Election Sermon

S E R MON PREACHED BEFORE | HIS EXCELLENCY John T. Gilman, EIq. W RN THE HONOURABLE THE „ PRESIDENT or Thü SENATE, 8 E N A P E AND . | Henke of 5 OF THE STATE OF MEV. HAMPSHIRE, At AMHERST, June 5, 1794, BEING THE DAY OF THE GENERAL SLED TION - By AMOS WOOD, A. Minister of the Gospel i in Weare. 0 — PORTSMOUTH: NeEw-HAMPSHIRE, PRINTED BY JOHN MELCHER, PRINTER TO THE STATE, 1794. — =P epi In tht Aron oe th no 234% rer EPI0es qPIn Pages nah n O * — SIE 2 ra 8 3 Nee. 4 A AN Election Sermon. + ISAIAH IX—7. Or TRE INCREASE OF HIS GOVERNMENT AND: PEACE, THERE SS BE NO END. P: the volume of 3 which contains the only sure and perfect rules of instruction, we are favoured with truth, exhibited in fair and lively characters. All things that are necessary to be known, or practised by us, are manifested in a clear intelligible manner, whether with regard to our Creator, his being, perfections and moral government, or with respect to ourselves, our obligations of love and obedience to him, our connection with the intelleQual creation, the state of our own souls, and the life that is to come, The whole duty of man, in the various departments of human life, is 3 drawn ME Ree drawn up in a method, that is plain, concise and comprehensive, and in all respects. suitable to our relations, connections and circumstances. In the context there is a prophetic declaration, which includes a promise of deliverance from various and complicated afflictions, by the introduction of a most eminent and illust rious person, v,—6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a fon is given, and the government shall be upon his shonlder ; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty GOD, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” It is manifest that the character above described, is applicable to none, but to Immanuel GOD with us, and that the inspired Penman, adverts to the person of the Messiah. As the present is an eventful period, andgovernment 1s a subject of particular contemplation, we shall propose that part of the system of revealed truth, which respects the moral government of our Divine Redeemer, as the subject upon which our thoughts are to be employed in the following discourse. The scriptures of truth contain the most rational ground of belief, that the Redeemer's government, in its nature and effects, is peculiar, distinct, and independent of all wordly governments, it is therefore presumed that a discussion of this weighty and important subject, will correspond with the feelings and sentiments of this respectable audience. The Anniversary which we celebrate, is connected with circumstances agreeable and interesting. It collects together a number of the most diftinguished citizens, in the different profes— sions, and has a happy tendency to unite them in one common bond of social compact. It realizes to them their connection with, and dependence upon, each other for a considerable part of their temporal felicity. With suitable impressions of the sub; ect under consideration, we shall attempt, I. To delineate the government, of our Exalted Redeemer,and shew some of its pecuHarities, and II. Point out its design and end. Should the speaker in the ensuing discourse, submit z ; 1 nfs every es of As get x op OY professional gentlemen, to whose province it percede the neceslity, and importance of civil which might arise in the minds of individuals, ties. Divine Redeemer, may be considered in a submit the discussion of such subjects, as are of a political nature, to those experienced more immediately belongs, he still flatters himself, that the importance of the subject in contemplation, will solicit a candid reception. Here let it be particularly noticed, that when we bring the divine government into view, nothing is to be understood, as suggesting any idea, which has a tendency to sugovernment, —Our temporal felicity principally rests upon the wise and impartial administ ration of justice. The peaceable possession of property, and tranquility of life, are greatly dependent upon the tribunals of our country. Having anticipated an objection we shall advert to the subject. Apreeable to the method offered for consideration, we are in the first place, to delineate the Redeemer's government, and show some of its peculiariThe government which is peculiar to our — — two fold sense. His moral government, which he sustains and exercises as King in Zion, is in certain respects, distinct from that of Supreme Ruler of the Universe. As Supreme and Universal Ruler, his government extends to all created beings, and worlds, to regulate, direct or limit, all events which ever did, or can exist in the universe, with infinite propriety and exactness.—lIt is consonant to the dictates of reason, and Revelation, that he should exercise the same unlimited authority, over his irreclaimable foes, which he asserts and maintains among his willing and obedient subjects.— Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies,” In this part of his government, he appears in the exalted character of © the Prince of the Kings of the Earth,” and has upon his vesture and upon his thigh, a name written King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.“ When we contemplate that part of the Redeemer's government, in which he is represented as King in Zion, it appears more particularly mediatorial, In the character of Mediator, he — . - * at ICS — — A as wing por”. is considered as head over all things to the church.“ This part of his government, principally consists in settlfing the difference between GOD and his people, and procuring the bleslings of eternal life and happiness, for all who believe. Ir is peculiar to his office as Mediator, © to finish the transgressions, and to make an end of sin, to make reconcilation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness.” In the mediatorial government, of GOD our Redeemer, the introduction and permanent establishment of peace among all his obedient subjects, is an object of great weight and importance. True peace, has its existence in friendship and love, there can be no just pretensions to it, upon any other princtple.