* 252.68 Haynes, Sylvanus, 1768-1826. H333s A sermon delivered before his excellency

the governor. • •

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HIS EXCEllENCY THE G01ERNOR,

HIS HONOR

THE LIEUT. GOVERNOR..

THE

HONORABLE COUNCIL,

AMn

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF VERMONT

At M.otpelieT, October ] 3~ IS09 ;

BEING THE DAY OF

GENERAL ELECTION.

BY SYL;~'\~;'HAYNES. PI\ST01t. OF T·•.£ BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHR.IST IS/

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PUBLISHED BY ORD£R 01: THE LEGJSLATU1Uf

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J f-fP//I&?z(( Af~. HurCHtNSOAT, OIl motion and Ita':):, ir.troduted a res·

olution, <whicb W4I read and adopted, at follows:

IN GE~nRAL ASSEMBL\', OCT. 13, 1809. RCSOt.\'EO, ThaI Ll commiUU of /Idet members from 'bis

hOllle be appointed to wa:'1 on the RE.v. SrLY4.VUS HATA'El, and ntlJrn th~ IhanlJ of 'h:r house for hi.r urman dtlivCTtd or. Ibe ucand ThllTsdaJ of Oa. insl. '"jur, 11K I':UQ }}(}Url:l if lbe !~. islaluTe. and requu/ Q copy /btr~J f~r tIlt frtlS.

Tix ctmlmdtu app:Jinttd /0 rd~rn tIN thanks oj 'hc hOlue. /0 the R~. SJ'/~amu -HaJ.JIU fur hu sn·t1I~};"z tkIJ'urea or. cia/lIm Ja~. alul rrquu/ (6 c"1'J (hereof for the pral, ".,adt re/X,-I,

TbaJ kIT. Bayus WID furnuh a 'Db tif the lenll')", for theprell.

Ordrrtd.ryTh~ /Ix ckrllrarumiJ a cop] of Jiu urmm dt-/~. a:don Ik l~kl"II..b.1 tbe Rn:. SJ/'UlJnus Hoy.us, lothes:uJe', pnn.Jn-, rtquut!nZ h!", tD flirnuh thiJ horae 'With OIU ib '<ll~_"" ~q}:U. ou....

E.'o;/rQ~JI frr;m the journals•

./ltter'. W. D. S MITH, CIeri.

• - J )

A SERI\10

....:.\', •

PlOY. rlv. 31-. Ri:hutiutneu o:al/dh a nfl(wn: but SlIl is a r~proach to 0111 people.

T HE passage of holy writ W11ich we have selected as the ground of our meditations upon this import .nt

~ occa<;ion, arc the words of the wiiest man, and probably ):n of the greatest statesman who ever lived. He is 1>y way ~ of eminence called TH/! QJi.re mll.OJ. And although we find

in him a mixed character, and a melancholy insUUlce cf ) .. hUn1311 fallibility; yet virtue and piety finally gained tlle {

ascendenc)", and held the sceptre in his heart and life. Having proved all thiT;1gS, both;~ it respec:tt'd his dome!­tic concerns, anJ the affairs of state, he concludes, (and his conclusion is sanctioned br the voice of revehtion) tha~ righteousness and that alone cxaIteth a nation. and renders it respe<:tablc, and tbat sin is a reproach to :lny

,.,. people. He found that any good form o( government was establisllcd onl.J in righteousness.

Righteousness reigning in a na:i0:"1 put.. rLl: llO'nr,r tlJ. co it, anJ adds a bles!i.ing to it. A 1-ighte:ms aJminiJ'tT<l.. tl0n of government. impartioll equity between tbe citi~ens ; religion, not mutilated nor degraded Of the imposi~ion of hum:ln inventions and institutes, nor oppres.seJ with per_ secution; the. profes;ion ~u.I practice ot virtue; the pre. tecliuh" 3:td preferring 01 virtuous men ; these things eJ..· aIt a lIation. They strengtllcn and cm1hrm the govern. mcnt, they (-!::vate the people's minds, and fit thl;'ffi for th~

(.lvor of t!le Most High. \Vhile Oil the contrAry, .... ~.;~ r~ndcr5 a people despicable among their neighlx-r~ 11le ancient Jc·vs w.:re olitn imtances of both pArt .. of thi.,; (,;b. servation. Th?y wcte great when they were good, blot ·...·hfOn they d.:p.~rled from God, tile)' were insulted a..:J trampl"'<loo. Oure.<ordium natur-.ll'y leads us

J. To t:nde:l70r to describe that righteo'J!oceu 'R

:u.lt~ a l"..uicn. with ii..:> blc~ J eff(Ch.

Vermont Historica! Society

I,.

/ . 4

\Ve shall endeal'or to point out some of the SIllS

tch are a reproach to any people, with their evil tendency. Then some improvement, and some occasional ad.

dresses will close tlle discourse. Pursuant to the proposed order, we are

1. To describe that right~ousllC'ss which cxalteth a na­tion, \\Cith its blessed effects.

• That which lies at the foundation of all national right­eousness, is a good constitution, which secures the equal rights of every citizen. And we are happy to reflect that through the tender mercy of our God on us, we are favored with the best that ever fallen men enjoyed. To say it is per­fect, would perhaps be too great a compliment to the wi~ dom and goodness of American sl1ges. But we feel safe in saying that it approaches the nearest to pelfection of a­ny we have ever seen. And, the better cur national con· stitution is, the greater wjU be the guilt of those who vi. olate it, or seek to overthrow it. And if jealousy and calumny against the federal constitution are suffered to blow their malignant and contagioUs venom through the states, we have reason to fear that the poison will prove epidemical, and its effects, anarchy and civil war. From these considerations, we are ied to look to our legislators as the supporters of onT invaluable constitution, expecting that the statutes they may enact will be congenial to ~tI

native design. Pursuant to this important interest, a good constim.

tion, OlnJ a code of just laws in each state, fonn a con­spicuous part of national righteousness. Indeed, by the Im"s of nations, we form an opinion of their righteousn a; bodies politic. And al~hough I would not be guilty the anogance of auemptinz to dictate the superior wi• ..lorn cf this vencmb1e body in political matters, ret I leave to mention, and freely express my thoughts on point tyhich h:l.... sometimes been introduced' into the c' ~ode ; the m;.lking of legal establishments in matters of ligion. And I flatter myself that I may do this witli cility -at this time without being justly impeached of dcrtakinno to instruct cur political fathers in their fnneti ;-J dntiei~ because at their session in 1807, the last rem of t.his evil were erpungcd from the statute, and I no reaSD::l to think the present legislators will be indo

im.

