He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God; and he shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, as a morning without clouds.
HESE, we are informed by the sacred historian, were the last words of David; and if this declaration of the duty, the nature, and the benefits of Civil Government had been only the dying sentiments of a great Monarch, descending to the grave "full of days, and riches, and honor," and forming his judgment from the experience of a reign of forty years, it might have merited the serious consideration of every Prince and People.
But these are words of still higher authority; they are not merely the declaration of an experienced King, but the testimony of an inspired Prophet; for thus sublimely is this passage introduced:
"David the son of Jesse said; and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet Psalmist of Israel said; the Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me. He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God; and he shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, as a morning without clouds."
These maxims, then, demand your attention, as the words of Him who cannot be mistaken, of Him by whom the wisest must submit to be taught, and whom the most powerful must be content to obey.