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by SAMUEL B. WYLIE, A.M. Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Congregation in the City of Philadelphia And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive-trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.—Rev. 11:3,4. PHILADELPHIA; PUBLISHED BY JOHN W. TORREY, Corner Schuylkill Fifth and Filbert Streets. 1850 [Originally published in 1803] PREFACE The principles of reformation are not fashionable. They were once, however, considered as the glory of Presbyterians. The time has been, when the whole body of Presbyterians, in Scotland, England, and Ireland, unanimously subscribed them. For civil and ecclesiastical reformation; for a glorious covenanted cause, thousands have bled and died.
In the following discourse, I have endeavoured to advocate that cause. Not because it is an ancient cause; not because many have sealed it with their blood; but, because I thought it the doctrine of the Bible, and the cause of Christ.
I make no apology—I court no one's favour. A conviction of truth was the cause of publication. There may, no doubt, be unguarded expressions. Any thing that is so, if demonstrated, will be candidly acknowledged.
Samuel B. Wylie.
Contents Introductory remarks on the subject based on Zechariah 4:14. First Point—premise some things concerning magistracy and ministry. Second Point—state differences between magistracy and ministry. Third Point—show wherein the ordinances of magistracy and ministry agree. Fourth Point—show the magistrate's power circa sacra. Fifth Point—show what the character of the civil branch is and what is expected from it. Sixth Point—characterize the ecclesiastical branch which is entitled to this protection. Seventh Point—show our duty toward the civil branch when legally constituted. Eight Point—state reasons why we cannot yield conscientious obedience to the present civil authorities in North America. Ninth Point—what should be our conduct towards it? Tenth Point—state and obviate leading objections to our position. State the various uses of the doctrine.
THE TWO SONS OF OIL. ___________ Zechariah, 4:14. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth. This chapter is replete with abundant comfort to the returning captives. In their embarrassing circumstances, they stood in great need of consolation. They were disposed to consider their situation as helpless and deplorable; and doubted much, whether the temple they were about to erect would ever acquire the respectability of the former one, or their city abound with its usual population. They could scarcely believe, that "The glory of this latter house would be greater than of the former." Hag. 2:9.
The scope of this vision, therefore, is, to show, that God would, by his own omnipotent arm, consummate the work, notwithstanding the imbecility of its friends, and the malignant opposition of its enemies. To this purpose he informs them, by his prophet, that the head-stone would be put on, with shoutings of joy; and that this was not to be attributed, so much to visible instrumentality, as to the superintending influences of his own omnipotent Spirit. Verses 1,10.
From the eleventh verse to the end of the chapter, we have a brief explication of this vision, intended as an illustration of the assurances already given. This is done by the angel, at the request of the prophet, verse 11: "What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick, and upon the left side thereof?" The angel having sufficiently humbled him, by leaving him to repeat his request, lower his terms, (confining it to the two olive branches), and confess his ignorance, answers in the words of the text, "These are the two anointed ones," &c.
The answer itself requires explanation. Who are intended by these two Anointed Ones, or Sons of Oil, as it reads in the original? Who these are, will perhaps be best ascertained by attending to the functions which they discharge compared with collateral texts. By comparing together the second, third, and twelfth verses of this chapter, it would appear, that they pour golden oil into the bowl on the head of the golden candlestick. That this golden candlestick represented the church of Christ, is abundantly evident from several passages in Scripture: see Exod. 25:31, and 1 Kings 7:49, and Rev. 1:20. The seven golden candlesticks are expressly declared, by the Spirit of God, to represent the seven churches.
The church of Christ may be considered under a twofold point of view, namely, invisible and visible. In relation to the first, the two olive branches may be emblematical of Christ and his Spirit, the Redeemer and Comforter. Jesus is not only the Messiah, the Anointed One himself, but he is also the good Olive-Tree to his church. John 1:16: "Out of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." The Spirit is the Unction or Anointing, which replenishes the mind with divine illumination. 1 John 2:20: "But ye have an Unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things." From Christ, the Olive-Tree, by his Spirit, the Olive-Branch, is communicated to believers all the golden oil of grace, whereby their lamps are kept burning and luminous.
In relation to the second, viz. the visible church, they may be symbolical of the two great ordinances of Magistracy and Ministry, vested at that time in these two illustrious characters, Zerubbabel and Joshua, the former in the state and the latter in the church. They are characterized as "Sons of Oil." Kings and priests were anointed, and thus solemnly set apart to their respective functions. They "stood by the Lord of the whole earth," importing that they were faithful adherents to his cause and testimony, continually emptying themselves into the golden bowl, contributing their respective influences to the advancement of civil and religious reformation, as the objects of his peculiar care. In allusion to this passage in Zechariah, the two Witnesses mentioned, Rev. 11:4, are designated by the same emblems, viz.: "The two Olive-Trees standing before the God of the earth." The analogy of Scripture, as also the current of the best commentators, agree, that by these two Witnesses is meant that succession of men, who, in all ages, and against all opposition, have valiantly contended for the purity of these divine ordinances, both in constitution and administration. In this sense consider these two Anointed Ones. [return to CONTENTS]
In the prosecution of the subject, we shall—1. premise a few things, which, if duly attended to, may be useful in the further illustration of this text. And 1st, God, the Father, Son, and Spirit, is the Supreme Governor of the universe. Rev. 19:6: "The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth." This will be generally admitted.
2. All physical and moral power is, naturally, necessarily, and independently, in God. Gen. 17:1: "I am God Almighty." This is admitted even by the haughty Babylonish monarch. Dan. 4. 35: "He doth according to his will in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What dost thou?"
3. All power to be found among the creatures is necessarily derived from him. He is the original source and fountain from which it flows. Acts 17:28: "For in him we live, and move, and have our being."
4. All this delegated or derived power should be exercised to his glory, and regulated by his law. 1 Cor. 10:31: "Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." To effect this end, all our powers should be directed; and of this, his law is the unerring rule. By this, therefore, all rational beings are indispensably bound. God has given them no right to do what it prohibits. To suppose men to possess any such right, is wicked and blasphemous. This would be the same as to suppose God to say to them, I, as the Supreme Legislator, give you my law. To the least breach of it, I annex the penalty of eternal damnation; yet I give you a right to violate this my law, and to wage war with your God, and direct your artillery against the Sovereign of the Universe! The Scriptures inform us otherwise. Deut. 12:32: "What thing soever I command you, observe to do it; thou shalt not add to it, nor diminish from it."
5. This delegated power appears most conspicuous in the person of the Mediator. Into his hands universal dominion is committed. Matt. 28:18: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Here the donation is universal. Its extent is unlimited, as to created nature. 1 Cor. 15:27. The apostle expressly declares, that nothing is excepted from his dominion, but the Godhead itself. Remarkable to this purpose is John 5:22: "The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son." As Mediator, therefore, he pronounces sentence upon the reprobate, "Depart from me, ye cursed," &c. for this is a part of his judiciary functions. That this power and the exercise of it, belong to him, as Mediator, is abundantly evident, not only from the circumstance of donation, which can in no sense apply to him as God, (for in this character nothing could be given him, being necessarily Lord of all), but also from the explicit and positive assertion, in the twenty-seventh verse, that all this authority was committed to him, "because he is the Son of man."
6. This universal dominion committed to him, as it respects the human family, in its administrations, consists in two great branches, namely, magistracy and ministry. Through these channels it flows down to human kind, contributing its influences to ameliorate the character of those who are destined to everlasting life, to whom "all things shall work together for good," Rom. 8:28. While it issues in the obduracy of those who continue implacable enemies, on whom every divine dispensation shall have a contrary operation.
7. Though both these branches are put under the Mediator's control, yet they are so, under different regulations. Ecclesiastical power is delegated to him in such a manner that all ordinances and institutions, necessary to the formal organization of a visible church, flow immediately from him as Mediator. Matt. 16:18. He is the builder of the church, the author of all her sacred institutions. All ecclesiastical functionaries, likewise, receive their authority from him, in the same character, for every part of their administration. Hence, Matt. 16:19, he commits unto them the keys of the kingdom, and the exclusive power of binding and loosing. But civil power is under a different regulation. It flows immediately from God Creator, as the Governor of the universe. Jer. 10:7: "Who would not fear thee, O King of nations?" It existed previously to the fall, and would necessarily have existed, even had we never revolted from God; though, no doubt, in that case, it would not have been clothed with some of its present modifications. Man's subjection to the moral government of his Maker, would have been similar to that of beings of a more dignified order.
Civil government does not, as some modern politicians affirm, originate either in the people, as its fountain, or in the vices consequent upon the fall. Among the angels, who retained their primitive rectitude, we find certain orders, suggested by the denominations of Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, and Powers, Col. 1:16. This testifies regular subordination among them, agreeable to the constitutional laws of their nature, and their amenability to God, their Creator and Lord. But though civil government is no new order of things, predicated upon the fall, nor, like the ministry, in all its circumstances, flowing immediately from Christ as Mediator; yet it is among the all things committed to him by the donation of the Father, Eph. 1:22. Its officers likewise, are enjoined, under pain of perdition, to make all their administrations bend to the honour of Immanuel: and the body politic indispensably bound to modify their constitutions by his word, when in his goodness he has revealed it unto them. Ps. 2:10,12: "Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little." Can any thing be more explicit in demonstrating the obligation of the civil authorities to render homage and respect to Messiah? But as it is suggested that these two branches are under different regulations, we shall endeavour, in the
II. Head, to show a little more particularly wherein they differ. [return to CONTENTS]1. They differ in their immediate origin, as already hinted. Magistracy flows immediately from God Creator, and is predicated upon his universal dominion over all nations. Ps. 47:7: "God is King of all the earth." To the same purpose we are informed, Jer. 10:7: "Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? For to thee doth it appertain." And as it flows from God Creator, the common Parent, and Head of all, the law of nature, common to all men, must be the immediate rule of all its administrations. A relation common to all should be regulated by a rule common to all. All stand in the same relation to God, considered as Creator and Moral Governor. The standard for regulating this relation must, of course, be common. This standard is the law of nature, which all men necessarily possess. Revelation is introduced as a rule, by the requisitions of the law of nature, which binds men to receive with gratitude whatever God is pleased to reveal; and to adhere to it, as the perfect rule, under pain of condemnation, and being treated as rebels against his moral authority. But,
Ecclesiastical power flows immediately from Christ, as Mediator, and is founded on his economical Headship over the church. Eph. 1:22,23: God "gave him to be Head over all things to the church, which is his body." As this power flows thus from Christ as Mediator, the law of revelation, announced by him as the Angel of the Covenant, must, consequently, be the immediate standard for the regulation of every part of the system: and the law of nature comes in to be a rule, only in subserviency to the general rules of Scripture. Phil. 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
2. They differ in their immediate objects. Magistracy respects things external, relating immediately to the outward man. 2 Chron. 26:16,20. Where Uzziah usurped the sacerdotal functions, and presumed to burn incense, contrary to the express command of God, the priests valiantly withstood him and said, "It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense; go out of the sanctuary," &c. Yea, the Lord punished his presumption, and smote him with leprosy, and they thrust him out of the temple. Whatever provisions of external accommodations he is authorized to make, calling synodical assemblies, and issuing compulsory process for attending spiritual courts, respect men, as members of the commonwealth, and subjects of the realm. His ratification of church decrees is nothing more than civilly adopting them, as good and wholesome laws, calculated to promote the welfare of the state.
