AN acquaintance with the history of past ages will lead us to observe, that a common method of the ex­altation of a people, hath been by a succession of men of eminent abilities and influence. A great genius appears at their head, and forms a general scheme of institutions and laws. This being adopted, active spirits follow, who carry it into execution, and the community swiftly ascends to the height of prosperity.

[Page 6] EVEN Israel taken under the peculiar tu­telage of Jehovah thus arose to a flourish­ing state. Moses, by divine direction, gave them the rudiments of civil and ecclesiasti­cal polity. Joshua, by the same influence, led them over Jordan, and fixed them in the destin'd inheritance.

IN a way somewhat similar may we well suppose a people emerging from the depths of distress to regain their national character. Patriots, perhaps of different qualities, exert themselves in turn, agreable to their cir­cumstances, 'till they make a respectable fi­gure as in the former period of their exis­tence.

An illustration of this we have in the case of Judah restored to Palestine and the rights and privileges of their fathers, after their re­sidence in a strange land, and subjection to a foreign yoke, for seventy years.

DURING so long a term, when the pub­lic offices of religion could not be regularly performed, when they were conversant with the superstitions of Gentilism, and the man­ners of masters upon whom they were en­tirely [Page 7] dependant, it is scarce possible but that the knowledge of divine truth must be greatly lost, the ardor of devotion cool'd with many, their spirits broken, and a ge­nerous public temper well nigh extinguish­ed.

LET us view these exiles going to a de­solate country, and a capital in ruins, with intention to possess and improve their anci­ent patrimony, rebuild their city, set up the worship of God upon the Hebrew ritual, and settle the civil administration to advan­tage; at the same time despis'd and hated by their neighbours, and retarded as much as possible in every salutary projection.

THESE things considered, nothing can be clearer than the vast importance that they should have wise men for pilots to direct them, men of goodness and intrepidity, to animate them to every arduous undertaking.

ACCORDINGLY a gracious God not only favored them with his prophets to in­struct and support them, but rulers to lead and protect them, and forward the enter­prises to which they were called—first [Page 8] Zerubbabel and Joshua, under whom the temple was built, and altar for daily sacri­fice; then Ezra a scribe well instructed to the kingdom of heaven, who restored the scripture to its primitive purity, and dissolv'd those interdicted alliances which weakened their attachment to their religion and coun­try.

BUT Jerusalem yet laid defenceless, enor­mities in part remained.

THE full accomplishment of the merci­ful intention of heaven towards that afflic­ted people was reserved for Nehemiah.

THIS man held a lucrative post ^† in a court the center of the wealth and glory of Asia, and had an intimate access to the mightiest monarch then living. But sur­rounded with affluence and honor, he mourned for Zion. His countenance be­trayed a troubled soul to his master, who understanding the cause, gave him liberty of absence for a term, invested him with a public character in Judea, and sent manda­tory letters to his officers bordering there­upon to assist him.

[Page 9] His arrival to Jerusalem was like the light of the morning which dissipates the incumbent gloom, and invigorates nature. Every heart was revived, every hand em­ployed. Present with them the walls went up, and the city filled with inhabitants. By his incessant care and labours grievances were redressed, and all things regulated in such a manner as to render them easy and happy.

THIS is the lover of his nation, whose words I have read. Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.

LANGUAGE this consonant to the prin­ciples of reason and revelation. Natural re­ligion dictates that God is good, and a lover of righteousness. The sacrifical services of the temple as instituted for particular cases, or pointing to the promised Saviour, while they imply'd guilt, gave assurance that it was consistent with the rectoral ho­liness of God to have respect to imperfect virtue. Nothing therefore is here expressed but what is agreable to a justness of tho't, to a due humility of mind.

[Page 10] THIS passage as uttered by a ruler in Is­rael, suggests to us some things of impor­tance, suitable to the occasion of our pre­sent assembling.

• I. WE may take notice of the ground of this request in the text to God.
• II. THE request itself as connected with it.

WE are in the first place to take notice of the ground of this request to God.— According to all that I have done for this people.

