iililM|i 
 
 3 1924 102 767 815 
 
 CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 LIBRARY 
 
 GIFT OF 
 Morris Bishop 
 
 •»•! •soaa aaoiAvs 
 
 uaoNia i3-iHdvwd 
 INnOWVlAVS 
 
DR. WELCH'S 
 
 ELECTION SERMON 
 
 MAY 14, ITJIS 
 
The original of tiiis book is in 
 tile Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924102767815 
 
Air SXCEllSlir SPISir FORMS VBB CBAMACfSS OP A GOOD XUmSi 
 ILLUSTRATEP 
 
 IN A 
 
 SERMON 
 
 PKEACHED BEEOBE THE 
 
 HONOURABUQ GENERAL ASSEMBLY 
 
 OS THE 
 
 STATE OF COJCNECTICVT, 
 
 AT THE 
 
 anntt)eji:0ars election, 
 
 IN THE CITY OF HARTFORD, MAY 14, 1812. 
 
 BY MOSES C. WELCH, D. D. 
 
 •ft. ^ 
 
 PABTOB OS THE CHtTBCH IN NOBTB-MANSFXELS. 
 
 HABTFORD, 
 
 PRINTED BY HUDSON AND GOODWIN. 
 1812. 
 
I\^ 
 
 (^ 
 
 6v ^%^^^ 
 
 ^i 
 
 y-t^tyy. 
 
 M a General Ataetnbly of (la State of Cotmectiimt, holden at Hartford in 
 said State, on the second Thursday of May, in the yeai" of ow Lord 
 one thousand eight hundred and ivielvi- 
 
 ORDEEED, That the Honourable Calvin Goddard, and Mr^ 
 BoGEK Waldo, present the thanks of this Assembly to the Rev. 
 Moses C.Welch, D. D. for his sermon, preached at the Anniversary 
 Election on the 14th day of May instant, and request a copy thereof 
 that it may be printed. 
 
 A true copy of recordj *. 
 Bsamined by 
 
 THOMAS DAY. Secretary. 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 
 
 DANIEL vi. 3. 
 
 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, 
 because an excellent spirit was in hini ; and the King thought to set, 
 him over the whole realm. 
 
 JJURING the Babylonish captivity, Belshazzar, a 
 descendant and successor of Nebuchadnezzar, commanded 
 that Daniel should be clothed in scarlet, with a chain of 
 gold about his neck, and be proclaimed the third ruler in 
 the kingdom. This honor was conferred on him because 
 he interpreted the hand writing upon the wall of the 
 palace, which pointed out the king's overthrow, and that 
 the kingdom should be transferred to the Medes and 
 Persians. 
 
 When Darius the Median came to the throne, he ap- 
 pointed over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes 
 to superintend the public concerns. Three presidents 
 were appointed over this number of princes ; one of whom 
 was considered as possessing supereminent talents, and 
 was clothed with superior authority. This honor was 
 conferred on Daniel. Though one of the children of the 
 aaptivity, and a despised .Tew, he was honored as prime 
 
6 ElECTION SERMOX. 
 
 minister of state, and chief magistrate under the grand 
 monarch of the Medo-Pcrsian empire. He was thus hon- 
 ored because an excellent spirit was in him. 
 
 Daniel in his natural state was like other men. Aside 
 from special grace, and the supernatural agency of the 
 divine Spirit, he was, like other men, ^'faf fbom righte* 
 ousness," a stranger to God, and totally destitute of mor- 
 al goodness. But as God prepares men for the post he 
 designs they shall occupy, so Daniel was eminently qual- 
 ified for his dignified station. He was furnished with 
 natural and acquired talents, w^ suited to4he elev»ted 
 rank to which the providence of God raised him. Pos- 
 sessing an excellent sprit, he was appointed to the highest 
 office within the king's power to bestow upon him. 
 
 It will not,it IS presumed, on thSs very interesting occa- 
 sion, appear either improper or ttnttniely, to consider, anfl 
 bring into view, some things nnplled in the exoeHient t/phltt 
 of Daniel ; and then to offer a few reasons wli^ihis ren- 
 dered his promntionto office highly suitaible. 
 
 I. I tim to consider seme -thhigs in^tied in tke easotl- 
 lent spirit that was in Daniel. 
 
 It is cfbvions, in the Srst fiaiee, that he was a anan of 
 great natural wisdom and understandn>g- 
 
 From the history of Daniel it is exceeding e>adent 
 that he had a strong, 'discerning mind, and a« «ne«ai- 
 monly sound judgment. T^e God of nature fovmed him 
 for public life, and designed he should £11 impovteHit'sta- 
 tiims, in a civil capacity, as weM as dn the chur eb. He 
 
fiKBCTIOX SSKUOK. ^ 7 
 
 I^itiiedhim,,therefoFe> witlt suah a cast of mind, and 
 fdl that aatural discerBment, and strength of judgw^B^ 
 suited to the station to wMeh he was a^^pointed in the 
 diTJnej^an. 
 
 Men are soBfietime» put into ofiiee who. have not the 
 requisite talents. Sncb men are an injury to the public 
 mterest, and their adifflnistrafion brings a blot upon 
 themselves. The hand aod providence of God, however, 
 must be aeknowled^d in the exaltation of sueh men. 
 The Lord has ^e same right to punish a people by a ba4 
 nder, as by a tempei^,^ an ewthqi^ke, or a pestilence. 
 And this is often done in the course of his righteous gov- 
 ernment over the naitioBs. He dealeth in this manner, 
 *' that the living may know that the most High ruleth in 
 tiie kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, 
 and setteth up over it the basest of men."* But when God 
 ■designs a mam shall act well in a high station he alway^ 
 gives him the necessary quaJHSea/tions. Hence Daniel 
 tras liberalfy furnished with talents well suited to the dig*- 
 nified staition he was to fill, in the em^re under Darius. 
 Vhe Lord gave hkn s^ong powers of mind, equal, or su- 
 perior, to any in that age of the world. No man among 
 the captive JiBWs, nor am<mg all the sul^eets of the Medo- 
 Persian monarch, could be found, in the estimation of 
 Darius, equal to Daniel. 
 
