Election Sermon

SERMON, ig; * DELIVERED ON THE DAY OF GENERAL 7 * ELECTION, 09) gat MONTPELIER, OCTOBER 14, 1819. ‘i ohaei Sy Tait 7) af } Ae war 1 Ay 13 ie PAUL EE i az ¥, $ sy ant } CORT RS ) 338 yet eR sit sided ¥s Poul ved om Ve TH Wah Bits a Aess ocadolo' ee Royo ivieme " MT BY JAMES CONVERSE, A. B. PASTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN WEATHERSFIELD. Published by order of the Legisiature. Oe MONTPELIER, Vt. 5 PRINTED BY E. P. WALTON, OCTOBER, © ~ i | 1819. 5 * 252.6 C769 copy 2 =| La a = , , , ee GO RY + og hey In General Assembly, October 15, 1819. Resotvep, That the thanks of the General Assembly of Vermont be presented to the Rev. James Converse, for his Sermon delivered before the Legislature on the 14th day of October, inst. ; and that a copy be requested for publication. Al true extract from the Journals. Wu. D. Surrn, Clerk- md H, G. Rugg, Bequest 1957 ELECTION SERMON. DEUTERONOMY, Xxxil. £7. It is not a vain thing for you ; beeausg 7 is your life. MOSES, divinely premonished of his approaching dissolution, assembles the revolting tribes of Israel, and in a manner which displays, equally, the vigour of his piety, and the purity of his patriotism, addresses them his solemn parting council. _ The grand point, which the patriotic prophet enforces, as of sipreme importance, and which all his benevolent instructions concur to impress, is a cordial subjection to the rightful authority of the supreme Ruler, as manifested in his revealed laws. This he urges upon his countrymen, with peculiar tenderness of feeling, and energy of expression ; not as matter of mere convenience, or trifling importance, but as essential to their prosperity and happiness, as individuals, and as a people. It is not a vain thing for you; because itis ‘your life. : 7 we . - Vermont Historical Societr -? * ae The words, in their connection, contain the following proposition for discussion. Religion is the only sure basis of permanent security and happiness to mankind, both in their personal and social capacity... vORTDS To elucidate and impress this ial is the chief design of the subsequent discourse ; and it is presumed, the theme selected will not be deemed, by this enlightened audience, either unimportant, or wholly foreign to the present occasion.

In illustration of the subject, it is proposed to ripen -L. In what religion coasniially; consists, and, nin fluence. upon ‘personal character and condition, II. Its importance to the — yn inp af comers y odid aK ‘Iti is id bg to shew, i in what Oa fe essentially consists, and its, influence upon personal char. The many discordant opinions among mankind, in every age, on the subject of religion, have afforded infidels matter for much profane reproach, ‘and have — proved, perhaps, more than any thing else, the “occasion of confirming many of them in their fatal érrout! Observing the christian world divided into, numberless sects and parties, they have exultingly inquired; if christianity, be from heayen, in iis nature;and, iesdency so harmonizing, peaceful, and happy; why are men, even ils professed yotaries, so much unagreed, eo miserably divided, respecting what iti is, and what, it requires ? ave phahinitet ‘In answer to all sceptical objections’ of this’ kind, it is sufficient to observe, the divisions, in question, do not arise from any want of evidence of the divine” ofigin of the bible; nor from any obscurity in’ the natare and essential properties of that religion,’ which it reveals and inculcates, but from the depravity of the human heart. Men are ‘no more divided, on religidus, than on other subjects, in which their passions and prejudices are ‘equally interested, - Moral darknéss enivélopes the human mind. | Evil affection’ sway tHe sonl of fallen man. Sin i the criminal eause of all the discord in the moral world. Let this cause be remoyed, and the painful effects will be seen and felt no more. ‘The religion of Christ is so far from, pos-., sessing an inherent tendency to discord and division,, that it contains the only principles upon which mankind can be truly and Jastingly united in happy society. . Considered as existing in the heart, it essen- - tially consists in the, supreme love of God, invelving a subordinate benevolent affection to his creatures. This unrivalled affection to the infinite Being, in disfinction from all counterfeits, constitutes the essence of true religion, the proper life of the soul.

ee But it should be observed, by religion in fallen ereatures, in the present introductory state, is not intended that perfection of obedience, which is due to the Creator from all his intelligent offspring—of which he is infinitely worthy—which his perfections justly demand—which hely angels and spirits of the just made perfect in heaven, incessantly render him ia fulness of bliss. To this sinless perfection of holiness, poluted mortals can lay no just claim; for there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth not. Perfection is not intended. But by the supreme love of God is meant a degree of moral conformity to the Divine Character—a measure of that holy impartial affection, of which his attributes jastly claim an absolute perfection—a portion of that divine temper, which the gospel inculcates and inspires. It is the exclusive prerogative of sinless intelligences to love and enjoy God in perfection, in the pure mansions of heavenly glory. It is the privilege and delight of all good men on earth, to love and obey him supremely. ‘There is no true regard to the Creator, except what is supreme. Not any other is required in the sacred volume, no other constitutes any part of personal religion. The love of God constitutes ihe essence of the christian temper. …