THIS naturally leads us into some reflec­tions upon civil government, it's design, and the proper steps whereby it is pursued. But the subjects have been handled with so much copiousness and accuracy in this desk, that they must be but transiently touch'd upon.

IT hath pleased the creator of all things to implant in mankind a desire of happiness in the continuance of being, and accessions to their enjoyments. This may be deem'd a kind of instinct, which urges them with­out [Page 11] any rational arguments to ward off an injury, or take hold of an offered advantage; and is an engine of providence, whereby they are impelled to action, and the human species is preserved. To this the Father of spirits hath super-added reason, to direct it in it's operations into a track consistent with the welfare of others, and most adapted to a proper end.

IN the present state this principle gaining an undue ascendancy over the intelligent powers is apt to excite men to the impetu­ous pursuit of personal interest, to the op­pression of the weaker. The proportion of an attainable good is moreover as the means of arriving to it. Many can effect more than one.

CONSIDERING then the incapacity of individuals to defend themselves from the rapacious, or to reach that degree of good they might in a collective view, they are led to union. Union for these ends suppo­ses rules framed in subserviency to them. Occasions are continually rising for the a­mendment of general rules, or additions to them, and particular cases occur which it [Page 12] is not possible at once to provide for. So a standing legislature is erected. Laws with­out execution are as none, therefore there must be an authority to see them take effect. This seems the natural course of things.

THE exterior strength of a community, it's internal safety and advantage, present necessity, or security for time to come, and a variety of adventitious circumstances, have their weight in the model of govern­ment, and therefore it differs according to the light in which either is viewed.

SURROUNDED by formidable adversaries, a people may chuse to give to some one a kind of dictatorial authority for their de­fence. Israel vexed with the frequent ir­ruptions of their neighbours desired a king to judge them, and fight their battles. Pro­perty gives influence, and founds a sort of claim to rule, and a large interest connect­ed with that of the public seems to render the possessor worthy of confidence. There­fore hath the sole dominion been committed to a certain number. Equality of proper­ty, a quiet situation, or perhaps painful experience of the ill effects of unlimited so­vereignty, [Page 13] have introduced a popular juris­diction, the society at large reserving to themselves the final determination of mat­ters which concern them.

HOWEVER each of these may answer good purposes for a term, yet singly they are liable to exception. The supreme legislative and executive power lodged en­tirely in the same hands uncontrouled, tends to tyranny. A government altogether po­pular by reason of an infinite diversity of particular interests, dissonant opinions, and formal consultations of the whole body, is slow, uneven, and liable to convulsions, and subversion. ^*

HAPPY are those whose political plan al­lows such prerogative as is sufficient to the vigor, uniformity, and dispatch, of public measures, but at the same time with such restrictions, as that the liberties of the sub­ject are safe, and by a wise mixture of the several powers which alone become pernici­ous, renders them highly beneficial.

GOVERNMENT originating from the law of self preservation properly directed, and [Page 14] being the basis of public happiness, we may easily collect the methods to be prosecuted in consequence.

FROM hence 'tis evident that the consti­tution claims the first attention of such as are in the legislative capacity.

THROUGH the weakness of human un­derstanding, fundamental principles may possibly be productive of ill consequences. Through a corrupt bias false deductions may be made from maxims true and excel­lent, which practised upon will be highly detrimental. It should therefore be their care within their line to correct mistakes of either kind; for if the foundations are out of course what shall the righteous do?

AN equitable constitution on the other hand, the subserviency of which to general utility experience demonstrates, is to be strenuously maintained. The ballance of power in a mixed government is no empty theory. The destruction of it is terrible. The revolutions of Rome in former days we need not recur to in proof of this. Bri­tish records will inform us of the abolition [Page 15] of the ancient system, the calamities thence ensuing, so severely felt as to induce a re­turn to it with as much zeal as it was rejec­ted. It lays with rulers to preserve this bal­lance, (every inclination of which is in a double proportion) by a scrupulous adhe­rence to the duties of their department, and the seasonable check to the violation of pre­scribed limits.