 We may further observe, that, with a strong mind, and 
 sound judgment, Daniel possessed extensive information. 
 
 He i^efoably enjoyed the means of cultivating and im- 
 Iprevi&gya natural talents, in early Ufe^ to a degree su- 
 
 * Dan. iv. 17. 
 
8 ZilECTIONT SERMON. 
 
 perior to his cotemporaries in general. "We may vatioaal- 
 Ij conclude he went into Babylon with a greater stock of 
 information than was common to the youth of that age 
 and nation. Hence we find his name first on the list of 
 those who were noticed by the officer of Nebuchadnez- 
 zar, when seeking for the most able and promising young 
 men to stand before the king. And he was designated, 
 with three others, as the most suitable to learn the 
 Chaldean language, and be instructed iq all the science 
 of that country.* Devoted to study, and instructed by 
 the most able teachers, at the end of three years they 
 were presented to the king, and were found, in all matr 
 ters of wisdom and understanding, ten times better than 
 all the magicians and astrologers in the realm.f 
 
 God can, if he please, give men, in an extraordinary 
 manner, as much knowledge as the human mind is capa- 
 ble of receiving. But it is usual to obtain it by a regular 
 course of study. Though Daniel had the extraordinary 
 teachings of the holy Spirit, yet he gained a fund of 
 knowledge by those means which he enjoyed, under the 
 ablest instructors. In this way he was possessed of un- 
 eommon, extensive, and most useful information. He 
 had an excellent spirit of wisdom and knowledge. 
 
 He possessed, moreover, in a true sense, the fear of 
 God. Persons are said to fear God who are totally des- 
 titute of religion. Even the fallen spirits of darkness, 
 who are doomed to everlasting woe " believe and trem- 
 ble.":!: Wicked men often tremble in view of that ceaseless 
 torment which will be the portion of the ungodly. Be- 
 lieving that such characters must " drink of the wine of 
 
 * Dan. i. 3, 4, S, 6, f Dan. i. 20. ^ James ii. 19. 
 
EUBCTIOSr S£RMON. 9 
 
 the 'wi^tibi of God,"* tbey fear and tremble. They fear 
 the justiee of God while they hate his character., But 
 the excellent spirit of Daniel produced a fear different 
 both IB its. nature and el&ets. As a friend of God, and 
 having an h^Uft warmed widi divine love, he ifeared, to 
 dishonor his n^me» wound his cause, or, in any sense, of-s 
 fend huou. He feared God as a dutiful and afiectiouate 
 chM fears a hind, mdulgent father. The honor of Jeho- 
 ^ah lay near his heart,, and a sincere afiection far his 
 amiable and most excellent character, influenced him^ ia 
 the various actions of Me. The divine law was beautifui 
 in his Tiew, and it was the desire of his whole soul to obey 
 it in all its denoands. He had an excellent spirit of the 
 loTe and. fear of God. 
 
 This excellent spirit consisted, also, in a sacred regar^ 
 to the public institutions of religion. 
 
 We may conclude, without any doubt, that a man so 
 completely under the influence of Ipye, to God, will pay 
 a sacred regard to those public religious institutions 
 which are established by divine authority. Such a mar., 
 lyhethcr in public or private life, will, unquestionably, re- 
 gard, the sabbath as a divine institution.. He will not^ on 
 the sabbath, pursue any secular business, nor indulge 
 himself in the pleasures and common amusements of life. 
 As. the sabbath is holy by the authority of God, and con- 
 secrated to spiritual concerns, so he will lay aside all his 
 secular business, and observe the day with that decent 
 attention and solemn reverence wliich the nature of the 
 institution requires. From a view of the character of 
 Daniel we conclude, without any doubt, that he ohser- 
 
 * nbv. xiv, jn. 
 
10 EXECTIOK SEBMOIT. 
 
 Ted the sabbath as a day to be devoted to God, and eou^ 
 secrated to the the concerns of the soul. 
 
 The excellent spirit of this public officer -would induce 
 him, also, to attend the social worship of God on the sab- 
 bath. From the remotest ages, to which our informatioB 
 extends, God's people have, uiuTersally practised reli- 
 gious worsliip, in a social manner, on the sabbath. This 
 practice has been sanctioned as well by Jesus the foundW 
 of Christianity, as by the most worthy part of mankind 
 from the earliest ages of time. And may we suppose it 
 was neglected by Daniel ? Did he think it beneath his 
 dignity to meet with God's people for worship ? Did he 
 Tiew the social duties of religion unworthy of the notice 
 of rulers, and beneath the dignity of men in high life I 
 Alas! " great men are not always wise!" But this great 
 man was wise both for time and eternity. He never look- 
 ed down upon the social worship of Jehovah, nor treated 
 the public institutions of religion with a sarcastic sneer. 
 He was, indeed, greatly delighted in the worship of God, 
 and thought himself highly honored when admitted to in- 
 timate communion with the most High. He never, in 
 his own view, appeared in a more dignified attitude than 
 when bowing, with fellow saints, before the sacred altar, 
 and offering a solemn sacrifice to God. 
 
