By Stephen McDowell
In the last Providential Perspective, we presented some information on ‘’Election Day in Early America.’’ This Perspective contains excerpts dealing with qualifications for elected officials from two election sermons from the early years of independent America. In addition to learning various characteristics that our present-day officials should have, it is of interest to note the type of ideas our early rulers often gladly listened to from ministers. These election sermons were often printed and read and studied by the elected officials and general populace. I look forward to the day when this tradition is restored in America.
Excerpts from An Election Sermon Preached at a General Assembly of the State of Connecticut at Hartford, on the Day of the Anniversary Election, May 12, 1803, by Matthias Burnet, entitled ‘’Religion and Government the Foundations of Order, Peace and Security, in Society’’:
…Another thing, upon which the welfare and stability of government much depends, is the choice of wise and worthy men, men of sound heads, honest hearts, and exemplary lives to fill the legislative, judicial, and executive departments of state. This in a republican or free government is a matter of most serious concern, what are the characters and qualifications of the persons you elect to office, and too much attention cannot be paid to it, by all who wish well to their country; because, if the men who are raised by the people to legislate, judge of, or execute the laws for them, are weak and ignorant, the laws they frame must partake of the same qualities; or if they be corrupt in their principles, and dissolute and immoral in their lives, they will have a motive in their own breast and conduct to be remiss in the execution of the laws, however wise and good they may be. Yea they become themselves examples and encouragers of vice to others, and thus contribute to weaken and destroy the very government they are sworn to maintain…. [For this reason] it was that Jethro the father in law of Moses, gave that excellent advice to him, with respect to the qualifications of the judges he should chuse to assist him in the government of the people Israel.
‘’…the man who does not believe in the being and providence of God, or is not actuated by the fear and awe of him, has in many cases no bond or restraint upon his conduct, and therefore is not fit to be trusted with a nation’s weal…’’
That they should be able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness. That is, as the words plainly import, that they should be men of good natural understanding and competent acquired knowledge. Men acting under the belief and awe of God as their inspector and judge, to whom they consider themselves accountable for their conduct and whom they fear to offend. Men truly honest and upright in their principles and views, not actuated and governed by the sordid motives of self interest and aggrandizement in their desire and execution of office, but by a sincere regard to the public good. And sure better advice than this, could not be given, nor more important qualifications directed to in the choice of rulers. Yet I am well aware that one of these qualifications, viz. the fear of God, is by numbers, thought to be of very little consequence, and some there are, who even deride the very idea of paying any attention to it at all, declaring our dearest interests to be as safe in the hands even of an atheist, as any other man. But with that great patriot and statesman the late Governor Livingston of New Jersey, I must yet think that this is a qualification of very great importance in a ruler. And that the father in law of Moses gave him very good advice, when he directed him to pay particular attention to it in those whom he should appoint to be judges and rulers over the people Israel. For if God be such a being, as both reason and revelation declare him to be, an omniscient, holy, just and all-powerful being, whose eyes are in every place, beholding the evil and the good, to punish the one and reward the other according to their character and deeds, then certainly, the fear and awe of him must operate as the greatest restraint from that which is evil, and the most powerful incentive to that which is good, and he who is truly actuated by this principle, will never give his voice or influence to pervert justice or support iniquity. But the man who does not believe in the being and providence of God, or is not actuated by the fear and awe of him, has in many cases no bond or restraint upon his conduct, and therefore is not fit to be trusted with a nation’s weal, which he will not scruple, whenever he can with impunity, to sacrifice to his lust or ambition.
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Excerpts from A Sermon Preached Before His Excellency John Hancock, Governour; His Honor Samuel Adams, Lieutenant-Governour; the Honourable the Council, and the Honourable the Senate and House of Representatives, of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, May 25, 1791, Being the Day of General Election, by Chandler Robbins, entitled, ‘’And Also in Judah Things Went Well’’:
…These observations may serve to shew the importance of choosing to office, such men, as are duly qualified for a trust, on the right discharge of which, so much depends. To this then, let us briefly turn our attention, and endeavor to point out some of the leading traits in the character of a good Ruler. Among which, are, Knowledge – Integrity – Public Spirit – Firmness and Resolution – yet, Tenderness and Compassion – and finally, Religion, which crowns his character, and adds a glorious lustre to all his other qualifications.