IT is likewise evident that the whole com­munity should fall under the equal eye of rulers—that their concern should be exerci­sed for all. Rivalship there often may be between the several parts of society, and struggles for immunities and privileges. Constituents may expect that those whom they elect prove their advocates in prejudice to others. But such particular respect is a perversion of the great intention of go­vernment, oftentimes rendering the condi­tion of some, of many, worse than if they had remained in a state of nature, by tying them down under public sanction to what in that state they might have prospect of relief from. Necessary burdens are to be adjusted to the different capacities of bear­ing them, and advantages to be alike open to every one properly qualified to improve them.

[Page 16] IT is equally evident that what concerns the welfare of the state is a proper object of human laws. Provision therefore is to be made for the support of those who serve the public agreable to the places they sus­tain—for defence from, and opposition to, the unwarrantable encroachments of ene­mies—for the determination of contested rights, necessary to peace and order—for the encouragement of agriculture, manufactures and commerce, from whence are derived wealth and plenty—for the suppression of immorality, in its native tendency as well as by the righteous providence of God preg­nant with ruin—for maintaining social wor­ship, so friendly to that impressive sense of divine things whereby the solemnity of an oath (the grand instrument of government) is kept up, and adds to the force of civil authority that of conscience—for promo­ting the interests of learning, which softens a natural ferocity, assists in the arts and bu­siness of common life, capacitates for great undertakings, and with which (notwith­standing the exclamations of ignorance, en­thusiasm, or a narrow spirit,) religion and liberty are closely united.

[Page 17] To the efficacy of authoritative decrees to these purposes 'tis necessary that they be dictated with as much precision as possible, so as to be easy of application—that the re­wards and punishments annexed should be suited to the circumstances and prevailing passions of those for whom they are framed, and a freedom of access be ever preserved to the tribunals of justice.

HENCE finally the true use of executive power is readily perceived. It is the ener­gy and influence of the legislative—the le­gislative put forth into act. Those there­fore who are vested with it are never at li­berty to dispense with laws—are ever to make them their rule of conduct, and to their utmost, endeavour a concurrence with the spirit and design of them.

WITH this general idea of civil govern­ment coincides the word of inspiration, when it assures us that the ruler is the minister of God for good—a revenger to execute wrath up­on him that doeth evil, attending continually up­on this very thing. With this coincide the common sentiments of antiquity. The kings of the Gentiles (some of the successors of [Page 18] Alexander particularly) chose to be called benefactors, when they reversed the charac­ter. Pagan deities were at first earthly he­roes—good rulers who laid themselves out for the benefit of mankind. Whether they had an apotheosis in gratitude for what they did here, or as best qualified to superintend affairs below, or as an incentive with their successors to an imitation, it shows the sense of mankind upon this head.

II. THE other thing which comes under consideration is the request to God. Think upon me my God for good.

THIS in connection with the latter clause is worthy of distinct remark, as containing seasonable and weighty hints, viewed in a diversity of lights.

1. WE may understand it as an implica­tion of a ruler's governing aim at the appro­bation of Heaven in his administration.

THE favourable regards of God cannot be conceiv'd to be extended to any whose habitual conversation in the world he dis­likes, and therefore cannot fitly be applied [Page 19] for by those who have not made it their main care to please him. Such a sanctifica­tion of God in the heart by the influence of his spirit and truths as shall give the su­premacy to his approbation, is of vast con­sequence to rulers, having a prodigious ef­ficacy with them in the special business to which they are called.

PERFECT wisdom hath made nothing without design. The faculties of the minds of men are for improvement, the talents given them for use in some particular sphere. The disposal of circumstances, and adapted­ness of talents thereto, point out this sphere. Hereby industry is recommended in every station, and the command proclaimed as with an audible voice from heaven, Occupy 'till I come.

