Election Sermon

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Attest, EDWARD McLANE, Clerk.

☞ The Address to his Excellency was omitted in the delivery, by reason of his lamented sickness and absence.—A few other sentences also are here inserted, which were not delivered; and vice versa.

THEN THE MEN OF DAVID SWARE UNTO HIM, SAYING, THOU SHALT GO NO MORE OUT WITH US TO BATTLE, THAT THOU QUENCH NOT THE LIGHT OF ISRAEL.

"TRULY light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun." This great source of light was early formed by the Creator's hand. "He saw that it was good." It has ever since been the beauty and the glory of its system. Its most extensive beneficence is as necessary, as its splendor is illustrious. It is essential to the gladness, the guidance, and the support of the various inhabitants of the globe. It is peculiarly the life and the beauty of the vegetative creation. By this the enamelled meads are dressed in their richest robes, "surpassing SOLOMON in all his glory."

With great wisdom then and propriety, did the men of Israel use the delicate and strong figure of light, p. 6to give an idea of the splendor and benignity of their ruling Sovereign. The two principal ideas contained in this metaphor, are beams to guide, and rays to cheer; or, guidance and comfort. When applied to a just and good thing, it signifies that he governs with wisdom and righteousness; and to the joy and felicity of his subjects. DAVID himself uses the same splendid figure, in the sense of the text. "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of GOD; and he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain."

The men of Israel, wiser than many in this day, duly appreciated the blessings of good government, and highly tendered the precious life of their sovereign. They trembled at his personal danger. They blodly opposed his design of going to battle against his rebellious son, and prevented his exposure of himself. They answered with all the fervor of love, and the firmness of patriotism: "Thou shalt not go forth: For if we flee away, they will not care for us: Neither if half of us die, will they care for us: But thou art worth ten thousand of us." What noble sentiments are these! And what sterling worth! It was for a like cause, and on a similar occasion, that they spake the words of our text.

p. 6DAVID had wearied himself in battle, and spent his strength. A gigantic foe saw his advantage, and had nearly improved it, and taken his life. ABISHAI, one of his Generals, possessed of presence of mind, stepped in a moment between his prince and death; saved him from the hands of his huge antagonist, and gave the monster the fatal thrust. On that great occasion, "his men," with equal reason, "Sware to him," saying, "Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel." How happy is such a prince! How blessed is such a People! Could I do any thing, which should promote such happiness, I should surely be happy too.

p. 7I suppose I should do but little to this purpose, were I to spend time to prove that civil government is a necessary institution, evident from the nature and circumstances of mankind; that it is agreeable to the will of the Supreme Ruler of the world; and that it may be administered in such a manner as to be of very various and extensive benefit to society. There is, I conceive, as little reason to induce me to show the comparative excellencies and defects of the several forms of government, which different nations have adopted. By the help of all these, the union has formed constitutions, perhaps, the most excellent and eligible of any yet thought of. To offer to our Rulers of this State, with modesty, and yet with zeal, some plain directions for an happy administration of our public affairs, is the business before us; with the resulting duties of the People.

If Rulers would be the light and joy of the People, it is essential that they bear a kind and parental affection to them. This is a principle animating and persevering, and essential to a joyful activity in duty. Civil Rulers are in a station exalted and important. The consequences of their conduct are of a very serious and weighty nature, deeply affecting the interests of the community; while they are seeking the welfare of the People, affairs may come before them of a very perplexed and intricate nature, calling for their united wisdom, probity and patience. At the same time, their unwearied and laboring services may not receive from the People that approbation, which they merit. The best measures of their administration may be disapproved and blamed, and censured as wrong; neither calculated, nor even designed for the public good.

p. 7Under these and similar circumstances, how necessary is that love of the People, which flows from a regard to GOD, and christian principles! Here Rulers must rise above present considerations, and act agreeably to their stations, and as accountable to GOD. They must view themselves as the Fathers of the People appointed by p. 8GOD, and reason to take care of their interests, and promote their welfare; although they should prove unthankful children, perverted by ignorant men; or such as are restless, discontented and seditious. Knowing that they are "ministers of GOD for good" to the People, they must attend to that very thing. And a sincere aim to promote that, animated by benevolence, should never be neglected a moment. A desire to be useful, and bless mankind, should rule in the hearts of all; men possessing the station and influence of Rulers, should greatly cherish it. They cannot rule us in the fear of GOD without it.