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to introduce them again. TIlereCore I proceed to observe, that tlte laws of men can with propriety only take cogni_ ~llIlce of outw:u-d misdemeanors; and of course Lhey call_ Hot be justly fr.\med so a~ to man..1.cl~ .the faith a?d con­~ciencet or religious practice of any Cltt7..en ; for an these thing§, the mat~er ~i~5 only between God, and the con· science of elch mdlvldual.

And we may in truth say, that of all the freedoms that men possess, dIal of conscience is the swcctest. Civ­il tyranny only lords it over the h(jdJ and ,reply; but Jpiri/Mal tyranny c..Iomincers over, and enslav~s the soul al. so. These eucroachments on religious liberty, often have small beginnings; but if tamely yielded to, they will make rapid progress, and produce dreadful consequences.

Our feelings arc often wrought up while examining the page of history, and while finding whole volumes stained with the blood of the saints, and martyrs of Jesus Christ. Vie are loeadr to wonder why the thunders of di. l'ine vengeance did not burst on the graceless and guilty heads of those inhuman, and ungodly persecutors. l3e­fore we are aware, we half censure that providence which upholds, feeds and cloth~ such monsters bf cruelty and impiety. 'Ve sometimes almost forget that memorable passage of divine truth, ITmgtanu u min~; 1 will rrp3J', saiJh t/x Lard. 'Vhile reading of the tortures of the Tact, and those other engines of hell employed in mangling, ""nd tormenting the conscientious followers of the divine Redee-mer, hO'Vi have we in our haste doomed those bloody miscreants to etern.'l.1 fire, and raised the holy suEerers to shining thrones, and endless songs in the paradise of God above.

Others while readinl such accounts, and discol'ering too. ~u~~ of a similar spirit among some who profess ch~stlaIllty at the present day, are 5trongly prcjudicw ;). I"'AUlSt all religion as a pious fraud, and a mere engine of 6late i aDd are too ready to brand aU its 'fot.3ries as postors. And indeed, we must cOnress, that such a $plr. It, aDd such conduct among professors of religion, is the most powerful timptation to infidelity of any thing that has ever appeared in our world. And were we not able 10 ~gui>hbctw<cn such prof....,.. of religion, and thr benign religHlll of ksus, ... >hould be infidel. too.

A~

6

W; find th:tt various religionists have pers~culed in their rorn. The pagans persecuted the christians7 aacl (sorrowfn I to relate) the christians persecuted the chn.. lians. The papists persecuted protestant dissenters, aad

1 (singular as it may seem) different orders -of ProtcstaDt: dissenters ha\'e persecuted each athe<. And sometime.. several of the more popular and powerful have combined to bear down the less popul:tr, and weaker orders. And wheLl:ler those thus persecuted, ,..auld ~cutc in their hIm if they ha,d it in their power, is best known to the Searcher of all hearts.

But probably this respectable audience unanimously condemn all such persecutions, ;"Old execrate the memo­ries Of those inhuman butchers. But while these reflec. lions ,,,,arm your bosoms, bear it soiemnly jn mind, thll/ a rtligion u/ahlisINti /;y law, tr the real iannI, and 'rw nuru of all tl.., If];al ptrsteutiDns Ibat ron- w~r~. For if tllcrC be no religion estAblisheu by law, then a man violates no legal prcrept by profes!iing religion in any form he pleases; and of course, no aCfion can lie against him therefor: fOl' where no law is, there is no transgression.

We view it to be a tnlth that ought to be tr:ansmi.!ted from generatKm to 'generation, that eqnseima is solt". GoJ'I,J_ prr-prrJJ, and Ibat MJrrJ m«n tIIU$t alUwU' 10 God for hl111ulJ; «nd thal no a'Vil }D11UT on ,arlh bas air; ",fhl /0 sa) how ':1M

,ball, or sh:JI 1I:.J 'U!orship tbr God of (jur fatlxn, or whal 'W~ shall htlir'Dt cOi1etrnillg bim, unlus our faith dislurlJ tM puIJ­"trat.:qui/{;/y, Qlld prtNe Q n"isanct 10 Ibe. slalt. Bttt- this can never be the case, where different orders of christians peaceably worship God without interrupting others. But when misguided statesmen by legal proscriptions seek t&

overthrow them, they .(not tlle dissenters) make the dis­turbance in the world.

:Bot here it may be proper to notice, that although"!JI_ bas ftO right to make ecclesiastical laws for our canscien. CC5.. yet God has, and he both claims, and exercises that right; and ,ve must another day ac£Ount with him accord.. ing to our obedience, or disobedience of them. ...

Now if we begin to prescribe articles of faith· and prac.. tice, give them legal sanctions, and then enfoFce them .,nth the- sword; we may with the same propriety make­thorough work, aDd impose legal penalties aDd proscr;p.

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71

tions opon ;uJ the unbeI:eving~ impenitent, p"'..r("Tless ?;td Chrinless. But observe by th~ w;~y. that It ":u a ~'~ck~ ed Cain who peI"Sl.""('utcd and sIt. W piOUS Abel j It was ah. mae! the SOQ of the bond woman who mocked at Isaac the heir of the promi~es. They were the phL.Jisees who persecuted Christ :md his follo'~'ers ;. and i~ is the wolf that persecutes the ~heep. Bu;. piOUS Abel did not pt:.1"SC'_

nlte an impious emn ; !sa:\c (ild not mock at Ishmael; CJn;st and his apostles did nOl persecute the )lharisccs ; and Ole sheep neyer perreeutcs the wolf.• The concun'ing ycice of revelation informs us that tile spirit of persccu~ rion in both ancient and modcnl times is the samf'. S.lrS the apostle, BII! as Ihm IN thaI ':L'OS b~"~1 apt,. tht Jl.tI~ Frlt­cuffd him Ihal 'Wos born nfur /ht sjJ!ru, ('(101 10 " U now. Thus from indubitable facts, and from the ll.'l:preSS 'A ani of God, we can easily discern ule origin of };rw-religion and persecution in gospel times. Eut did we [1 uly under­stand the nature of the benign rel:gion of the 10wl)' Jesus, who hath said U My kingdom is not of this world/' \\-e

should ne....er raise those instruments of cruelty and dc-am :lp.imt Lltose who fOT CfilUfUnrt salt differ from us in their faith and practice in religion. In Our view, the mild con­duct of a disciple of Christ j soft words and hard lIrgu_ m~nts would serve a much better purpose in convicting the conscience, and gaining the heart of OUT erring breth­ren ; and, would be infinitely more pleasing to the great Head of the church.