 Again : The excellent spirit of Daniel induced him 
 to perform, statedly, the duties of private devotion. Such 
 is human depravity that men often observe the public in- 
 stitutions of religion from bad motives. And they as of- 
 ten swim with the tide. When the current of public 
 opinion is in favor of divine institutions 'they will treat 
 religion with decency, externally regard the sabbath, and 
 
SIECTION SERMON. li 
 
 attend the social worship of God ; especially when abroad 
 on public business* though total strangers to piety of 
 heart. Such men, for the most part, entirely neglect the 
 exercises of private devotion. The religious duties of 
 the family and closet, by men of the world, are not con- 
 sidered of any great importance. Strangers to piety have 
 no intercourse with heaven. Though in peculiar distress, 
 or under the pressure of some alarming providence, they 
 may for a season maintain a form of private , devotion, 
 they do not hold out. It soon becomes a burdensome bu- 
 sinessr and the language of the heart is, " What profit 
 shall we have if we pray unto him V God has no share 
 in their affections, and is not, with any sense of obliga- 
 tion, in all their thoughts, 
 
 Daniel was a different character. He was, eminently, 
 a man of prayer. A friend to God, and enraptured by in- 
 iereourse with heaven, he performed the duties of private 
 devotion from a principle of real affection for the object 
 of worship, and a cordial delight in duty. His enemies 
 knew his character. They agreed, with one voice, that 
 no accusation could be supported against him except in 
 things " concerning the law of his God." With this 
 view of Daniel they persuaded the king to pass a royal 
 statute that whosoever should ask a petition of any God« 
 or man, save of the king, for thirty days, should be cast 
 into the den of lions. But did Daniel regard the prohi- 
 bition ? Did the awful penalty appal him 7 He feared 
 the Lord. He knew his God, and not man was to be 
 worshipped and obeyed. He could not be deterred from 
 the service of God by the most powerful opposition ; even 
 by these awfully terrific threats. He persevered in a re- 
 ligious eourse, and statedly performed his devotional du* 
 
±2 -jaiiECTIOIf SEBMON. 
 
 ties, in the very i(ace of ifais regal mandaft^ and the «ii- 
 mity of those numerous and watefaflil syotqikants of the 
 Persian court, tin exeeUmt sprit was in him. 
 
 Further : He was a man of a courageous, intrepid 
 spirit. 
 
 True eourage consists in feeling a sense of danger, 
 and at the same time possessing^ a steady, unshaken mind. 
 The man of true courage is cool and collected in the midst 
 of danger. When compassed with the most pressing 
 dilfieulties, with liberty, and even life at hazard, he keeps 
 his eye on the duties of his post, and steadily follows the 
 calls of providence. 
 
 This courage may be constitutional, the oflspring of a 
 natural fortitude of mind ; or it may spring from a firm 
 reliance on God, and a religion's confidence ia his divine 
 protection. Daniel, unqestionably, had both. Can we 
 doubt this when we see him, with the full prospect of be- 
 ing cast into the den of the most terrible of all beasts, 
 opposing the king's decree, and upon his knees before 
 God in prayer, three times a day? The natural and re- 
 ligious fortitude of Daniel prepared him to meet, with 
 a steady mind, all the clamors of his enemies, with 
 their malicious attacks upon his reputation and^ife- He 
 was thus enabled to prosecute the duties of his^ost, and 
 render honor to Iris God, even at the risk of life itself. 
 What an excellent trait this in the character of a public 
 officer ? How peculiarly needed in the evil day of turmoil 
 and confusion ? When the reputation of the faithful ser- 
 vant of the public is inaliciously assailed, and his charae- 
 ier stabbed by the venomous tongue of slander, what so 
 
EIXCTION 9BRM0N. IS 
 
 oecessavy and useful as the fortitude, the wisdom, the 
 piety of Daniel i 
 
 I may not forget to observe that « an exeellent spirit 
 was in him," as he had an ardent desire to promote the 
 general good. He did not seek the good of a single 
 friend, or a few favor^ individuals, to the exclusion of 
 all the rest of the community. Nor did he aim at the iu- 
 4;erest of one particular nation, to the injury of others. 
 A man of Daniel's natural talents and religious attain- 
 ments would not, so far, deviate from the rules of benev- 
 olence and good poliey< 
 
 Iniquity will never be transformed to righteousness by 
 royal authority ; nor the nature of benevolence and self- 
 ishness assimilated by the power of rulers. Crowned 
 heads and dignified officers, who are, often, no better than 
 royal cut-throats, and exalted robbers, get to themselves 
 great renown by those deeds which would send a private 
 individual to the state prison for life, or consign him to 
 the hand of the executioner. 
 
 What some consider as true patriotism is the very es- 
 sence of selfishness; Individuals have rights which may 
 never be infringed for the benefit of other individuals. 
 Towns and states have rights peculiar to them as such, 
 and these may not be invaded. There are, also, national 
 as well as individual rights, which are to be sacredly re- 
 garded. It is wrong in the nature of things, and there- 
 fore a moral evil, to invade the rights of one nation for 
 the benefit of another. A nation of untutored savages 
 are no more to be molested in their natural rights, than 
 a people in the highest state of civilization. ^ 
 
14 BrECTION' flSBMOlr^ 
 
 True patriotism is consistent with perfect benevolenc^t 
 It, therefore, supposes desiring the good of our own couii. 
 try consistently, and in connection, with the interests of 
 other nations. This is true patriotism. And this grows 
 oat of that piety which consists in supreme affection 
 for God, and a cordial regard for our fellow sinners ; 
 which aims at the glory of Jehovah, and the increase of 
 happiness in the rational system. This is the spirit which 
 rulers ought to possess, however diverse from many exal- 
 ted characters in this fallen world. And this, it is pre- 
 sumed, is the " excellent spirit" that was in Daniel. Sin- 
 cerely aiming at the general good, he endeavoured to 
 form his principles of government, and to calculate the 
 rules of his administration, upon the perfect scale of^ 
 what we now call, christian benevolence. 
 
 To do to others as we would that they should do to us 
 is a perfect rule | and it is as binding on nations as indi- 
 viduals. This is that righteousness which dignifies and 
 exalteth a nation ,* while the contrary is a part of that 
 debasing sin which is a reproach to any people. Such as 
 make war and shed blood either to gratify human pas- 
 sions, or to extend empire, imitate the Alexanders, the 
 Neroes, the Napoleons of this ungodly world, more than 
 those benevolent rulers who possess the " excellent spir- 
 it" of Daniel. 
 
 X am now, 
 
 n. To offer some reasons why this excellent spirit of 
 Daniel rendered his promotion to office highly suitable. 
 
 Of the many reasons which might be offered we will 
 notice the following. 
 