But all ecclesiastical power is exercised about things spiritual. 2 Cor. 10:4: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty," &c. It considers men as members of the mystical body of Jesus; and if it takes any concern with the external man, such as the eyes and ears, it is only that it ay thereby reach their consciences. To those that are without the pale of the visible church, its jurisdiction does not extend. 1 Cor. 5:12,13: "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within?"
3. They differ in their form. The magistratical power is lordly and imperial. It belongs to its functionaries to exercise dominion, as the vicegerents of God; use compulsory measures with the disobedient, and enforce obedience to the laws, of which they are the executors. Rom. 12:1: "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers." And in case of disobedience to his legitimate authority, the magistrate ought not "to bear the sword in vain." He must not, indeed, exercise dominion capriciously, but act as "the minister of God for good" to his subjects.
But ecclesiastical power is altogether ministerial. Its functionaries are considered as stewards of the manifold mysteries of the spiritual kingdom, and are positively discharged from acting as "Lords over God's heritage." 1 Pet. 5:3. Like their great master, they ought not to come to be ministered unto, but to minister to the spiritual exigencies of perishing sinners. They are, however, entitled to attention and obedience to their spiritual ministrations. Heb. 13:17: "Obey them that have the rule over you in the Lord," &c. But still they can exercise no compulsion upon the persons of men. This belongs exclusively to the civil magistrate. And whereas civil rulers may and ought to punish transgressions, as crimes dishonouring to God, as King of nations, and prejudicial to the state, church rulers are to consider them as scandals, wounding to the honour of Jesus Christ, dishonouring to God, in him, and ruinous to the souls of men.
4. They differ in their proper end. The immediate and proper end of all civil power, is, that the good of the commonwealth may be provided for, their temporal safety and civil liberty secured upon the footing of the moral law. Rom. 13:4. The magistrate is accordingly called a "minister of God for good" to men. The ultimate end to be attained is the advancement of the glory of God, as Kind of the glory of God, as King of nations, and a concern to promote the prosperity of the church; and the propagation of truth should be exercised as the means best calculated to obtain that end. Or the good of the church may be considered as an accessary end. The more faithful the administration of justice, the fewer will be the violations of the divine law; and consequently the fewer scandals to annoy the peace and happiness of the church.
But the proper and immediate end of all ecclesiastical power is, that the conviction, conversion, and edification of the souls of men may be promoted. Eph. 4:11,12. Here we find that the immediate end of appointing all church officers was, "For the perfecting of the saints, and the edifying of the body of Christ." The ultimate end is the glory of God, as he is "in Christ reconciling the world unto himself." 2 Cor. 5:19. The welfare of the state is only an accessary end, at which the church officers as subjects of the state, ought to aim. The better they discharge their ecclesiastical functions, the fewer will every civil relative duty be performed, and thus the welfare of the nation greatly promoted.
5. They differ in their effects. The effects of all civil powers are, either proper or redundant. The proper effect of civil power is, the temporal safety and welfare of the commonwealth, together with the undisturbed enjoyment of all civil privileges.
The redundant effect is the good of the church, as far as this may result from the righteous administration of the divine law in rewarding the righteous, and punishing offenders. Rom. 13:3. And in removing all impediments that would obstruct the propagation of the religion of Jesus: like as Josiah and other reforming kings of Israel did.
But the proper effect of all ecclesiastical power is wholly spiritual, agreeable to the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom. John 18:36: "My kingdom is not of this world." It is spiritual, and its exercise produces spiritual effects, operating on the souls and consciences of men.
The welfare of the state, as such, is only a redundant or accessary effect. It may, however, be very considerable. The amelioration of character, produced by the benign influences of the religion of Jesus upon the human heart, may be highly advantageous to national prosperity: as true godliness has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come.
6. They differ in their subjects. Civil power may be vested in one or more. This is left to the discretion of the body politic, and is hence called "an ordinance of man." 1 Pet. 2:13. Whatever the particular form be, whether monarchical, or republican, it is legitimate, and entitled to obedience, provided the constitution be agreeable to the moral law.
It may also be delegated from one to another. 1 Pet. 2:14. We are commanded to yield conscientious obedience, not only to the supreme magistrate, but also to his delegates. "Unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him, for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well."
But ecclesiastical power of jurisdiction cannot vest in one. 2 Cor. 2:6. When speaking of the restoration of the incestuous person, who had been excommunicated, the apostle informs us, that his censure "was inflicted by many."
Though the power of ORDER, or the administration of the word and sacraments, belongs to every regular gospel minister, yet the power of jurisdiction belongs exclusively to a consistory of presbyters. Neither can one ecclesiastical officer delegate authority to another, to perform ministerial functions. It can only come from Christ the head, by the medium of proper officers. See Matt. 16:19, compared with Tit. 1:5.
7. They differ in their correlatives, or the persons on whom they are exercised respectively.
The civil power extends to all persons resident within the realm, be their estate, character, or condition what it may. Rom. 13:1: "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers." Here there is no exception of any class or condition of men. But,
Ecclesiastical jurisdiction extends only to those who are professed members of the mystical body of Jesus Christ, and operates upon them exclusively under that character, 1 Cor. 5:12,13, where we are informed, that all church power of jurisdiction is confined solely to those that are within. Hence those who are not church members, if guilty of any thing scandalous, requiring public censure must become members of the church before they can become proper objects of ecclesiastical censure. Church jurisdiction extends not beyond the walls of the house of God.
8. They differ in their distinct and divided exercise. Thus, should the one neglect the performance of duty, that is no reason why the other should be remiss, but rather the contrary. Should the state take no notice of the murderer, or the adulterer, their neglect by no means unnerves the arm of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, neither should it relax the rigour of church censure. The same will hold equally in a change of cases. Again, when either has done what is just and right, by a process issuing in the acquittal or condemnation of the person arraigned, the other is bound to take cognizance of the offence, and proceed accordingly. Thus, when a church member has satisfied the civil law for a crime committed against the state, the ecclesiastical authority ought to prosecute him for it, as a scandal, and deprive him of privileges, until he give due evidences of contrition, and satisfy the laws in that case made and provided. Thus both the civil and ecclesiastical authority may, and in many cases ought, to punish for the same offence; yet the process ought to be entirely distinct, and the powers independent of each other.
But as we have endeavoured to show wherein they differ, it will be necessary also, in the
III. place, to show wherein they agree. [return to CONTENTS]
1. They agree in this, that God the Father, Son, and Spirit, is the original fountain from which they flow. To suppose any power or authority whatever not originating from God, essentially considered, would necessarily lead to atheistical principles. It must therefore emanate from him. Rom. 13:1: "There is no power but of God." To the same purpose is 2 Cor. 5:18: "All things are of God." Civil power was already shown to originate from God, as Creator, and to be founded on his universal dominion, as the King of nations. Jer. 10:7. And though all ecclesiastical power flows immediately from Christ, as Mediator, yet it is radically and fontally in a three-one God. All the right and authority of Christ, as Mediator, is originally derived from God, as well as civil power.
They are, to be sure, under different regulations: these have been already stated. By virtue of this derived right, Jesus is constituted the sole legislator in Zion, and is the immediate, as the Father is the ultimate, source of all ecclesiastical authority. Hence the authority of church officers is analogous to that of Christ himself, namely, by delegation. John 17:18. Christ himself states his own and his ambassador's commission, as being parallel in this particular point, "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world."
2. They agree in this, that both are subjected to the Mediator, tough under different considerations. Matt. 28:18, John 5:22 and 27, Eph. 1:21,23, with many other portions of Scripture, leave no room for the candid mind to doubt of the universality of the donation.
But the different regulations under which these two branches are subjected unto him, are very important, and highly worthy of the most serious attention.
In civil matters, he does not commission rulers and officers. These receive their commissions from God, from whom their authority emanates, and upon whose sovereignty over the nations it was founded, previously to, and independent of, the development of the new covenant economy. But, in virtue of the Father's donation, he has a right to require the execution of the orders given to civil rulers. Ps. 2:10,12: "Now, therefore, be wise, ye kings, &c. Kiss the Son lest he be angry." To obedience they are indispensably bound. If they refuse, they are in danger of being dashed in pieces by his iron rod. Thus Jesus, as the Governor in the kingdom of Providence, (the wheels of which he manages, Ezek. 1:26), conducts the golden oil of the benign influences, as well of the civil as of the ecclesiastical branch, into the golden bowl of his mediatory fulness; thence to be dispensed to the lamps of civil and religious reformation, till the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. Hence, Eph. 1:22,23, he is the head over all things, for the use of the church, his body.
3. They agree in their mutual independence.
They are co-ordinate. They may beautifully subsist together, independent of each other; but they are not collateral, mutually dependent, and which cannot rightly subsist, if separated.
The civil branch has no power over the ecclesiastical, as such; nor has the ecclesiastical any power over the civil. Yet the same persons, in respect to different relations, may be superior, or inferior, to another person; and may require another, or be themselves required, to fulfil relative duties; and in cases of delinquency, may arraign others, or be themselves arraigned, pursuant to the laws of their respective courts. Thus ministers, as ambassadors of Christ, have a right to require magistrates, as church members, faithfully to execute their magistratical power, so as may best promote the honour of Christ, and the welfare of his church; and in case of gross acts of maladministration, may inflict upon them the censures of the house of God. And on the other hand, magistrates have a right to require ministers, as their subjects, faithfully to execute ministerial power, as an excellent mean of rendering the nation pious and virtuous, in order that its happiness may thereby be promoted.
This principle if duly attended to, and judiciously applied, will free the Westminster Confession of Faith from false imputation of Erastianism, charged upon it by modern reformers.
