Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1840-03-04
VERMONT TELEGRAPH.
BRANDON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH A, 1910.
NON STAN E
From the Vermont Chronicle

In last weeks article, it will be remem-
bered, that passed over in silence the gen
eral instructions of the Old Testament, af-
ter the time of Abraham, because it is often
objected to testimony drawn from this part
of the Bible, That was only for the lsra-
elites" Two passages have occurred to
me since preparing that article, which I
cannot torbear quoting, both because they
are very opposite to the point under consid-
Grafton, and are not, | conceive, by any pos
sible construction, liable to the objection
above mentioned. PROP. s, Is, 16. BY
me kings reign and princes decree Justice
BY me princes rule, even all the Judges of
the EARTH" This cannot be confined TO
the kings and princes and judges of Isra-
ell, and observe In this passage Jesus Christ,
the angel-Jehovah of the Old Testament
here called wisdom, asserts that all the ma
gistrates of the earth rule by him." Now
whether we understand Shy me" in this
passage to mean in subserUiency to him, or
according TO his aUiU, or if as Scott sug-
gests we give to the passage a prophetic
meaning, BY me kings shall reign, &C."
referring to the time when governments
shall become Christian, whatever construc-
ton we give it, will, humbly conceive, be
alike fatal TO Non Resistance. There were,
then, or there should be, some governments
which Christ, the aoord and 1UiSdona of God
approved. But the fundamental principle
of non-resistance is, that all human gov
eminent IS usurpaton and wickedness, be-
cause unsanctloned by God, and contrary
! 10 his will. Hence taxes must be extor-
ton; and legal restraints, oppression; and
punishment by fine, Imprisonment, and
death, must be robbery and atrocious vio-
! lence and murder. But all human govern
ments have claimed such powers, and exer-
ciSed them. Therefore all rulers and civil
| magistrates are, and ever have been, DELHI
crate, habitual oppressors, robbers and muir
derers. Let US then correct the text ac-
cording to this new system, by inserting
the right names for these persons. Divine
Wisdom, recounling the blessings which
men experience through him, mentions this
among the rest: BY me oppreSsors crush
| robbers desDoiL-and murderers butcher
mankind" True, this does not very well
harmonic with what follows. T" My fruit
is better than gold, yea than fine gold.
| lead in the way of righteousness, in the
midst of the paths Of judgment" But doubt
less the above must be the true meaning, for
the system requires it; and the system has
been adopted by Convention.
Again. Dan. 2, 81: "He (God) re-
moveth kings and setleth up kings" Now
If governments are all systems of usurpa-
ton, abhorrent TO God, and rulers are op-
pressors and robbers and murderers extra
ordinary; there is sufficient cause why he
should remove kings. But that theory does
not explain why he should set up kings
On the contrary, suspect that most read
ers would naturally infer that God approves
OF human government, from his "settino up
kings" That language would 10 most
minds indicate something akin TO institute
ing governments.
We turn now to the instructions Of the
Apostles. Rom. Is, II:
l. Let every soul be subject unto the higher
powers. For there is power but of God the
powers that be are ordained of God.
3 WhosOever therefore resisteth the power, re.
sisteth the ordinance of God and they that resist
shall receive to themselves damnation.
B. For rulers are not terror to good works, but
to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the
power dc that which is good, and thou shalt have
4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good
But il thou do that which is evil, be afraid for he
bearelh not the sword in vain for he is the minis
ter OF God, revengef to execute wrath upon hin
that doeth evil.
5. Wherefore gre must needs be subject, not ONLY
for wrath, but also for conscience's sake.
, 8. For, for this cause pay We tribute also; fov
they are Gods ministers, attending continually up
on this very thing.
! z. Render therefore TO all their dues; tribute +,
, whom tribute is due custom to whom custom
fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
have never yet been so fortunate as &c
hear or see any attempt TO explain these
: verses In accordance with the new theolo
gy. individuals have read the passage
The poaDers that be are ordained of God.
aud assuming that all the ordinary exact
q lions OF governments are unauthorized ans