That rulers should be men of KNOWLEDGE and WISDOM, it appears of great importance, from the very nature and design of their office. Public rulers are to the politic body, what eyes are to the natural. ‘’The light of the body is the eye, if the eye be single, the whole body is full of light, but if the eye be evil,’’ what can be expected, but that the whole body will be full of darkness.’’
It was, therefore a special command of GOD, to his favourite people, when they were about to elect their Officers of Government, ‘’take ye wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them RULERS over you.’’ On the other hand, it was viewed as a great calamity, and a mark of God’s peculiar displeasure against them, when weak and ignorant men were placed at the head of their public affairs. ‘’Wo unto thee, O land, when thy King is a child!’’
‘’virtue and religion must be, on a variety of accounts, considered as a necessary qualification in public rulers.’’
It is mentioned of King SOLOMON, as a special qualification for his high trust, that ‘’God gave him wisdom and largness of heart, as the sands on the sea shore.’’ So convinced was he, of the vast importance of this blessing, that he made it his first petition to Heaven, when he began his administration, that ‘’GOD would give him a wise and an understanding heart, that he might be able to judge so great a people.’’
INDEED, the want of this qualification in a ruler, renders him so unfit for his station, on a variety of accounts, that no other accomplishment can fully compensate for the defect. Suppose him possessed of the strictest probity of heart – of the most upright intentions; yet, for want of wisdom, he will never be able to discern the true interests of the people, or know when their rights, are in danger. He will be perpetually liable to the impositions of crafty, designing Politicians, who, like erratic fires, will bewilder his judgment – impose on his understanding, and lead him into the mire.
There ever have been such characters, in civil communities. The best framed constitutions on earth, are not a sufficient security against them. They will profess a zealous attachment to liberty; none so true friends to their country as they; when at the same time, SELF is the idol they worship; and to advance their own private interest, they will sacrifice every other consideration.
How shall such political hypocrites be detected, and their dangerous machinations frustrated? – Surely in no way more likely, than by appointing to public offices, men of knowledge and abilities – men of less craft, but of wiser heads, and more honest hearts than they.
It is not every kind of knowledge, however, that will qualify a man for a good ruler. He may excel in many parts of learning, and yet never make a Statesman. He may be a wise Philosopher, yet no Politician. Many have done essential service, in various departments of life, who, yet, would have made wild steerage at the helm of State.
It is of particular importance, that rulers have a knowledge of men, as well as laws – of the different genius, humours and interests of the people, over whom they preside; that they may accommodate their administration in such a manner, as, at the same time, they may secure the love of the people, promote the general good, and preserve inviolate the rights of government.
There are other branches of knowledge, which will be of great advantage to men in power. It is, at least, desireable that they should have a tolerable acquaintance with natural law – that they understand the natural rights of men, which are the same, under every species of government, and do not owe their origin to the social compact. Such, in a peculiar manner, are the sacred RIGHTS OF CONSCIENCE.
‘’That nothing will so surely, so rapidly bring on the dissolution of society, and the loss of the liberties of a people, as a want of virtue and integrity in their rulers.’’
But, especially, is it incumbent on the civil magistrate, to be thoroughly acquainted with the constitution of the State in which he lives; that he may ascertain the limits of his own power, as well as the rights and privileges of the subject. That while he, with firmness asserts the former, he may guard, with sacred caution, against any encroachment on the latter.
‘’In free governments,’’ one justly observes, ‘’men are apt to feel, much quicker, than in those of a different form. To touch their liberties, is to touch ‘the apple of their eye.’ Every attempt alarms them, and makes them jealous of further designs; and sometimes throws them into the hands of factious demagogues, who are enemies to all government; and are ever watching opportunities to embarrass public measures, and to introduce anarchy and confusion. Where so much, therefore, depends, and where the danger of acting wrong, is likely to produce such mischievous effects in the community, rulers ought to know very well, what it is to act right; where power ends, and liberty begins. The more difficult it is to settle this point, so much the more wisdom, knowledge and prudence, do rulers need, and so much the more cautious should they be in their political conduct. And where people observe such caution and tenderness in their rulers, they will make allowances for mistakes, and even for faults.’’