There are several articles in the twentieth, twenty-third, and thirty-first chapters, which have been much inveighed against, as giving the civil magistrate too much power in the church of Christ. Let it be considered that he can convoke synods, not formally, as ecclesiastical judicatories, but only as the members of the commonwealth, in which character they are his subjects. Rom. 13:1: "Let every soul be subject," &c. When convened, surely they are bound to do what is most calculated to promote the glory of God. If their synodical deliberations be calculated to do so, should they not essay them? Should they become remiss, ought not he to require them, as his subjects, to do their duty? Should they adulterate the pure fountain of evangelical doctrine, with the wormwood and gall of heresies, ought not he to prohibit them from poisoning the souls of his subjects, debauching their moral feelings, and thereby bringing down the vengeance of God upon the commonwealth? If he views these things with indifference, how can he be the minister of God for good to men?
4. They agree in being both bound to take the moral law as the unerring standard of all their administrations.
That the civil branch is thus bound is evident, not only from the voice of nature, which announces the moral law as the supreme rule, regulating the relation to God as our Lord and Sovereign, and requires the body politic to graft upon it their civil constitutions, under pain of Heaven's high displeasure; but also from the express command of God in his own word. To this purpose, see Deut. 17:18, when speaking of the supreme magistrates, it is observed, "And it shall be when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of his law in a book, out of that which is before the priests and the Levites. And he shall read therein all the days of his life." That the obligation still remains under the New Testament, is evident, not only from the morality of the duty, but also from the circumstance, that the detailing of such a constitution as is here mentioned would be productive of both the character and administration indispensably required. Rom. 13:1,6. The denial of this seems unreasonable, even were Scripture silent on the subject. Is not the divine law a complete rule of faith and manners? Is it not so to every individual, as such? If every one is individually bound thereby, will their union, in a national society, dissolve the obligation? Is there any incompatibility between civil government and Christianity, so that men must be divested of the latter, before they embark in the former? If not, should not they, in every part of their administration, consider themselves as Christians, and remember their amenability to the divine law? By this every action shall be tried. Rom. 2:12: "As many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law."
That the ecclesiastic branch is bound by this divine rule, is obvious to all. Mal. 2:7: "for the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth." And in their commission, the ambassadors of Jesus are strictly enjoined to teach mankind to observe all things commanded by their divine Master. Matt. 28:20.
5. They agree, inasmuch as both have supreme and subordinate judicatories, in which they exercise jurisdiction, Matt. 18:15,18, where we have a divine warrant for kirk [i.e., church] sessions. These are subordinate to, and two or more of them constitute, a Presbyterial judicature, which is divinely recognised, 1 Tim. 4:14, and also Acts 8:1, and 13:1. These are subordinate to, and two or more of them constitute a Synodical assembly, which also is recognised, Acts 15:16. chapters. Here we have a reference, convocation, discussion, and the Synodical decrees, consequent thereupon. This may be regularly extended to Ecumenical or General Assemblies, over the whole habitable globe, as the word imports, and as the necessity of unity in counsel and co-operation among the members of the mystical body, evidently requires.
The supreme and subordinate judicatories in the state are variously modified, at the discretion of the body politic, which, if not repugnant to the moral law, ought to be considered legitimate.
6. They agree, inasmuch as both, on account of their divine authority, entitle their faithful executors to double honour. 1 Tim. 5:17: "Let the elders that rule well be accounted worthy of double honour." Here honour and respect are enjoined toward the ecclesiastical branch, whose character should be venerated, and their persons cherished even for their work's sake.
Reverence and honour are also due to the civil branch. To this purpose we are commanded, Prov. 24:21, to "fear God and the king." Lawful rulers are God's vicegerents, and ought to be honoured, on account of him whom they represent. And, Rom. 13:7, when speaking of the civil magistrate, the apostle commands to "render to all their due, fear to whom fear, and honour to whom honour."
7. They agree in this, that the ultimate end of both, in every part of their procedure, should be the glory of God. In Isa. 61:1,4, we are informed that the grand end of every part of Christ's economical administration, in proclaiming liberty to the captives, in opening the prison doors to them that were bound, and announcing the acceptable year of the Lord, was, "that God might be glorified."
In like manner, to this end, ought all the movements of the civil branch to be directed. It is a divine ordinance. Its executors are the vicegerents of Jehovah. Every act of their administration should, of course, be a farther development of his character, and a new manifestation of his glory. 1 Cor. 10:31: "Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." But as it appears that the two branches agree in several things, it may be proper, still farther, in the
IV. head, to show what concern the civil branch should take with the ecclesiastic, or inquire how far the civil power, circa sacra, reaches. [return to CONTENTS]
That magistrates have officially, by divine authority, something to do with religion, to enforce the commands of God, and suppress the violations of his law, appears plain, even from New Testament documents. Rom. 13:4: "He (the magistrate) is the minister of God." Now how can he be God's minister, and yet be regardless of the honour and laws of him, from whom he has derived his authority? Moreover, God's commands are obligatory upon every one, in his respective station and relation in society.
When God says, "Buy the truth and sell it not," "Contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints:" when he forbids "turning aside to the right hand or to the left:" in one word, when speaking of idolaters, Deut. 7:5, he commands, "to destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire:" upon whom are these injunctions obligatory? Is it only upon private individuals? Is the magistrate exempted? Does the circumstance of his being God's minister loose him from the obligation of the divine law?
This, indeed, would be doctrine worthy of modern illumination. But it stands in direct contradiction to the whole volume of the book of God. See one passage, Deut. 17:18,19. But we shall proceed more particularly to inquire, what concern the magistrate has officially with religion?
1. He hath no directive power about any thing ecclesiastical. He hath not any right to prescribe rules, introduce new modifications, or alter a single pin of the sacred tabernacle. The church's constitutional laws are derived from a higher authority. To this she is amenable. Isa. 8:20: "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." The church judicative, as such, possessing the sacred depositum of the heavenly oracles, ought, as in Matt. 23:10, "to call no man master. For one is her master, even Christ."
2. He hath no power in, but only about ecclesiastical concerns. Every act of his, concerning religion, should be essentially and formally civil. He may not dare to touch either the key of order, or the key of jurisdiction. Should he, like Uzziah, presume to interfere with the sacred ministerial functions, let him dread the tremendous consequences. He ought, like Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah, to contribute every effort, as far as his political influence can extend, to promote religious reformation. Thus we find, 1 Tim. 2:2, that this is the desirable end to be effected by his righteous administration, viz. "That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty."
3. The civil magistrate ought to defend and protect the Church of Christ. Isa. 49:23: "Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers," &c. Does not this imply protection? The metaphors selected by the Spirit of God, involve the highest possible care and tenderness. I know it has been objected by some, that the tender care and concern here intended is not official, but merely personal, as an individual member of the church. The reason assigned is, that the epithet involving concern is not confined to kings, but is common to all their queens: and this must be acknowledged to be unofficial. Sure none are exempted from being concerned about the interests of religion. The irrelevancy of the objection will appear, by attending to an observation formerly made, viz. that the commands of God are obligatory upon every one, in his respective station and department of life. Queens are bound to exercise all the influence, which in the providence of God is conferred upon them, in promoting the religion of Jesus. Kings, or civil magistrates, in like manner, are indispensably bound to exercise all the power which they possess in their stations, to promote the same desirable end. Whatever quantity of this power is kept back, is so much unliquidated debt due to the Messiah, by the express command of that God whom magistrates represent. Ps. 2:12: "Kiss ye the Son lest he be angry." When Christ's mystical body needs this power, and the magistrate withholds the benefit of it, does he not run the risk of being charged by Jesus at the last day, as we read, Matt. 25:42,45? "I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink, &c. Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it not to me."
This same idea of protection, tenderness, and care, as a blessing to be expected in New Testament times, is held out, Isa. 60:10,16: "Kings shall minister unto thee," and "thou shalt suck the breasts of kings." All these passages evidently intimate, that the civil power shall be exercised in administering officially to the church, every comfort which may be expected to result from the union of magistratical authority and paternal care; such as defending her from her enemies, and securing to her all her privileges.
Moreover, when in 1 Tim. 2:2, we are commanded to pray for magistrates, the end proposed is, that the church and people of God, under the wing of their protection, "may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty." Either indifference, therefore, on the part of the state, toward the church, or an equal protection to her enemies, is notoriously incompatible with the ideas obviously contained in these sacred passages.
4. He ought, by his civil power, to remove all external impediments to the true religion and worship of God, whether they be persons or things; such as persecution, profaneness, heresy, idolatry, and their abettors, as did Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah, and other pious kings.
Thus we are informed, in the ninth chapter of 2 Kings, that Jehu was anointed to cut off the idolatrous house of Ahab. In the tenth chapter we are told, verse 25, that he destroyed the worshippers of Baal; and in the 30th verse, God commends him for doing so. And expressly on that account, promises his children the throne of Israel, to the fourth generation.
Farther, to the same purpose, we have the approved conduct of Asa, 1 Kings 15:12,25: "And he took away the Sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. And also Maachah his mother, even her, he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron." And in this, we are told, "He did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father." Verse 11.
Yea, he is even complained of, in the 14th verse, because the high places were not removed also. This, however, he afterwards performed, as appears from 2 Chron. 14:2,3, where we have some more fragments of his history: "He took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves," and in this, "Asa did that which was good, and right in the eyes of the Lord his God."
An approved example is equal to a precept; but precepts are not wanting: see Deut. 13:5,18,20, Zech. 13:3, and Rev. 17:16. Were it needful, we might quote also the authority of the most reformed churches in Europe, as also the most eminent martyrs. "We are encompassed about with a great cloud of witnesses."
The sentiments of that venerable assembly which penned the Larger Catechism are full and explicit on this subject. "The duties required in the second commandment are, the detesting, disapproving, opposing all false worship, and, according to each one's place and calling, removing it and all monuments of idolatry." See Larger Cat. quest. 108. In this point, we might reasonably suppose all the Presbyterians in North America to be agreed, as the above question from the Larger Catechism has been adopted, verbatim, into the creeds and church constitutions of every denomination of them, without exception. See said Catechism, as ratified and adopted in their constitutions.
5. He ought to use every lawful endeavour to promote purity, unity, and reformation in the church. Doing so, he will suffer none to administer ordinances but those duly warranted by ecclesiastical authority. Independently of this, they are only impostors, who, like the locusts, devour every green thing susceptive of their poisonous influence, and subvert the purity and unity of the gospel church.
He will also call on ecclesiastics, as his subjects, to be active and diligent in the performance of duty. 2 Chron. 29:5. Hezekiah commanded the ministers of the altar to attend to their respective functions. "Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place." In this he acted not the part of a legislator, but only enforced the laws of his God, agreeably to the constitution of the kingdom, and required his subjects faithfully to perform their duty.
In the thirtieth chapter, he exhorts, entreats, and commands the people, to come to the house of God, and keep the passover. And when the magistrate commands what is expressly required by the law of God, his subjects are bound to obey. Rom. 13:1: "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers."