To this we add, that in times of persecution, it gene­rally bappens that the most pious and r.uthful servants of God {."ll a sacrifice. while the hypocritical, and openly ungodly ride in triumph. Yea we may in truth say that this law religion "'1m its legitimate effects, have had the most deadly influence on the church of God, of any ene_ my she ever met. But, gentleO)en of this legislative body,. we hope better things of you, and things that accompany the salvation of our privileges, tJlOugh we thus sPC2k:. For 'a'e trust that the same spirit of religious liberty which. actuated our legislators in ]807, dwells copiously in you.

'It seems that some forms of government are far more conrial to religious libert, than othe-s; and it is natu.. / T3.~"_suppose that that form is to be prekrred l\'bicb most friendly to thi. blessed intcreot. It see= that pe

II

cuted orders are generally attached to a republican form of government, as being (under Cadj the greatest 5e(:Ua

rity of these precious »rivileges. '-The)' also think th':lt all other forms ha\'c persecuted, ;md will persecute when they gain the ascL11dency. J

In order to preserve these rights, it 5c;.'Cms important that everyone $cnld study the scriptures for himself j pray to God for light to discem, and a heart to comply with duty; candidly,. and in t}le fear of GoJ to form his own conclusions; and then boldly, yet prudently to hold up his light to the world; ::l.nd then leave the cause of trltth to tree inquiry, careful im·estigation. the candid

. judgment and choIce of mankind, and the bl~sing of its great Author, without its being h.lmpered with legal pro­scriptions and institutes. In this way, and in this alone may we hope that tru~h will ever triumph over error and delusion. Tmth needs but to be seen in order to be loved by all whose hearts are light with God. While hateful error loves darkness r<lther than light; and sc-cks legal sup­port, and inquisitorial aid to maintain its credit in the world.

But 1 am a"van~ war some en;:ertain fears that with­out gal 'support, all religion would sink and rise no m ...:But let us query, Is the religion of the bible from heave-n, or of men ? If it be from l1e<lven, cannot its di. vine Author support his own spiritual cause in the world? Is it not a great reflection on JEHOVAH. for his prn­fessed friends to say that U The spilitual caur.e of GOD in the world will sink, if fbI] do not use carnal weapons in its defence ?" But we are led to conclude that the re­ligion of blended church and state will sink without legal aid in a land of light and freedom: -but the religion of the gospel win more abund<l.ntly flourish, und be1ie,-crs will be the more added to the Lord. For evidence of this. 1 appeal to indubitable facts. Look around in .1\..­merica. the land that is higWy favored of the Lord. where the horrors c,f spiritual tyranny are mostly dispell­ed, and where the chains of bigotry and superstition do not dank: on our feet. and straiten our steps. Behold lvhat wonders of merer God has done among us within a few years past, what marvellous reformations he bath wrollght ; how Zion's converts have been multiplied like the drops of the morning dew. One revi"al of religion

9

has followed another, and frequently in the saml plou. with only the short inten'al of lOix, 5e'"en, or eight )·ears. And I am fully of opinion that there never was a land which enjoyed so many pra)'ing souls among .only five ~r si.x millions of people. If I am not n:.uch mistaken, hl~ torr cannot furnish us with another such instance of Zi~ on's prosperity as what we have witnessed in America since the last revolutionary war, at which time, we were :tS a nation moslly emancipated from the shackles of spir. itual t)'ranny.

And of the glorious revivals of religion in our land it may well be said, Not by might, nor b}" power, butU

br my spirit saith the Lord ;" for it is notorious, tktt this blesc;ed work has not been promoted by civil coercioo~ And it seems jJ,lSt to remark, that a religion established br Ia,,- may m:1'ke millions of hypocrites, and almost ir~ resi'libly tempt wicked men to join churches in order to obtain posts of honor and profit. It would aho tcrr.pt corrupted churches to open their doors for their receptiont, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage ;­and these things lVould produce a host of infidels as they have heretofore done j but would n~ver make one re:tl christian.

\Ve only add, that when Christ threatened the unex~ ­arnpled destruction of Jel'"Usalem, and the Jews generally, and their damnation in the coming ,~orld, the heaviest thing laid to their charge was lheir persccutin~, and slay­ing the saints.· And when God reckons With the anli­christian powers, the rcdSOn why they are considered wor­thy of having such copiolls draughts of blood given them to drink, is because they h.lVe shed the blood of the s:lints.t And when wrath descends on :.my nalion for these things, their dignity must com~ down.

Another import.:Ult br.mch of n~ltional righteousness which is peculiarly calcubtcd to exalt a nation, is the gi\·. ing our sllffragf:s for mlel'S lO none but virtuous charac­ters. Rulers ever ought to be deep!y impre.sseJ with a sense of thei::- high rc"pon."ibility to God for le me the)" m.J.kc of the important tmst reposed in th'~m. Th(' live::., lil>crties and privileg~5 of their constituents ought at .... 11 time", to be very precioU'i in their sight. Ther ought

~ .fllall. x."iii. 31-..37. t R,,,·. ,'('D.;. :-7~

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eve'! to be actuated by an ardent desire for the triumph of justice over iniquity. Such men ra.ise the dignity of ana. tion. Hut men of different principles and characters, in. stead of being blessings to community, arc dangerous in proportion to- their~"1bilities, and the ranle. they hold; for they have nothing at heart but their own emolument. The intere,sts of such men will always clash, and a few ~uch at the hehn of government will perplex, and keep a whole nation in confusion. From hence, experience has long taught the world, that the best 1a""'5 cannot happify a people u:ldcr a.bad adrninistratian. :And tj~rants (wheth. er foreign or domestic) seldom f;til to turn these disturban. ces to their own account, for the suppression of nationa.l righteousness, and promotion of despotism. 'Vhile on the other hand, virtuous men arc a blessing to a nation ill proportion to their abilities, and the stations they fill. (

They promote righteousness, discountenance iniquity J t

and, with the blessing of God, they exalt a nation. To this we add, that another interesting part of na..

tional righteousness consists in a thorough execution of the r laws. Gover~ment ever ought lo be not only rightbus r and mild; but deci.ded, firm Clnd efficacious. Men should not govern the la.ws, but the laws should govern ,men. If any Jaw infringe the rights of many or few, it o1!ght to be amended, or abrog<lted in a constitutional way, without riot and tumult. But if one l.J.w may be safely violated, another may by the same rule, and in this wayi• a whole n:uioa maT soon be involved in anarchy; and anarchy is as unrighteous as tyranny. The very idC'a of a law. implies th'1t righteousne~s requires it should be C:ir..

