A Discourse Delivered Before the Vermont Legislature

DISCOURSE, DELIVERED BEFORE THE HONOURABLE LEGISLATURE OF VERMONT. ON THE ANNIVERSARY ELECTION, OCTOBER 10, 1822 BY JOHN LINDSEY, cay MINISTER IN THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Chocked May 1918 MONTPELIER, Vt. PRINTED BY E. P. WALTON, 1822. PUBLIC AN ELECTION SERMON. PROVERBS, xiv. 34. RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTETH A NATION. THE friends of religion will forever be pleased to behold the members of the Legislature, assembling round the altar of their God, to pay their adorations to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, at the time when they are about to enter upon the duties of their highly important and responsible stations. No class of citizens need, more than legislators, the aid of that wisdom which is from above; as none have a more difficult task to perform, or a greater share of influence in forming the character, and promoting the interests of the community. And this wisdom, we are taught to ask of Him, in whom are hid the treasures of infinite knowledge. It would, therefore, on this occasion, be as foreign from the views of the speaker, as from the necessity of his hearers, and their design in coming to appear before God, to entertain them with political discussions, or attempt to instruct them in the science of legislation. But it is our duty at all times, and it may be more especially so on the present occasion, to consider, that righteousness exalteth a nation; while sin is a reproach to any people. The term righteousness, is of vague import. It is applied both to God and man. Either the justice or the mercy of God is his righteousness. The Lord Jesus Christ is our righteousness, when we receive him by faith, as our Saviour. The just and benevolent deeds of men, are also their righteousness; and when those principal virtues are generally practised in a nation, they constitute the righteousness of that nation. Hence some understand the author of the text to say, "Righteousness exalteth a nation; and the beneficence of nations is their expiation." There can- { not be a more pleasing or a more just observation. According as nations exercise mercy, compassion and justice towards others, they will obtain the favor and protection of God. It is agreeable to consider the expression in this view, in an age, when, however defective we may be in the estimation of severer moralists, there can be no doubt, that the high virtues of benevolence and humanity shine forth among us, with a distinguished lustre. For which we may hope, the God of compassion will still look with a favorable eye upon our land, protecting us with his mighty arm, and blessing us with his fatherly kindness. Righteousness is taken in a larger sense, for an exact conformity of heart and life, to the will of God made known, either through the medium of his works, or written word. Those who are favored with the latter, are not at liberty to make the former the standard of their righteousness; since the volume of revelation carries our views farther than the volume of na ture, and is a more perfect rule of duty.

The righteousness required in revelation, is of two kinds-the first relates to God, the second to our neighbor. The first branch of this righteousness, subdivides itself into what we are to believe concerning God and a future state, and what actions we are to perform towards Him as our Lord and Saviour, We are required to trust in him, with an entire confidence, love him with all the heart, worship him in spirit and in truth; and glorify him in our bodies and spirits which are his. The second branch of this righteousness, consists in that upright moral conduct, which we are bound to observe towards one another, in this world. This requires, that we consider the relations we hold to our fellow creatures, and that we carefully observe the duties required by these relations. Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor, and that not for wrath, but for conscience sake. The same rule of righteousness requires also, that rulers be just, ruling in the fear of God, that they love mercy and hate covetousness. It teaches the relation and duties between ministers and their congregations, parents and children, masters and servants, and between neighbor and neighbor. It goes farther still, and requires a universal exercise of justice and benevolence, and that we conduct toward all mankind as we would that others should conduct toward us. Christian morality is a very different thing from heathen morality; not only as the standard is more elevated, but also, as it is enforced by additional authority and motives. eousnes. That righteousness which exalteth a nation, must be a national righteousness; and to constitute a national righteousness, this must be the character of the government, or of the body of the people, or of both. Indeed, there is such a connection between the government and the people of every nation, especially where the government is elective, that it is difficult to consider, how either can possess an exclusive rightThat righteousness therefore, which exalteth a nation, must be common to the government and the people. But righteousness is found in different degrees, whether we consider individuals or nations. There is an infancy, a manhood and maturity, in this science. Righteousness is so connected with, and dependant on knowledge, that it can never extend beyond it. There is need of higher attainments in this divine science; and this should kindle in our hearts a desire to know more of the character and attributes of God, of the nature and wants of our fellow creatures, and the means of pleasing him and serving them. There is a close connection between righteousness and prosperity. We have seen this exemplified in numerous individual cases, and it is just as true of nations as of individuals. …