Government and Rebellion: A Sermon Delivered in the North Broad Street Presbyterian Church, Sunday Morning, April 28, 1861

"Government and Rebellion" by E. E. Adams is a sermon delivered in 1861, reflecting the moral and theological underpinnings of government and its relationship with rebellion during the tumultuous period of the American Civil War. This work aims to explore the concepts of good governance, the nature of rebellion, and the obligations of citizens when faced with insurrection, emphasizing the importance of lawful authority and the moral imperative to stand against rebellion. The sermon draws on biblical references and historical examples to confront the listener with the significance of these issues in the context of a nation divided. In the sermon, Adams argues vigorously that rebellion against a just government is a clear moral crime, and he unequivocally defines the characteristics of righteous governance and the context that legitimizes rebellion. He delineates the difference between insurrection, rebellion, and revolution, emphasizing that the current conflict arises not from oppression but from a rebellion rooted in treachery and a desire to uphold an immoral institution—slavery. He calls upon citizens, especially Christians, to commit to defending their government, urging them to support its policies and to recognize the civil and spiritual duty of fighting against those who seek to undermine the nation's foundations. Through passionate rhetoric, Adams inspires his audience to embody loyalty and action, framing the conflict as a necessary battle for the preservation of justice, order, and liberty in a time of crisis.