
Cushman, Elisha. A Sermon, delivered before the Legislature of the State of Connecticut, at their Annual Election, at New-Haven, May 3d, 1820. New-Haven: Published by Order of the Legislature, J. Barber, printer, 1820. First Edition. [11630]
Removed, no wrapper, includes the half-title, 8 3/4 x 5 1/4 inches, 17 pp. Good. Pamphlet.
Starr, A Baptist Bibliography, CC3231.
Many Election Sermons focus upon the duties and responsibilities of civil ruler, or upon patriotism. Pastor Cushman instead tells the assembled rulers that they should be born again. "The happy influence of the christian religion in perpetuating the blessings of social life, urges every friend of mankind to embrace and support it; and if its chief energy depends on its establishment in the heart, the good of our fellow-men, as well as the final salvation of the soul, requires that we should be born again." p. 15. [Emphasis in the original].
"If true patriotism consists in an attachment to the government under which we serve, it will become my profession to expatiate on the excellencies of Him, 'Who is the blessed and only Potentate,' I Timothy, vi. 15."
Elisha Cushman, Sr. (1788-1838), b. Kingston, MA; d. Hartford, CT. He was the pastor of the First Baptist Church, Hartford (1813-1825), and of the New Market Street Baptist Church, Philadelphia (1825-1829). He returned to Connecticut in 1829 to become the pastor of the Baptist church in New Haven. He was from time to time the editor of The Christian Secretary. "Mr. Cushman's preaching was simple, instructive, and often eloquent. He published a number of occasional sermons and addresses." - M'Clintock & Strong.