J-jed into effect. When the laws are trampled on, and the offender e:;..

capes with impunity, it is obvious that a great evil ,?xist!t somewhere. In such cases, we suspect either a. defect in the administration, or, that an unreasonable discontent. ment is prevailing among the people. But when the laws are executed with firmness; when ntlers are a terror to evil doers, and a prais~to them that do well; and wlwl1 the transgressor is brought to justice. then the nation apo­pears in an exalted light in the "jew of ail around. Yea, 2nd their OWl! J.~!Op/( are in this way taught to rzvere tl:c government.

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1 1

We also find that fidelity in GI\r lilternal affairs is in. dispensable (0 national nghteowness. Indeed, if dli, principle dwell n~t a:nong us, we have little to expect from wTitten constItuttons, be they ever so good; neither from legislators of our own chusing; nor from the best laws . ~or from the executive department, for each '''auld be .. ;onsuming moth to the other. Such a people would be completely prepared to be enslaved by a tyrant, for no other Tuler could live among them.

In giving a standard for OUT morality towards each other, the Supreme Lawgiver hath said, As Jt would that mus should do unto you, do yt rom so to thm. Should this golden precept have an universal, and abiding effect, wh.1.t a happy world this would soon be! How safely we mig-ht repose confidence in each other! This would honor and {cli~

cirate the nation, by causing love, peace and joy; yea, every thing that is trolf honorable to abound as its blessed. fruit.

Connect with t,his the importance of righteousness in all our dealings ""i\rith nations abroad. A faithful confor. mity to all treaties, is indispensable to national righteous­nes:i. In such treaties, the faith of the nation is plight_ ed, and it is as wic.k.ed for nations to violate contracts, as for individuals. And although no human power may be able to call them to an account for their crimes, yet that God who judgeth m the eanll will in due time deal with them according to uleir folly, and bring them down. These things with their other sins have sunk them at last. Under a load of guilt and wrath, 'no nation (however powerful) has been able long to bear up. They have at length fallen into contempt, even of those they have op­pressed. To this source rather than any other may be tra_ ced the destruction of the old great monarchies of the world. Full to this purpose we find

,

much

U1C ancient predic_ tions of holy writ. While on the other 113nd, a punctual, and persevering attention to righteousness in its various branches, has not failed to insure national dignity, and the hlessing. of God.

To this we adJ, that national righteousness as requires us :0 dnrwnd righteousness of other nation.s, as r­

rmdu it to them; and of course, the demand must m:lJIo! in th;s,t way that will be the most effectual in J du~ing a reformation in the aggressor.

I 12

In orJer to effect tllcSe., :md many other tnlly im~

tant purposes, a foundation must be laid in the people. wjthOlll which, all other efForts will be forever fruitless.. It is true. tha~ in f-orming a greu na.tional charatter: great things must be achieved; ret ~t is equally OlJe t~ ma.ny essential, and interesting ulings must be effected, and can only be effected in our domestic circles. Thift~

¥thich make but little noise in the world, ;u-c oftell of se. rious moment to the state.

Among the many v.tIuable and prd.i~~worthy things which .ornament societ}'. dignify the ll<'ltion. and bleSc mankind, industry and fl1lgaiity rank high. being lhe very sources of wealth and power, without which, a na. [ion can never rise to dignitr. And none arc better qual. ified for rulcl-s th_an the industrious and cconorr.ical; for having been prudent with their own property. they will. mor~ probably use economy with Ule public chest. Ani perhaps there never \vas :l. time "l1t~n it was more impor_ t.'Ult for Americans to be industrious and frug:ll, and to have recourse to their own manuhlctories for supplies than the prescnt. while European potentates by their' ordeT'S; and I decrees' are degrading. and spoiling our commerce ; and in the blaze of day, insulting and imposing on our government. Anel I see not how we can suppOrt our n.... tional dignity in any other 'my. But take this method, and tbe case is sure, the work is easy, and the way is short.

To this we. add, that it can hardly be too much in­sisted on, that an heads of families clert them.selves in forming the minds and morals of those whom God has committed to their charge. Let us hear it solemnly in mind, that from among our children, men must soon arise to fill all the important stations both in church and state, which we must shonl)' resign. And what a happy prc. sage of good it would be, to h3.VC the helm of government managed by enlightened and virtuous characters. This view of the subj~ct at once exhibits the importance of a ~ood .md extensive education among all classes in society. Ignorance is a Jagger to liberty, and an engine of tyranny. I-Icnce we discover the reason why tyrants have so often labored to extinguish the light among their subjects j it is to hide thei. dark designs and prevent them from discov­ering wars and means of breaking off the sllacklew of

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despotism. "'hen we r~ad their history, we form no hon­hie views of them. On the other hand, how do OUr

~~art.s palpitate wi.th delight whilc.Dc:holdi.ng ~1e first men in the nalion exerting themselves. In l~lu~mattng ~le peo. pIe in all useml know1edg-e, and In diffusing happmess a· mong all around. .

\Ve also subjoin the 'regular observance of the elms. tian sobholh as a dury commanded of God) and forming .an honorable part of a national character.

LasLly. the righteousness which above all things else cxalteth a natien, is a prevailing attention _to religion. This insures the favor of God, and of all good men. Re.­ligion lars the best foundation for the best morality; for it rectifies the heart, and stimulates the conscience to rew prmoe for every fault. It lodges an able monitor in the bosom of all its adherents, 'which, in connection ,vith the volume of irlSJ)imtion, affords all neceS5.1.ry direction in every import.,nt affair of this life; and gi\·es a well ground. ed hope of glory in a coming world to ,ill cl,C truly godly. And :tlthough a moral man nlay not be a religious man; }'et a truly religious man will not fail of being a moral man. And if all people were tmIy religious, what a hap. py to e it would give to the morals of societr· ...ho,,· it would remove the hTTounds of innumerable complaints in our world! There is not another thing in the uni"erse that would have such benign influence on the human fam­ilr, and so ennoble, and cxallmanlind.

This religion gives unparalleled joy and peace amidst all the adversities incident to this trying world, and affords lhe briglnest prospects of unf ding giory and b!essedness in the world to come, which often animates and enrap_ tures the christian in tbe agonies of dissolving nature. And we r:trely find a wretch so lost to virtue, but he re­veres the memory of his friend who departed this lite in the holy triumphs of the christian faith.

