The Anniversary Election Sermon

Ma. B A c K Us; ELECTION-SERMON, A SERM ON, PREACHED BEFORE HIS EXCELLENCY 7 SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, Esq. L. L. D. GOVERNOR, AND THE HONORABLE THE. GENERAL ASSEMBLY „„ STATE or CONNECTICUT, ConveneD AT HaRTrORD, on THE Dar or THz Annivzreary ELECTION. 1 Mar gth, 1793. Br CHARLES BACKUS, A.M. 4” Pasrox or A CHURCH IN SOMERS», | HART FORD: PRINTED »y HUDSON axv GOODWIN, — , STATE of CONNECTICUT: At a n gegen of the State of Connecticut in America, | holden at Ti on the nigh RDERED, t he Hon. THOMAS \SEYMOUR, and REUBEN SiKts, Esqrs. return the Thanks of this A embly, to the Rev. CHarrtks Backus, for his Sermon delivered oh the Tate Anniversary Election in this State, and to desire a Copy thereof, that it may be printed. A true Copy of Record, Eadmun d by GEORGE WYLLYs, Sec'y. ELECTION SERMON, GALATIANS VI. 10. As we have, therefore, opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the housebold of failh. 15 | © 7 LOOETEn T of Jesus CuhRISsr, proclaims 1 © Glory to God in the highest, and on ear h peace, good will towards men.“ Governed by the virtue of the gospel, we shall not confine our good will to the small circle near us, but shall extend it to all mankind : Nor shall we. rest satisfied with the transient glare of a few splendid actions, but shall go into a practice, which embraces the whole extent of duty incumbent on man. The exhortation in the text, is a conclusion drawn from the promles of everlasting life, made to the faithful in the preceding verses. The exhortation addressed to the church at Galatia, contains a command which is binding on all men. It requires the an an ELECTION SERMON. performance of those duties which fall under the denomination of acts of beneficence ; and to do good in every other respect, as opportunities occur, to the whole family of Adam. No one can comply with this command, without con. sidering man as possessed not only of certain appetites and desires, in common with the ani. mal creation, but also of an intelligent and moral nature. If this last be left out of the account, man cannot be considered as an object of the benevolence which is required in the divine law.

Tur Apostle places great stress on doing good to them who are of the household of faith. The reason is obvious: True christians resemble in some degree, the merciful Redeemer of sinners, who went about doing good — like him, they make those benevolent exertions which exvress good will to the whole human race. It is impossible to possess the affection, which embraces the greatest portion of intelligent happiness, without feeling at the same time a peculiar attachment to those, whose actions declare that the law of universal love is written in their hearts. These, as the ornaments of our race, and the lights of the world, claim our special love and attention. The accurate and impartial observer of mankind, will find much more to praise in the good man, who passes all his days in the vale of obscurity, than in some who are recorded as the boast of their nation or age. Since principle and conduct form the true distinction of rank, we shall deviate from rectitude, and set a pernicious example, if we estimate worth by station ; or susser ourselves to be governed by the censure, or applause, of the ELECTION SERMON. 7 proud and the vain. On the subject of real worth, we may, however, safely venture an apto the moral sense, or conscience, implanted by the Creator in the human breast. When this is enlightened and solemnized, all men think alike, uniformly speak in commendation of virtue, and acknowledge it te be necessary for their guide and support. Were not this the case, there could be no propriety in holding up divine revelation before all; nor could the christian minister be justified, in making the gospel the theme of his discourse on every occasion, Tur passage of scripture chosen for the guide of our meditations, may, with propriety, on the present occasion, lead us to discourse on the imortance of christian virtue to the civil ruler. he obligations to promote the common cause of virtue, must fall with the greatest weight on those, to whom most talents are committed by the great Lord of all. The superior obligations under which the civil ruler is placed to dissuse happiness, must be in proportion as his station rises above the ordinary walks of life. Nor can any stand in greater need of the guidance of divine wisdom, and the supports of divine grace, than he who is called to the laborious and difficult task of ruling over men.

To shew the importance of christian virtue to the civil ruler, it is neceflary, in the first place, to attend to its nature. This will a pear from a brief survey of some of the leading leatures of the christian religion, and the effects which it tends to produce on the principles and manners of society. > 211 8 ELECTION SERMON. .. CarI8TIANITY,- must recommend itself to all, who will give it a fair and candid examina« tion. In the sacred pages, the attributes of the MOST HIGH are unfolded, in a manner which is suited to anspire the-reverence, command the love, and encourage the hopes of man. All our relations to him, with their connected duties, are clearly brought into view; whether he is confidered as our Creator, Ruler, Lawgiver; Redeemer, or Judge. - Weare taught that * in Gop we live, and move, and have our being,” and are constantly reminded of our obligations; to act up to the diguity of a creature placed at the head of this lower world. …