It may perhaps be inquired, what are those things which he may lawfully command? To this I answer, he may lawfully command whatever is contained in the constitution prescribed by him whom he represents. Deut. 17:18, we are told what this is, namely, the Divine Law. Whatever penalties are specified in that law, and nowhere either repealed or mitigated, should be duly inflicted, in case of disobedience. Where the law is silent or indefinite, with respect to particular crimes, against any precept of the decalogue, and the punishment due thereto, great prudence and discretion will be necessary to ascertain whether said crimes are punishable by civil pains, as there are many violations of the moral law to which no particular civil penalty can attach.
Nothing should be held censurable by the church, or punishable by the state, but what is plainly contrary to the law of God; and become duly public, independently of requiring self accusation.
But even when the crime is ascertained to be, in its nature and circumstances, punishable, great discretion is necessary, in fixing both the quantity and quality of the penalty. Perhaps, in certain particular states of society, forbearance, without punishment, even of many real crimes against both church and state, would be most prudent and eligible. But here, wisdom is peculiarly necessary to direct. But when it would be improper thus to remit the punishment of these crimes, we observed that the quality and quantity should be particularly attended to. In many of them, the quality should be negative, consisting in deprivation of privileges, which might otherwise be enjoyed. For the breach of the tenth commandment, the divine law has provided no other civil punishment. This is clearly implied in Exod. 18:21, where we are told, the magistrate must be a man "fearing God and hating covetousness." If such only are eligible, the covetous man is of course disqualified. The same might perhaps, hold with those who are habitual in the neglect of religious duties, as also with other descriptions too tedious to enumerate.
With respect to the quantity of a penalty, in crimes of a particular nature, not specially provided for in the divine law, there may be much discretionary power exercised, according to particular emergencies; taking care, however, that the divine law may never be violated. In such cases, the light of nature will be greatly subservient to the general rules of Scripture. Ezra 7:26: Artaxerxes orders, "Whosoever will not do the law of thy God, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or banishment, or confiscation of goods, or imprisonment." And in the next verse, Ezra blesses the Lord his God, for putting it into the king's heart.
But to return to Hezekiah. We find him, by civil authority, endeavouring to effect purity, unity, and reformation in the church, and his exertions accompanied with the smiles of Jehovah's approbation; for, in the twelfth verse of the thirteenth chapter of 2 Chronicles, we read, that in "Judah, the hand of God was to give them one heart, to do the commandment of the king, and of the princes by the word of the Lord." In order to effect these desirable ends, he has a right to convoke synods and councils, consisting of ecclesiastical persons, to consult and advise how the church is to be purged from corruptions, and the truths of God most successfully propagated. For this we have the approved example of pious magistrates under the Old Testament, as Asa, Josiah, Hezekiah, &c.
Moreover, the four Ecumenical Councils were called by Christian magistrates. Constantine called the first Nicene Council: Theodosius the elder, the first Council at Constantinople: Theodosius the younger, the first Ephesian Council: Marcian, the Chalcedon Council.
6. They ought to support the laws of God, by their secular authority, as keepers of both tables of the law, enjoining and commanding all to observe the same under such civil pains as may be calculated to effect their performance. Thus, 2 Chron. 34. chapter, good Josiah, after he removed all the idolatrous images, altars, and groves, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem, commanded the priests to inquire of the Lord for him, and for all that were left in Judah and Jerusalem, concerning all the words of the book which had been found by Hilkiah the priest in the house of the Lord, and enjoined all that were present in Jerusalem, and Benjamin, to attend to, and observe its contents.
Thus, the civil authority is concerned, in sanctioning and ratifying the laws of the Most High God, acting as a terror to evil-doers, and a praise to them that do well.
The fourth commandment, whose obligation is perpetual, is directed to every relation. Every private individual must observe the law of God; but heads of families, and other superiors, must not only observe it themselves, but make those under their authority do so likewise, as far as their influence can extend, and also punish obstinate violators thereof. "I know," says God, "that Abraham will command his children and household after him." So the magistrate must provide, that the Sabbath be sanctified in all his gates; that is, as far as his civil authority extends. Yea, we find even heathen kings ratifying the laws of the Most High God. Ezra 7:23. The decree of Artaxerxes is, "Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done for the house of the God of heaven."
As it is his duty to ratify the law of God, in like manner he ought to sanction, by his civil authority, the decrees of ecclesiastical courts, when agreeable to the law of God, and calculated to promote his glory. Those he civilly adopts, as good and wholesome laws, tending to promote the happiness of the realm, and the glory of God, the King of nations. Hence it is, that good neighbourhood is promoted between church and state, and harmony and mutual co-operation between the testimony of Israel, and the thrones of the house of David. Ps. 122:4.
7. He ought, also, to exercise a compulsory and punitive power about things religious. This extends to all persons within his jurisdiction. Rom. 13:1. Every soul is strictly enjoined to be subject to his authority.
Should it be inquired, what is the standard regulating this subjection? we reply, the law of God. This is the unerring rule, whereby the exercise of his authority, and their subjection thereunto, will be tried. Isa. 8:20: "To the law and the testimony,"&c. This law he is obliged to execute, under pain of Jehovah's displeasure. Deut. 17:18. Those who refuse to obey, and so obstruct the wheels of government, and dishonour the God of nations, he is authorized to punish.
That offences against the second table of the moral law are punishable, is admitted by all. This, therefore, requires no proof.
That breaches of the first table should also be punished, is equally warranted by reason and the word of God. Let us examine the penalties annexed to the obstinate violation of the four first precepts of the decalogue. With respect to the first of these, see Deut. 13:1,5: "If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams—that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he hath spoken lies, to turn you way from the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt." Shall the magistrate punish the man who rebels against his own authority, and pass with impunity, or extend protection to the man, who, "untrembling, mouths the heavens," and points his artillery at the throne of the Omnipotent?
With respect to the second commandment, the penalty annexed to the breach of it is also expressly stated in Deut. 13:6: "If thy brother the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Come let us go serve other gods, thou shalt not consent unto him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him, but thou shalt surely kill him." Compare Exod. 32:27. Shall a robber of a little earthly property be severely punished; and shall he who robs God of his glory, and gives it to graven images, stocks, and stones—who, as in Hab. 1:16, sacrifices unto his net, and burns incense to his drag—be allowed to pass with impunity? Hear what Job, the Chaldean, (who lived not under the Jewish economy,) says, chap. 31:26-28: "If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness; and my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: this also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge."
With respect to the third precept of the decalogue, we are informed, Lev. 24:15,16: "Whosoever curseth his God, shall bear his sin, and he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death; and all the congregation shall stone him,"&c. Shall a man be punished for a treasonable expression against an earthly magistrate, and be protected in blaspheming Christ, denying his divinity, and vilifying and reproaching his blessed Spirit? "If he that despised Moses's law died without mercy, under two or three witnesses, of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Heb. 10:28,29.
With respect to the fourth, we may consult Nehemiah 13:15,19. When the people about Jerusalem engaged about secular employments, bearing burdens, and trafficking out and in the city, he expostulates with them, shuts the gate of the city, and sets his servants to see that o burdens be brought in on the Sabbath. And in the twenty-first verse, he testifies against the merchants who lodged about the gates and wall, saying, "Why lodge ye about the wall? If ye do so again, I will lay hands on you." Here we have an approved example for punishing the obstinate violators of the holy Sabbath. Thus the breakers of all the precepts of the first table are punishable by civil pains.
I cannot here omit quoting the following paragraph from [George] Gillespie's Miscellaneous Questions. "Is not (says he) the mischief of a blind guide greater than if he acted treason, &c., and the loss of one soul by seduction, greater mischief than if he blew up Parliament, cut the throat of kings or emperors, so precious is that invaluable jewel of a soul? And (says he) when the church of Christ sinketh in a state, let not that state think to swim. Religion and righteousness flourish or fade, stand or fall together. They who are false to God will never prove faithful to men."
8. He hath a right to judge of the decrees of ecclesiastical assemblies, whether they are agreeable to the law of God, the supreme law of the land. 1 Thess. 5:21. The command to "prove all things," is obligatory on the magistrate, as well as others. He also is bound to use the rule of unerring rectitude. Isa. 8:20: "To the law and the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Before he gives his sanction to any church deed, he must bring it to this sacred touchstone; if it agrees therewith, he ought to ratify it; if not, he has not only a right to reject it, but he is also bound to stamp his negative upon it.
This ratification of it is solely civil, and similar to his sanctioning of civil ordinances.
If this power is denied him, he must be considered as a being of no discretion, and consequently, unfit to be a civil magistrate. To suppose him bound to ratify whatever the church might decree, without previous examination and conviction of its propriety, would make him a mere tool, fit for nothing but propping up the crazy chair of the man of sin. But, as we have endeavoured to show what the civil power ought to do for the church, it will be necessary, in the
V. place, to show what is the character of the civil branch, from which this is to be expected. [return to CONTENTS] And,
1. It should possess wisdom and understanding. Exod. 18:21: "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men." And Deut. 1:13: "Take ye wise men and understanding, and make them rulers over you." They must be men of ability, possessing wisdom and prudence, and well acquainted with the laws of the Most High God. Thus it is, that "wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability" of their administration. Isa. 33:6. And without this there can be no reasonable expectation that they will answer the ends of their appointment.
2. Another part of their character is a profession of Christianity. For a Christian people to appoint a Deist to govern them, to say nothing of its repugnancy to the divine law, is even shameful. It is just like the trees in Jotham's parable, Judges 9:14: "Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou and reign over us," because they could not find a tree of a more generous growth, to govern them. But this is contrary to the express command of God. Deut. 17:15: "Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee; thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother." Is it to be expected that the man, who is not a brother in the profession of the religion of Jesus, but an obstinate Infidel, will make his administration bend to the interests of Immanuel, whose existence he denies, whose religion he mocks, and whose kingdom he believes to be fictitious?
3. Another character is, uprightness and integrity. Exod. 18:21, we are here informed that they should be "such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness." The high responsibility connected with their station requires men of rectitude and integrity of character; thus, 2 Sam. 23:2,3: "The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God."
4. They must be a terror to evil-doers. Rom. 13:3,5: "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil—the ministers of God, avengers to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." hence, we are informed, "he beareth not the sword in vain," suppressing, as far as his influence can extend, every violation of divine law.
5. They must be a "praise to them that do well." 1 Pet. 2:14. Rewarding and encouraging the virtuous: "that they may live quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness and honesty." Solomon's administration is represented as being of this description, Ps. 72:7: "In his days shall the righteous flourish, and possess abundance of peace."
6. They should be continually attentive to official duty. Rom. 13:6: "For they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing." If this were duly attended to, not only would magistratical functions be better executed, but the absurdity of Erastianism would at once appear.