The foregoing tllings, with many others of a similar nature, ",ill not f:til to exalt a nation, for righteouSnt.OSli being the ~ollud work of the constitution, Jaws, :.md gov­erTiJllent ot the state, and interwoven in the conduct of in­~il'"iduals; a righteous administration of government; light, union and good order prevailing in society, must ma.ke a people both happy and honorable. The)" can confide in each ot.,ller at home. and 'will be respected abroad. Nations n;ll fear to molest tJlem wben banded

B

14

in brotherly union. And when their flag is borne' righteousness, it will be respected by all righL'eous nation: And what crowns the whole, is, that this mode of con duct ~curcs the bl~ssing of God, for he never frowns u~ on a n~hteous nation. On~the contrary, he will bless. and build them up. He will bles~ them in the city, and in the field. He will multiply the inl1abit.,tnts, bless the earth WiUl ~uitfHlness, and increase their flocks and herds. He will subdue their enemies before them, fill the:r stores with plent)', give them opportunity to fwd to many na. tions; but they shall h...ve no occasion to bmn;w.. And we may with propriety adopt the language of inspirati.Qn. and say, Happy is that peop/~ t/)c/ js ill weh a (au; "ca, hap­t1 ir thaI }/!op/e whose God is the Lord.

Eut among all their blessings, rou will not find a U llQ...

liollo1 dtbt. JJ To which we only add. that the more true religion lhere is, and the more saints there are, the more prafing people there will be to arise and make ~p the hedge. and stand in the gap when judgments are ap­pro:tching for the sins of tlle nation; which leads us

IL To point .out some of the sins which are a reproach to anf people, with their evil tendencr.

E\'cry species of conduct which is the rcYcrse of that rIghteousness which exalteth a nation, is a sin which is a reproach to any people. But to be more particular, a pre. vailing spirit of luxury and dissipation will not f<liI to sink a people in reproach, '1'11ese are but other words for wid::ad1y losing <Uld waliting the bles::.ings which God has gracionsly given~ Christ has solemnly commanded to gather up" even the fragments that nothing be lost." And he who" wasted his substance with riotous living," is brAnded as an inf.1.mous character, and unworthy of his father's notice, and of the comforts and honors of the family: aud the father-fis represented as acting a gracious part in ever receiving him aga.in. And while idleness is but the by-path to pm'erty and ruin, luxurr and dissipa­tion are the highway to il, and lhe passage is short.

- "'hen there is prevailing in a nation a rage for foreign luxuries, it consumes their wealth, and sinks them in debt j

and they only make lhe miserable exchange of solid prop­ert)', for foreign gewgaws. Ali people advance in luxurr, they increase in pride, and learn to despise that honest in­dustry which God has enjoined. These tllings will ruin

.. D~ut. xxviii. 3_12. .

""

15

thousands, who other\\:ise ~ight have been in flourishing circumstances j and thiS will weaken. the state. 'And no doubt in some C~~, the fall of empires may be traced to this source. 'Vhen people have spent their property in such wap, they seldom become i?dustrio~lS and econom­ical in future j and the defect of Interest IS roo often sur­plied by such measures as bring ruin and reproach on themselves, :lnd trouble to the government; and lhei~ n:ur:es remain only .as warnings to others to avoid the rock on which they h.we d:lshed.

It may not b~ ami~s [0 obsen'~, that in the same pro. portion that luxury and its effects prev.lil, in the same proportiOit the property of hone.t men is endangered. And should rulers ever be infected with the plague of di sipation, their avarice will be insatiahle,. and their oppres­sion intolerable. Tht:y wlll then If)ad the people with tax· es till they groan undcr the burden; and then to pacify them. they will pk-ad that a national debt is a national blessing. But this doctrine difI'crs somewhat from the bi­ble account of it; for in scripture, a. national debt is con· sidered as a national judgment, and Jehovah threatens it as a punishment for national sins. Dcut. :lxviii. 43, 44. From all which it appears that luxury and dissipation are sins which in a peculiar manner bring do"" the humbling judgments of God on a land, which sinks it into reproach.

Again, a spirit of discontent, discord and faction reign. iug among the people, is a sin against God. All rea· sonable subjection to the higher powers as being ordained of God, is enjoined in the scriptures; and gospel minis­ters are to put the people in mind that they be subject to principalitics and powers, to obey nl:lgistrates, to be ready to every good work, &c. A fJ.cr.ous spirit breeds trouble and disturbance wherc\'cr it prevails. It destroys all mu­tual pcace and confidence. It produces hatred between those who ought to be bound by the strongest tics (If friendship, It excites }-"eOple to watch for each other's h:tlting, and to pull one another down, instead of build~ ing them up in that which is geod, In this case, each wcakens the other's hands, and prevents his doing the good he otherwise would. fn such timcs, the calm spirit­ed are liable to ~ink under discouragement, and to It>ave the public business in other hands; and thus we may lose the hdp of some of the best men.

Others of fiercer spirits are liable to blow up tilt' dis­

of men for office,

16

sension into a A~rne, and then we :1re in danger of a war, which of all others is the most distressing.

When things are going.in this train, p;eople will aU in parties, and on times Of ~lection little regard will be paid to the moral charactCts of tha men chosen. Violent partizans are too often elected, wbat perhaps that "\vas their pri.ncipal qualification; and mora candid men of real merit. too· frequently neglected. Bu. may we not hope that in electing the present legislators. better measures have been t.'lk.en, and the best men promo. ted ? Such political storms turn 0}lr internal strength a.. gainst ourselves like a person in convulsions, and make the ridicule and contempt of our enemies. To this we only add, that when bad men are raised to office, they ren­der even the office itself, and the very laws contemptible. for should they attempt to execute die laws, many would say to them, Physician heal thysell'." U

Another sin which is a reproach to any people is a neg•. Jeet of the execution of the laws.. The la'ws were made for the lawless and, disobedient, and for the protection and praise of them that do well: therefore the public t~n.. quillity requires a thorough e.xecution of them. And it is in this way only that TIl,lers can be a terror to evil doers. But when the laws are not executed, the transgressor has no cause to be afraid of the power; for the ruler is no longer the minister of God for good. Yea, it may be said. he beareth the sword in v.ain : for he is not then the min.... ister of nod, a revenger, to execute 1\Tath upon him that doth evil. In such times, the govemD).cnt is not resRCct.... cd. and the people are not .safe ; for the neglect of the laws leads to anarchy and ruin. And as these things ;leI.. vance, the character of the l1ation proportionably sinks; for they are despised and reproached, even by tlle very powers who labor to set them at variance.

