Note, 1. Justice, reigning in a nation, puts an honour upon it. A
righteous administration of the government, impartial equity between
man and man, public countenance given to religion, the general practice
and profession of virtue, the protecting and preserving of virtuous
men, charity and compassion to strangers (alms are sometimes called
righteousness), these exalt a nation; they uphold the throne, elevate
the people's minds, and qualify a nation for the favour of God, which
will make them high, as a holy nation, Deut. xxvi. 19. 2. Vice,
reigning in a nation, puts disgrace upon it: Sin is a reproach to any
city or kingdom, and renders them despicable among their neighbours.
The people of Israel were often instances of both parts of this
observation; they were great when they were good, but when they forsook
God all about them insulted them and trampled on them. It is therefore
the interest and duty of princes to use their power for the suppression
of vice and support of virtue.