WITHOUT subjection to the will of God the ruler cannot enjoy his smiles. Seriously and deeply affected herewith, he gives all diligence (never content merely with the honors and emoluments of a place) that his mind may be furnished for exalted service. He will therefore carefully examine the best policy of states, the causes of their gran­deur [Page 20] and declension, attentively survey his own country, it's situation, connexions, and manners, investigate the foundation of laws, and their true sense, by intense thought, and the study of the most judi­cious writers upon the subject, and converse with the remoter branches of knowledge (according to opportunity) which throw light upon what he is more nearly con­cerned with. He rises early, and sits up late, deliberating upon the public safety. Contemplation and reading are for active duties, and the treasures of wisdom labo­riously acquired are freely expended for the good of society. The senate complains not of his absence, or the seat of judgment. He proposes, supports, objects, determines, and executes, and strains every nerve in the fulfillment of his trust.

UNDER a firm perswasion that the righ­teous Lord loveth righteousness, desireth truth in the inward parts, and that in his favor is life, he engages in every momentous trans­action with solemnity of spirit, is exceeding cautious that he does not pervert judgment nor consent to any thing merely for it's plau­sible appearance. Whatever comes before [Page 21] him passes under a severe scrutiny; assent­ing hereupon to its rectitude it is received and prosecuted. He is not a wed into com­pliances disagreable to the convictions of his mind by menaces from any quarter.— The fear of man bringeth a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord, maintains due re­spect to him, shall be safe from the prevailing power of such a temptation. Tenacious of a well formed purpose, secular arguments of no sort are sufficient to warp him, he pursues it with an inflexible stability. Con­stituted guardian of liberty, it is ever before him, and dear to him above any earthly enjoyment. He is ready to all just means for it's preservation, even to the laying down his life if called for in providence: But never will he abuse the venerable name through precipitancy of passion, and for the gratification of any personal sinister views.

INCOMPATIBLE with this perswasion is an habit of intrigue and dissimulation,—every subtle evasion of right, and those ar­tifices which create confidence and ruin de­pendants. It leads to fairness of expression and behaviour—to account obligations sa­cred and a punctual conformity.

[Page 22] THE greatest may have some avenue whereby they are accessible to the crafty and designing. A latent vanity not easily subdued renders adulation too palatable. Sucking in the luscious draught, the ruler (as well as others) may be intoxicated with the poison. Not so if he loves the praise of God more than of man. This is an effectu­al antidote against it's baneful influence.—This closes the ear to the artful panegyricks of the fawning parasite.

IT must be confessed that other principles besides this we have been considering may carry the ruler into a channel of duty in many instances beneficial to a people. The enquiry is whether any short of this is suffi­cient to carry him through the whole course of allotted duty.

NATURAL benevolence—a disposition to serve mankind and to serve them grace­fully at once charms us, and we are ready to presage much good when this is the cha­racteristic of a ruler. But a little attention will convince us that it is often accompanied with a certain indolence, averse to that close application which forms the great, the vi­gilant, [Page 23] the active patriot, and involves in it that desire to please which tends to an indis­criminate treatment of all, and a flexibility which is sometimes prejudicial. Religion gives vigor and compactedness to this ami­able spirit; by this aided and exalted, it brings forth fruit equal to the most sanguine prospects.

SENSE of honor hath been much extol­led, and is not without its advantages in high life. But if all which is meant by it is a regard to decorum of behaviour as it comes under the observation and judgment of the world, 'tis too stinted, too fluctuating always to be depended upon. This is con­sistent with private vices, which by a kind of fatality draw on such as are more flagrant, and widely mischievous. Ages differ in their taste, none are free from corruption, and a compliment to that we live in may betray into a violation not of received, but real propriety of conduct.

AFFECTATION of parade—of shining in august assemblies, and being accounted pillars of the state, prompts at times to ex­ertions, the good effects of which a commu­nity [Page 24] sensibly feels. But how will this ope­rate in the day of trial, when fame and du­ty come into competition, and a resignation of the former is plainly incumbent? What but a principle of piety will produce the costly sacrifice?

APPREHENSIONS of the intrinsic excel­lency of virtue, nice ideas of moral beauty, are worthy of the mind of man, and have their attractive influence. But abstract no­tions only seem fitter for pure intelligences, than those who dwelling in houses of clay have passions perpetually applied to by a thousand sensible objects. To look in the critical hour to God whose favour and friendship are of infinite importance, will be likely more to warm the heart, and excite the springs of action, than the finest speculations of this kind.