To this we add, that if the 1>1 B.,LE be our guide, Ih~ h&rrid crime of MURDER is always to be punished with death. For Jchmrah hath said, .And at lIN htlnd of niall, aJ Ibelhand' ()f MJf:ry man's brother willI regroin fbe lift of man. JYbfNO ;hulildh mali's blood, hy man shall hit blood k sh~". li'hfMfJ JifltJIJ any penon, Jhe murtkrcr shall be put to rkalh by lhe mowh of witnuus; Or.e witness shall tlot tutify IlgtlillSl QflY person If} cause him to a~, Moreo'lJer ye shall Intt no satisfactio!, for tbe lift if (l murderer, 'Whicb is guill) if death: but buha(1 surely (;( pUf to de,a/h. So shall.'1t not .f'DII/.'/~ fhr 'and (lIlh(l:ein ye on ;.

17

blr>ed it dyflrth the land: and the. land cannot b~ clwnud of {r lihod ,bat iJ .shrd thrreil'l. hut by the b!(JIJd ofhim that slott! it.· T~is antient law appears ~o be still in force, for I.h: .n~1~1'" 's still represented as hearmg the sword, and not btarmg ;, In

"/lin . and, as being a revenger to txuu!e r;.uralh upon him that doth :.vi!; and that be is tiN minutrr of God itl so doing. And it is apparent that the sword is an instrument of de'dth, and if it may never be used 3S such, then he who bcareth it must forever bear it in vain. From these things we :l~ led to conclude that it is a national sin, and brings ;he curse (If God on the land for us IIot to take the life of murderers. .

Lastly, and above all, the reigning of profanity and irreligion is a llationa~ s.in, and i.s a reproach to any peopl~. We Are divinely prohIbited takmg the name of GOD In

vain: and holy writ informs us that because of s\\'eanng • the land mourneth.t And we are emboldened to hope that these OUT political fathers and guardians by pr~c~pI :met e....:am.P/~ will forever discountenance this rustic, this horrid vice; for the example of such men is not without its in­Ruence in society.

The prevalence of impiety :md contempt -of the snip. tures not only destroys the sim1er in a coming world. but it injures the state. For it is well known that in many (:a· ses, the bold transgressor escapes the utmost vigilance of the civil magistrate, and the lash of justice. And such is the depravity of human nature, that jf the belief,.of a future accountability were eradicated from the world, we bave every reasol} to believe that enormous vice, like a sweeping deluge 'would bear away all virtue and public faith. Then iniquity of every name would be practised without a blush. The religion, or solemnity of an oath' would be lost, and lifting the hand to heaven, and sol. emnly appealing to JEHOVAH would no longer be deemed sacred. Oaths in such a time would be bartered for trifles ; and as oaths, or tifftrmatiom are the DUly means of im;utigal;an.f cau~u, and a grand suppert of gt)'lJtrn~nI, all justice :md public faith would sink, and rise no more in this world; and bribery, corruption, injustice, tyranny and oppression would supply their plare. Then alas! the charming sound of national dignity, and the enlivening voice of freedom would be heard no more forever. In such a time, man ''''QuId ne the most dangerous enemy of man; and

.Cm. ix. .1), 6. Num. X-'<X'V. 30, 31, SS. tJer. xxiii. 10. B2

1

t8

tbis world \'t'ou1d bear a dreadful re5emblancc of the: ~ <

na.bl~ alxxle of tIle ungodly in eternity. And we shooLl , SI,;O:1 find the ,..-rath of God revealed fromhea\'en agairast nIl ungoJlmess and unrighteousness of men. And 1be judgn~€'nts of heaven which would befal tllcm in thi& world, would only be an awful prcsnge of the mOTe1:J'e,..

mendous displeasure of the Almighty which awaj~ theft. Lnal perdition. Thus when a people have despised Cod and his l:aw, then 1:e lightly esteems tllem, and le-d.ves l.hrDl to be despised and repro<tched by the nations of the \\ orld.

\Ve h.1.VC only named and briefly handled a few par.. t.iculars, but time will not admit of enlarginr. ; we shall therefore prOCl'Cd to make some ase of Our sw.bjcct.

JIRST, By way of examination, aTe we posaessed of that .ighreousness which exalteth a nation? We hum_ blr hope and l:Ulit that through divine goodnesa, there is a­mong us a number of happy traits of this righteousnesa; such as, a good constitution; righteous laws, inclUding full liberty of conscience t and, as gooJ an administn_ lion, and the laws as lleU encuted as could be c.xpected in s.nch a difficult cL'ly. And we felicitate ourselvlls wida. the reP-eerion, that OUI national jlnK has been bom~ in ! ighteousness, and that all the indignities that have been lli.-aped upon it by belliwrent POWCTS, ar~ most unright_ rous. And we humbly hope that through sovereign gnce, there are great numbers in our land u'ho fear God,. a.nd·wo~k righteousness. These, with many otber things, we truSt, are in OUT fa\lor. And alt110u~h we dare not l,lead any thing before God but the ments of a crucified Redeemer; yet we indulge a hope that we ma¥ escape Ihe juqgments of God which evidentlr hang over our heads. And 'Yo' hile the storms of wrath pour so cnpious­lr on Europe for tlIeir national sins j and particularly, while God is mtking inquisition for the blood of his ser_ ~nts, and is rendering back to them the long arrears of blood in return; \ve entertain the humble hope that as there have been only a few instances of martyrdom in A .. merica, we may escape in the day of the Lord's \'isita_ tion, through abundant mercy in a Savior.

Yet \\-hilc we hope, we also tremble for fear of divine chastisement5,hccaus~on examination,we find tbat notv.'i!h. standing the many good things there are among .us, that there :are aloo evil things, and some of a ,-ery senous and threatfning aspect i a few of which we shall use the freedom

;) Dlcntion. And 1. \Ve find. anJ sincerely bt'w;-ailth;tt Ji~ ~'"1Ilt(nrJ discord, ~a.!1:Y spirit :lnd facrion_have hem.ro prcv;l­le-ntinour land. 1. hesearea...~ruloJr.ens01 :lpproadlJr.gjuuS. ment.3: for where comCll .on is, there is c"ery eVIl weL.. ; for contention is snpponed onl)" by a tr.ltn of other !ins, such as h:uretl, b:tdbiting, whispering, sl:U1der and false­hood. And ahs! it is too often the elSe :nr.ong parti. ;l.1n", (h.lt their throat i:t an open sepulchre; and with L\eir tongut.-s ther U5e,de<;eit. 'fheir mouth is full of curs.­ing :lnd bitterness; and they :lore not afr.liJ to ~petk eVil of dignities. 'Vhcn we see these things, we tremble for fear their feet will M>C1l be !lwiet to shed bloc.xl ; k ..r. de!-­trilction and mi"ery should be in their wars; ;uw, l.cst tllCy shOlllJ not know the ..",ay of re,lce.

