those checks and limits, which do not so much obstruct its course as direct it into the proper channels, and keep it from overflowing its just boundaries. The aristocratic power occupies a no less dignified than important position between the crown and the people, preventing the unhappy consequences of unseemly collisions between them, and preserving to both the integrity of their constitutional rights. And the great body of the people, for whose welfare as government was instituted of God, so should it ever be faithfully and diligently administered, have no just cause to complain that they have been curtailed of their due share of influence in the work of legislation. It has been enacted wisely-how wisely, even for themselves, passing events may serve to show-that not the mere numbers, but the property, of the people should be represented in the national councils; and as the feelings and opinions of the community at large may change amid

the ever-varying phases of surrounding circumstances, provision has been made for the renewed expression of their wishes in the guaranteed right of petition and in the frequency of a new election. So much reason have we to be thankful that, in our case, the great duty of obedience to the powers that be can be fulfilled with the deepest feelings of gratitude and praise for the many civil blessings we are permitted to enjoy; for even though the rule under which it were our lot to live were oppressive and unjust, we should still be under the strictest obligation to abstain from all sedition and rebellious proceedings, if we would desire to direct our conduct by the light of holy Scripture: not that we would maintain the doctrine of "passive obedience and non-resistance" in the unqualified sense with which our enemies would affect to charge us; but obedience only in subordination to the laws of God, and passive resistance where those laws

would be violated by obedience. This principle we believe to be in perfect agreement with the mind of the sacred writers, some of whom have not failed to condemn in the strongest terms opinions and practices of a contrary tendency. "The Lord knoweth (saith the apostle Peter) how to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: but chiefly them that walk in the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government: presumptuous are they, self-willed; they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. These speak evil of the things that they understand not, and shall utterly perish in their own corruption. Spots they are, and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings: beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have, exercised with covetous practices: cursed children; these are wells without water: clouds that are carried with a tempest, to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for For they speak great swelling words

ever.

of vanity while they promise them liberty, they themselves are the slaves of corruption." Hear also the words of St. Jude:"Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, speak evil of dignities. These speak evil of those things which they know not. Wo unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Cora. These are spots in your feasts of charity; clouds they are without water, carried about of winds: trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame: wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever."

But it must be obvious to every considerate mind that, although it has pleased God to sanction for His creatures the divine institution of government, yet it may come to pass that the best ordered system of

rule and governance will be ineffectual and insecure, unless there exists in the minds of the governed that conscientious regard for the ordinance of God which will lead them to act in such a manner as is most consistent with the important relation in which they stand to the King of kings and Lord of lords, as well as to His earthly representative, invested with supreme authority according to His holy will. It is only the religiously disposed who can be expected to acknowledge the sacred obligation of submission to the powers that be. In truth, religion is the only sure basis of all good government, regarded in its practical bearing upon the welfare of those who are the subjects of it; and hence it is that I would call upon you, in the next place, to regard it as an important and interesting circumstance that, when Saul went home to Gibeah, "there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.