A Discourse on Unity

DISCOURSE, DELIVERED QN THE Da¥ OF GENERAL ELECTION, 4T MONTPELIER, OCTOBER 9, 1817, BEFORE is EXCELLENCY JONAS GALUSHA, ESQ, i GOVERNOR; HIS HONOR PAUL BRIGHAM, ESG. _ LIEUT. GOVERNOR ; THE HONORABLE COUNCIL, AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF VERMONT. SS BY PHINEHAS PECK, ELDER Gs THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LYNDON. === JESSE COCHRAN, STATE PRINTER, WINDSOR, VERMONT. 1817. ONITY: A SERMON, PSALM CXXXUEL. 1. . ghow good and how pleasant itis for brethren to dwell togetier in unity / HE occasion, on which this Psalm was composed, “Jess interesting, than the sentiments which it contains.— "The unit of the Israelites, or church of God, under their - Fenensation, is doubtless to be understood. ~~ The appellation, brethren, has been applied to children of the same parents—to men of the same profession of the same craft—to all of the same nation and lanaze—to persons of the same religion—to all who agree political opinions—emphatically, to all who embrace christian religion—in the most extensive sense, te all the descendants of Adam. — We shall first discuss this subject, generally, as it relates to all men ; andin the second place, particularly, as it regards christians. Tove and harmony constitute the happiness of families, communities, and nations. _ I. We shall consider the unity of nations, and its _ Thattheterm, “brethren,” is justly applied to the whole human family, will be acknowledged by all, who sincerely subscribe to the doctrine of revelation. That all ations have descended from Adam, is indisputable.— Some, indeed, have attempted to prove the contrary ; but their labours have been unsafisfactory, and have ended in disappointment. We then assume the doctrine of inspiration, that God, “ of one blood, made all nations of men tor to dwell on all the face of the earth.” What ? Are all nations, with their diversif and features, to be denominated brethren 2? They | Must the white, and most polished nations, acknowleg, their brethren, the Savage, the African, and the Hott. ‘The conclusion isunavoidable—they must. Do wa sess rational, immortal souls ? So do they.” Are yy, countable to our Almighty Creator, for our cone are they. Are we the purchase of our hele 5 and suffering ? Are not they also ? This subject i is introduced for a more im pose, than merely to establish our fraternity by and redemption. Are we entitled to certain eo rights? Has not-the God of nature entitled the same? God is no respector of persons.” — If all nations were as_ willing to do justice act it; to allow to others the rights and immu wish to enjoy themselves, they would all agree t lowing principles of justice and reciprocity. Wie Th at every man is born free—born a citize H world—is at liberty toseek his happiness, and fix h dence where he pleases ;—while h ie is peaceable q vades no man’s right, his liberty cannot be taken him without his consent—that he ought to have the laws, by which he will be governed—a y choice of officers by whom. his person, liberty, erty shall be protected—that no man’s life, — property, ought to betaken from bim against his will according to ‘the laws of that social compact, of wh is 4 member and in which he has a voice, | If it be adinitted, that all men are equal by n: na tu entitled to the foregoing immunities, willit not fol royalty and nebility do not-exist in nature, but aret fects of art, by which equal rights are deste These are some of the en, by which a = Tt cannot Re raionally supposed, that thee 1 can long be supported, or progpered, who, volte T and sacrifice the puvileg ges of other nations, u pretence Of miaiaiuiniug ‘their own. ‘Pur we are fully aware, that, in the present corrupt 4.48 of the world, just principles are less to be relied on, state terest ; therefore, the reciprocal benefits of commerint ercourse ought to form another principle of unity © at of hatred. | Payttn, ) | the want of regarding these principles, been ‘the occasion of all the wars, revolutions and slavery, that hare eve been witnessed upon earth? — itt But man, fallen, depraved man, unwilling to be the qual of his fellow, will ever be wracking his brain, and suring his imagination, for the downfall of others, that foe may risé Upon their ruin. He would acquire wealth, ¥onor, and-power, at the expense of those, who are far peter qualified to use them, than himself. _ ad _* ft was this disposition, that overthrew the ancient sepublics of Greece and Romie, and others of more modem date.

'_- jt was the same haughty, tyrannical spirit, that would 7H eenslaved the American colonies forever; and that J tothe late desperate, but foiled attack, on the indepen- “Aence, the liberties, the privileges of the only remaining sepublic upon the globe. ~~ It is an indubitable truth, that, while we acknowlLi nde noking,* but ‘“ The King of kings,” no’ sovreign, but the people—no ‘mandates, but the constitution and | ws of a free country—no civil authority, but the elected ‘olicers of a free people—we shall not only be the admifation, but also the envy of theold world. — - Imperial power may aim its deadly shafts—Royalty ‘nd Nobility may hurl their thunderboits against us; but While we are united in maintaining the principles, which ‘avery great majority of our country have been aiming to ‘support for centuries, with a suitable reliance on the God ‘Olsrael, we shall have but little to fear. ay 'Kingly power is contrary to God’s original plan of government.— When his chosen people desired a king, they were reproached with havng rejected the Lord as their King, and their king became a curse untotem, and in anger was takenaway. The strong arm of tyrannyshall be unnerved,the league of European crowned heads, to support Poyaity, must be dissolved—their trembling’ thrones will be remeved. …