2. 'Ve discover and n:gn·t, th:lt from seme cause, so many have been led to violate the hws ; that the el\ecution of them has been attendcJ \l,'ith 'iO nmch difficult), ; :llld

that so moch trouble and di~our:1gt=mcnt have been the unh:\ppy lot of our ju.li(ia~y aud c),t.'(ut}\C J£-p:-rtm<.nts ; but whether people h.lYe had (J.ust {or. <' mach u:::le:uir.css 2nd oppositK>n, is a political qucstiun which pm '\, ill not erpcct [ should un ertal.:e to solve at thi, time. But Itt us with pungent ~ef and l~.lrs cast a v-eil over the uooo that has bef-n shed in dt:fencc of the laws, 'VhetllU'" that BLOOD has been sufficiemly expiated by the BLOOD of those "ho shed i~ the great day "ill decide.

3. Is it not too app:ut'at th.-u notwithstanding the ma­ny happy revivals of religion ill our L-tnd, that after aU, thete is a great J.bounding of impiety and irreligion among u<;. How often do we hear the holy and reverend name of GOD taken in vain t HO\'I'" many disrt"gard the S'..Ibbath ! And what multitudes dishonor their parents and other superiors! And in man)' cases, what contempt of the scriptures, and of aU that is serious; and what negkct of every religious institution! These, with many other things bcdou.t our b{'misrhere, and sadden our hc;u·:s. V'{c sh.lll therefore proceed

SECONDLY, By v.-ay of el.:1OTtation. And 1. Let ill the servants of God feel themselves loudly

called upon, devourly and fervently to pray for more cC'­piOUS effusions of the hlessed !pi:it, that nmltitndes more may be cOn\crted from the CITor of their way, to the ,,-;c. dum of ,he just; th.u religicn may b~ promoted; the progress of vice arrest.ed ; ;ud the tok ns of divine di.i­

) ~o

ple:uure averted. And, blessed be God, this is a delight_ ful worle in which all ages and sexes may with }lTOpriety engage. And we have great encouragement thus to pray, because if we seek the Lord, he will be found of us, if we call upon him, he will be near; for God hath never said to the seed of Jacob, nor to the people of America, Seek yt me i,t 1Join. And 'when Jehovall says to us, Suk yt my lou; let the obedient language of OUT hearts be, ThJ

ljila Lord will"ue lul. I 2. Let us not only implore the bless~g of God, but

let us reform our lives. Let the wicked forsake l1is W<ty, atttkbe unrighteous man his thoughts, and tum to the Lord who will have mercy on him, and to our GOO, fiii he will abundantly pardon. For the Lord Grx/, ;1 merciful end gracious, /Mg.sl.!.Ifir;'tg and ablmdant in gCfX!ntu and truth, Impillg mercy for thousaluls, forgiving iniqui/Jl and /rflNsgre!. sian, and lin. But let the awful consideration deeply pen. etrate our he:trts, /bat I:~ will bJ 1'10 means clrar the guilty in. con-igible sinner. For if we as a people forsake the Lord" he will f?rsake us, and send his judgments on us ; and in this way we shall entail upon our posterity a wretched in. heritance of misery and reproach. and they will have oc­casion to execrate our memories therefor.

But on the other hand, if we sen'e the Lord by prac. tising righteousness, and avoiding iniquity, he will be with us, and build us up. And notwithstanding all the com­ )

motions of the nations, and the gloomy aspect of our pub. lie affairs, yet we may have occasion to S4.y, God is in the midst of us; we shall not be moved: God shall help us, and that right early. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth. he brealc.eth the bow, and cutteth the spear in mnder. he bumeth the cha:iot in the fire. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob js our refuge.

The aJdresses which are dictated,.by the present impor. tant occasion, will close our subject.

In the first place, I beg leave to address myself to your excellency, whom the suffrages of a [Tee and enlightened people have elected to the first office in. the state. The religion I profess dictates me to render honor to whom honor is due, and God in his providence having raised you to the first magistracy in the state, I feel it my duty on this occasion to render to you this tribute of hODOT, which J hope you will be pleased to receive.

'Vhile accepting the dignity conferred, you will ftel

21

deeply impressed with a sense of the over~11l1ingprovidence of the Most High, in your advancement; for promotion cometh nct from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.' Your preferment was only for the purpose of doing good; and proportionate to the dignities, are ~e duties of your exalted station. Your sagacity will Teadily discover that power and autllority arc perverted talents, '\\"h~n they arc not exerted in doing good.

You will solemnly bear in mind that He who has en~

trusted us with capacities and opportunities of doing good, wit inspect our conduct, and will one day summon us to his awful, and impartial tribunal, where we must give up our final account, and receive according to our works. You will remember the important trust with 'which y.cu :lre invested, for the weighty concerns of the state, and of all that is dear to \II is committed to )"our care, in con· nection with the other guardians of the state. In this difficult and eventful period, if wise measures are adopted by government, it is happy for us ;- but if not, this peace­ful asylum of civil and religious liberty must be iuvolYed in both temporal and spiritual tyranny. And may HE by whom kings re~, and princes decree justice, afford you all nece~ liglit and fidelity in the discharge ofyour duty. Blessed and happy is that servant whom his Lord when be cometh shall find so doing. And may propitious Heaven ~t that when you have served your generation by the WIll of God, and when yoo fall asleep, and are laid unto your fathers, then, 0 the.n ! may you hear that transporting plaudit, "VeIl done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

To his honor the lieutenant.governor, the honorable council, and house of rt"prcsentatives, I beg leave res· pcctfully to present an address.

You are the men of our choice, onr hearts are animated while beholding you, and our expectations are raised... You will not forget that you were elevated to your present stations for the sole purpose·of doing more good than other citizens. TIle obligations which are binding upon you are great, for the Supreme Ruler hath said, He that ruleth over men must be jtKl, ruling in the: fe:ar of God. You will remember that God standeth in the congregation of the mighty, he judgeth among the gods. Yea the oath 'of God most solemnly. enjoins 00 you fidelit:t is )'our res·

22

pcctive, and important functions. And we hope theSE! weighty considerations will h:lVe their clue influence on your minds; therefore, as we doubt not of your abilities, we mar reasonablr hope [('IT great and good UlingS from you. You are highly responsible to God, and accountable to Jour constituents ft)T ule usc you rn3ke of the important trusts reposed in }"ell. Be wise therefore, 0 yc rulers; b' instructed ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord wit fear, and rejoice with trembling. Let the word of Goo e"cr be the mall of your counsel, and parroe it as the nllt: of rour conduct, and the guide of your life. Then the wicked· will be afraid of the power, and those who G well will have praise of the same. In this way you will be to us ministers of God for good. Therefore walk in this war, and we shall confide in }~Ol1, and be subject, not for wrath, but for conscience 5ake ; for we must all ap­pear before the judgment seat of Chri:it. 'I11e:n yon must render a solemn account I10W you have ruled, and we, how we have obeyed.

