A Sermon Preached before his Honor Thomas Cushing,... the Honorable the Council and the Two Branches of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts May 28, 1783, being the Anniversary of the General Election, by Henry Cumings, 1783

Cumings, Henry. A Sermon Preached before his Honor Thomas Cushing, Esq. Lieutenant Governor, the Honorable the Council and the Two Branches of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts May 28, 1783, being the Anniversary of the General Election. Boston: T. and J. Fleet, 1783. First Edition. 8vo. Presented in a new archival cloth chemise and ¼ leather and cloth clamshell case.

This is a first edition printing of a stirring sermon by Henry Cumings, preached before Thomas Cushing, Lieutenant Governor, the Council, and the two branches of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Delivered on May 28, 1783, on the anniversary of the General Election under the new Constitution, Cumings’ sermon was based upon scripture, Peter, chapter 5, verse 5, preaching on the obligations of the leaders to their people, and the people to their leaders. Preached just after the close of the Revolutionary War, he also touches upon more immediate topics, like the removal of British soldiers, the continued equal federation of states, taxes to pay for the war debt, and the positive impact of education and religion to individuals, and thus society as a whole. Cumings’ sermon was printed and published later that same year by T. and J. Fleet in Boston. 

Cumings begins the sermon with Peter, chapter 5, verse 5: “Yea, all of you be subject to one another.” In this discussion, he argues that in a “detached view, [these words] comprehend all those duties of civil and social life, which mankind owe to one another, whatever difference there may be among them, as to their respective capacities and outward condition in the world. As men are formed for society, and cannot be happy in a state of separation from one another; so their well-being depends upon mutual assistance and support, and a reciprocal interchange of those offices of friendship and benevolence, which their mutual dependence requires, and both reason and religion prescribe.” He explains that although applicable to all forms of government and leadership, this doctrine is “especially suited to the genius of a commonwealth, founded upon this leading principle, that "all men are born free and equal." 

Cummings spends considerable time espousing the ideal relationship and power dynamic of elected officials and the people they represents: “The design of the institution of civil government being the good of the people, they who are entrusted with the management of it, should make this the grand object of their attention and pursuit, and in the exercise of their constitutional powers, use all means and methods, that are of manifest importance and necessity to answer this end….While civil rulers are to be cautioned against an abuse of authority, and exhorted to employ their powers for the good of the public; people are to be put in mind to honour and obey magistrates; to be subject unto the higher powers, and to submit themselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake.” This reciprocal balance is the only way for a healthy community to flourish. 

This idea is continued into a discussion about the balance between states. Cumings says, “By solemn confederacy and compact every one is bound, to keep the good of all the states in view, while he aims to promote the good of the particular state with which he is more immediately connected.” In order to preserve the union between the states, proper attention should be paid to the interest and welfare of the whole. “The separate good of the several states, is to be pursued only by such measures, as shall harmonize with the good of all in the confederacy.”

Cummings opines that the future of America “depends much upon the wisdom and virtue of the present generation. Every patriot, from the highest to the lowest order, has now an extensive field opened before him, for the display of his utmost abilities, in providing for the future peace and prosperity of his country. The consequences of our conduct at this opportunity, will affect, not ourselves only, but unborn millions.”

Rev. Dr. Henry Cumings (1739-1823) was born in Hollis, New Hampshire and graduated from Harvard in 1760. He was ordained as the minister in Billerica, Massachusetts in 1763. Cumings was sent by his town as a representative at the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention in 1779 and preached the election sermon to the General Court at the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783. He had several sermons published during his lifetime, including ordination sermons for fellow ministers in Massachusetts, his election sermon in 1783, and Thanksgiving sermons in 1766, 1775, 1796, and 1798. Cumings remained the minister in Billerica until his passing in 1823.

CONDITION: 

Very good condition, considering age. First Edition. Paper is moderately toned, with light foxing. Disbound. Paper is moderately toned, with light scattered foxing and occasional stains. Creases and folds present. 55 pp. REF:  Evans 17899. Sabin 17896. 

Sermon is presented in a new archival cloth chemise and ¼ leather and cloth clamshell case, with raised bands, gilt tooling, and gilt titles to the spine. 

Dimensions: 7 7/8" H x 4 7/8" W x 3/16" D.
Clamshell Dimensions: 9 3/8" H x 6" W x 1 1/4" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.