Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1840-04-15

which as the minister of God IL bears, ex-
cept in case of absolute necessity for the
purpose of self-defence And have no
hesitation in asserting that in the present
state of civilized nations, such necessity
can hardly ever again occur. While
have no doubt that the power to preserve |
society by defending it against external
as well as internal violence is by divine
appointment vested in every civil govern
men. | am equally well assured that !
very large proportion OF the wars called
defensive have been unIustlfiable The |
exercise of this power TO repel force by |
| force can be justified in civil govern.
ment only as in the case OF an individual,
as a last resort. to preserve life. And II
necessary in such case the life of the
assai!ant may be sacrificed, 1t being al
ready forfeited by this murderous assault.
But the law OF Establishments conslsten-
cy with the Savior's instructions design
10 consider separately hereafter. will
close this article by answering few CON-
mon objections to the above representa-
ton.
/. So much power vested in men
will certainly be abused" Not necessa-
ri!y. All power is liable to be abused
A vigorous mind and brawny atm are
powers, very liable TO be abused and ex-
erted to the injury of others. Neyerthe-
less God does grant these and other pow
ers, and then holds us accountable for
their right exercise.
2. "But according to the view Of the
case, punishment may be inflicted and
even life taken at the discretion of faIlible,
and perhaps wicked men," This is not
true, unless as it might be said of family
government that children are exposed to
be whipped and MANNED at the discretion
of fallible and often wicked parents. It
is true that parents have the power to do
thus. But the abuse of this power is
guarded against by powerful checks-Pa-
5 rental afection-the laaos Of the ta~d-
!. and accountability to God. So the abuse
of judicial power by civil government is
restrained by powerful checks-interest
Of rulers or magistrates which is init
| mately connected with and dependent on
the peace, prosperity and favorable regard
! of the people-constatution and LGacs OF
? he'realm, and future accountability.
3. But most governments have been
I very bad" So have most parents. New.
er parent used his power Alright In all
respects, and some have made most hor.
e rid use of it, and nevertheless, God gave
:, and continues these powers. There have
j been. unquestionably, as enormous abuse
: Of parental as civil authority. Besides,
$ governments have been in most cases,
e merely the embodied spirit Of tie nation
q and the age. 1t was not Nero nor Domit-
: Jun nor Aurslius nor Decius nor DiOcle-
!, tia that prosecuted the church of God. 1t
e was pagan Rome. 1t was not Napoleon
$ that devasted Europe 1t was inGdel
n France. And Christianity will not sub
/ cert governments, in order TO its final Clio
n rieus triumph. II will only concert them
e by converting the communities which
these governments represent.
e 4. ANY preparation for defence will
:, engender hostile spirit" Il need not
!. If for fear of robbers | am myself to pas:
n through lonely wood, shall | thereby b,
T compelled to quarrel and fight with every
e man meet? Can not man bar hi
: doors and windows and even provide
e weapons of defence as a last resort agains
s. a gang Of robbers who have been seer
n lurking in the vicinity, and still feel kind
: y towards, and wish we'll to, and pray fol
y those assassinsl Fl. C.
IS REMARKS.
II tI,o r. r.