THE REAL CHRISTIAN LOVES HIS COUNTRY, AND IS THEREFORE THE BEST OF PATRIOTS

Political hypocrisy hath made the laudable name of patriotism almost suspicious. But he that is sincere in the best thing, and walks as in the sight of God, will, of all men, be faithful in lower matters, and carry a sterling integrity from religion into every duty of social life. On the other hand, he that regards not God, nor yet other men, but as they are convenient to himself, may very justly be suspected respecting his fidelity to his country. Profit and vain-glory, indeed, will carry some men very far, as they have done; but strip a worldly man of these, and where are his motives for promoting the national welfare?

The Christian is not a mere showy patriot, for lucre or for fame; but he is, what none but a Christian can be, a patriot in spirit and in truth, pouring out his secret and earnest prayers before God for the true prosperity of the land. The world, indeed, hath a low opinion of this artillery of heaven; but one, who is wiser than the world, hath told us, that the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” And if one such person, like an Elias, can be instrumental in drawing down public blessings; what may not be hoped for from the prayers of legions of Christians throughout the nation? We may read what the prayers of such men have done in Hebrews XI:33, 34.

The Christian patriot will rejoice in all the good done in his country, though other hands, rather than his, have been employed in the doing it. That man deserves not the name of a patriot, to whom the peace, honor, and prosperity of his country are valuable, only as they may contribute to his own.

As the Christian’s patriotism is founded upon the pure principles of religion, he is more desirous of his country’s prosperity in true worth and virtue, than in mere power and riches, which are often the dangerous fuel of luxury and pride both to states and individuals. He is no enemy to commerce, for a thousand reasons; but an utter enemy to commercial vices; for reasons infinite and eternal.

In wishing for his country all kinds of temporal blessings, he cannot forget to ask, before God, for a greater abundance of spiritual mercies. His heart’s desire is, that the gospel and religion of Jesus Christ happily countenanced and established by the laws, may for ever flourish through the land in its most genuine and effectual power and purity. Though he is not, and cannot be an enemy to any man, yet he is a well-principled adversary to all wicked and blasphemous errors and opinions, and to all profligracies of heart and life, which flow from them, and which have over-run the country with guilt and shame.

The Christian carries religion into his patriotism, but not his patriotism into religion. The things of God are too holy and sacred with him either to be mixed with, or truckled (yield) to, the little low politics of men. He is the citizen of a better country, and a pilgrim in all others; though a peculiar and public-spirited friend to that in which he was born.

As he can say with Samuel, “God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for his” nation; so he would act upon all occasions, as Samuel did, and endeavor to promote the welfare of his country by being a good countryman. He will contribute fairly and cheerfully to her burdens, live in all godly quietness and honesty among his people, and pray faithfully and earnestly for the whole public weal (prosperity) as a Christian. Were all the subjects such patriots, the country would have but small reason to be afraid of the most mighty and numerous enemies; for who could penetrate the wall of fire, with which God, in such a case, would surround it?

—Submitted

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