The church functionary is also commanded to attend continually to his department. 1 Tim. 4:15: "Give thyself wholly to them." Of course, some are provided (exclusively of the civil magistrate) whose business it is to manage ecclesiastical concerns. But if this also was formally the magistrate's official duty, why should others belonging to another department be appointed? Farther, how could the magistrate attend continually upon this very thing, viz. his own official duty, which is purely civil, and at the same time attend to another concern, which is not civil? Common sense teaches, that if he attend continually upon the one, the other will of course be neglected.
7. The civil magistrate should be a keeper of both tables of the law of God. Deut. 17:18,19: "And it shall be when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of the law in a book, out of that which is before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of his law and these statutes, to do them." How can he be God's minister, if he be regardless of his law? And where can he find such a constitution, as that provided for him by the Spirit of infinite wisdom? By this he is indispensably bound, in his official capacity, as well as his subjects are, in their private individual capacity. But, as we have been endeavouring to characterize the civil branch from which protection to the church may be expected, it will be proper, in the
VI. place, to characterize the ecclesiastical branch, which is, of right, entitled to this protection. [return to CONTENTS] And,
1. Her constitution should be agreeable to, and founded on, the word of God. Heb. 8:5: "See (says God) thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." This suits every possible purpose of edification. 2 Tim. 3:16,17: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
2. Her officers should be regularly introduced to ministerial functions, by the presbyterial imposition of hands. 1 Tim. 4:14: "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, and the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." The awful catastrophe of Korah, Dathan, &c. should be viewed as a beacon to all, who by their ambitious dispositions would be in danger of splitting on this tremendous rock.
Christ denominates those who come not in by the door, "thieves and robbers;" and in Matt. 7:15, commands us to "beware of false prophets, who come to us in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. Let none expect to profit by their ministrations. "I have not sent them, (saith the Lord,) yet they ran, therefore they shall not profit this people."
3. She should "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints." Jude 3. And 1 Tim. 6:20: "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy care." In doing this, as with faces of flint and brows of brass, they should be explicit, bold, and valiant, whether the generation unto which they are sent will hear or forbear. There is no neutrality in Christ's service. Judg. 5:23: "Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty."
The very light of nature suggests the propriety of being plain and explicit with our brethren of mankind. Should we see our neighbor in danger of falling into a pit, where destruction would be inevitable, would we not violate the natural laws of humanity, if we did not warn him of his danger? Nay, would we not, to a certain degree, be considered by the divine law, as accessary to his ruin? Of infinitely more importance is the salvation of the soul. Says our Lord, "What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
To faithful testimony-bearing, the following things are necessary: 1st. A just, summary, and clear statement of the truths contained in the sacred oracles. 2nd. A clear refutation of the opposite errors, and especially those that unhinge the present truth, or word of Christ's patience. 3rd. A life and conversation becoming the gospel; without which, the other two are only a burlesque upon the religion of Jesus.
4. Her discipline should be impartial. 1 Tim. 5:20: "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." This is to be done with singleness of heart, and a deep sense of our responsibility to the church's head. Hence, verse 21: "I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things, without preferring one to another, doing nothing by partiality." The rich should have no preference above the poor. 1 Tim. 6:17: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us all things richly to enjoy."
5. Her worship should be pure, and free from all human inventions. 1 Tim 4:16: "Take heed to thyself and to thy doctrine." It is a matter of vast importance; not only from the consideration, that it incurs the vengeance of Almighty God upon the innovators, but also because it poisons the souls of men. It should be therefore such, and such only, as God has commanded. "In vain (says Christ) do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt. 15:9. Those who add to, or diminish from the volume of God's book, may abide the awful consequences. Rev. 22:18,19.
Query: Is it not a matter of importance to know, whether the singing an "Imitation of David's Psalms," in any sense incurs the above penalty?
6. Her ministry should be learned and pious. Without the former, they will only betray, through ignorance, their cause into the hands of the enemy; without the latter, they will pollute the sacred sanctuary.
Consider, for a moment, what a ridiculous figure the ambassador sent to negotiate with a foreign nation would make, who could not read his master's commission. Would such an one be qualified to be an ambassador to an earthly potentate? Is not the negotiation of the King of kings much more important than the adjustment of the differences between states and empires?
When Christ called his ministers in an extraordinary manner, he gave them extraordinary qualifications: and among these we find the gift of tongues. In 1 Tim. 1:7, those are severely reprehended, who presume to enter on an office without due qualifications: "desiring to be teachers of the law, yet understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." Such are the clouds of illiterate, methodistic locusts which darken the horizon of these States. Without abilities, natural or acquired, they pour forth like torrents, over the face of the earth, and lead aside the simple and unwary. The infuriated zeal with which they propagate their poisonous doctrines, resembles much the character of the Scribes and Pharisees, mentioned, Matt. 23:15: "Who compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, he is rendered twofold more the child of hell than themselves."
Without a due measure of learning, how can they meet the cavillings of deists and crafty impostors, and so act the part of an evangelist, required, Tit. 1:9, namely, to be able to convince the gainsayers, and put adversaries to silence?
7. They should be exemplary in life and conversation. Even before they are clothed with official character, it is required that they "have a good report of them that are without." 1 Tim. 3:7. And to this purpose is the benediction of Moses, to the sacerdotal tribe. Deut. 33:8: "And of Levi, he said, Let thy Urim and thy Thummim be with thy Holy One." Let illumination of mind, and rectitude and integrity of character, be the portion of him who is devoted to sacred functions. The influence which their example will have on the generation is of great moment.
The proverb, "Like priests, like people," generally holds good. Hence it is said of this same Levi, when "the law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips, he turned many from iniquity." Mal. 2:6. But when as in the eighth verse, "the priests departed out of the way," what was the consequence? "They caused many to stumble at the law." Thus we are commanded, Matt. 5:16, "to let our light so shine before men, that they, seeing our good works, may glorify our Father which is in heaven." This is eminently obligatory on the ministers of the altar, who ought to be exemplary to society, in every part of their conduct. But as we have now endeavoured to characterize both the civil and ecclesiastical branches, we shall endeavour in the
VII. place, to show what is our duty toward the civil branch, when thus legally constituted. [return to CONTENTS] And,
1. We ought to yield subjection with reverence and fear. Rom. 13:1,4: "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers." For this, we have the command of God, in the passage now quoted; and that, too, under the severest penalties. In like manner, Tit. 3:1, the apostle commands, "to put them in mind, to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates," &c. To the same purpose, 1 Pet. 2:13,17; "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake," &c.
2. We ought to pay tribute conscientiously, as unto the legitimate administrators of the ordinance of God. Rom. 13:6,7: "For this cause pay ye tribute also: for, i.e., because, they are God's ministers," &c. Here, the legitimacy and right administration of the ordinance is the formal reason assigned why tribute should be rendered; consequently, where the cause exists not, the obligation otherwise established ceases.
3. We ought to pray for their welfare, and give thanks unto God for them. 1 Tim. 2:1,2. The apostle exhorts us to make supplications, prayers, and thanksgivings, for the kings, and such as are in authority. Here, certainly, he means such as make the law of God their rule, and bend their administrations to the honour of Immanuel. If this is not the case, the end proposed cannot be attained, namely, "That we may live quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness and honesty."
4. It is our duty to honour and esteem them, and not revile or curse them. 1 Pet. 2:17: "Honour the king." To the same purpose, Rom. 13:7: "Render honour unto whom honour is due." All insults offered to magistrates in the due exercise of their office, God will consider as offered to himself, in the persons of his representatives. This he forbids, under pain of his heavy displeasure. Exod. 22:28: "Thou shalt not revile the gods nor speak evil of the ruler of thy people."
5. To obey "not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake." Rom. 13:5. Here are two reasons or motives assigned to enforce obedience. 1. For wrath's sake. The expression, that is not only for wrath, intimates that wrath is one reason, though it is not all. Obedience for wrath's sake, is a yielding subjection, on account of the penalty that will be inflicted in case of disobedience. This ought to stimulate to the performance of the superior's commands, and is the thing intended by every penalty, and is the great reason why laws have penal sanctions annexed to them, and is considered as a motive to obedience in all laws, divine as well as human. This motive of fear and punishment is allowed to influence to obedience, in all things in themselves lawful, as well under illegitimate, as under legitimate governments. The 2nd reason is, for conscience' sake. This implies two things:—First, that the thing commanded should be done, because it is right. Second, because it is commanded by legitimate authority. As to the first thing, viz. that we should do what is commanded, because it is right in itself, the obligation arises from the moral law requiring it, and may be done, be the power commanding it ever so illegitimate. It, of course, implies no homologation of the existing authority. The second thing, viz. because it is commanded, is competent exclusively to legitimate governments, and is the only tessera of loyalty.
6. We ought to live quiet and peaceable lives, bear true and faithful allegiance, and oppose all riotous and seditious practices. To the opposite of this conduct, God has annexed the severest penalties. Rom. 13:2: "He that resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God, and shall receive to himself damnation."
Such persons God will consider rebels against his own royal authority, displayed in the righteous administration of his lawful representatives. He stamps such with more than ordinary marks of disapprobation. In Jude 8, he calls them "filthy dreamers, defiling the flesh, despising dominions, and speaking evil of dignities." The heinousness of their sin and the vengeance of God upon it, is awfully marked in the destruction of Korah and his company, Num. 16., to which the apostle Jude here alludes.
7. We ought to support their just administrations with our blood and treasure. If a magistrate may lawfully go to war in defence of the just rights and privileges of the commonwealth, whatever justifies him so to do, lays his subjects under an obligation to support him in every just and necessary measure, with their estates and lives. To repel force by force is an early dictate of the law of self-preservation. To this we are also bound by the social compact, in which mutual protection is solemnly stipulated. The danger of losing the invaluable privileges of religion and liberty, may lawfully summon us to arms. In these cases, the civil magistrate is the public organ of the nation's will, and is entitled to obedience. Thus our renowned ancestors, by a solemn covenant, bound themselves to defend, with their estates and lives, the king's majesty, in protecting their religion and liberty: (See Solemn League and Covenant). Such are the duties we hold ourselves bound to render to the civil branch when legally constituted. Have we any right then to be stigmatized as anti-government men?
If anti should at all be used, it should immediately precede the word immoral, and then it is completely applicable. We always have been, and intend uniformly to continue, anti-immoral-government men.