ADMITTING then that in many instances these principles have been beneficial in their consequence, still this must have the pre­heminence, as an incentive to more exten­sive goodness, and the proper result of which is a consistent and uniform character.

[Page 25] 2. THIS clause connected with the latter may import the ruler's consciousness of in­tegrity in office, and his appeal to God on behalf of it.

MANKIND with understanding, judg­ment, and memory, are capable of recollec­ting the past temper and conduct, and com­paring them with some rule—the divine law. Conformity or disagreement herewith begets satisfaction or uneasiness in review, especially as relative to the final determina­tion of the character and state by God the judge of all. What reverence is due to conscience, whose power is alike exercised in absolving or condemning the great and the small? How much should we prize his friendship, how fearful left we exasperate him?

THE ruler is not always exempt from the censure and resentment of the world. Me­lancholy beyond description is his case if the reproaches of conscience are joined with those of a people—when deserted by man, he cannot look up to God with com­fort, for the voice of conscience is the voice of God. But censure and resentment are [Page 26] not confined to those only that are culpable. Sometimes they fall upon the upright; through misapprehensions, jealousies atten­dant upon a warm passion for liberty, heavy burdens and disappointments fermenting the spirit, or under some particular malevo­lent influence. Moses was faithful in all God's house; but for an extraordinary divine interposal he would have suffered from those for whom he so fervently pleaded. If Is­rael is deemed an exception to the rest of mankind let us look elsewhere. The Athe­nians were the most polite and sensible peo­ple on earth; quick in discerning merit, and ready to embrace it. Yet those for whom they ordained public honours, by reason of unfortunate events in which they had no share, felt the weight of their dis­pleasure. Even Aristides by the superior interest of a powerful adversary, endur'd the severity of Ostracism, wishing as he re­linquished his country that it might never want him. Now when such a disastrous lot befals a faithful ruler, leading him to a solemn retrospect, vast indeed must be his happiness with the testimony of conscience in his favour. He hath that within which is far more than a ballance to what he feels [Page 27] from without, (though that must be painful) he hath a joy unspeakable, which no man can take from him.

BUT supposing such a day as this never to happen, yet mortality is the end of all men. Rulers are stiled gods as in an eleva­ted station, but they must die like men. Ly­ing upon the bed of death that serious re­flection is scarce avoidable which a crowd of business and splendid scenes prevented in some. How distressing must be that period, to one who for long time hath lost fight of his errand, and perverted the ends of his divine appointment, oppressed with guilt peculiarly accumulated? On the contrary what transports are at this season the por­tion of him, who hath exercised a conscience void of offence, whose applause reaches to the latest moments? Remember O Lord, as once a jewish monarch, says he, (as supposed upon the verge of life) how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight, and smiles in the pangs of dissolving nature.

3. THIS clause may be understood as denoting a ruler's faith in and hope of the [Page 28] gracious rewards of futurity agreable to his services.

HOWEVER important the dispute may be concerning the intimation of future hap­piness in the old testament, 'tis needless to enter upon it now. Suffice it at present that the Jews in fact believed, and were actuated by it.

ETERNAL life is the free gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, but a gift appropriated to those who possess a temper devoted to his service and glory, and be­stowed according to their assiduity in his work. Agreably our divine prophet hath represented mankind as servants, betrusted with pounds or talents—something improve­able, and distinguished as they gained by trading.

WHAT restraint is the faith which is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen from predominant worldly ambition and avarice, prolific sources of venality and corruption! We judge of the value of things very much by comparison, and the prospect of obtaining them. In [Page 29] nature and duration the blessings above far surpass any thing below. While they are at a distance the superiority does not appear in a striking light, but brought near to the soul how is every enchanting object here diminished! Still does the estimation in­crease when there is strong consolation through grace of an heirship to them.

WITH this faith and hope who among the sons of the mighty can burn with rest­less desires of mounting higher in the scale of human glory, indifferent to any methods of advancement however base or unworthy? Incongruous herewith is an insatiable gree­diness of wealth, an unbridled appetite to the wages of unrighteousness. The crown which fadeth not away reserved in heaven, and a fair reversionary inheritance in the king­dom which cannot be moved, being objects up­on which the mind is fixed, temptations from this world must lose their strength.

