The Importance of Religion

p. 3The importance of religion in the civil Ruler, considered. / A SERMON, / Preached before the General Assembly / OF THE / STATE / OF / CONNECTICUT, / AT / HARTFORD, / On the Day of the Anniversary Election, / MAY 14th, 1778 / By CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY, A. M. / Pastor of the first Church of Christ in New-Haven. / NEW-HAVEN: / Printed by THOMAS and SAMUEL GREEN. 1778.

A true Copy of Record,

Examined by

GEORGE WYLLYS, Sec'ry.

p. 5AN ELECTION SERMON.

“The God of Israel said, the rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God;---and he shall be, as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass, springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.”

THESE are here recorded, as some of the last words of King David, who could say, v. 2. “The spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was on my tongue.” The very solemn introduction used in the text “The God of Israel said, the rock of Israel spake to me,” demands universal silence, and the serious attention of all, but especially of those, to whom the following observation has a peculiar reference, “He that ruleth over men, must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”

p. 6The fear of God in the sacred writings usually signifies a religious character in general, or that principle of action, that regard to Deity, which produces a truly religious character and conduct: and thus the expression is to be understood, in our text.

The salutary influence of civil government, under the administration of men of such a character, is here beautifully represented, “by the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds,” and by the smiling appearance of the vegetable world, upon clear shining, after a rain. What more striking or beautiful Images could have been used?

This passage therefore very aptly leads to the consideration of the importance, and very salutary influence of religion, or the true fear of God, in those, who are entrusted with the administration of civil government.

A discourse upon any topic of civil policy is rarely to be expected from the sacred desk; but with propriety, and therefore with a decent boldness, may the fear of God be recommended, and urged upon all, by a minister of the religion of Jesus Christ, tho' he be one of the most undeserving.

The worth, and salutary influence of religion, of the true fear of God, to every one, who is the subject of it, is much greater, than my abilities would suffice, fully and justly to describe. It sanctifies and ennobles every office and every imployment, in private or in public life. It is the source of the most refined delight, and truest honour, in this world, and it leads to compleat felicity and immortal honour in the life to come. No less just, than p. 7beautiful is that elegant representation in the book of Job. “Where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? The depth saith, it is not in me, and the sea saith, it is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the onyx, or the sapphire. No mention shall be made of pearls; the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued for the purest gold. Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?” It is added---“God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. And unto man he said, The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.” * Thus, God being Judge, who cannot err, religion, or the fear of the Lord is man's true wisdom, and of inestimable value, to every one, that possesses it. It has the most happy tendency to render him comfortable in himself, and a blessing to others, whatever his station in life. But it is, in many respects, of peculiar importance, in those who act in any public and difficult station, and particularly, in the civil Ruler.

p. 7Very weighty, many times, are the burdens, that are laid upon the shoulders of the civil Magistrate, arduous the duties of his office, intricate and perplexed the causes of public concern, in which he is called to judge, and to act. Now there is a support under the burdens and trials of life, and an animation to the performance of numerous and difficult services, arising from the principles of religion

* Job 28, 12, &c. p. 8and a genuine regard to Deity, which nothing else can yield; and which indeed is much better and more fully known by experience, than from any the most accurate and laboured description.

Take a view of the story of a number of great Characters, of godly and renowned Rulers of God's ancient people, from Moses to Nehemiah: To them, under all their burdens, services and dangers, a firm belief of the great principles of religion, and an habitual attention to God, was indisputably of unspeakable benefit. Thro' faith, they performed their great exploits, and were animated to the various and arduous services of their respective stations, and were supported, when their spirits were ready to sink. By faith they could adopt, under apprehension of the most threatening calamities, that triumphant language, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” * Such was the language of the pious Psalmist of Israel.

Hear another celebrated antient, when breathing out the genuine spirit of religion, and manifesting its strong and salutary influence; who, tho' not a civil Ruler, yet sustained an important public character. When he knew, that he was surrounded with perils on every side, and that sufferings and trials of various kinds awaited him, he could express himself in that truly heroic manner, “† None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to me, so that I may finish my course with joy, and discharge well the office, with which, it has pleased p. 8* Psalm 46. 1, 2. † Acts 20. 24. p. 9the Lord of the universe to entrust me,” Such was the mighty influence of the great principles of religion, firmly believed, upon the mind of the apostle Paul. Nor was this peculiar to him, as an Apostle; by the same influence, the civil Ruler may be rendered superior to every hardship, to every danger, and thus may be made more eminently useful.