Having thus shown some of the duties which we owe to a government, when morally constituted, it may be proper, in the
VIII. place, to state the reasons why we cannot yield obedience, for conscience' sake, to the present civil authority in North America. [return to CONTENTS] And,
1. The federal constitution, or instrument of national union, does not even recognize the existence of God, the King of Nations. In these civil deeds, though the immediate end may be the happiness of the commonwealth, yet the ultimate end, as well in this as in every other thing we do, should be the glory of God. Ought not men, in the formation of their deeds, to consider their responsibility to the moral governor, and their obligation to acknowledge his authority? Prov. 3:5: "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." That a national deed, employed about the fundamental stipulations of magistracy as an ordinance of God, and the investiture of magistrates as his ministers, should nowhere recognize the existence of the Governor of the universe, is, to say nothing worse of it, truly lamentable. May it not be said of this nation as of Israel, Hos. 8:4: "They have set up kings, but not by me; they have made princes, and I knew it not?" Did not the framers of this instrument act, not only as if there had been no divine revelation for the supreme standard of their conduct; but also as if there had been no God? Did they not, in this, resemble the fool mentioned, Ps. 14:1, who "said in his heart, There is no God?" Every official act of the governor of a province must have some specific stamp of his dependence upon the authority which appointed him: and shall a nation act as if independent of the God of the universe, and expect to be guiltless?
2. Another objection we have is, that most, if not all, of the State constitutions contain positive immorality. Witness their recognition of such rights of conscience as sanction every blasphemy which a depraved heart may believe to be true. Moreover, the State constitutions necessarily bind to the support of the federal, as the bond of national existence; and hence the immorality contained in that instrument becomes common to them all.
The recognition of such rights of conscience is insulting to the Majesty of Heaven, and repugnant to the express letter of God's word. Deut. 17:18. God prescribes to the magistrate the divine law as the supreme standard of all his administrations; and which obliges men in every station to conduct themselves accordingly. Deut. 12:32: "What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add to it, nor diminish from it." But, in the framing of these constitutions, the revealed law of God is not attended to; though even the law of nature requires the adoption of every new communication which God in mercy may be pleased to reveal.
The rejection of the divine law, as revealed in the Scriptures of truth, we consider as a contempt of the beneficence of Heaven, and an obstinate drawing back to heathenism.
3. The government gives a legal security and establishment to gross heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry, under the notion of liberty of conscience.
It would be too tedious to examine each of the State constitutions on this head. One may suffice.
We shall select that of the State of Pennsylvania. See the preamble, together with the third and twenty-sixth sections of the ninth article.[1] Here the constitution recognizes and unalterably establishes the indefeasible right of worshipping the Almighty God in whatever way a man's conscience may dictate; and declares that this shall for ever remain inviolate. We believe that no man has a right to worship God any other way than he himself hath prescribed in his law. We also think it criminal for a man's conscience to approve any way repugnant to this sacred rule: and that this crime cannot legitimate another, or make an action right which God expressly condemns under pain of eternal wrath.
If conscience can legitimate what God's law condemns, it must be paramount to the divine law, and, consequently, to the Legislator also, in having a negative over the requisitions of both the one and the other.
Were this the case, it would not only free from criminality, but would render virtuous, laudable, and praiseworthy the most damnable errors—the most horrid blasphemies and detestable abominations—if but dictated by the consciences of Pagans, Mohammedans, &c. Then the Egyptians, worshipping God under the form of a snake or crocodile, would be as lawful, yea, as commendable, as doing it precisely according to the manner which he has prescribed in his word, provided, that, in both cases, conscience said Amen!
But, supposing for a moment that men had such a right, let us inquire how they came by it? Either they must have it by derivation from God, or hold it independently of him.
It cannot be by derivation from God. It would be absurd in the nature of it, and incompatible with the essential holiness of his character.
To suppose God giving to his moral subjects a law, to the breach of which he annexes eternal punishment, and at the same time giving them a right to break it, is inconsistent and impossible. Right would be opposed to right. A right to obey, and a right not to obey!
Absurd as this may appear, we find the doctrine advocated both from pulpit and press. Scarcely anywhere, however, is it more barefacedly maintained than in the following declaration: "To worship God after that way and manner they judge most agreeable to his will, is a right common to all men. They may, and often do err, and offend the Most High, by substituting a false religion in place of that which he requires: but no power on earth can take their right from them."[2]
Here there is a certain right established. To do what?
To worship God whatever way a man may think most proper. But he may, and often does think a false way most proper. Well, he has a right to worship the false way! But, worshipping the false way offends God. No matter; he has a right to offend God; for, if worshipping falsely and offending God are equivalent, seeing he has a right to do the one, he has a right to do the other !!! "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon: lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph!" 2 Sam. 1:20.
To maintain that men have a right to break the divine law, is too glaring. Does it not look very like blasphemy to allow that God has given them such a right? If they have it, therefore, it must be independently of him. It would be pretty nice to draw the discriminating line between this and atheism.
This pretended right, however, is guarantied to all by the constitution of this State [i.e., Pennsylvania].
Every thing suggested by conscience, which may not interfere with temporal safety, is unalterably established by the permanent law of the land. Should it dictate obstinately to profess the most damnable heresy, and zealously practice and propagate every absurd and abominable form of idolatry which a heart given up to strong delusions, vile affections, and a reprobate sense could make one think innocent, the good people of this State have recognized his right to do so, and solemnly pledged themselves, in their constitutional instrument, to give him security and protection—the solemn prohibition of Almighty God notwithstanding!
Does not this amount to an establishment of religion?
That civil rulers should exercise their power in protecting and defending the religion of Jesus, we do and always did maintain.
The dispute, then, will not turn upon the point whether religion should be civilly established,—(we take it for granted that Americans think so, seeing they have done it),—but it is concerning what religion ought to be civilly established and protected,—whether the religion of Jesus alone should be countenanced by civil authority, or every blasphemous, heretical, and idolatrous abomination which the subtile malignity of the old serpent and a heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, can frame and devise, should be put on an equal footing therewith. The former we contend for—the latter we reject. The latter, however, is the plain doctrine of the constitution.
That it may appear that this is no invidious comment on the articles of that instrument, let us for a moment attend to its application to practice by the legislature. Their views of it will be considered as impartial. In the discharge of their legislative duty, did they not incorporate a Roman Catholic society in the city of Philadelphia, and grant them special privileges, such as raising money by lottery, &c. for erecting a chapel? Who ever heard any of the approvers of the constitution complain that said law of incorporation was unconstitutional? Indeed, no man of common sense could allow that it was.
If this be an evil, the constitution should be purged from such principles as sanction it; unless it be contended that the people of these States have among them rights, ONE of which authorizes them to give their power to the beast, and prop up the tottering fabric of that man of sin [i.e., the papacy] whom God has threatened to "destroy with the breath of his mouth and the brightness of his coming."
We cannot, in conscience, however ill others may look upon it, swear allegiance to a constitution so friendly to the enemies of Jesus. We are bound to him, and cannot serve two masters. Is this putting of all religious sects upon an equal footing consistent with the declaration concerning New Testament times, Isa. 49:23, "Kings shall be thy nursing fathers?" Would he not be a hard-hearted father who would put his child upon the same footing with the wolves, tigers, and other voracious beasts of prey? The political father, who leaves the child Truth in the jaws of enemies still more deadly, cannot be allowed to possess much more tender feelings. Will the church of Christ enjoy no other privilege than this, "by sucking the breasts of kings," (Isa. 60:16,) "when her officers shall be peace, and her exactors righteousness?" Verse 17.
4. We farther object to the civil government of this country, because its officers are sworn, by necessary implication, to support what God Almighty forbids, as appears from the oath of office: "Members of the general assembly, and all other officers, executive and judicial, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support the constitution of this commonwealth."[3]
If, therefore, the constitution of Pennsylvania, as has been already demonstrated, supports, and legally establishes, gross heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry, it necessarily follows, that those who swear to support it are bound by solemn oath to support the above principles and practices; which is nothing more than a practical application of said instrument, in their respective administrations.
Is not this a glaring contradiction to the moral law, not only in its general precepts, such as first, second, and third commandments, &c., but also to the particular illustration of these precepts? See Deut. 7:5, when speaking of idolaters, "Thus shall ye deal with them, ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire."
But this obligation, to support gross heresy, &c., is not confined to officers under the constitution. It extends to all who swear allegiance to it, and thus incorporate with the national society, upon the footing of this bond of union. To what purpose is a constitution, if it does not contain a solemn stipulation, between each and every individual, and all the rest of the society, for the mutual guarantee of the privileges therein specified? We cannot, therefore, swear allegiance, because we dare not be bound, upon pain of perjury, if need be, to spend our blood and treasure in supporting the man of sin, or any of his allies. And I have never been able to satisfy myself, how it was consistent, in those who profess Presbyterianism, to swear an oath, which involves the supporting of idolatry, &c., while, at the same time, in their creeds and church constitutions, they solemnly recognize their obligation, in their respective stations, to remove every monument and vestige of it from the land.[4]
5. They make no provision for the interest of true religion. See Federal Constitution, Art. 3, Amendment. And, though there is some appearance of the Christian religion in some of the State constitutions, such as Massachusetts, Part 1, Art. 3, yet that article respecting the rights of conscience, which lays the foundation and terminates in the establishment of every thing called religion, which may not interfere with temporal safety, is "a dead fly" to this precious ointment.
This indifference about the religion of Jesus is contrary to the law of nature; which requires rulers "chiefly to care for the honour of God, the Governor of nations, and to adopt and enforce his laws, as the best means for promoting the supreme end—which requires that men should be governed, as having immortal souls, and not as mere brute animals, about whose bodies only we are concerned;" contrary to the word of God, which teacheth, "that righteousness exalteth a nation, whereas sin (even blasphemy and idolatry, as well as other sins) is the reproach of any people." Prov. 14:34.
This indifference about the religion of Jesus is in opposition to the promised blessings in the word of God. The exercise of the magistrate's power, in favour of the true religion, is promised as a blessing, in New Testament times. Isa. 49:23: "Kings shall be thy nursing fathers," &c.
Let the law of God be established as a rule, and that will, of course, establish truth.
The allegation usually brought forward against this position, viz. "that the law of God is so equivocal that it cannot be understood, and so ought not to be made the basis of legislation, is invalid.
If it be admitted, the divine law is no longer a rule of faith and manners: and God only imposed upon his rational subjects, in giving them a law that was unintelligible, and at the same time annexing the most tremendous penalties to the violation of it. We are usually taught to have other views of the God of mercy and truth.
But can there be any thing plainer or clearer than the precepts of the decalogue, in which we have a summary of the moral law, a bright transcript of the perfections of Jehovah? What is all the preceptive part of the Bible but an elucidation, or comment, upon the precepts respectively? What are all the promises and threatenings but the sanctions of that law, applied to the respective cases by God, in order to enforce duty and deter from disobedience?