BXECTION SBBMOy. 15 
 
 In the first place, a man of sneh a spirit would be 
 Ukely to honor his post. 
 
 A public station is honorable ; and it is important for 
 the good of men that it be held in high repute. The 
 character stnd conduct of public officers either raise or 
 sink the post, in point of respectability, in the public es- 
 timation. Should judges and counsellors of state mix 
 with the common herd of low characters ; or the repre- 
 sentatives of a free people join indiscriminately with the 
 vicious and profane, how it would disgrace their station ! 
 Should the chief magistrate of the state, or the first ruler 
 of the nation, take abandoned sinners to his bosom, deride 
 the gospel of Jesus, speak contemptuously of the son of 
 God, and revel in a black catalogue of crimes, how de- 
 basing to the office ! 
 
 But a different course does honor to a public post; 
 When men in office act with a dignified deportment, man- 
 ifesting a disposition to honor God, and promote the re- 
 ligion of the bible, it does honor to them as rulers, and 
 adds dignity and respectability to the office. "When to 
 Ibis they join such a line of conduct as promotes the good 
 of men, and increases the happiness of those over whom 
 they rule ; they appear well in view of the virtuous part 
 of the community, and command the respect, even of the 
 disorderly and profane. It is said of Epaminondas, the 
 Grecian philosopher and general, that he had scarcely 
 any vice, and almost every virtue to distinguish him 
 from the rest of mankind. And that he so behaved him- 
 self in exalted stations, as did more honor to dignities 
 than dignities to him.* 
 
 • Goldsmith's history of Greece, Vol. 2.,p. 1*. 
 
16 :ij]^CTiox s^BMftsr. 
 
 Such % ral^r vras Daniel. IQs eneimes hated ^t^^; and 
 sought his destruction, not becai;ise there was any tlui^ 
 bad in his administration or character, but because they 
 possessed the ranqorous feelings of disappointed ambition. 
 Daniel was raised above them. He possessed th^ h|igh- 
 est confidence of the king, who placed him first amovig 
 all his officers. Aitd he so dischafPged the duties of ^s 
 elevated station as to answer the raised ^^pectatipijis qf 
 Darius. He was so wise, just and good in his adminis- 
 tration, that his bitter enemies could support no aeeusar 
 tion against him. Hi$ condi^ct, both in a civil and rellr 
 gious view, was so upright, pqble and dignifiedj, as to, flo 
 great honor to the station in which he was pistqed. 
 
 His appointment to office was highly suitable, al^o,, be- 
 cause his character insured fidelity tothe public iatereat> 
 
 Men are influenced by vaitious motives to act well in 
 office. A man may aim at the public interest merely 
 on selfish principles. So long as it will secure h^S: o^rn 
 popularity, and promote his private- interest he will act 
 well for the pubUc. But in this'«ase there ia bo bqhd by 
 which he is holden to perseverance in the path of right- 
 eousness. The moment the tables are turned his course 
 is changed. Let him only feel safe as to public opinion, 
 or have an opportunity of making hi^ own private fortune^^ 
 and the public intei^est is sacrificed at a blow. Such a 
 man will, to-day, be a warm republican, blazon with zeal 
 for universal freedom and the rights of man, swearing 
 eternal enmity to kings and crowned heads. TorXaov-, 
 row, he will throw off the mask, grasp at power, become, 
 an emperor, reign as a despot, and struggle to bring all 
 nations to his feet. 
 
Tbe nitoof an fdteellent spirit it possess^ 6f more nd- 
 tle ti«W#< Hati iniAtielJieed 1$;^ if&stly diSbreift ttttftiyes. 
 Rcf i#, cdiftiftti^ty, nnde^ fKe IfifliieiWee of a dokam ileiv 
 «f aeeomttabillt:)^. Semdblef of the ditine 0tniii9feien«e, lie 
 •Believtistliftt all bU secret dt^sigds!, &§ well sis public a«i- 
 ttitai, S^ 6^U iti tM ti€lt of ^od. He khtfWs the dfty 
 is fa$t ttp^fmmn^ j^btsit Q6& WQI briug every ^6rk ittt6 
 jfidgiA«^t, With 6\^i^ secret tMtt^i H^ lo(iks t« the 
 MdeiiM period wbf^ rulerit &M tftrt^ects Dirlli stsind an & 
 letel at the bftr of JindTifi, and receive the reward df 
 iiteir dtfcdsii In riew of tiiAt MtifiiA da^, and awful pro- 
 eess, be acts in pabMc ftnd pritate life ; ttnd, ad a friend 
 to Ood and man, peM)irrin», faithff^lfy, the duties of his 
 ttidim. To se^n^ fidelity to the ptiblie interest, faithf id 
 mm who fbaf God «nd h^ete cOfettoflnesSi are to be ap^ 
 pointed to office. As Daniel was eminently such a ehaif' 
 aeter, so his promotion was highly proper. 
 
 Ffirther. It Was so b^e^use it would pAttuOtO thef^b- 
 Uegoaii 
 
 Wh6ii Mett of an eleellefift spiHt hold the ^iim of 
 g&ftltti^tliti, the people ate gchteMIy pi'tf^rOttS and hap- 
 ff. The sacred and profane histfOi^ of the World will 
 eowfirnt tMs position. What nation haS not prospered 
 nnderthe ^orertimettt of wise aM godly rten? This was 
 the ease with Israel* most evidently, fo^^anumbcr of 
 ^nturies. Whenever God' designed their pros|perity, he 
 gave them wise and good men to rule over them. And 
 he often punished them by the administration of some 
 abandoned wretch j some vicious, unfeeling, impious ty- 
 rant. How hapipy were God's ancient covenant people 
 under the administration of Solomon, Josiah, Hezekiah, 
 
IB £iJGcarioN' sEBMosr. 
 
