THE NATURE, EXTENT, AND IMPORTANCE, OF

THE DUTY OF ALLEGIANCE:

A

SERMON,

PREACHED AT

ABERDEEN, DECEMBER 12, 1776,

BEING THE FAST DAY APPOINTED BY THE KING, ON ACCOUNT OF THE REBELLION IN AMERICA.

ADVERTISEMENT.

T

It is not of any importance to the Public to be made acquainted with the motives which have induced the Author to publish the following Sermon. He will only say, that he had no such intention when he composed and preached it. But there are two points on which, he doubts not, many readers will think, he stands in need of an apology. Of them he begs a candid attention to what follows, as the best that he can offer.

It may be said, that little can be expected new, especially in a sermon, on a subject which has now so long engrossed the public attention, and engaged many able and ingenious writers on both sides. The Author readily admits the truth of this remark. If there be any thing here that can be called new, it is the consideration of what our religion teaches to be the duty of Christians in circumstances like ours. This topic has not been touched, at least in any of those writings which he has read on the present controversy. But though there be little or nothing new in the thoughts, every author has his peculiar manner and arrangement. manner is better adapted to one set of readers, another to another. If the sentiments then be just, and if they be arranged and expressed with tolerable

One

perspicuity, it may be hoped there are some to whom they will be useful.

his entering at all on Indeed the prejudices article, that he scarce

The second point on which the author finds he must apologize for himself is such a subject in a sermon. of some are so strong on this ly expects that any thing he has to tirely remove them. The cry is, 'minister of the gospel to do with matters of state,

advance will enWhat has the

or Christianity with human politics?' The ambiguity of the terms politics and matters of state gives a specious appearance to the objection. The church, no doubt, would be a very improper place for the discussion of many points relating to national interest, and of questions of jurisprudence, which might be very pertinent in the cabinet or the senate. But when a question arises that affects the title of the magistrate to demand, and the obligation of the subject to yield, obedience: If the precepts of the gospel at all concern our conduct as citizens, it must be the duty of a Christian pastor to point out to his flock what these precepts command, and what they prohibit.

Our Saviour, in his last charge to his apostles, expressly enjoined them to teach all those whom they should convert and baptize, to observe all things whatsoever he had commanded them *. Now, it is as really a commandment of our Lord, that we should render to Cæsar the things that are

* Matth. xxviii. 20.

Caesar's, as that we should render to God the things that are God's*. Have not his apostles accordingly, Paul and Peter in particular, given most explicit directions on this very head? Paul not only recommends this duty himself to Christian congres gations, but by the instructions he gives to Titus, who was also a minister, specifies it by name as an important duty, which he ought not to neglect recommending to his people. Put them in mind, says he, to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates t. Can we then think ourselves excused in omitting to teach and inforce so momentous a duty, so strongly recommended to us both by the example and by the precept both of our Lord and of his apostles? In the general order Christ gave his disciples to teach the people to observe all things, whatsoever he had commanded them, were they at liberty to make an exception of this?

Some perhaps will reply, Were the duty recommended only in general terms by the minister, as a Christian duty, no objection could reasonably be made: But to enter into a detail of facts, or an argumentative discussion on such a subject, is what appears unsuitable to the place.' To this the Author has only to answer, The manner, whether general or particular, derives its suitableness entirely from the occasion and circumstances. When people regularly do what they ought in any instance, and when their minds are in no danger of being perverted by false principles, it is perhaps enough to remark their

*Matth. xxii. 21.

+ Tit. iii. 1.