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SUSSEX SMUGGLERS. |
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and because of the deep sighing of the poor, I will up, saith the Lord, and will help everyone from him that swelleth against him, and will set them at rest." And if the great God of heaven and earth, He who " hath His dwelling so high," does yet " humble Himself to behold the simple that lie in dust," and to " lift up the poor out of the mire;" it can be no disparagement sure to the greatest, to give attention to the welfare of their brethren, and to hearken to the complaints of their fellow subjects; who by the influence of their high examples, and the weight of their authorities, are doing God and their country service; and of whom in gratitude we therefore needs must own that they have justly merited the public thanks for the care and pains they have been taking for the public good.
The laws of God have made this duty of universal extent; all mankind are concerned in it; but they who are the governors of society, and are to act with the authority of magistrates for the support of it, are more especially obliged to this duty, to be followers of God herein; because it has pleased Him to set a peculiar mark of honour upon them, in that He has called them by His Own name, " T have said," says He, by the mouth of the royal prophet, " that ye are Gods, and that ye are all the children of the Most High." And He said it doubtless to instruct them in their duty, and shew them the necessity they are under of imitating His conduct, Whose name they bear.
These magnificent characters, as they declare the source from whence all their power is derived, so do they imply the purposes for which it ought to be employed. Xothing less could be intended by such honorable appellations, than to point out the obligation they are under to provide for the prosperity of the world, and |
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