The Anniversary Election Sermon

AN ELECTION SERMON.

And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it: If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good wherewith I said I would benefit them.

THIS passage of sacred writ is peculiarly adapted to infant states. From hence, and the two verses next proceeding, we collect the general rule of the divine allotments towards political combinations—what will, on the one hand, assuredly recover them from the brink of ruin—what may, on the other ◊and, prevent their exaltation when favorable prospects open upon them.

p. 6THE present hour in the sanctuary will accordingly be devoted to a subject, which may at no time hereafter be so seasonable. And the candour of this venerable auditory is relied on, while I offer some sketches on the providence of GOD in the rise and fall of empires—the vestiges of it encouraging us that the American confederacy may be built up—the obligations of a people for whom great things have been done, and upon whom such prospects are opening—the danger, in our circumstances, of presuming on the smiles of heaven, and the quarters from which this danger is to be apprehended.

THE near relation these things have to the situation of our public affairs will apologize for my not calling your attention so particularly to the origin of government—the ends of magistracy—the character of a good ruler—and the duty of subjects.

FIRST, The governing providence of GOD is presupposed—a doctrine clear from the necessary dependence of creatures—the uniform course of nature, and special interpositions—implied in the supposition of a revelation. GOD'S government is alike manifest in the natural and moral world. To a Being of infinite perfection all things are alike easy. It is, moreover, of great moment, that the dominion of the SOVEREIGN of the universe be considered as guided by unerring wisdom, and immutable holiness and goodness. In this view our subject represents it. And hence it is equally the object of fear, pious resignation, filial joy and confidence.

p. 7THIS doctrine, the foundation of natural religion, revealed illustrates.

The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Promotion cometh neither from the cast, nor from the west, nor from the south, but GOD is judge: He pulleth down one, and setteth up another. His counsel shall stand.

It is in his family, the universe, as in a great house, wherein are vessels not only of gold and silver; but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor:—Words which, however immediately intended, may be accommodated to different orders in a civil community, and the rank different kingdoms hold among their neighbors. Some are strong, and others weak; some are above, and others beneath; some are the head, and others the tail. [2. TIM. ii. 20. DRUT. xxviii. 13.]

WHATEVER instruments are employed in building and planting kingdoms, the divine hand is to be ultimately eyed. All power is of God. HE raiseth up, as well as removeth,

the mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prudent, the counsellor, the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator,

who, in different ways, contribute to the exaltation of their people. To HIM are to be ascribed their abilities, the time of their coming on the stage to assert the rights of their country and mankind, their sphere of action, the acceptance of their services, and term of their usefullness. And to whom but HIM, who turneth the hearts of an whole people as the p. 8hearts of one man, shall we attribute the union of public bodies? the concurrence and strenuous exertions of all ranks for the common safety?

THE same Being turneth wise men backward, divides public councils, sends civil discord into kingdoms, defeats military enterprizes however well concerted, and fills with terror those who seemed to be made without fear.

At thy rebuke, O GOD of Jacob, the stout-hearted are spoiled, and none of the men of might find their hands. Thou cuttest off the spirit of princes, and art terrible to the kings of the earth. The wrath of man shall praise thee; the remainder of wrath shall thou restrain.

p. 8Good rulers are his ministers for good. Cruel tyrants are the rod of his anger.

I have created the waster to destroy. The MOST HIGH ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and SETTETH UP OVER IT THE BASEST OF MEN.

THESE things imply no other divine influence than consists with the moral perfections of the DEITY and human liberty. Far be it from GOD that he should do wickedly.

IF it is asked, Why doth not GOD govern the world without the instrumentality of subordinate agents? As well might it be asked, Why did he not determine to save the world without the intervention of a mediator? With respect to both it should satisfy us, that so it seemeth good in his fight.

p. 9"AT what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it." From what vestiges of providence may we infer, that this language comes addressed to us? It were to be wished that this SECOND enquiry could be answered by referring to the traces of a real reformation. This would be the strongest assurance of the continuance and enlargement of our liberties. But, O America! saved of the LORD, hast thou not revolted more and more?

DIVINE providence doth not precipitate events: There is an harmony in its distributions. Bodies politic, like the body natural, have their periods of growing to maturity and decay. Some States go to decay sooner than others, as some persons hasten on themselves a premature old age by various excesses. But judging from analogy, is it to be supposed, ill-deserving as we are, that the desolation of this country is near? a country rescued more than once in circumstances seemingly desperate. From the justice of our cause, past salvations, and present prospects, may we not hope, that for his own name's sake the GOD of our fathers will make known his salvation in the sight of all nations by humbling our oppressors?