and many other Scriptures, is, one who rules; without reference to the precise form of government which he administers. Here let it be observed that the Christian is the last man in civil society from whose lips should be heard evil speaking respecting any man; especially men in places of authority; and equally far from a censorious and self-wise spirit, in judging and speaking of acts of government which have been well intended, and performed with the best judgment which could be made under existing circumstances. He should be easy to be pleased. He should remember that for well intended and perhaps many wise and righteous acts, he is under obligations as a citizen. And for such as are unhappily otherwise, feelings and language becoming him are far other than those of opprobrium. Two things should be remembered by him. First, that those who administer in public affairs, are often called to act under peculiarly critical and diflicult circumstances; where there is a powerful conflict of opposing interests; where the excitement of party spirit is great on both sides, and in danger of influencing the feelings of rulers, almost unconsciously to themselves; and of course where pleasing every one is out of the question; and that to be done which is according to the best judgment they can form. Second, the Christian, as well as every other private man, should remember that he is not "in the cabinet;" nor under circumstances for taking into view the whole length and breadth of a great national question. Not every good man, at home, as a private citizen, is capable of communicating to legislature or congress, governor or president, messages of counsel on measures or decisions proper to be adopted; or to transmit to the seat of government the veto of his opinion, on a matter where he happens to differ from the executive or the representative assembly. He must place reliance on the judgment of men chosen as the legislators of his country; as devoting themselves to the examination of public subjects on the large scale; and in the variety of lights in which they are set, by the efforts of great, though in some respects differing minds. The time may come, when he will be satisfied that they have done right. If they have not, opprobrious speaking of them and their measures will not make the matter any better. He must cherish the spirit of forbearance and forgiveness, as much respecting wrong done to the community as to himself.

My son, fear thou the Lord and the king; and meddle

not with them that are given to change." A restless, insubordinate spirit sometimes has place and influence in the community, in regard to its government; in which men appear ready to revolt, whenever dissatisfied with its measures. The Christian must have no fellow feeling with such men. Into the assembly of political desperadoes let him never enter. His religion, his very morality will become suspected, in such association. Connected with this may be well considered the counsels of Paul; "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be, are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work." The simplicity and impressiveness of these instructions are such, that they need no comment. They should be inscribed in living characters, upon the whole deportment of the Christian, as a subject of government. That professing Christian gives important evidence that his profession has basis in his real character, who, before God and man, is faithful in these duties.

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But the duty which must lie at the foundation of all that is right in a Christian citizen, is that which Paul set forth when he said, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour." It is to the honor of one Christian denomination, in particular, that in the prescribed devotions of

their religious services, are contained, and thus made sure of use, at appointed times, prayers for those whom God has placed in the government of the country. We would not bring a groundless charge against Christians of other denominations; and yet is there not reason to apprehend that the habits of many are criminally defective in regard to this duty? May it not be, that, regarding civil government too much as an invention of man, and with a jealous and censorious spirit; or feeling indifferent in regard to the men who administer it; and seceding entirely from all concern in the election of its officers; they seldom make it the subject of their prayers; perhaps never offer fervent petitions for the blessings of God upon those in authority? A bad subject of government is such a Christian-if indeed he be a Christian. If such be the state of mind in which many professors live, it need never be regarded mysterious, if God should make government to be the rod with which to chastise their unfaithfulness.

The faith and fervency with which the Christian asks blessings on his own soul, or the interests of the church, should be in exercise equally powerful, while he speaks to "the Majesty of heaven" of those he has appointed to rule in this lower world. Of the ruler it is written, we have seen, "For he is the minister of God to thee for good;" a great public channel opened from heaven, for the descent of temporal blessings upon men. Take heed lest it be disregarded; and the Sovereign of the universe, thus offended, cause to flow in it the floods of his righteous indignation. Let the morning and evening sacrifices, of the closet and of the family, and the higher services of the Sabbath and the sanctuary, bring to the throne of grace unceasingly, fervently, and with strong faith, those upon whom so much is depending; for the prosperity of the community, and for the prevalence of that "righteousness which exalteth a nation." Then may it be expected, and then only, that "God, even our own God, will bless us."

II. We come now to consider the second question proposed, touching the duties of the Christian as a member of the body politic, as being, in our own country, the source of the government.

While the Christian, as a lover of his country, is likely to think, feel, and act, on many subjects, as other men do, and perhaps with propriety; there are some in which sympathy

of feelings, and modes of thinking conformed to those of the majority of his countrymen, will be to sin against God.

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Our nation has been prospered since its erection into a republic, beyond all former example; and is standing a spectacle to the world," and one which they have admired. Every man wishes the continuance of this prosperity. And we are looking around and within for the reasons to warrant our confidence. It is to be feared still, that we are looking upward too little. Here then we find it needful to employ with the Christian the language of caution, derived from the Bible.

We must take heed of sinning against God, by confidence in men for national safety and prosperity, in which we leave God out of sight. The sanguine patriot, the ingenious and philosophizing politician, the ambitious partizan, and the national scheme-builder, may speculate, conjecture, dream, and predict great things. But the Christian must go, and counsel others to go, to him and to his word, who is "Governor among the nations; " whose wisdom and often his holy indignation mock the proud policy and plans of the great men of the earth. He has said, "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." If the Christian will be much in his closet, with the "King of kings;" and, by the light of the divine word, seek for that which will certainly afford security and prosperity, he need not ask admission to hear the discussions of a cabinet composed of the wisest rulers who could be collected from all nations, in order that he may be relieved from solicitude. Let him remember, also, that which is written, "Wo unto them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord." The whole system of mere human reliances, is, by this and other warnings of the Bible, swept away, as "the small dust of the balance." It was needful that the Sovereign of the universe should thus write nothingness upon the things "seen and temporal" on which the spirit of unbelief inclines

man to rely. To name some of these, that we may guard ourselves against sinful dependence on them:

We look at our local situation, and our military defences; and are inclined to think that we "dwell in the clefts of the rock," that "our habitation is high," that we cannot be reached by foreign power to our hurt; and we ask, "who shall bring us down to the ground?" But God said to . Edom, who thought thus-and we must take heed lest we give him occasion to say it to us-" the pride of thine heart hath deceived thee. Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle," and "set thy nest among the stars; thence will I bring thee down." What became of ancient Tyre? And how many times has apprehension spread itself through the modern Tyre, the "sea-girt isle," lest it should fall a prey? Or suppose munitions of defence could keep us from eternal danger; what shall defend us against the enemies of our peace and prosperity, which may spring up among our own selves?

If we talk of our internal natural advantages and resources, and of our improvements, multiplying population, increasing wealth, and busy, bustling, all-grasping enterprize; yet, does history furnish the instance in which these have imparted national safety and permanence? Have there been no nations in which these have been rendered useless, to this end; from that total paralization of national strength which irreligion and profligacy produce.

We talk of our republican form of government, as a reliance. Do we remember that we are making an experiment, which has never yet succeeded, since the world stood; and that therefore we must conduct this experiment "with fear and trembling," and with faith in God alone? The elements of destruction are in existence among us; and unless God, of his infinite mercy, keep these elements under his control, they will work our destruction as fearfully as they ever have done that of any other nation.

We look to our great men, and to this or that system of policy invented and conducted by them, in the exercise of powerful talent and deep sagacity. But when a nation, in their pride, forget their dependence on God, and rely on the wisdom of fallible mortals; does God never "make the judges fools," and "the wise men mad;" "pour contempt upon princes, and lead them away spoiled." And in the