The Pulpits Produced America’s Leaders

The U.S. Constitution is the greatest government document in world history, but this should come as no surprise since the Bible was the inspiration behind it.

However, according to our founders, the Constitution does not govern America. During the framing of the Constitution, delegate John Francis Mercer declared, “It is a great mistake to suppose that the paper we are to propose will govern the United States. The paper will only mark out the mode and the form. Men are the substance and must do the business.” Our founders and the early church ministers promoted the governing philosophy, only righteous men could govern America. Ministers gave sermons teaching citizens and elected officials what type of character qualifications God desires for their leaders, knowing only “righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34).

In 1803, The Reverend Matthias Burnet gave an Election Sermon stating, “Choose ye out from among you (church) ‘able men, such as fear God, men of truth and hating covetousness’ (Exodus 18:21) and set them to rule over you.”

In 1805, The Reverend Asahel Hooker gave a sermon righteousness, “[Virtuous and able rulers are ‘the ministers of God for good’ [Romans 13:4]. They are raised up and designed for a public blessing. In their love of righteousness, and hatred of iniquity, and in the fullness of their regard to God, and the well-being of their fellow men,…(2 Samuel 23:4)

On July 23, 1812 Reverend Jedidiah Morse delivered a sermon on righteous rulers must align Human laws with God’s laws: “Rulers are “ministers to God” to the people “for good”; they are “revengers to execute upon him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:4). They are to be a terror not to good works but to evil (Romans 13:3). Their laws are to be conformable to the laws of God….Human laws, therefore, in order to be obeyed, must accord with the laws of God; for where they differ, God is to be obeyed rather than man” (Acts : 5:29).

In 1791, The Reverend Chandler Robbins explains, “How constantly do we find it inculcated in the sacred writings, that rulers be “just men- fearers of God-haters of covetousness” (Exodus 18:21). That they shake their hands from holding bribes” (Isaiah 33:15), because, “a gift blindeth the eyes of the wise, and perverteth the words of righteousness” [Exodus 23:8].

Our leaders were once the product of the pulpits and must be again. How can our leaders be a “minister of God for good” and a “terror to evil” without the inspired Word of God spoken to them? They cannot. 

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2). We need righteous leaders led by the Holy Spirit in all areas of government. So, stop groaning, and encourage your pastors to preach the character qualifications for our leaders come from God.

Repent America!

“Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves.” Ezekiel 33:5

In the year of our Lord 2020 –
Sincerely, Tom Hughes
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