Another, and an equally important qualification for public trust, is uncorrupted INTEGRITY – a mind free from base design – from low art and intrigue. A ruler should possess s soul above disguise, or dissimulation – that will neither be seduced by bribes and flattery, or intimidated by frowns and threatnings, to betray his trust – to counteract his judgment, or violate truth and justice.
How constantly do we find it inculcated in the sacred writings, that rulers be just men – fearers of GOD – haters of covetousness. That they shake their hands from holding bribes, because, a gift blindeth the eyes of the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
It would exhibit but a dark picture of human nature, to trace the history of the fall of Empires –the loss of liberty – and the unnumbered miseries that have, like a flood, over-whelmed mankind, by means of corrupt and wicked rulers. Sad experience has evinced the truth of that observation, ‘That nothing will so surely, so rapidly bring on the dissolution of society, and the loss of the liberties of a people, as a want of virtue and integrity in their rulers.’
‘’Knowledge without honesty – a good genius with a bad heart, would but furnish them [civil rulers] with an advantage with greater success, to rob the people of their rights…’’
How many once flourishing States, who gloried in their freedom, have, from this fatal cause, tumbled into ruins: – And from the heighth of political glory, have been reduced to the most abject slavery and wretchedness: – Where is the once boasted freedom of Rome – of Sparta, and of Carthage? – Where, may I not add, is that of the nation, with which we were once connected? – On whom, if we believe some of her best writers ‘Corruption and Bribery seem nearly to have accomplished the prediction of the great Montesquieu, which was, ‘’She will lose her liberty – will perish; and will then perish, when the legislative power shall be more corrupt than the executive.’’
Of such importance is integrity in civil rulers, that without it, the finest talents – the most brilliant genius, and the greatest improvements in erudition, instead of securing happiness to the State, would rather endanger its peace. Knowledge without honesty – a good genius with a bad heart, would but furnish them with an advantage with greater success, to rob the people of their rights, whenever it might serve the base purpose of their own aggrandizement, or help to carry a favorite plan.
BENEVOLENCE and a PUBLIC SPIRIT were mentioned as qualifications of importance, in a civil ruler. – These will dispose him, cheerfully to subordinate all private views to the public emolument.
We sometimes meet with such characters in public life, who seem to be born to do good, and to make mankind happy. Such is their diffusive goodness – such their ardent Philanthrophy, that they exhibit a noble resemblance of that BEING, the glory of whose character, is, infinite BENEVOLENCE.
FIRMNESS and RESOLUTION in a civil magistrate, are also virtues, which will be found exceedingly necessary. Frequently, in the execution of his trust, may cases occur, when timidity would be treachery – when a temporizing compliance with the humours of a party, would be basely to betray the interests of the community.
Yet, in perfect consistence with this quality, is the exercise of COMPASSION and TENDERNESS, which are no less necessary, than amiable qualifications in a ruler. – As the ‘’Minister of God,’’ he is bound to imitate the ‘’Father of mercies,’’ who is ‘’slow to anger and of great kindness.’’ Who, when he inflicts punishment on offenders, does it, not because he takes pleasure in the misery of his subjects, but to vindicate his authority and government – to preserve order in the system, and, in the end, to promote the public good. – A glorious pattern for earthly Judges. Nothing so truly exalts the character of a magistrate – nothing renders him more amiable to his fellow men, or more worthy the office he sustains than to see him softening the rigour of Justice, with beams of clemency. Gentleness often subdues, when wrath would but inflame; and well-timed lenity has frequently, a more powerful and happy effect, upon a refractory spirit, than all the thundering menaces of penal law. In which case, all the good ends of government are secured, and the disobedient reclaimed, ‘’being drawn by the cords of a man, the bands of love.’’
I proceed to mention the other qualification of a good ruler, which indeed, crowns his character, and adds a peculiar glory to all his other accomplishments, which is RELIGION. This, above all things, gives true dignity to his person and his administration.
Civil rulers are, in the inspired writings, denominated Gods. ‘’I have said, ye are gods.’’ The expression is striking, and full of instruction. And whatever other qualities are implied in it, certainly it more than intimates that they should exhibit a moral resemblance of the SUPREME GOD, in virtue and holiness. For what a solecism in language, as well as religion, is an ungodly god!.