 Asa, and Nehemiah, with a long catalogue of exoeltent 
 characters ? And how different the picture with the dairk 
 shades drawn from the reign of Ahab, Manasseh, Jeroboi 
 am, and a group of wretches that brought misery and 
 distress on the land and people of God ! — If we come near* 
 cr home we cannot avoid calling to mind the unexampled 
 prosperity of our own country, under the administration 
 of the most able statesman, and wise ruler that has lived 
 for ages. Future generations, from the page of historfy. 
 will contrast the happy state of united America, undet 
 the guidance of the immortal Washington, with our pres- 
 ent deranged, distracted, disgraced condition. Yea, what 
 man, with the facts before him, will not, by irresistible 
 conviction, be compelled to acknowledge the beneficial 
 effects of electing able and wise men to the first offices, 
 in this state ? 
 
 Connecticut has moved on regularly for more than a 
 eentury and an half,* and been, in a singular manner, 
 prosperous and happy. We have had a succession of ru- 
 lers, first in office, who by profession and external deport- 
 ment, have feared Ood, and reverenced his institutions. 
 Under their wise administration the state has prosper- 
 ed. No nation of men, nor can any state in the union, 
 boast of ^o great prosperity and happiness for such 
 a course of yettrs. And we, equally, out-vie all oth- 
 er people in the number and extent of our privilCr 
 ges, both of a civil and religious nature. In the 
 means of education, and the general diffusion of infor- 
 mation, with the equal enjoyment of liberty among all 
 
 * The first constitution of government for Connecticut, was agreed 
 on, sind adopted, by all the free planters, convened at Hartford, Jan- 
 uary 14, 1639. Trumbull's Hist, of Con. p. 95. 
 
B£&CTION SERMOir. 19 
 
 ranks of jpeople, we exceed what falls to the share of 
 any spot on the globe. In these respects we stand unri- 
 valled in the annals of time. And to what can this be as- 
 •ribed but the blessing of God upon the labors, and 
 fMthful services, of a long list of able, wise, godly men 
 that have ruled over this state ? From the venerable and 
 ^OQS Hatites"^ down to the late excellent, beloved and 
 much lamented THnMBriL, the powers of government 
 have been exercised to general satisfaction, and, almost, 
 •without a stain. Yea, delicacy will forbid me to name, on 
 this occasion, one of later date, who for wisdom, piety, 
 firmness and integrity, is not exceeded by his predeces- 
 sors.! Strangers to the delusive arts . of intrigue and 
 duplicity, which under a cloud of mystery envelope pub- 
 lic measures in total darkness ; they have neither needed 
 the aid of " secret sfcrvice money," nor lavished thou- 
 ands of the public treasure upon worthless tools to accom- 
 plish party designs, or bring about selfish ends. Open sin- 
 oerity and honorable frankness, the striking characteris- 
 tics of an " excellent spirit," like the resplendent gems 
 in the breast-plate of the Jewish high priest, have given 
 a sparkling lustre to the counsels of Connecticut. 
 
 When we call to mind the worthies who have guided 
 
 * Governor Haynes was elected on the second Thursday in April, 
 A.D. 1639. Trumbull's Bist.ofCm. 
 
 t Wlien this discourse was penned, the writer could not foresee 
 that the worthy character alluded to in this paragraph would be pres- 
 ent, otherwise his delicacy might not hare been put to the severe test 
 which the delivery of it may have occasioned. It was also confidenMy 
 expepted that the present excellent chief magistrate, for whom the 
 writer has a high respect, would be at the head of the assembly, 
 which is the only reason for not particularly naming governor Grh' 
 -weWin the list of the first political luminaries of Connecliait 
 
iheipaWe affairs of this sta.U, we milf, DoMi^eMlrimA 
 affeotidnately, v6ooffn%e tbeir admioi^PHtioii to hWM 
 been «< as Hie UgHt (tf the morning when iher sua'ilstit^ 
 «vep a mOiniiag without 'elbudiB/' •"> 
 
 Oaine wave. Jt ir^s highly suitable J^i#) shfi^4 his 
 aqppofnted to ef&bb because if wtmld ptomoi^ thf^ i«P?9l 
 int^Fest of tht cenunuoity'. . s. 
 
 The moml good of a person, or people; is as mW^ 
 more impoptiaiit than their civil or political biteuef^* 89 
 eternity exceeds time. Time is short. ITie period^ 
 enjoying good^ or suffemgeTil here,- is but Bioa»ei»taryi 
 In this life we are fitted' for a never ending existence | and 
 »ien are grigatly infliieflced in their feelings irfiomt mwal 
 things' hf ihe conduet of others.. The inflnraice of e^aiA^ 
 pjp is exceedingly great ; espeeiaHy the eKampJe of roe^ 
 highlit office." Bftlers may do much to encourage mOral« 
 ity aad fellgi^niii ao<atffy.' If the public olRSoer be virtw* 
 pus, fe^ Qqdf and ga(a>edly'regard divine institutions j-^ 
 if he be a man of prayer,' iind eminent for pmypt|c^ godlir 
 ness, he does not Jtufte thp ^yntf^^ m vainv He is a terpop 
 to evil doers, and encourages men to do well. The bene- 
 fit' of his.^i|9iii^<x^tipnf in ^ ttm^l view> is inealeul^lile. 
 
 The;religious feelings andcjonduet of Daniel had a sur- 
 prising and extensive influence. .Hepersistedin worship- 
 ping the true Gpdio the face of a most powerfiil, opposi- 
 tion ; and this opened the door to a train of wonderful 
 eventsi 
 
 He was cast into the den of lions, and miraculously pre- 
 served. The king was greatly affected with his wonder- 
 ful deliyeranec; and made a decree that, throughout aU 
 
kie em{ilre» tarn bUquM every vliere fear and. trem- 
 ble befwe thp Opd of Daniel. How amairiifg was the! 
 kiflaenee of one godly ruler ! Jt (extended throngh the 
 vast dominions of tfae Per^i^n monarcli. Was it noti^en 
 highly suitable such a man should be exalted ? 
 