THAT God is not unrighteous to forget the work, and labour of love shewed towards his name and people, being deeply imbib'd in the heart, is a powerful impulse with a ruler to unshaken perseverance in duty. By [Page 30] patient continuance in well doing,—with a zeal unabated by resentment, undismayed by dif­ficulties, he seeks for the sublime honour, the immense treasures of immortality. If his work is attended with embarrassments very exer­cising, discharging it with fidelity 'tis enough that this work is with the Lord and his re­ward with his God;—that God who with unerring rectitude weighs the actions of his servants, with all the enhancing circum­stances attending them, and will award a fate accordingly, in that day when the kings of the earth, and great men, shall in their united nature stand before the judg­ment seat of Christ, to receive a decisive sentence for eternity.

SUCH are the sentiments which arise in contemplation upon this text of sacred scripture, which should be wrote in deep and lasting characters upon the hearts of every one that ruleth over men, and upon which the general temper and tenor of acti­on ought to be formed. Concurrence with the justness hereof our honored fathers in an open manner declare, by coming into the temple this morning, that the weighty affairs which are to be transacted may be introduced by the word of God and prayer.

[Page 31] How great is the privilege by which civil rulers are distinguished by God, while they have it in their hands above most o­thers to do good to his people?—a privilege this with which the external badges of greatness, the tokens of submission and re­spect justly belonging to them, or the most ample revenues annex'd to their office, are not worthy to be compared;—a privilege augmented according to the elevation of dignity.

THE chief magistrate of this province hath eminent advantages to serve this people. With pleasure we own his capacity, and re­ly upon his disposition to improve it for this purpose. May his Excellency continued at the head of administration be guided by di­vine counsel, assisted to the discharge of the duties of his station, meet with the accep­tance of those over whom he hath autho­rity, the smiles of his master under whom he acts, and what is infinitely more the commendation of his supreme judge.

THROUGH the tender mercy of our God upon us the day is returned wherein the elective power vested in two branches of [Page 32] the legislature for our benefit is to be im­proved. The subject upon which I have been treating points out their duty in the choice of his Majesty's Council. So great a trust as is lodg'd in this part of the Gene­ral Assembly, most certainly ought to be reposed in such as manifest an high opinion of the kind ends for which government is instituted, and their value of a place in it for the exercise of a benevolent public spirit,—who in addition to political wisdom, discover a mind impressed with a sense of religion, which will render them impreg­nable to any attacks upon their virtue, in­spire them with heroic fortitude in every exigency, and an unshaken resolution to spend and be spent in the execution of the charge devolved on them. In the choice of such the whole community is greatly interested. Sollicitude that these have a seat at the Council Board will possess each one upon whom it depends, who is desirous of the answer of a good conscience towards God, and of giving up his account with joy. Fully perswaded of the critical in­spection of the most High, and impartially consulting the monitor within, we trust the heads of our tribes will so act this day, [Page 33] as that they and we may rejoice together,—they in remembrance of their upright­ness, we in the blessings derived from it.

MAY God be present with the Assembly of the mighty through the year, instructing his servants in the things of our peace, and in­clining them with one heart and one soul to pursue them.

THE burdens of faithful magistrates are at all times heavy, but have been greatly increased in the months which have passed over us. Serious persons anxious for them­selves and offspring, have not been unmind­ful of the perplexing cares of their rulers, nor without desires that they might be di­rected and sustained.

UNDER our sorrows and distresses, we have not been without consolatory pros­pects, and those upon whose hearts the prosperity of Zion hath laid, while they have poured out tears unto God, have revol­ved in their minds such things as have mightily supported them.

[Page 34] OUR fathers melted when they parted from their native country,—as leaving a parent, and taught their offspring to esteem it as a mother. Dismissed from her bosom they and we have been afflicted in all her afflictions, and triumphed in her prosperity. No event hath happened to her which we have not sensibly felt. Looking upon her always as our mother country, we have looked upon ourselves as children,—of the same family. Our connection therefore with her hath led us into dependance of seeing peace in her peace.

