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161 heirs of the grace of life & expectants of a blessed immortality; that so their virtuous love & friendship on earth, may unite them in still more endear.g ties in the regions of light & immortality.

    2.  We are to consider the mutual duties of rulers & subjects, as comprehended in this precept.
 The duties of magistrates towards subjects is the establishment of wife & salutary laws & the impartial administration of Justice.   They are to consider themselves as God's ministers & appointed to rule & judge in righteousness & equity. The nature of the magistrate's commission for the good of the subject is comprised in the declaration of King Jehosaphat  2 Chron. 19.  And he yet Judges in the Land, & said unto them take heed what you do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in judgment; wherefore let the fear of the Lord be upon you, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
  2. The duty of the magistrate to the people is not confined to the administration of justice only it includes all necessary labor & laws for the promotion of morality & religion among the people. for without morality founded in religious principles, it will be difficult to maintain civil government or civil order among a people.  For they also fear not God; who are without religious principles or destitute of a regard for God, will have but little respect for their fellow men;  King Solomon, the wisest ruler of men, governed his people with wisdom, justice & clemency &