17. to execute justice, in the case which is being tried, is the first duty of a magistrate; to maintain truth is also his duty, for he must have regard to other cases which will come before the Court.
18. This concludes the petitions for our own nation. We now go on to things which affect all nations alike.
19. Unity, peace, and concord. The general meaning of these words is the same, but there may {168} be unity without peace, and peace without concord: therefore we pray for all the three; and concord is placed last as being the inward temper which gives reality to unity and peace.
20. Here the order is reversed—proceeding from love which is the highest kind of bond, to dread which should keep us from disobedience, and coming finally to the outward result viz. a diligent life of obedience to the commandments.
21. Takes up the last thought of the previous suffrage.
The life of obedience is here traced from hearing to receiving, and so, to the fruits of the Spirit (see Gal. V. 22-24).
22. Erred is when the fault is in ourselves only; deceived is when we give way to the evil guidance of others.
23. Those who stand need strength: those who are weak-hearted need comfort and help: those who fall, restoration.
24. See p. 161.
25. Emigration has become more common since this petition was prepared: those who settle in foreign lands should here be remembered. Captives are war-prisoners.