Christian and Civil Liberty and Freedom Considered and Recommended

A true Copy of Record, Examined by GEORGE WYLLYS, Sec'ry.

AN ELECTION SERMON.

GALATIANS vth Chap. 1st Verse.

Stand fast, therefore, in the LIBERTY wherewith CHRIST hath made us free.

HOME-FELT joys, this day, possess our breasts, on account of the distinguishing blessings of LIBERTY and FREEDOM, which illustriously exert themselves, animating the members of this community.

LIBERTY! the darling of generous and noble souls, extends her hand once more, without controul, to give in her suffrages for men to rule us in the fear of GOD.

WITH gratitude to the Almighty Preserver of our privileges, we see the returns of this joyful anniversary; and the leaders of this people assembled, to implore wisdom and influence from heaven, to conduct our public affairs at this difficult and trying day.

GLOOMY and threatning indeed, is the cloud impending our land and nation. Our privileges, civil and sacred, p. 6are imminently endangered. Under these alarming circumstances, the admonitory language of divine providence and revelation is this, Stand fast in the liberty wherewith CHRIST hath made us free.

BY an allegory borrowed from what is written concerning Sarah and Hagar, and their respective offspring, the apostle had been illustrating their distinguishing privileges: Immediately upon which, our text is introduced—of a noble import, considered only as respecting christian liberty. But it is proposed, upon this occasion, to apply in a more general view, what might be suggested with a particular reference.

WE have glorious privileges asserted—liberty and freedom belonging to us, not merely as men, originally created in GOD'S image, holding a distinguished rank in his creation, but also as christians, redeemed by the blood of CHRIST. The divine author, purchaser and bestower of all these mercies and blessings, expresly mentioned CHRIST JESUS, who, by his perfect obedience and the sacrifice of himself made compleat atonement for sin—purchased reconciliation with GOD—temporal favours and blessings for a ruined world, and eternal glory for all that truly believe in him.

p. 6HERE is also a very important duty, enjoined by the highest authority, to exert ourselves in maintaining and defending our liberties and privileges. Stand fast, &c.

AS our privileges, civil and sacred, are nearly related, each one being a part of the grand whole; so we shall consider briefly,

OUR LIBERTY and FREEDOM, CIVIL and RELIGIOUS.

BY whom these were PURCHASED for and BESTOWED upon us.

p. 7WHAT is IMPLIED in the DUTY ENJOINED, to STAND FAST THEREIN.

FIRST. As to our liberty and freedom, civil and religious. These may be considered as general terms, including our inestimable rights and privileges of a civil and sacred nature.

MAN was originally formed such a creature, and placed in those circumstances that infinite wisdom determined it was not good for him to live alone. The glorious CREATOR put him under strong and endearing obligations of convenience, inclination and necessity to induce him into society, furnishing him with reason and language to continue and enjoy it. For perpetual solitude the human mind was not adapted, nor the strength of an individual proportionate to his necessities. From hence society appears convenient and necessary.

THE state of nature is a state of freedom and equality. No one can therein challenge a superiority over others. Every man was amenable to GOD alone. Nor could he invade his neighbour's property, or abridge his natural liberty, without violating one of nature's most sacred laws. In this apostate world, the inability of moral virtue renders government absolutely necessary.

THE motives upon which individuals made a particular surrender of that plenitude of power which they possess in a state of nature, are abundantly obvious. For, though in that state, no one was subject to the controul of another; but in this respect was absolute lord of his own person and possessions; yet every one being his equal, and the greater part no strict observers of justice and equity; the enjoyment of property, in this situation must be very precarious. Therefore he voluntarily relinquishes that condition which must necessarily p. 8be attended with unceasing fears and dangers, to unite with others for the mutual preservation of their lives, liberties and properties. But then—freedom from absolute, despotic power is so necessary unto, and closely connected with a man's preservation that he cannot part with it, but by what forfeits his preservation and life together. [Vide Lock on Gov. Blackst. Comment, &c.]

p. 8WHEN mankind form into society and submit to the necessary restrictions and subordinations of government, it lies with the people, under GOD, to determine who shall make and execute the laws by which they shall be governed. Man's liberty in society is to be under no legislative power, but that established in the common wealth; and to be subject to no human laws but those enacted by that legislature. These are conceived to be first principles, coeval with time, and sanctified by use—of importance in the disputes of the present day.

As to the rights and immunities of a free state, we have been most highly favoured of the LORD. When new states were founded upon the ruins of the Roman empire, a free form of government, obtained in Great-Britain and various other parts of Europe. Under the Saxon heptarchy and after the union of those kingdoms, liberty prevailed in England, as history informs us.

UPON the Norman conquest, despotic power was established by King William the first. His son, to secure his crown, solemnly engaged to restore it's ancient laws and government. Similar promises were made by some succeeding Princes, who neglected the due performance and involved the nation in a bloody war. The Barons and people nobly exerted themselves to recover their liberties, 'till the charter of British privileges, the Magna Charta, was solemnly confirmed by King John. Sordid p. 9attempts have since been made, to deprive the people of their inestimable rights; which have ever involved their authors in wretched misfortunes; terminating in the loss of their lives or crowns. The lawless endeavours of Charles the first, to establish arbitrary government, introduced a civil war, which raged until his blood quenched the flame. His son, King James the second, enterprized absolute rule, and had almost subverted the civil and religious liberties of his country. At this critical time GOD raised up, and the people, vigilant of their rights, invited over the Prince of Orange; upon which James abdicated the throne and kingdom. Thus hath GOD preserved our nation, in times past.