others might either say or do, he would approve himself to God as an active magistrate, and a con- scientious servant of the Most High. That he did not go forth as one who was not authorized to execute the laws, is evident from the commendation given to him both by God and man : and therefore he stands as a pattern for all magistrates to discharge their official duties manfully, without favour and without fear.
What a blessing such magistrates are to any land, may be seen in the benefits which, by that one act, Phinehas obtained for the whole nation of Israel. On his executing of judgment, the plague was stayed. Four and twenty thousand, in the whole, had perished in one day; and, had he delayed to discharge his duty in this matter till his brethren in office should join him, no one can tell how many thousands more would have fallen a sacrifice to the wrath of God. But by this act of his he " made atonement for the children of Israel," and " averted God's wrath from them." He arrested also the progress of iniquity; and obtained for himself the highest honours, even "the covenant of an everlasting priesthood:" and " this act of his was counted to him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore d."
We are not to suppose that this act formed his justifying righteousness before God; for not all the obedience of the best of men could ever avail for that : but it proved to all future generations that he was a righteous man, and that no consideration under heaven could deter him from a faithful discharge of his duties, whether to God or man.
Now such a blessing are conscientious magistrates in every age and in every land : and they who boldly maintain the authority of the laws, however they may be traduced and calumniated for a season, are, indeed, the most honourable members of society, and, sooner or later, will receive the approbation of every considerate man. The obligations we owe to such are, at this moment, seen and felt through the
d vcr. 31.