AT a distance from the throne, with duty to our Sovereign, we have confided in him, to give us favourable audience, and extend his paternal concern to the remotest parts of his dominions,—a Sovereign who taketh pleasure in the happiness of his people.

THE wisdom of a British parliament, re­gard to equity—to the welfare of the na­tion throughout, must always incline to a review of every important affair as more light is offered—to allow due weight to the representations that are made, to the argu­ments which are proposed.

[Page 35] WITH such considerations hath the dis­quietude of our minds been much allayed, our ultimate trust being still in the hope of Israel and the saviour thereof in the time of trouble.

WE have waited for thy salvation O God as they that watch for the morning.

THE mercy of the Lord hath been upon us according as we have hoped in him. God hath spoken in his providence, saying, let there be light, and it is light; we see it and are glad. May God be duly acknowledged, whose goodness is unfailing. May our warmest affections flow to our King, and his government! May those who have ge­nerously interested themselves in our behalf be had by us in everlasting grateful remem­brance!

WHILE every eye sparkles with joy, and every mouth is opened in mutual congra­tulations, how natural is it in a fulness of spirit, to anticipate the blessings concomi­tant with privileges freely enjoyed,—to look forward to a distant day? We behold the wilderness blossoming like a rose, under [Page 36] the cultivation of the hand of industry. We behold our commercial interests flou­rishing,—the land of our original pouring in her ample stores upon us, for convenience and delight, we making as ample returns, to the increase of her strength and opulence. We behold a race of princes proceeding from the illustrious House which now reigns, ruling over Great-Britain and her American colonies, 'till these colonies and Britain are no more.

BUT in the midst of our transports let us think soberly. Indulging high expectations of seeing the good of God' s chosen, we ought to remember that liberty,—the best civil privileges which can be imagined, by no means necessitate the happiness of the sub­jects. With these alone, with these misim­proved, we do but dream of becoming great and glorious.

IF when that is removed which so great­ly oppressed our spirits, intestine heats should prevail, and every thing be made matter of sharp dispute, if we should crum­ble into parties, each one striving with ve­hemence for the mastery, if crowned with [Page 37] prosperity we should grow proud in heart, and forget God, and make proficiency in extravagance, luxury, and every vice de­pendant upon plenty, how sad would be our condition? This (I was going to say) would be like children, to throw away what we now seem so much pleased with; happy if no more than children we were responsible for our conduct. But the ex­pression is not strong enough. This is more than merely to neglect the proper improve­ment of the gifts of God,—'tis turning them against our supreme benefactor, and per­verting the means of happiness to our ag­gravated ruin. Rejecting the counsel of God against ourselves, we cannot look for any thing but destruction to advance like an ir­resistable whirlwind, and that when we call, God should refuse to hear,—that he should laugh at our calamity, and mock when terror invades us.

BUT we hope better things,—that our liberty will be used by all ranks and orders, as the servants of God, that in love we shall assist and support one another—that hence­forth we shall serve God in truth, and with a perfect heart, considering what great things he hath done for us.

[Page 38] THE truths which have been expatiated upon this morning as agreable to my text, are not unapplicable to a people. The de­sign of civil administration being the wel­fare of communities, it is clear that unlimi­ted submission,—submission in all cases, cannot be duty. It is as clear that when in the general administration this design is kept in view, and prosecuted, respect and subjection are due to those concerned in it. If rulers are to have habitual regard to the approbation of heaven, the dictates of conscience, and future blessedness, so should those in inferior stations. The civil distinctions which subsist here among men, although necessary to the well-being of the world, are yet but small, compared with that moral and probationary light, in which all mankind are to be considered as standing upon a level.

IF these things are suitably digested we shall be led to that temper, and conversa­tion, which forming the general character, cannot fail to make us happy.

MAY God imprint them upon our hearts, and fulfil to us his ancient promises, deli­vered [Page 39] in the noblest strains by the enligh­tened prophet, with which I close.

O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.—For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thine officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.—Thy people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.