When the Righteous Rule: The People's Rejoicing

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice (Proverbs 29:2). Man suffers equally under two extremes: subjected without redress to another's passions, or abandoned to the dominion of his own. Government exists for the safety of individuals and the happiness of society. The people cannot rejoice unless the righteous hold authority.

Those vested with power bear a sacred duty. No man is born for himself alone; this truth intensifies for those exalted to high rank, dignified with honours, and given authority. He who wears the revenues of an exalted station without attending to his duties commits a crime in the sight of both God and man.

Public virtue is the sole uniform and perpetual cause of public happiness. Without virtue, nothing can be securely possessed or properly enjoyed. Though human laws demand the security of property, confirmation of liberty, and extension of commerce, civil laws possess inherent limits. Religion alone supplies what legislation cannot. A governor's first duty is diffusing a spirit of religion throughout the community—maintaining the external order of worship, observing solemnities with due reverence, and exemplifying piety through personal conduct.

Subjects reciprocate through obedience. Nations cannot be governed without their consent. The first duty of subjects is respecting the laws. Even the errors of authority deserve respect, for all institutions are defective by nature, and rulers share the imperfections of other men.