An Election Sermon

AT MONTPELIER, OCTOBER 13, 1825, BEFORE THE HONORABLE BY ROBERT BARTLETT, Minister of the Universalist Church and Society in Hartland. MONTPELIER: PRINTED BY E. P. WALTON. Feheneeeeee See eee eee ELECTION SERMON. s Our text is contained in the Acts of the Apostles, xvii. Chap. 28 verse. ** For we are also his offspring.” } THE language of our text expresses the relation which connects man to his Creator. ‘This relation _ is of the most endearing kind, and merits at all times the reverential consideration of every human being. In no sense does the christian religion present itself to us with a greater or more important interest, than in the representations it gives of the character of God, his relation and love to his creatures. * This relation and love form a theme, upon which _ the contemplative mind dwells with rapture and delight ; and are the very moving cause of all praise _ and adoration to the Supreme Being. _ The christian, therefore, whatever may be the pecoliarities of his faith, or to whatever denominaey + ary) |! 6 Bs: tion he may chance to belong, will ever be d lig ed with the consideration of that affinity which uy him to his heavenly Father. [ He will also be made happy in the dis that God is the Creator of all things, that all be do owe their origin to Him, and that his le hi, compassion are exercised over all the works of hands. The sentiment of our text corresponds with has been noticed. It asserts that men ar spring of God, “which implies that they children of God; if children, then, in a natural brethren to each other. r bi This two-fold relation, in which reason @ elation represent us as sustaining toward God toward one another, is closely connected w Ww of the most important duties, which we « bi t ciety as citizens and christians. ii While this relationship is kept in view it exercise its influence in regulating the feelings dispositions of men toward Ged and each o thereby secure to them the greatest blessings Ww they can possess, in this transitory life. Ba It is a truth, that there is nothing in the intercou which we have with men, but what will be a by a just sense of this universal ie iF . Se man race. With this consideration, I have coil ject not an unsuitable one, on the presen invite the attention of au enlightened assembly of Christian Rulers ; as it naturally suggests a principle, which should ever serve as a directory to them, in the performance of all their public and ‘official duties. In illustrating our subject, we shall attend to the following propositions. First, We shall offer a few remarks upon the perfect nature and character of the Supreme Being. Secondly, Notice that relation which connects and endears our heavenly Father to his rational offspring. | Thirdly, Bring into consideration the obligations which the human family are under, to love, serve, and worship God. Fourthly, Consider the duties and moral obligations of men toward each other, whether they are in public or private stations. 4. Torational beings, nothing can be more important and interesting, than to know the nature and character of God. Destitute of this knowledge, man cannot worsbip his Creator understandingly, nor will he discern the goodness of God, as it is exhibited in creation, providence, and redemption. That we may, therefore, have correct and enlarged views of the Divine Being, it will be necessary, _ that we study the principles of nature and divine revelation. These will afford us, when properly examined, all that information on the character of God, which we need. We would, however, remark, Previous to into consideration the Divine character, th that it not to be expected with our most faithful im ment, that we shall obtain a full and perf opement of Jehovah’s goodness in this life. * must wait “the great teacher, Death,” for the, ing and disclosing of those immortal blessings, w God has reserved for them that love him. ' ‘ However, this should discourage no one inquiry after truth and righteousness. [ hk very improper for a person to say, that h not try to know any thing, because he had that he could not know every thing. Tn | uniformly given up all exertion for improy when they saw obstacles and embarrass me s them, what would now have been the state ety with us. Instead of civilization,:wh joy, in a good degree of refinement, we sl had savage barbarity ; instead of a repul ernment, in which our American people. ty and equality, we should have had m anarchy ; instead of having our minds expz in q the light of science, we should have been su ignorance and gross darkness; instead of # of christianity, which elevates the mnt r mates the soul, to worship the One onl liviog God, we should have been pay like others, to gods, whom our own made ; and, instead of comfortable, el venient mansions, to screen us from the bi : . of the summer’s sun, or shelter us from the inclemi? ency of the wintry storm; we might have had noey? thing better than caves and dens in the bowels of ; the mountains. _ © Allthese blessings which we so richly enjoy, and which distinguish us from many other nations and . people, have been given us by the mercy of God, and to Him we should render all the praise. 5 We will now come more directly to the important consideration of the perfections of the Deity. ag It will be readily understood by this assembly, as _ jt has been already suggested, what method we - ghall take to exhibit the perfections of God. This we shall do by noticing his creative goodness, his | preserving mercy, and redeeming love. …