt." 0111'
is ill the name of the Lord· \\--110 made lleaven ~nd
Tben, "retnrn we beseech th-ee 0 God oi hosts, look
from heave.n amI behold and visit this vine, and the viney wl~ich tby right hand batb planted, and the brahcb that
madest strong for thyself.-Turn us again, 0 Lord G
bosts, cause thy face to shine, and- we sbaH be saved.-.a