 In <he improvameot of the subject we are led to re- 
 mark, in the first place, that the rulers of states and na- 
 tions ought to be governed, in their' administration, by 
 •hristian benevolence. 
 
 Would rulers and potentates of the earth calculate 
 their principles of government upon this perfect scale, 
 making " righteousness the girdle of their loins, and 
 faithfulness the girdle of their reins," wai* and shedding 
 blood would universally come to an end. In this way 
 we are to expect the introduction of that happy state of 
 the world, so much the subject of prophecy. We are 
 looking for the reign of righteousness and peace on earth. 
 The scriptures point out an approaching period when, in 
 the figurative language of prophecy, " The wolf shall 
 dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with 
 the kid ; and the calf, and the young Hon, and the fatling 
 together, and a little child shall lead them." When the 
 " root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign of the people, and 
 his rest shall be glorious," wars will come to an end, the 
 world be filled with the knowledge and love of God, and 
 the peaceful reign of Christ extend over the whole earth. 
 
 This happy state of the world will not supersede the 
 necessity of rulers. There is subordination among the 
 glorious inhabitants of heaven j and this will exist in the 
 most perfect state of society on earth. God wil], proba- 
 
%% BlECTIOSr SEBMOIf." 
 
 biy, introduce iliis happy state of the world by inolifljug; 
 the people, universally, to promote godly men to office^ 
 Such characters will make christian benevolence th» 
 rule of their administration, and so peace wOl prevail* 
 through the world. In this way kings wiU become nur- 
 sing fathers, and queens nursing mothers. At that pe- 
 riod demagogues and tyrants will either be converted.to 
 the feelings of the humble followers of Jesus, or be sent 
 to that place where there wiU be full scope for their 
 selfish, turbulent, aspiring dispositions, under their prim« 
 leader, the first apostate, to all eternity. 
 
 2. The sul^eot leads to remark that the public inter- 
 est is greatly endangered by the promotion of bad men. 
 It is an aphorism of eternal truth that " The wicked 
 walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.* 
 Under the administration of unprincipled, vicious men, 
 the enemies of God will hold up their heads, and become 
 bold in sin. Having the countenance of great names 
 they feel easy in crimes that debase human nature, and 
 expose them to the wrath of God forever. Man has a 
 natural inclination to sin, and is, in many instances, de- 
 terred from it only by the dread of public odium. , Let 
 this dread be removed by the example of great men in of- 
 fice, and iniquity is committed with greediness. It is al- 
 most as fatal to the morals of a country as to establish ini- 
 quity by law. There have been attempts to persuade the 
 good citizens of this country that incorrect moral senti- 
 ments, or vicious characters, are no bar to the first offi- 
 ces. It has been said with great assurance, and as much 
 impudence, that sentiment and moral character form no 
 part of the qualities of acivU ruler j— .that a man may be 
 
 * Psalm xii, 8. 
 
EtXCTION SBBMOK. S5 
 
 a 'Wise statesman, and a good ruler, ^vho worships any 
 • Godj or no God. This idea, the child of Satan, by the 
 infamous prostitute impiety, has too far obtained credit, 
 and the evil is now visible. Infidelity is countenanced, 
 iniquity hath increased, the accursed demon of discord 
 stalks, in triumph, through the land, and our country is 
 driven to her -wits end. The morals of a country cannot • 
 be endangered by any thing more than the promotion of 
 unprincipled and vicious men. A nation of infidels, or 
 •who ^ve up their country to the government of infidels, 
 never did, never can, prosper. 
 
 It is of incalculable importance to guard the princi- 
 ples, and secure the morals of our youth. "Were the sys- 
 tem of education suited to the feelings of such as wish to 
 encourage infidelity and licentiousness, a few revolving 
 seasons would produce a total change in the moral comr 
 plexion of this state. Too much caution cannot be used 
 to guard the rising hope of our land iagaihst those demor- 
 alizing principles that have buried in ruins the liberties 
 of other countries. The fairest portion of Europe is now 
 held up, as a heaccm, to warn us of our danger. If we 
 are ever caught^ completely in the vortex, we shall be 
 hurried down into the great deep of political and moral 
 wretchedness ; for we shall then have men to rule over 
 us who have the « teeth of a lion, and the cheek-teet^i of 
 a great lion !" 
 
 When the sentiment becomes general that infidels and 
 debauchees are as good characters to rule over men as 
 virtuous believers in Jesus, we may bid farewel to lib- 
 erty, and our highly valued privileges. We may then 
 •ry, with tears of lamentation, Connecticut, hatht 
 
2i EIiECTIOIir SSBMOIF. 
 
 thou knotviu even tlwui in this thy day, t/te things thai 6«- 
 long tinto tkg prospefUy ! but now th^ an HAfralti fftlnc 
 eyes ! For an fehabod will, eeptainly, be inseribed ajfrnn 
 the' fair inberitanee transmitted by our Tirorthy* depoPted 
 ancestors. Of such rulers &fttj good and #feH informefl 
 eitissen will say, O my sefitt, 6ome no^ thou into thdr $»• 
 erets J imto thdr ttssefuMy^ mme honor^ be not than imiUi't 
 
 3. The subject presents a seriou* Mea respecitii^ the 
 subordinate civil oilieersof the sta^e. Is it not vs8ti^in[< 
 jportant that men of an e^eellent spirit sbonld ffll those 
 offices ? Much depends, let the speaker modestly obserrCf 
 upon the execution of the salutal-y I&vr^s (tf the »tate. . If 
 Bo notice be taken of the open violation of law it ptlfcp 
 the dignity of itnthotity, detrw^ts fironi the ioipdrt«afS6 
 and solemnity of an oath, and pairafyze^ the arm of go^ 
 ernment. We depend on the minister's of justice not onfy 
 to protect us in the quiet enjoyment of our civil rights, 
 but to eneonrage the moral intere^ of the state. And 
 how can thds be done wMIe the perial statutes aire not 
 put h) force ? Solomon pertinentljr observes, " BeeatHs 
 eentenee against an evil work is not executed speedily .; 
 tfaere&re the heart of the sons of m^i is fully set in them 
 to do evil.* 
 