When we consider them as men, as moral agents in common with others, accountable to GOD; it is certain, that their highest interest – their everlasting well-being depend upon their being men of piety and real religion, and as rulers, this divine principle will afford them the best, the only solid support under all the burdens and cares of government.
By Religion, I do not intend, merely the profession, or external shew of goodness. This, some have assumed, who have, eventually proved the most mischevious enemies, both to Church and State. Under the cloak of religion, they have gained that confidence and affection of the people, which they have, afterwards abused, to betray their most important interests. ‘’No consideration can be of force sufficient to bind him, who dares to prevaricate with HEAVEN, and trifle with the LORD his maker.’’
But, by a man of Religion, I mean one who fears GOD from the heart, with a fear founded in esteem – in a supreme love implanted in the soul, by the renovating influence of the SPIRIT OF GOD – one who believes in, and honors his Son JESUS CHRIST, as the only mediator and Saviour; and who makes conscience of conforming his temper and life to the sacred rules of the Gospel.
Although we renounce the absurd heresy of ‘’dominion founded in grace’’ – because ‘’Christ’s kingdom is not of this world’’ – yet virtue and religion must be, on a variety of accounts, considered as a necessary qualification in public rulers. This will regulate their passions – dignify and enlarge their minds, and form them for noble and benevolent actions. This will inspire them, with undaunted firmness, to pursue the path of duty, though it should lead them through a scene of the most painful opposition.
Every station in life hath its difficulties and its temptations – few, perhaps, are exposed to more than those advanced to power and eminence. They, therefore, stand in greater need of the aids of divine grace; without which they will be in danger of making shipwreck of their consciences, and of the rights of men. – But the man who is animated with the spirit which true religion inspires, will stand firm and unmoved when temptations assail him – and ‘’his heart being fixed trusting in his God,’’ no unworthy motive shall induce him either to neglect his duty, or to betray his sacred trust.
‘’[T]he other qualification of a good ruler…is RELIGION… [B]y a man of Religion, I mean one who fears GOD from the heart, with a fear founded in esteem – in a supreme love implanted in the soul, by the renovating influence of the SPIRIT OF GOD – one who believes in, and honors his Son JESUS CHRIST, as the only mediator and Saviour; and who makes conscience of conforming his temper and life to the sacred rules of the Gospel.’’
It must be allowed, indeed, that many persons have been useful in public stations, and have done great service to the Commonwealth, who were actuated by other principles, than that of religion. Ambition – a desire of popularity – and in some, a certain benevolence and greatness of soul, have prompted them to actions exceedingly beneficial to society. – But these when compared with a fixed principle of religion, will be sound, at best, but a very insecure and uncertain basis on which to build our confidence of a persevering, upright administration of government.
That men in authority, should be men of religion, it appears important, in another point of view – on account of the influence their example will have on society. There is a peculiar fondness in the lower orders of life, to copy after their superiors. This indeed would be of no hurtful consequence to the community, provided ‘’great men were always wise.’’ But, unhappily, this is not always the case; and when it is otherwise, the effects are often, very pernicious. Agreeably, the inspired Solomon saith, ‘’when a ruler hearkens to lies, all his servants are wicked.’’ It is a just remark, that ‘vices, like money, receive much of their credit and currency from the practice of the great.’
Besides, irreligion in a magistrate, counteracts the very design of his office. What ground can there be to expect, that he who, himself disregards the laws of God, will frown on vice and immorality in others? Or, that he who is a slave to his own lusts and passions, will seriously attempt to regulate the passions of others? vicious members of society will despise such a magistrate; and while they see the absurdity of his conduct, will insultingly apply the Proverb, ‘Physician heal thyself.’ And thus all authority is brought into contempt.
But when men in power, are men of piety and religion, when they exhibit in their lives, a bright example of the amiable virtues of christianity, what an encouraging aspect has it on a community. Such rulers answer to the description given in that sublime passage of inspiration, ‘’The GOD of Israel said, the rock of Israel spake to me, he that ruleth over men, must be just, ruling in the fear of GOD; and he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds, as the tender grass springing out of the earth, by the clear shining after the rain.’’
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