The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-01-22

the test OF common sense, without being
totally used up" Mr.. C. says: "When
Peter struck, he evidently Intended to
kill" Then referring to the language Of
Christ to Peter, asks the question; !" What
is the meaning Of this language?" To
which he answers: "Why, evidently, he
who carries with him an instrument of
death, and uses il upon his fellow with in
tent to kill, shall perish--shall forfeit his
life." Mr.. G. proceeds, and says: I" Here
case occurred which seemed to be in
point, affording our Saviour a favorable
opportunity Of delivering his sentiments
upon the subject. Here an instrument Of
death was lifted with intent to take life,
right in the presence Of him who was ca
pable Of telling what was the appropriate
penalty for such a crime; and what was
his message? That the man who takes
the sword shall be imprisoned for life, or
escape justice entirelyl No; but he who
plunges an instrument of death into his
fellow with an intent to kill, shall forfeit
his life, shall perish by the sword" Now,
according to Mr.. c., it is shown, that Peter
stands before God and the world, as hav-
ing been as guilty as willul, deliberate
and corrupt murderer-he having shed
blood-he having struck, evidently intend
ing 10 kill, and he having carried auith
him "an instrument Of death, and used it
upon his fellow, with intent to kiH."-
This is not ALL Mr.. G. has come to the
conclusion that he has shown capital pun
ishment to be Of divine authority, beyond
all doubt, and exultingly exclaims-"Now
when God our Saviour speaks, when he
utters his solemn fiat, let all the world
listen" Well, suppose the world would
listen, what would be heardl Not that
Peter was hanged by the neck till dead,
or in any other way capitally punished,
but mildly reproved by the Saviour, by
saying, "Sufer ye thus far :" Put up
thy sword" &c. This was perfectly con-
sistent with the benevolent precepts at all
times taught by the Saviour, and wholly
at variance with the bloody code, that
would have required the life of Peter, If
the arguments Of Mr.. G. be true. His
mode Of reasoning shows most clearly,
that the moral law was literally violated
by Peter. Now, that the penalty for its
violation in this case was not inflicted, is
the best evidence that can be given, that
the views Of Mr.. G. on this subject are
erroneous-not tenable. Is there any ev-
idence in the history of this case to be
found to criminate Peter? Did he "use
an instrument Of death, with intent to take
life," as is claimed by Mr.. c.? A very
slight examination Of this case will show
there is none. Christ, after the supper,
and before his betrayal, directed Peter to
take a sword; and, after the betrayal and
arrest of the Saviour, Peter, in moment
of excitement-as may be supposed
struck off the ear Of the servant Of the
high priest, with sword. Now is it not
reasonable to conclude, that the Saviour's
object, from the evidence in the case, was
to perform a miracle, by healing by his
touch the ear struck off by Peter; so that,
by the performance Of this miracle, his
enemies might be then and forever after.
left without an excuse for the wicked act
they were about to commit, and the world
at large convinced of his power, and of
the object of his mission on earth ? 1t
would be no more unreasonable to charge
guilt upon the sword, with which Peter
struck off the ear of the servant of the
high priest, than for Mr.. G. to charge that
"when Peter struck, he evidently intended
to kill"-thereby making out Peter to have
been murderer at heart, when the truth
is, that both Peter and his sword were but
nero instruments in the hands of the Sa.
viour, and used by him to demonstrate to
the world his power. This is clearly
evinced by the language of the Saviour at
the time, as follows; "Suffer thus far"
which is equivalent to saying, I allow or
permit your conduct, Peter, to this extent,
but no farther. Now put up your sword;
it is of no use for my defence. And the
Saviour gives Peter plainly to understand
that he had ample means at his command
to defend himself; but il he were so to do
said he, !" How then can the scriptures be
fulfilled ~
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