came to be baptized into the faith of Christ, converted from their heathen state, not in reality but only in name, were accustomed to leave their right arm unbaptized, with the notion that this arm, not being pledged to Christ’s service, might wreak upon their enemies those works of hatred and revenge which in baptism they had promised to renounce.  It is too much to say that something like this unbaptized right arm is still to be met with amongst us—­that men too often leave some of their very most important concerns, what they call by way of eminence their business—­their management of their own money affairs, and their conduct in public matters—­wholly out of the control of Christ’s law?

Now at this very time public matters are engaging the thoughts of a great many persons all over the kingdom:  and are not only engaging their thoughts, but are also become a practical matter, in which they are acting with great earnestness.  Is it nothing that there should be so much, interest felt, so much pains taken, and yet that neither should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, nor to the glory of God?  It cannot be unsuited to the present season to dwell a little on this subject, which has nothing whatever to do with men’s differences of opinion, but relates only to their acting, whatever be their political opinions, on Christian principles, and in a Christian spirit.

First, consider what we pray for in the prayer which we have been using every week for the high court of parliament:  we pray to God, that “all things may be so ordered and settled by the endeavours of parliament, upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth, and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations.”  These great blessings we beg of God to secure to us and to our children through the endeavours of parliament; if, therefore, we are any ways concerned in fixing who the persons are to be who are to compose this parliament, it is plain that there is put into our bands a high privilege, if you will; but along with it, as with all other privileges, a most solemn responsibility.

But, if it be a solemn responsibility in the sight of God and of Christ, surely the act of voting, which many think so lightly of, and which many more consider a thing wholly political and worldly, becomes, indeed, a very important Christian duty, not to be discharged hastily or selfishly, in blind prejudice or passion, from self-interest, or in mere careless good nature and respect of persons; but deliberately, seriously, calmly, and, so far as we can judge our deceitful hearts, purely; not without prayer to Him who giveth wisdom liberally to those that ask it, that he will be pleased to guide them aright, to his own glory, and to the good of his people.