Righteousness Exalteth a Nation: a Lecture on Church Extension (Partly in Reply to Mr. M'neile) Delivered in the Weigh House Chapel, London, on April 24, 1840

Righteousness Exalteth A Nation: A Lecture On Church Extension (Partly In Reply To Mr. M'Neile) Delivered In The Weigh House Chapel, London, On Friday Evening, April 1840 — Thomas Binney. This lecture argues that righteousness, understood as the broad collection of personal and social virtues, exalts a nation when it pervades all classes and spheres of society. Binney contends that true morality requires religion, particularly evangelical Christianity, and that without such faith there can be no lasting virtue. He maintains that Church Extension—the spread of evangelical ministry to every part of the land—is essential to realizing this righteousness, since only a living Gospel can transform individuals and communities. The work critiques proposals for government establishment or parliamentary funding of churches, arguing these measures would corrupt spiritual life, undermine dissenting congregations, and secularize religion. He analyzes Mr. M'Neile's parochial subdivision scheme and argues it would entrench a worldly establishment and hinder genuine reform. He advocates a universal, voluntary evangelical presence and warns against coercive religious influence. The text blends theology, ecclesiology, and political philosophy to urge renewal through gospel proclamation.