 As a mark of public indignation, and a terror to m^^ 
 certain crimes are to be corrected by force of law. By 
 this criminals may be reformed, and their families saved 
 from wretchedness and woe. Were the laws against tip- 
 ling houses and drunkenness rigidly executed, how mar 
 ny miserable wretches might b^ saved from perdition j 
 how many wives from unspeakable distress.; and wha^t 
 
 ■" Rcclesiastes vi'iii 11. 
 
j^i'eat nmnflbers of miserafole cfaildrien from hunger and 
 tags'?— Was ^ery instanee of qieri profknfty punistred 
 to iiie extent of latv/ our tears ^rould iiot, so often, be of- 
 fended % the sabrilegions abuse of th'e awful name of Jb- 
 Hcr^riLB. — ^Wtt-e^ exertitoiis ' made by the imited <brce -of the 
 eSyil powers to suppress the growing violation of tJod^s 
 libly tiayi Vrr ^ould not, every ^bbatii, be disturbed hy 
 the noise of traTelling, on common husiiiess, or for the 
 iporpose of amusement. ¥ea, we -shbuld Hot, as is com- 
 thotr, see ttenlafboring'in liie ififeld, on the Lord's day^ 
 XiCt Ihe speiiker unite his fbeble voice, with the loud cry of 
 many, froln Various parts of our land^' for some vigorous 
 exertions to checls the growing evil; Let not practical 
 goffiiness; by consent of authority, be driveA from our 
 teount^. ' Oh, let not our children ie taught to for- 
 get the sabbath, Avhen we are in the dust! The correct 
 ■fion of these terils depends much on the fidelity of the nrin- 
 
 isters of 'JUsMcti. ^ . 
 
 J — .... . . 1 
 
 Let me, furthermore, observe -with gi-eat deference to 
 Ihe constituted Authorities of the State, that legislators 
 have,' in our stifbject, a noble pattern for imitation. 
 
 Daniel was elevated to office " because an excellent 
 spirit was in him." The character of that man of God 
 affords to the chief magistrate, and le^slative authority 
 of every gradfe, a most excdlent example. They are to 
 seek the public good by enacting salutary laws, and ap- 
 pointing faithftil men to exfccute them.' While they 
 gdard and support our literary institutions, encourage the 
 means of education for children, and take efibctual meas- 
 ures to suppress vice, and secure the morals of the ri- 
 sing generation ; they are eminently promoting the politi- 
 
m BXBCXION SEBMOlf. 
 
 cal and moral interest of the state. By a eordial afigbo* 
 tion for the founder of Christianitjj with an open d^. 
 fence, and practical support of his holy religion, the^ 
 become the " ministers of God for good unto the people.^' 
 Like Daniel they love the true God, and like. him will 
 risk every thing, for his honor.T-Thi3 may excite the op- 
 position of turbulent spiritsf, and produce vollies of slander 
 trpm them that have '* not known the way of peace." 
 If the whole force of a numerous herd of evil counsellors 
 was brought into action against such an " excellent spicw 
 it" as Daniel, can faithful men escape ? The loud " hotr 
 sanna to the son of David," sounding from the multi- 
 tude, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, was soon changed 
 to the cry of" away with him, from the earth>-.let him 
 be crucified." The shafts of malice have ever beea 
 thrown at the faithful. But they rarely make a deep 
 woundi The great mind looks down with a dignified Iq^ 
 difference, and says with an Apostle, JVone of these things 
 move me. Under trials of this kind there is nothing will 
 so animate and support the faithful servants of the pub- 
 lip as a ccmsciousness of integrity towards God, and fidel- 
 ity to the public interest. Neither cast dovrn by the ob- 
 loquy of invidious tongues, nor elated by the praises of 
 flattering sycophants^ they may enjoy the sweets of a 
 peaceful conscience, and joyfully expect the final approba- 
 tioiijof a merciful God. While such a course will ren- 
 mr them eminently useful, it will give them peace in the 
 hour of serious reflection, console them at the approach 
 of dissolution, insure them acquittance at the final judg- 
 ment, and exalt them to the state pf « kings and priests 
 unto God and the Lamjs." 
 
XiCECTIOlT SERMOSr. ^ 
 
 Belying on the candor and patience of this respectable 
 assembly, I obserye further, that the ministers of religion 
 are' seriously reminded of the obligation to fidelity in the 
 duties of their office. Influenced by the " excellent spir- 
 it" of Daniel we are to aim at the honor of God, and 
 the good of our fellow men. To answer these important 
 ends we are to enforce the doctrines of the cross, and 
 persuade men to become reconciled to God. It is a high 
 commendation of the religion we preach, that suc^has cor- 
 dially embrace it become good members of society. The 
 best citizens in every country, where the banner of the 
 cross has been displayed, are those who cordially embrace 
 the religion of Jesus. This holy reli^on transforms the 
 prowling wolf to an inofiensive lamb, and changes the 
 ravening leopard to a gentle kid.— Wherever Christian- 
 ity has prevailed it has always ameliorated the state of 
 society. The most barbarous and savage customs have 
 been exchanged for the peaceful habits of piety and love. 
 Instead of the barbarity of the untutored savage we find 
 the kind hospitality of the good Samaritan. While this 
 wipes away the scandal of the cross, it highly commends 
 the religion of the lowly Jesus. And it shows the excel-^ 
 lency and importance of those institutions for spreading 
 the knowledge of Christianity, and the dissemination of 
 the word of God, Avhich the faithful ministers of the gos- 
 pel in all christian countries encourage and support. How 
 benevolent, how godlike, to put the word of life into the 
 hands of the poor, and extend the religion of Christ even 
 to foreign climes ! And how animating the idea that the 
 ^' sun of righteousness" is about to arise upon the heathen 
 world, " with healing in his wings," and with divine light 
 'Overspread the dark regions of the globe ! The morning 
 Mar has actually risen. Light springs up in the ^atst, and 
 
