The Pilgrim Path---Proverbs 14: 34 

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

AT THE START

The Mayflower Compact, from William Bradford’s History of Plymouth Plantation:

“in the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign lord King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, etc., having undertaken for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith, and the honor of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof do enact, constitute and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the good of the colony; unto which we promise all the submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the reign of our sovereign lord King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth and of Scotland, the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620.”

From the Mayflower: not perfect people. Yet, a desire to bring glory to God---the advancement of the Christian faith…

Some notes from B. F. Morris’ work, The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States:

MASSACHUSETTS: In the charter granted to Massachusetts, in 1640, by Charles I, the Colonies are actually instructed, “by their good life and orderly conversation to win and invite the natives of the country to a knowledge of the only true God and Savior of mankind, and the Christian faith which, in our royal intention and adventurer’s free possession, is the principal end of this plantation.”

CONNECTICUT: Some articles in the early constitution (1639), Quinipiack---now the city of New Haven: “That the Scriptures hold forth a perfect rule for the direction and government of all men in all duties which they are to perform to God and men, as well in families and commonwealths as in matters of the church.”

NEW YORK: Colonial legislature on 1665: “Whereas, the public worship of God is much discredited for want of laboring and able ministers to instruct the people in the true religion, it is ordered that a church shall be built in each perish, capable of holding two hundred persons; that ministers of every church shall preach every Sunday, and pray for the king, queen, the Duke of York, and the royal family; and to marry persons after legal publication of license…Sunday is not to be profaned by travelling, by laborers, or vicious persons, and church-wardens to report twice a year all misdemeanors, such as swearing, profaneness, Sabbath-breaking, drunkenness, fornication, adultery, and all such abominable sins.”

Do we even conceive of “abominable sins” anymore? I do not think so…

One of my seminary professors, Dr. Sproul used to say, “we all adjust our morals---downward.” This is the history of humanity. Without the sustaining power of God’s Spirit, and some incredibly godly leaders---nations spiral downward (sometimes at breakneck speed). Then again, Christians have moved into positions of influence---only to become intoxicated by the world and temporal toys. The call is always, “do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6: 8). The Christian has no choice but to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus The Savior. Much lasting soul good may be done by people surrendered to Christ and His Word.

“We have no government armed in power capable of contending in human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.” John Adams, 1789

First Timothy 2: 1, 2: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

Please pray for these Leaders:

President of the United States, Donald Trump

Vice President Mike Pence

President Pro. Tem. Of the U. S. Senate / Chuck Grassley

Mitch McConnell, Republican Leader / U. S. Senate

Charles Schumer, Democratic Leader / U. S. Senate

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House

Steny Hoyer, Majority Leader of the House

Kevin McCarthy, Republican Leader of the House

Not everyone will “be” Christians. Those who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ must live as though they belong to Him. This will make an impact upon an unbelieving world.

“There is another King, one JESUS: the safety of the State can be secured only in the way of humble and whole-souled loyalty to His person and obedience to His Law.” A. A. Hodge

Grace and Peace in Jesus Christ Our Risen LORD, Pastor Jason