Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-06-30

Our, Confession of Faith grants that the
Church may seek protection against wicked
and oppressive laws BY way of humble peti-
tioB. And certainly no one should object
to q Christian community seeking protec.
ton, by petition, against the inroads of
drunkenness and dissipation. But this can
be done, and ought to be done, not under
the auspices of the church, but as subjects of
the State. In this case they are not appeal
ing to God, bat to Cesar. They are not
using spiritual, but carnal weapons. They
are not seeking the s.things invisible and
eternal" but the things seen and tenn
poral. All these belong to the domain
outside of the church. Moreover, if Chris
tians, for such a purpose, meet together as
citizens in their court house, or some ap-
propriate place, they are recognized ss just
ly claiming their rights, and they awaken
no particular hostility. But assembline in
Gods house, as church, they are looked
upon as trauscending their rights, and they
array against themselves, and cut off from
their influence the very people they ought
to reach wiz. the Gospel. JnsA as the
church Keeps within her own sphere, she
will be an agent that will purify and bless
the world, but whenever she goes beyond
her proper sphere, she will produce internal
strife and do injury to the cause of Christ.
| might confirm these views by the opinions
OF such men as the late DR.. Hodge, DR..
Plummer, DR.. Thornwell and others. 1t
was the position of the church for which
our Scotch forefathers were willing to suffer
and die. There is great political temper
ance movement in progress in this land
The cause is so closely allied to Christianity
that some churches look only to the end,
and do not consider the means of accom-
plishing it. give you timely warning.
that whatever part you take in this contest
as individuals, or whatever pressure may be
brought to bear upon you, keep your church
pure, spiritual, separate from all entangle-
ment with civil affairs.
2. The other danger of the church is that
of relaxing her efforts for the suppression of
intemperance within her own appropriate
sphere. From the very fact that the cause
has changed its aspect there is danger Of the
church allowing it to pass entirely into the
hands of citizens and public lecturers
There is a great work to be done in the
church which no party, or society of men,
or women outside of the church can do
strength amongst us; while it continues to
be such powerful temptation to such
great number of every rank and class; while
it stands as such barrier to the progress of
the Gospel, we must meet it and over
power it, if possible, by the ''sword of the
spirit which is the word of God" do not
ask you to take up carnal weapons, for that
is not my place here. But l do ask you to
go into the armory Of the Lord Jesus, and
equip yourself with the spiritual weapons
which he has provided. Put on the "whole
armour of God" "Above all taking the
shield of faith, and the sword of the spirit
which is the word Of God; praying with all
prayers, and supplication in the Spirit"
And thus armed we shall find, that the
s'weapons of our warfare are not carnal but
mighty through God.'