An Election Sermon

—" AN ee ng ELECTION SERMON, Bet i, , o£ get: an € Ss § a = j PSALM, cake Me ay KINGDOM iS AN EVERLASTING KIN _ MINION ENDURETH THROUGHOUT _ 4 Tas kingdom ; and this dominigaiwhich “are thus anand durable, are none other than the kingdom * of the great Jznovau. rt ‘generally admitted, that a good government sent ‘to the happiness of moral nts. In this d dominion of our Lord, a vernment is Tt is perfect in all its parts. The laws and o es thereof are obligatory on all intelligent creatures, ox] they cardially comply therewith, they will render them pletely happy; but if they » they expose thems to everlasting deotrneti The great founder of this om and dominion, is the onJy objeet which we should worship, and Being whom ager 3 e. Among the laws, is an imporit one: + hou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him - only shalt thou serve. We derive light from the material pert to corroborate and 1 establish the truth contained in our text. The order in which the planetary system is arranged; the harmony of the motions - and reyolutions of the heavenly bodies, whilst floating im an ‘ ELECTION SERMON. unbounded expanse, together with the suecession of d night, summer and winter, seed time and harvest; all con to show, that they originated from one selfexistent, in infinitely good, wise and powerful Being, and that t still under his care and guidance. In the formation of man, we may exclaim with the Psg ' that he is fearfully and wonderfully made, Psalm, ¢ xX And who should be his supreme Lord, but the Author ci existence? and by whose laws should he ‘be govern by who is God over all blessed forever; not perform e are left without exeuse. For “ the ible ae of Him from the ereation of the world are ¢ seen being tnderstood by the things that are made, e eternal power and ead, so that they are withou Because that when they knew God, they glorified him God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their in ations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Since th declare the glory of God and the firmament shewe landy work, m must be most criminal and ble if they do not admire, adore, praise, love and se and inexpressibly happy when this good work is perfor From the light of nature and divine revelation, this being clearly established, that the great Jehovah is our ful Sovereign, that we cluded in his kingdom, an he hath given us laws to regulate our affections and eo I shall proeééd, . F I. To mention some of the regulations contained in th vine government, which the inhabitants of the earth are b to observe throughout ‘all generations. Y Il. I shall attempt to shew that no government ean bt tablished by any nation, or aet done by any indivi position to the divine government, but what is founded i <a ELECTION SERMON. ae ns full of criminality, and productive of the greatest , ! ee aject is copious; hence, my audience eannot expect to do more in one short discourse than very briefly to ‘mention a few important institutions which the great Gover_ nour of the Universe, hath appointed for the well ordering, and happiness of the human family. And, jst. 1. am to mention some of the regulations contained in the divine government which the inhabitants of the earth are pound to observe throughout all generations. The principles upon which this government.is founded are recorded in Matthew, xxii. 37, 38, 39, 40. “hou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, afd with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it.» Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all _ the law and the prophets. F From these principles it is diseernible that the divine governPca extends to the thoughts and intents of the heart, each. % individual being required to exercise real benevolence cil “give an expression thereof by rendering unto “ all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” In the divine government there is an appointment of men, clothed with certain powers, for the regulation and good order of nations and communities. “ For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Among the several titles given to men, having authority over the people, they are called gods, rulers and shepherds. As gods, , under the great Jehovah, they are to judge his people for him, and, when judging, to judge righteously, making his perfect laws their chief standard in all their decisions, condemning the guilty and clearing the innocent; knowing, when on the seat of justice; they are under the omniscient eye of the é ELECTION SERMON, Supreme Judge, who judgeth the judges, and i will means clear the guilty. ‘ As rulers, they are to regulate the internal eo people, where their Supreme Ruler hath given 1 no re¢tions, and protect them in the enjoyment of thei ble rights. And as shepherds, so far as it is in theit to provide for the wants and necessities of those who a mitted to their eare. oe In the divine government the eharacter of ralers i “ The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of Whilst the Jewish nation was governed by a Theoer special provision was made for their support; yet, si inspired Apostle has spoken of paying them tribute, being reasonable, it is proper that a suitable peeum ward should be given them for their services. Submission and obedience are due to rulers, and F alconnected with a severe penalty. …