Would it be considered as warrantable, in a court of justice, to acquit a criminal arraigned at the bar, because he pleads, "the law, with respect to the breach of which I am charged, was unintelligible, [or] I had as good a right to explain it as another? The true meaning of it, I think, I have fulfilled. I demand my liberty." Must this law, ever after, cease to be a rule? If this is admitted, there is an end to all government; and men will, as in those days when there was no king in Israel, "do every man that which is right in his own eyes."
But, in opposition to this, see the conduct of the pious kings of Judah, 2 Chron. 31. and 34. chapters.
6. Another reason why we cannot fully incorporate with the national society is, because we consider them in a state of national rebellion against God. Jer. 10:7. God announces himself King of nations, unto whom fear and homage appertain: his will, of course, should be the supreme law.
This will of his, as revealed in the book of nature, and imprinted upon the heart of man in his first creation, was, in a great measure, obliterated by the fall. God, in mercy, has been pleased to send us a written transcript of his will, with valuable enlargements, superior to any thing which could have ever been discovered by the mere light of nature.
If we refuse to receive it, and obstinately prefer the obscure shattered fragments, revealed by nature's light, to the rejection of divine revelation, do we not pour contempt upon the Legislator, and hoist the signal of rebellion? Has this nation, in its national capacity, adopted this law, or has it not?
This point will be ascertained by an examination of their national deeds. If they have not, what is their character? How does the government of any country view a province or county which refuses to receive the laws which they have constitutionally enacted?
They consider them in a state of rebellion; and send their armies to suppress them as rebels. Shall provinces be accounted rebels, for refusing to receive the laws of earthy rulers; and shall nations refuse to recognize the laws of the Moral Governor of the universe, and be accounted innocent?
But this is not all. The nation has not only rebelled against God, in refusing to recognize the divine law, but has also been aiding and assisting his enemies, by supporting those who are at war with the Almighty. Witness the protection of idolatry and all manner of anti-christian delusion. For this, God is very jealous—"He will not give his glory to another, nor his praise to graven images."
Would to God, that while "the kings of the earth are combined to plot against the Lord and his anointed," these lands, highly favoured by benevolent Providence, would neither touch, taste, nor handle the unclean thing. O that they could say, like the two tribes and a half, on the eastern side of Jordan, Josh. 22:29, "God forbid that we should rebel against the Lord, and turn this day from following the Lord, to build an altar for burnt-offerings, for meat-offerings, or for sacrifices, besides the altar of the Lord our God that is before the tabernacle."
7. Deists, and even atheists, may be chief magistrates.—See the Federal Constitution [i.e., "no religious test for oath of office"].
In this instrument, the belief in the existence of God is not made a necessary qualification for holding office! Neither is it essentially involved in the obligation taken previously to entering upon office. See the last paragraph of the first section of the second article of the Federal Constitution: here a simple affirmation, without even naming the name of God, is considered sufficient!
The allegation, "that an oath involves an appeal to God," is no real objection to what is here asserted. We admit it does. But will it therefore follow that a simple affirmation is an appeal to God? The Scripture knows no such doctrine. If it did, the institution of an oath would have been useless, as containing nothing specifically different from simple assertion.
Then we would be constantly swearing, or doing what would be equivalent, in our common conversation.
But, in a word: the people in whose favour it is generally supposed the liberty of affirmation is granted, deny the propriety of all such appeals to God. If it be objected "that Quakers only are intended, and that all such acknowledge the being of God," it may be answered that they are not specified—others are not excluded—atheists might plead the same privilege—and if they were specified exclusively, still there is nothing in the instrument itself that makes a profession of the belief of a Supreme Being essential. A simple affirmation does not necessarily imply the profession of a belief in a Supreme Being, as an oath does. Nor is it inconsistent with the principles of an atheist to affirm or assert.
A belief, therefore, in the existence of a Deity, is not, by the federal constitution, either directly or by implication, made a necessary qualification of the first magistrate [i.e., the president].
Where is the homage which it might be expected a people professing Christianity would pay to the Messiah? Where is the respect that even a deistical society might be supposed to render to the King of Nations?
Nay, at a not very distant period,—even so late as the year 1797,—the good people of the United States of America, concentrated by representation in the senatorial council and chief magistrate, disclaimed the religion of Jesus, and cast away the cords of the Lord's anointed, in the ratification of the treaty of peace and friendship with the Bey of Tripoli.
The American plenipotentiary availed himself of it as an important circumstance in the article of negotiation, that the American government was not predicated upon the Christian religion, and, consequently, a government that the Bey might safely treat with. Take it in the words of the treaty itself: "The government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion. It has, in itself, no character of enmity against the laws or religion of Musselmen [i.e., Moslems]."[5] And, what is farther worthy of notice, by the sixth article of the federal constitution, this treaty is made the supreme law of the land!
Must it not be dishonouring to Christ, and calculated to procure the infliction of his iron rod, thus nationally, in so many words, to disclaim his holy religion, to count kindred, or at least deny enmity against Mohammed, the vile impostor?
8. The major part of the States recognize the principle of slavery.[6] Some, partially; and others without taking any steps, as yet, toward its abolition.
Strange it is, indeed, that in a land of such boasted liberty, such horrid inhumanity should be tolerated! It is contrary to the Declaration of Independence and most of the State constitutions, which justly declare that "all men are created free and equal, and that liberty is one of the invaluable rights with which their Creator has endowed them." Is it not strangely inconsistent, that the constitution, the paramount law of the land, should declare all men to be free; and the laws, pretended to be constitutional, doom a certain portion of them to hopeless bondage, and subject them to the wanton barbarity of savage and inhuman masters, who, in many instances, treat their brutes with more tenderness?
Time would not allow to enter at large into a refutation of it. Indeed, it is too shocking to find advocates among any but those whose conscience is seared as with a hot iron. Suffice it to say, at present, that there is one precept given by our Saviour, declared to be a summary of the law and the prophets,—viz. "Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets," (Matt. 7:12),—to which the practice of slave-holding is flatly repugnant.
But, supposing the Scripture silent on the subject, it is even impolitical and dangerous. What interest has the man whom I unjustly detain to work for me, seeing he receives scarcely any other compensation for his labour than a hungry belly and hard blows? By what tie is he bound to spare my life, seeing I rob him of that which is dearer than life itself, and without which, life is miserable? Must not the philosopher execrate this nefarious traffic? Must not the philanthropist shed a tear on the bleeding wounds of outraged humanity!
Of this barbarous traffic, the judicatories of our church have given their pointed disapprobation, and all approving of or engaging in it are excluded her communion [i.e., slave-holders were barred from being communicant members].
9. A last reason why we reject these constitutions is, that we are bound by the moral law, as subjects of the God of Heaven, to obey his will; and whatever is contrary thereunto we are obliged to reject. And to all who censure our conduct in so doing, we reply, "Whether we should obey God or man, judge ye."
This obligation necessarily flows from our relation to God as the Moral Governor. See Exod. 20:1-17, where we have an epitome of his laws, and by this we hold ourselves indispensably bound.
And, moreover, in the exercise of that delegated power which we hold from God, we have solemnly recognised this moral obligation by our own act and deed. In the preface to the Ten Commandments, as delivered on Sinai, God binds himself to be our God: "I am the Lord your God." We are called upon by the laudable example of the saints, by our personal relation to God, and by his own express command, to lay hold upon his covenant—avouch him as our own God in Christ Jesus. We have endeavoured to do so. We have covenanted in our ancestors [Wylie refers here to the National Covenant (1638) and Solemn League and Covenant (1643)]—in our baptismal engagements—and by our own personal act—in solemnly recognizing all these obligations, in commemorating the death of our crucified Redeemer. We have thus sworn allegiance to the King of heaven, and must reject every thing inconsistent therewith. Dare we pretend to be bound by those covenants, which oblige us to use every lawful endeavour to extirpate heresy, idolatry, and every thing contrary to sound doctrine and the power of godliness [cf. Solemn League, article II], and, at the same time, swear another oath which necessarily involves in it their support and protection? On this, let us resolve with the good old Joshua, "Let others do what they will, as for us and our houses, we will serve the Lord."
But as we have stated our objections to the civil constitutions of these States, candour requires us to declare, at the same time, that we consider the American government, with all its evils, the best now existing in the Christian world; and, if we know the sentiments of our own souls upon this subject, desire nothing more than its reformation, happiness, and prosperity, though we feel bound by our duty to God to testify against all in immoralities. It will be proper, however, seeing we consider it as immoral, and, in the providence of God, are living under it, to inquire, in the
IX. place, What should be our conduct toward it? [return to CONTENTS] And,
1. It is our duty to mourn before God over all the prevailing abominations. This is one of the characters of those who are marked with the broad seal of the Holy Ghost, Ezek. 9:4: "And the Lord said, God through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof."
We ought, also, to confess and mourn over our own sins, which, no doubt, contribute their share to the procuring and continuance of those evils.
2. We ought to pray for their reformation with earnestness at a throne of grace. 1 Tim. 2:1, we are commanded to make prayer and supplications for all men; and, Jer. 29:7, the captives in Babylon are commanded to "pray for the peace of the city, and cry to the Lord for it, that in its peace they might have peace." This prayer, however, ought not to recognize them in their official capacity; for this would be saying amen to the immorality of the constitution on which they stand. 2 John 10,11, we are commanded "not to receive impostors into our houses, or bid them God speed, for he that biddeth them God speed, is partaker of their evil deeds." This must respect them as deceivers, and not as men, for we are commanded to "pray for all men." 2 Tim. 2:1.
3. We ought to use every lawful endeavour to promote reformation, such as rational arguments and decent remonstrances: thus, 1 Kings 12:3,4, "Jeroboam and all the congregation came to Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous; now, therefore, make the grievous service of thy father and the heavy yoke which he put upon us lighter, and we will serve thee." To reason, remonstrate, and expostulate with the generation on this subject, as well as on others of truth and duty, we are bound by the love we ought to exercise toward our fellow brethren of men, in not suffering sin to lie upon them without informing them of it—by the obligation we are under to promote the interest of religion and the advancement of Immanuel's kingdom—and by the express command of God, Isa. 58:1: "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Israel their sins." See, also, Ezek. 33:1-9, where we are told that, if the watchman neglect to warn the people of the enemy's approach, if they die in their sins, their blood shall be required at his hand; but if he be faithful and give warning, whether they hear or forbear, he shall deliver his own soul.
