Star.
London, England, 1808-11-11 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR:

No. XIX.

THE THIRD TRUNIPET.PART I.
§ X. Of the end intended to be gained by a strict obser-
vance of the laws of Christ among his followers.—Of
Christ's sovereignty. -
The end intended to be gained by the order, doc-
trine, and discipline, appointed to be maintained in
Christian congregations is—that the body of Christ
may be edified till we all come in the unity of the

faith, and of the knowledge of the So OF GOD, to complete
manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of
CHRIST that we henceforth be no more children tossed to
and fro by every wind of doctrine, by men versed in slight,
and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive :
but speaking the truth in love may grow up unto him in all
thing: who is the BEAD, the ill‘otNTED : from whom the
whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual work-
ing in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body
unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephes. iv. 13--16).
For this end every thing that concerns the faith and
morals of the members will be strictly observed in

every church of Cnßisr ; nor will they dare to divide
his laws into essentials and non-essentials, or presume

to alter their meaning and import, in the smallest de.
___

gree, under any pretext whatever. His kingdom is
not of this world, and therefore no change of circum-
stances in the world can alter or take away the obli-

gation imposed upon his followers to obst r re all things
that he has commanded.

As the kingdom of ClintsT is not of a worldly na-
ture, it becomes impossible for his church, (whatever
antichristian bodies may do) to attempt to combine
it with the world, or to aim at sharing in that domi-

nion which belongs only to the civil magistrate. On
the contrary, his people are commiinded (Tit. iii. 3.)
" to be subject to principalitiev and powers, to obey-magis-
trates—skewing all meekness unto all men".—And (1 Pet.
ii. 13) to " submit themselves to every ordinance of man

for Me Lord's sale : whether it be to the King as supreme;
or unto Governer:, as unto them that are sent by him for
the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that
do well. For such is the will of Goa, that by well-doing
they pay silence the ignorance of foolish men : as free, but
not using this freedom for a cloak of mischief, but as servants
of GOD : respectful to all, loving tre brethren, fearing GOD,
honouring the Kixo." Nor is this subjection and obedi-
ence enjoined only to what, in the world, is called the
lower ord‘rs. None are permitted to assume Lordship
and dominion in the congregations, and none of their

members, as such, dare to endeavour to establish it
over the rulers of the world. " Let EVERY SOUL be sub-
ject unto the IEIGIIER Pow Ens ; fur there is no power but
of Goo : ale existing powers'are appointed by GOD. Who-
soever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance
of GOD. And they that resist shall bring upon themselves
condemnation [from the Power] ; for rulers are not a ter-
ror to good but to wicked actions. Wherefore it is neces-
sary ye be in subjection, not merely on account of punishment,
but also fa- conscience sake ; for on this account ye pay tri_
butt also, bccausr they are Goo's servants, giving their whole
time to this vey business. Render therefore to all their
dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom
custom ; reverence to whom reverence ; honour to whom ho-
nour." (Rom. xiii).
In short, on no pretext whatever, dare Christi ns
reflise obedience and subjection to the civil Magistrate,
excepting only when his commands stand in opposi-
tion to the laws of him who is exalted head over all
things. In every such case " we are bound to obey GOD
and not men." (Acts v. 29.) Nor will even abuse,
insult, and persecution justify a Christian in' exciting
urmult or sedition against the Ruling Power; for by
the law of the MASTER whom he serves, he is bound
not to render evil for evil, or railing for railing, but, when
persecuted in one place, to flee to another, (Mat. Z. 23).
But when the minions of power exceed their autho-
rity ; and, contrary to the laws of the State, insult
and oppress a Christian, he is justified in pleading
every privilege, which these laws confer on him—for
this is not resisting the power, but submitting to it.
4, They have beaten us openly, [said PAUL of the Magis_
trate-s- of Philippi, Acts xvi. 37] uncondemned, being
Romans, and have east us into prison ; and now do thv
thrust us out privily ! nay. verily ; but let them come than-
selves and fetch us out." And again, before FESTUS,
(Acts xxv. 10, 11) u / stand at Caesar's judgment seat,
where I ought to be judged : to the ✓ews I have done no
wrong, as you very well know. For if Ibean of
or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not
to the : but if there is nothing in these things of which they
accuse me, no man .may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto
-Caesar.,, . .

In every thing that respects their privileges, as ci-,
tizens, Christians have a right to appeal to the laws
of the State under which they live ; but, in whatever
respects their duty as subjects in that kingdom which
is not of this world, they know of no appeal but to him
[that is to his authority] who is the supreme Law-
giver; nor can a subject of CHRIST, without becoming .
a transgressor, yield obedience to any other. As this
is a point of the greatest moment, l cannot con-
clude my observations on the order and discipline
of the primitive churches, without bringing to the re-
collection of the reader how positively the Setiptures
speak of the Sovereignty of GOD'S Mk_sstAn.
It is not my intention, however, to dwell on passages
that might be quoted to prove, generally, that all
power is given unto him, since every one who pro.