Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/273

 secular institutions. The legislator and statesman must on political grounds reverence and esteem Christianity: not that we would lay any undue stress on this argument, or view it in any other light than "one of the incidental blessings:" without servility to any, it consults the good of all; for while it strongly inculcates obedience to authorities, on sound principles, not merely for wrath but for conscience sake; it reminds those who possess power of the solemn account which they must one day give; thus tending both among rulers and their subjects, to cement more closely the bonds of civil society, and promote private and public happiness. Christianity has now existed more than eighteen centuries, and its practical operation or tendency has been sensibly felt and acknowledged. Experience is a test of truth, and in ascertaining the most happy and flourishing empires, we should not search amongst the abodes of pa-