4. We ought to do no act which may be justly considered an homologation of their illegitimate authority.
Those who, directly or indirectly, consent to the evil deeds of others are partakers in their criminality. Ps. 50:18: "When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him," which God severely reprehends. If, therefore, the constitution be essentially at war with the religion of Jesus, an homologation of it is striking hands with his enemies. No oath of allegiance, therefore, can we swear, because we believe the constitution to be contrary to the moral law, and our covenant engagements. Farther,
We cannot elect public functionaries to fill the various offices in the state; for, between the elector and the elected, there is a representative oneness; so that every official act, done constitutionally by the latter, is virtually done by the former, through his representative organ. He must, also, be introduced to office by an oath, homologating the constitution. Whatever, therefore, we cannot do ourselves, on account of its immorality, we ought not to employ others to perform.
Neither may we accept of any office to which an oath is annexed, obliging either, first, to support an immoral constitution, or secondly, to apply, or judge, under the direction of an immoral law. First, to support an immoral constitution. Such are all offices considered by the constitution as belonging either to the executive or judicial departments in this state. An oath, to the amount, is expressly required of all officers, executive and judicial.[7] Secondly, to apply, or judge, under the direction of an immoral law. Of this sort, we consider serving on juries. The juror must come under an obligation, to determine the law and facts.[8]
This must certainly be a determining what is the true spirit and meaning of the law, and its application to the particular fact under consideration. Did it mean a determining whether the law be moral or immoral, and so, such as ought, or ought not, to be carried into operation, juries would possess a negative over the legislature, and render their decisions unobligatory and useless. They are, therefore, bound to apply the existing law, in its true spirit and meaning, to the case immediately under their deliberation.[9]
If the civil code contain laws in themselves immoral, we ought not to come under any obligation to determine cases by them, or judge under their direction.
Though we believe most of the laws, in the civil code, are just and equitable, yet there are some exceptions.
Such are all laws agreeable to, and predicated upon, the immoral part of the constitution, e.g., laws incorporating Roman Catholic societies, &c. Such, also, are some laws which are unconstitutional, e.g., laws recognition the right of holding slaves for life, and indemnifying masters where slaves are capitally punished.[10]
Supposing a case, in which any of these immoral laws are concerned, comes before a jury; for example, a suit in which a master pleads his right of holding one of his fellow brethren a slave for life, and his brother pleads his right to being free; what is the juror bound by his oath to do in this particular case? The poor man was unfortunately (but through no fault of his) born before the 1st of March, 1780, and was registered, in due form of law, before the 1st of November, same year, and is, therefore, legally a slave. The moral law says he is free. Agreeably to which of these laws, thus opposite to each other, does the juror's oath bind him to find a verdict? If agreeably to the moral law, the law of the State is set aside, and the legislature is controlled by the jury.[11] But, if his verdict be agreeable to the law of the State, in that case made and provided, the law of God is set aside—the majesty of Heaven is insulted—and the rights of humanity outraged and trampled upon by those who ought to protect them. We cannot, conscientiously, put ourselves into such a predicament.[12]
But farther, we may not engage in any service which is regulated by, or puts us under, the control of any immoral law. Engaging in the militia, when called out to actual service, may come under this consideration. We thus pledge ourselves, by our own act and deed, if need be, to fight in defence of any one of the existing laws, under all existing penalties, in such cases made and provided. Who knows but, while on duty, he may be commanded to spill his blood in support of a mass-house, or, at the cannon's mouth, protect the graven images of the gross idolater, which God has expressly commanded to be destroyed? Deut. 7:5. We ought not, therefore, to put ourselves into a situation in which we know, that a thing, in itself immoral, may be legally commanded, under the specific penalties, while we stand pledged, by our own act and deed, to yield obedience.
5. We may do every thing commanded which is in itself right and lawful, provided it be not clogged by some immoral circumstance.
This will account for our refusing to avail ourselves of the rights, execute the offices, or engage in the services mentioned in the last particular: though there is no criminality in the things themselves, yet they are connected with such circumstances as we deem immoral.
Many things, not criminal in themselves, ought to be abstained from on this account. For example, it would not be considered as unlawful, in itself, for a Presbyterian to go to Rome, suppose to make some mercantile arrangements; but, provided that allegiance to the holy see, and worshipping the host, were made a condition of his entering that city, he ought surely not to go thither. In like manner, the offices, &c. which we refuse, though all lawful, considered in themselves; yet, since they cannot be engaged in unconnected with some immorality, ought not to be accepted at all. But all other things commanded by the constituted authorities, which are neither in themselves unlawful, nor connected with unlawful circumstances, may be done, not because they are commanded by legitimate authority, (which is the true tessera of loyalty), but either because the moral law requires them, or because we may be compelled to do them by physical force. This may happen to be the case in those things which are not in themselves morally evil: and, when commanded to do such things under heavy pains, of these two physical evils, we may lawfully choose the least. Thus I may give away part of my property to save the remainder, though the man who demands it has no other right than physical force, or a power of compelling obedience.
6. We ought to wait patiently, under these disadvantages, till the Lord be pleased to bring back again the captivity of Zion. Thus the weeping prophet observes, Lam. 3:26: "It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord." Our principles may, indeed, subject us to much inconvenience; but we ought, like Moses, to prefer affliction with the people of God to the treasures of Egypt and the pleasures of sin, which are but for a season, keeping our eye upon the recompense of reward. Heb. 11:25,26.
Is it reasonable to expect, that, while the dragon's successors are in power, and the rulers of the earth endeavouring to heal the wounds of the beast, the woman and her seed will return from the wilderness? Rev. 12:14,17. The time, times, and half a time, or twelve hundred and sixty years, are not yet closed, since she fled thither on eagle's wings, during which period she should lay her account with embarrassments and tribulations.
Nay, there is reason to expect, that still more tremendous scenes of persecution and carnage yet await the church, than any she has hitherto experienced. The witnesses have not yet finished their testimony. One point yet remains to be sealed with their blood, namely, the Mediator's headship over the nations. 'Tis not unlikely, that this is one of the articles for which the witnesses shall be slain, when, as we read, Rev. 11:8,9, "they shall lie dead three days and a half," which is equal to three years and a half, in prophetic language. But they shall have a glorious resurrection, when these three days and a half are expired. And though we should not live to see these happy days, let us rejoice in the consideration, that we have been endeavouring, in our civil and religious systems, to anticipate the millennial period, when Jesus shall reign in Jerusalem, in Mount Zion, and before his ancients, gloriously. And, if we are faithful and conscientious in doing so, God will say to us, as he did to David, respecting his intention of building the temple, "Thou didst well that it was in thine heart."
7. We ought to live peaceable and regular lives, "giving no offence to Jew or Gentile, or to the church of God." 1 Cor. 10:32. "To adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." Tit. 2:10. To oppose all riotous and seditious practices, which may arise to injure the peace and prosperity of the land wherein we live—to comply with the common order of society in all things in themselves lawful—to live as citizens of the world, and not incorporate ourselves with the national society in any of their political movements, looking up for the day of our redemption, when God's appointed time for favouring Zion shall come. But, as the doctrines advanced in the preceding part of this discourse are unpopular with the present generation, it may be necessary, in the
X. place, to obviate some of the leading objections which are usually made thereto. [return to CONTENTS]
Objection 1. The apostle, Rom. 13:1, informs us that all power is of God—a"There is no power but of God," consequently we owe conscientious obedience to every power. To this it may be answered, there are two kinds of power, viz. physical and moral, both are of God, for "in him we live, and move, and have our being." Acts 17:28.
By the exercise of the first, all actions, just and unjust, are performed. In the exercise of this physical power, Paul persecuted the church of Jesus; by the same power, he laboured, with unwearied industry, in the propagation of the doctrines of the cross. This power, therefore, is common to all actions, whether moral or immoral, that come to pass in the providence of God. The
Second is not only providential, but also moral and preceptive, and respects those things which God in his law requires as the duty of moral subjects to perform.
Is it the first, or the second, of those that every soul is commanded to be subject unto, under the penalty of damnation, mentioned in the passage now under consideration?
If the first, then it is a damnable sin to resist the devil! for he is a "power," and in the providence of God, as prince of this world, he rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience. Eph. 2:2. But this cannot be the case, for God has strictly charged us "to resist him." James 4:7. Were this the case, then we would incur Jehovah's wrath, in resisting lions, tigers, and other beasts of prey; for in the providence of God they possess more physical power than we do, and have also derived it from God.
Then, at the risk of damnation would tyrants and usurpers be resisted, and the justly exploded doctrine of passive obedience and non-resistance would be recognised under pain of Jehovah's high displeasure! And to crown all, the people of these States, who justly and valiantly resisted the wicked domination of the British tyrant, would have thereby rendered themselves obnoxious to damnation!
This doctrine, however, is too grossly ridiculous to merit much serious attention. I conclude, therefore, that the power in question is of the moral and preceptive kind, unto which obedience is enjoined under such heavy penalties. To this we heartily subscribe, and believe that none else can bind the conscience, or be entitled to conscientious subjection.
This will, moreover, appear evident, by attending to the qualifications of that power unto which we are commanded to be subject, in the passage alluded to. See Rom. 13:1-7.
Obj. 2. But God has commanded to be subject unto them, for conscience' sake. Rom. 13:5. And 1 Pet. 2:13.
Ans. The power alluded to, in the first of the quotations was already proved to be moral and preceptive. This must necessarily be the case with all power entitled to obedience for conscience' sake. If a power contrary to the divine law be entitled to conscientious obedience, God is no longer the exclusive Lord of the conscience, but it is subject even to the illegitimate dominion of men. It is true, many things commanded by immoral powers, when not in their natures sinful, we may be obliged to perform, and even these actions, as well as others, should be done conscientiously. For example, were I enslaved by an Algerian pirate and sold to a cruel master, I ought not, by fractious and stubborn conduct, to procure myself the bastinado, or turn the rod of chastisement into a venomous serpent. I am in his power and so should behave obsequiously, in all things in themselves lawful, that I may lighten my chain and alleviate the evils which I cannot avoid. Such a course of conduct my conscience should approve. But on what account? Is it because my conscience approves of his right to keep me in slavery? Nay, is it not rather because my conscience approves of using every innocent means, which the laws of self-preservation may dictate, to alleviate my present misery?
This principle is equally applicable to a people under unjust and immoral government; and to no other kind of subjection was Nero, the monster at the head of the Roman empire, when the apostle gave the above directions, entitled. Did he possess any of the characters connected with that power unto which obedience, for conscience' sake, is enjoined If we give credit to the historians of his age, he was the very reverse of all these. The brutal barbarities of his reign are too notorious to require rehearsal, and too shocking to the feelings to be told, when necessity does not demand it. But still it is objected, "that even though he was such a monster, yet all his lawful commands ought to be obeyed." To this it may be observed, that he who has no moral right to command can give no lawful commands. A command presupposes a power commanding. The legality or illegality of the command is determined by the legitimacy or illegitimacy of the power from which it flows. "Who (says the inspired penman) can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one."
An immoral power may command what is in itself lawful, and which may and