You undoubtedly observe that I have used great plainness in addressing you: but I have nothing to fear, while I consider myself preaching for God J and speaking to dying accountable men like I:lrself, 'who wish to be re. minded of their duty. But not pretending to dictate your, superior wisdom in political matters, I shall not be more particular.

And now, our prd.ycrs for you wil11>c, that your pres­ent session may be crowned witr.'l ..the divine smiles: and tllat all your deliberations and resolutions may meet the approbation of HIM who is Lord oflords, and Kingofkings.

A few observations to this numerous, this dying aSSC'm­bly will close the discow·se.

Filth"!, lm~thrm, and!tIlQ·w-:;tiunJ....With pleasure we this day behold vIe rulers of our choice; and let us praise the Supreme Disposer of eycnts, that wc possess the in. va1u:-~e privilege of electing to office those who rule ovt>r us. With tlllS price in our hands, if we chusc good men, the blessing is OUTS, and the glory is God's. But if we chuse bad men, God is dishonored, we are injured, and we have none to blame but ourselves. Let us all then so improTe this precious gift of h'!3.ven, that it shall pleac:e the Lord to continue it to us. And let us fe-rvently sup­plicate him for his blessing upon our rulers, that they may have light to see and hearts to pursue Juty j that und~

Should we pursue But with..

t~ hL!. 0 ' fogs

- . •-. ­

their ;.,"ise administration, we may lead quiet and pcacecv hIe lives, in all godliness and honesty. And let each one Cl:ert himself in a patriotic manoCl'" for the ~ of his country, and the support of tbe laws. thi!i path, what a happy people we should be. out this, it is impossible for the best rulers, and #he bcs laws on earth to make us happy.

'Vhile these reRections warm our hearts, let us desires to the Father of all mercies, that he would rc ber Wilh compassion the other nations of the ca.rt] they may with us enjoy equal liberty and peace. that the happy time may hasten, when all the mists at

of civil and religious tyranny that becloud mankjn laU be .dispelled like the glooms of evening before the 'ing sun. when that auspicious moming shall illumin, "'ur world, when the last t}Tant shall be swept from the C' of tb" ,arth ; when alf mankind shall remember that v ;m: brethren; and when the bloody instruments of \\ :l

and death shall be converted into the peaceful utensils of husbandry and agriculture, and when nations shall learn war no more. Hail happ)' time! May God grant it may soon commence.

Fmallr, let all be exhorted, not only to attend to the :dF.lirs of state, but also to the concerns of our immortal souls, and ()f another world. Remember that time is swiftly passing, and death and judgment are hastening. Another rear has elapsed, and a new ~-mi\"ersary of the state has come. But alas! how many of oor fellow citi. zens have gone to their long homes since the last session j and how soon we must follow them, is known only to Him whose dwelling is not with flesh. How important then for -all, most solemnly to repent of sin, and apply to the Savior for pardoning mercy, and cleansing grace.

Remember that the day of life, the dar of grace, and of the di\·ine patience is .rapidly hastening to a period. With some of us, the sun may now be setting. In all probability, some of this assembly no,:" tla"d upon the ve­ry shores of time, and upon the brink of eternity: and who t ey be, the Lord only knows. But if we have a longer time to live, yet if we arc in a graceless srate, and . we grieve away the blessed Spirit, and waste in sin the

forbearance j our case 'will shortly be 0 then, sei7e the fleeting

to the Savior and li\Tt. "Why will you

n of di,,;ne fuJ be)'ond description.

ts•.••fir

" t yaJ

a mo..

. ~r,// £.1:";/ , : /' . ~'l;"".' ..' /..."

,...,- ...."t", ...//: , de~· repentance, :l1ld relief in Christ? "Vhy wi perseveringly' vel ~(>er.dition, while the joys of heav~ en, Olnd a (,:'o\\'n of unfadmg glory are tendf'xd to you ia the gospel, in case of obedience. Stop....pause ment.... See the gulph of perdition that yawns before you.

\ , },;rhin~ whether you can dwell ,\,;th devouring fire. anJ ~~s ~e; y,:-u cap inhabit t>.nrlasti!lg burnings. 0 realize instruc lang~r, flee to the CIt)" of r!.'fuge before the .wenger fcar tOodovertake you. Yea, flee from t.1e 'Hath tacome,'hie; l{ the fiery storm pours upon il guilty wc....ld, and you be vve'nvhelmed in its ruin.

~dLt if you improye the season of mercy, and escape' to { wi Redeemer, your sins will he pardoned, your pet"'"' son~ Lill be justified, and your souls sanctified. You will b;rw:--,ptcd into the di·.. inc family, and made bcirs of GeI.. ana Joint heirs with Chri.st. Ia this happy state: thAfay oj:, ¥-bur deatlJ will be a blessed jubilee to your,-soul!. Jt *1':' forever release you from all sin, sorrCl"\\{, darkness and trouble; and the soft hand of Jesu$ will wipe all tears. from row' eyes.

\\ihen the judgment shall sit, :md the books. be open­ed, and all the world shall stand before God.; 'I'hen L"le finally impenitent shall be doomed 1.0 hopeless woe, and sink [oren-r ; then the great Judge, with a countenance­more serene anJ glorious than tC:l. thl)usomd rising stms, and a ,'oice sweeter than the melody of heavrn, will pro-. eouncc upon you the transporting sentence, "Com~ J'e h!t::sed of my Path", inJm'it Ibe kingdMt prepared for you fro!!1 tht fou!!dation oj Jhe <world." Then, with Ch,ist at Jour heaJ, wim what awful pomp and majesty will you rise to the blissful mansions on high, while holy angels hover aroun , and shom for joy. Look....sce the great -company tl,at no man can Hllmber, all shining like the ;\1n in the kingdom of their Father, being clad in the Re­deemer's righteousness, t1:e hrilli.mt livery of he;l';en. Hark•...what melody they makc.... 'i';hat heavenly strains they utter as they ascend, when all the redeemed of the LOI'd, with h~art and voice divinely concordant shaH all join uFon the heavenly key. and strike off upon that Ions, 'that ne"er-ending anthem of glorr to GoJ :.mJ the Lamb to all eternity. May God in infinite meTer grant that we may all at last join this holy and happy society above, through boundiess grace in Jesus Christ our Lord, A;'IEN.. . .