38 £I£CTION SBBMOK. 
 
 the long expected daj is usfaering in. Maay of ««|r ^\. 
 low-servants begin to «'pun to and fro" to carry tiie^a^ 
 tidings of salvation to the perishing heathen. Christiaa^ 
 knowledge is overspreading the pagan world, and multK-, 
 tudes are bowing, to Jesus in those jdaees that have been 
 eminently « the habitq^tions of cTHclty.'* 
 
 Instead of disturbers of the public peace, then, and 
 " those that have turned the worid upside down,^*as the. 
 enemies of the cross invidiously represent us, we are the 
 highly favored instruweots of great good to our fellow- 
 siianers. llie sum of our teaching is that men must fear 
 God, love Jesus and one anotheis obey rniers^ and seek 
 the good of civil society. WhUe, therefpre, we are teach- 
 ing men to be good citizens, we are leading them to com- 
 fort and peace on eas'th, and eternal blessedness in hea- 
 ven. This may support us under all the burdens, of the 
 way. We shall reap in due time if we famt not. 
 
 This anniversary points us to the plose of our ministry. 
 How short the period since we were assembled in ^his 
 house on a similar occasion ! We are boriie, impereej^ti- 
 bly, down the stream of life. How many of our fellow- 
 eitizens who were here one year ago will be here no more ! 
 The end of our labors approaches with unabating — ^yea, 
 I had almost said, with increased rapidity. The deatl^of 
 five of our fellow-servants the year past, calls us to kpep 
 in mind the account we must render of our stewardslyp.f 
 
 * Acts xv;i. 6. 
 
 f Rev. J^'oah ffillistdft, of West-Haven, .«;tat. 85. 
 
 Rev. Joel BordTeell, of Kent, .ffitat. 80. 
 
 Itev. Cyprian Strong, V). D. of Chatham, JEtat. 67. 
 
 Rev John Gurley, of Exeter, hi Lebanon, .Sltat. 6-1. 
 
 Rev. David Hvntinifton, of Lyme, .ffitat. TO. 
 
SXBCTIOir SEBMQK* 39 
 
 '!]^e7hay« fimshed their couTse^ mi sffe gou«y . w^ bope, 
 frofit loai^ and eminent usefulness, to the veytv^v^ of ihei 
 fiuthfuL A loqd call this to inereased fidefity nLthe ae?- 
 lam «f ouf master^ And to tips ^f^^p are many ai«} 
 pewerM motives. The honw of the glorious Re^eiliep-- 
 tbe good of civil' 8odety~~thesalTation of iDimoH:aIsoids» 
 and a bright erown of glory to . ourselves : — ^Thesp are 
 motives to diligence and fidelity in the \rm-h assigp^d us. 
 Though briars and thorns may be in our path, yet if we 
 run well we shall obtain the prize. The devil may possi- 
 bly east some of us into prison, and we may have tribula- 
 tion ten days, yet " He thait holdeth the seven sta«;s io 
 his r^hthand, who walhethin the midst of the seven gol- 
 den candlestick^," hath saod," Bcithou fiilthful unto d«ath, 
 and I will give thee a crown of life,"* 
 
 ■ Finally. The citizens, at laiige, may draw instruction 
 from our subject. If such be the character of a ^ood 
 ruler, and so in^tortant the benefits of his athninistratioDf 
 Hien a wise people will feel their dependence upon God 
 for good rulers. And in electmgto office, they will be 
 influenced by the fear of God, and a regard to tbe pub- 
 lic interest. By a wise election of good and faithful 
 men to the first offices, we have been, hitherto, preserved. 
 "We hold an elevated rank in point of privileges, and have 
 iabundant cause of gratitude that we have our jmdges as 
 attlH firsts and our eotmseUors as at the beginning. That 
 Connecticut may never be destitute of men of * an excel- 
 lent spirit,' to fill the first offices, wUl be the devout wish 
 and the earnest prayer of every wise and virtuous citizen. 
 
 'Kev. il. 19. 
 
so ElECTIOIf SEBMON. 
 
 VfMie the good people of the state are sensible of f^g^.^ 
 invaluable privileges, may they have wisdom atnd firm- 
 ness to defend them. May th^, above aU, and first of^ 
 all, choose the fear of God, cordially embracing the' 
 gospel of his Son. While such a coarse will afibrd them 
 the best security for the continuance of their civil rights, 
 it will present a safe barrier against the terrors of death, 
 and prepare them for the beatific joys of saints and an- 
 gels above. 
 
 Ere long, my fellow-citizens, we shall be, either suffer- 
 ing those horrors which are the certain consequences of 
 immoral sentiments and corrupt manners ; or, joyfully, 
 reaping the rewards of a life devoted to God, and the 
 good of men. Such as view these things in the light of 
 revelation, seriously anticipate the awful solemnities of 
 the period when God our Saviour will come down to judge 
 the worlds In the grand assembly that will stand before 
 she son of man we, of this congregation, shall not be in- 
 different spectators. We shall feel an interiest in the 
 transactions of that day vast as the infinite value of the 
 soul; solemn as eternity! The once despised man of Naz- 
 areth, arrayed in the awful glory of the supreme God, 
 will address those who have received the atonement by 
 faith, and humbly served him here, with a "Come ye 
 blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for 
 you from the foundation of the world." But such as 
 have despised his truth, and rejected the offers of life, 
 he will doom to Jhe regions of darkness and interminable 
 despair. 
 
 Let us then, my fellow sinners, feel the force of these 
 interesting realities, knowing that JVow is the aeeejtixi 
 
BIXCTIOir SEBMON. 31 
 
 time ,' be7ioId now is (he day of salvation ! And wben the 
 Lord Jesus shall give to eTery man according as his 
 Vork hath been, may we, through his abounding graee^ 
 have a seat among the shining ranks in glory, and cele- 
 brate the praises of God ovb Sayiovb, forever and 
 cprer. amgit.