[Bigloo-lib-devel] intrepidly

[Hoskins <ta...@vi...>]

 choosing their form of government; free in the establishment of their
laws; free in the fact that their laws governed and not men. Their form
of government was republican, with healthy limitations. Twelve tribes
were united in one great republic like so many confederated states bound
together for purposes of defence. At first God was their king. After
awhile they desired another king, and their form of government was
changed to a limited monarchy upon their own request. Their kings did
not enter upon their duties until they were accepted and crowned by the
people, and then they were restricted in their power by sworn
stipulations. Bad men do not make good citizens. There never was a
nation of infidels or idolaters, existing as such, in the enjoyment of
freedom. Holland was free as long as she was virtuous. She flourished as
a republic, produced great and learned statesmen; she became corrupt,
and infidelity banished her glory. When Perrier, of France, the
successor of Lafayette in the office of Prime Minister to Louis
Phillipe, was on his death bed he exclaimed, with much emphasis and
zeal, "France must have religion"--man must be governed by moral truth
or by despotic power. Liberty does not flourish without morality, nor
morality without the religion of the Bible. The love of law, the love of
wisdom, the love of benevolent institutions, and the love of virtue
makes a people free. When these are absent tyrants are present. When a
nation becomes corrupt, liberty degenerates into parties and factions
until the stubborn necessity