The City on a Hill

“How did Koger Sherman vote?” inquired Mr. Jefferson once as lie entered the hall of Congress while a question was being taken; and, as the story goes, he recorded his own vote on the same side, without knowing much of the merits of the question itself. This was a high tribute to the good sense of the Connecticut shoemaker, and proved him to be a man for others to sfeer by.

Now it is not improbable that our Saviour had reference to the same thing in morals when he told his disciples that they were “cities on a hill.” The idea seems to be something more than mere conspicuousness. When the Great Teacher first pronounced this memorable comparison of a good man with a conspicuous city, his eyes may have been looking to the ancient town of Saphet, which stood upon a lofty elevation, high above the waves of Galilee. It was in full sight, and seen from afar. It was as if he had said, “Ye are like yonder city of Saphet, set upon a hill.” That city is always there, always in one place, lifting its white domes to the morning sun, and flashing back his evening rays from its high battlements. It is an object to take the compass by — an object by which the traveller from Syria and from Lebanon may guide his steps. The fisherman, as he pushes his light shallop over the placid bosom of Gennesaret, knows which way to steer his little craft, for yonder looms up Saphet, the “city on a hill.” The dwellers hard by knew wliicli way was north, and wHcli was south, by looking out towards the lofty city. It was always on its hilly throne.

So it is with a man of Bible principle. He is a moral Saphet. Other men can steer by him. Other men often judge of the wisdom or rightfulness of things by the position which he occupies. They say, “We know that is right, for Mr. A. advocates it;” or, “We fear that it is wrong, for Mr. A. opposes it.” He is on a hill — firm, well established, not seeking to be conspicuous, but yet not ashamed to he seen. It requires a sound conscience to be all this. It requires grace. It requires holy and consistent living. This controlling and directing godliness of character ‘goeth not out” but by much prayer, watchfulness, self-denial, and careful walking with God.