the
distribution of justice, are sufficiently blinded to conceive that error
is equally with truth worthy of support, or that false systems are
unproductive of evil. Different from the sentiments of such were those
which dictated the advice of Jethro, delivered in critical circumstances
to the Hebrew lawgiver. "Moreover," said that wise adviser to Moses,
"moreover, thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as
fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness, and place such over them,
to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties,
and rulers of tens: and let them judge the people at all seasons: and it
shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every
small matter they shall judge."[269] And with that advice, which from
its adoption would appear to have been confirmed by a Divine warrant,
harmonize the words of David, "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."[270] If it is an abomination for kings to commit
wickedness, and if the throne be established in righteousness, can that
nation be prosperous in which the wicked walk on every side, the vilest
men being exalted? "Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with
thee, which frameth mischief by a law?"[271] In regard to the choice of
rulers, the duty of a people enlightened with the knowledge of Divine
truth, is clear and plain. When the qualities demanded by the law of God
are not possessed, no right to rule, on the footing that ancestors, in
the providence of God, had reigned, or on any other ground, can be
claimed. Like that of wealth, the possession of power depends solely
upon the sovereign will of God: even just rulers, without the express
promise of God, have no reason to expect that their power will be
continued exclusively to their families. The distribution of the gifts
of God is sovereign; and when because of sin, in chastisement or
judgment, He leads to the transference of royal dignities from one house
to another, the claims of hereditary or other privilege will be of
little avail. On no account can a people who yield subjection to the
King of Zion and the Lord of all, commit into the hands of men,
unqualified by irreligion or otherwise, the reins of a government
framed, as each ought to be, according to the standards of Divine truth.
Although, as after the invasion of property, when sometimes time appears
to give a right