[b]Righteousness exalts a nation
(Thomas Brooks, "The Crown and Glory of Christianity,
or, HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness", 1662)
"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a
disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34
It is not valor in war--but righteousness;
it is not policy in government--but righteousness;
it is not wittiness of invention--but righteousness;
it is not civility in behavior--but righteousness;
it is not antiquity of laws--but righteousness;
it is not largeness of dominion--but righteousness;
it is not greatness of command--but righteousness
--which is the honor and the safety, the renown
and the security of a nation.
It is not rich mines of gold and silver, nor armies,
nor councils, nor fleets, nor forts--but justice and
righteousness which exalts a nation; and which will
make a lowly people to become a great, a glorious,
and a famous people in the world. That nation which
exalts righteousness--that nation shall be certainly
exalted by righteousness.
Ah! England, England! If injustice shall grow rampant,
and you shall brandish the sword of protection to the
desperate swearer, and to the cruel oppressor, and to
the roaring drunkard, and to the cursing monster; and
shall be a devouring sword to the upright and godly
in the land--divine vengeance will dig your grave, and
divine justice will tumble you into it!