Then, to the consternation of some, particularly our Quaker neighbors and those urging submission to the British monarchy, he delivered a sermon worthy of Jonathan Mayhew, the pastor who used his pulpit in Boston to denounce the Crown for “taxation without representation.”

Rev. Thruston began by quoting the first two verses of chapter 13 of Paul’s letter to the ancient Christian Church in Rome:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

And then he pointed out that “every soul” included the king—and emphasized there was nothing in the remainder of the passage—or anywhere else in the Holy Book—prohibiting rebellion against evil. He went on to remind all in attendance “the Lord of the Universe is a Just God” Who would “punish evil doers who do not repent, just as He punished Ahab, Israel’s evil king for oppressing his people.”

He then quoted several verses from Proverbs 29, noting as he did, “God’s word has a powerful message for rulers who abuse their power and the people they rule:”

He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord.

An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in The Way is abomination to the wicked.

His sermon was interrupted by frequent shouts of “Amen!” from the congregation. Much to our father’s gratitude, Rev. Thruston described Joshua as “upright, “righteous,” and “just.” He closed with the words of Solomon from Ecclesiastes:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;