The Only Method to Promote the Happiness of a People and Their Posterity

At a Council Held at the Council Chamber in Boston, Thursday May 30th. 1728.

J. Willard, Secr.

AN Election-SERMON.

DEUTERONOMY V. 29.

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my Commandments always; that it might be well with them and their Children forever.

HAPPINESS is what all Mankind are in an eager pursuit of, in this there is an unanimous agreement: But where it is to be found, wherein it consists, and by what Methods to be obtained; has been a controversy agitated by those, who have been under the sole conduct of the dim light of Nature. The greatest Sages in the Rolls of Antiquity, the brightest Philosophers p. 2(however successful in their enquiries after and discoveries of Nature) here have been various and perplexed in their Schemes, for want of that additional light of Revelation, which we thro' the distinguishing Goodness of GOD enjoy. This is our great advantage that unto us are committed the Oracles of God. [Rom. 3. 1, 2.] The sacred Volumes wherein are contained the Writings of the Inspired Pen-men, set this matter in a clear and shining light, this not only informs what and where it is, but how we may attain to it, directs to the measures by which we may, and without which we can't arrive to the enjoyment thereof. This happiness and Blessedness is to be found in GOD alone, agreable to that of the Psalmist [Psal. 144. 15.] , Happy is that people whose God is the Lord. For there is no other Object that has that durable and substantial Goodness, as to be able to satisfy the desires of a Rational and Immortal Being; and in this doth true happiness consist, viz. in the acquiescence of the Soul in such an Object. Those that have sought after it else-where have or will find their mistake, and in the end subscribe Solomons conclusion [Eccl. 1. 1.] , Vanity of vanities, vanity of vanities, all is vanity.

The acquiring of this Happiness, is what every Rational Being will endeavour, unless he renounces his reason, and submitteth to the conduct of a vitiated will, and corrupted affections.

There is another desire (besides that of their own happiness) in which Men almost universally p. 3agree; soil the Good and Welfare of their Posterity. This seems to be an Impression stamped on the whole Rational World; yea and in some degree on the Brutal too, by the GOD of Nature: and the want of this Natural Affection in any, is by the Apostle rank'd with the most odious and detestable Vices [Rom. 1. 31.] Such Monsters in humane Shape Nature has sometimes produced; & whose detestable Names are upon record to their eternal infamy: such an One was Liberius whose common saying was [Dion. Lib. 57.] 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. When I am dead let heaven and earth be all in flames, I regard it not: but Nero that blemish and scandal to humane Nature mends it with,〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Yea while I live, let it be so [Sueton.] But these are exceptions and their sayings were a renunciation of humanity, whose Names ought not to be mentioned but with abhorrence; nor written except to render them odious. But this is a truth that for the general is undeniable, That Men have a concern for the good, and prosperity of the succeeding Generations. They do not only enquire after, and seek for their own personal felicity, but are desirous to lay a foundation for Posterity to be happy upon; that it may be well with their Children after them. So that it is a matter of importance, & that which concerns us all, what steps to take, what methods to pursue, that we may secure to our selves & to Posterity, a durable and permanent happiness.

p. 3Now this is what our Text directs to, viz. To fear God and keep all his Commandments always'. p. 4This we are told if we do, (which GOD of His infinite Grace grant we may do) it shall be well with us and our Children for ever.

The words in our Text may be considered, 〈…〉 ◊ther,

1. As expresive of the gracious desires of a bountiful and merciful GOD; for the happiness and welfare of the Children of Men. O! that there were such an heart in them, &c. The manner of Speech plainly denoteth the greatness of his concern for the Obedience and Happiness of His People, and their Posterity. The Grace and Goodness of GOD terminates not on the present, but extends to succeeding Generations; and his desires are not only that they would serve Him, fear Him, and keep His Commandments; but that it might be well with them for ever. And GOD doth not absolutely and unconditionally will their perpetual felicity, but that they may arrive to it in the ways of his appointment, by an universal & constant Obedience to His Commands, which are Holy, Just and Good▪ There is an inseparable connection between these, so that whoever aspires after happiness by any other Methods than that of Obedience, will assuredly meet with disappointments, and miss of the end proposed; and on the other hand, whosoever serveth the LORD with a perfect heart and a willing mind, and persevereth therein to the end, shall most certainly obtain that bliss and happiness, which GOD of His infinite Grace hath promised to reward His faithful Servants & Followers with. Thus GOD was graciously concerned p. 5for His people of old, and no less are His regards to His Covenant-people now; and herein appears that Grace, that Goodness, that Condescention, as gives us just cause to say, Lord what is Man, that thou takest knowledge of him? or the son of Man that thou makest account of him? Man who is like to vanity, whose days are as a shadow that passeth away, [Psal. 144. 3, 4.]

2. These words may be considered as expresive of the duty of GOD's People, viz. To fear God and keep his Commandments all, and always, and as a Motive to urge and constrain to the practise of their Duty, viz. That it may be well with them, and their Children for ever. …