Righteousness as the True Foundation of Authority

For the throne is established by righteousness.—Proverbs 16:12

Religious principle remains the best support of government. Righteousness most effectually answers the end and design of government itself. Religion consists in an acknowledgment of Elohim as Governor of the world. Though power be lodged in earthen vessels, there is no power but of Elohim. This religious sense of providential government inclines the subject to pay due reverence to the prince, because it reaches beyond his person and is ultimately referred to that Divine Original, whose image and representative he is.

Religion fixes our duty to our sovereign upon a certain basis and derives our obedience from the noblest motives—not from slavish fear, not from mercenary regard to temporal interest, but from filial love and respect to the Lord of glory. An awful regard to Elohim and a prevailing sense of religion possesses the subject with that justice and fidelity which cannot be shaken by temptation, but stands unmoved against the assaults of danger and the allurments of interest.

Conversely, guard against pernicious principles that subvert the throne. Those that remove the foundations of religion and deny the being of Elohim destroy fidelity and justice, losing the distinction between right and wrong in confusion. A scornful neglect of the Son and denial of His divinity produces equally dreadful effects. If we renounce the authority of Jesus Christ, the authority of revealed religion is absolutely cancelled. The fear of Elohim is so powerful a principle of action that it necessarily produces happy effects and stands as a mighty restraint from sin.