Elected Officials - June 2012

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Elected Officials (1774)

A timeless message from a sermon given in 1774.

“It revives my soul, and rejoices my heart to find that the main body of the people… have their eyes opened to the danger and ruin we are threatened with… this heroic, and truly patriotic spirit… is undoubtedly a token for good; and will, if duly regulated by Christian principles and rules, ensure success to American liberty and freedom.  No free state was ever yet enslaved and brought into bondage, where the people were incessantly vigilant and watchful…  It is a duty incumbent upon us at all times, to keep a watchful attention… to watch and pray that we fall not.

I do not mean to encourage evil jealousies and groundless suspicions of our civil rulers…  I am a firm friend to good order and regularity… That authority and government be supported and maintained so as to promote the good of society…  However… there may possibly be some here and there in disguise… it might be well for you to guard…

As you have it in your power to choose your own rulers and officers… be very vigilant and watchful, and get a thorough knowledge of men’s political principles, before you advance them to any seat in government…”  Samuel Sherwood, Scriptural Instructions to Civil Rulers, and all Free-born Subjects, August 31, 1774

“… He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God.”  II Samuel 23:3  (NKJV)

“To the distinguished Character of Patriot, it should be our highest Glory to add the more distinguished Character of Christian”  George Washington, General Orders, May 2, 1778

James Still (June 2012), RetraceOurSteps.com

“While I reiterate the professions of my dependence upon Heaven as the source of all public and private blessing; I will observe that the general prevalence of piety, philanthropy, honesty, industry and economy… are particularly necessary for advancing and confirming the happiness of our country.”  George Washington, Letter to the General Assy. of the Presbyterian Church, May 30 – June 5, 1789