Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1888-05-10
STATE AND CHURCH.
To the Editor Of the Ledger

~ e~'ssshh w SAfAA SosCihfuCiie. IL
is matter that has been repeated
ly discussed in the past. Nothing
new can be advanced concerning it
and, nevertheless, it is revived in
almost every succeeding genera
ton. There seems to be deeply
imbeded in the ecclesiastical heart
a natural tendency to universal
domineering, wholly out of keep
ing with the example and teach
ing of Christ. The recent interest
impaired to this matter is due to
the discussion of politics by divines
in and out of their sanctuaries,
to advice impaired by them to
church members from alleged
biblical standpoints as TO how their
ballots shall be cast, and to actual
and unlawful interference with
voters in the exercise of ftheir fran
chise by parties claiming to repre-
sent religion and the moral side
of politics and aiming to extend
the privileges of citizenship for
the purpose of obtaining prepond-
Grating influence in the shaping OF
governmental policies.
Every observant person, what
ever may be his bias, whether to
control of civil government by the
church, or of the church by the
State, or in favor of their complete
separateness can readily perceive
that their professed aims are diff
ferent. Civil government is for the
protection of life and property, the
development of natural resources,
the encouragement of industry
agriculture, manufactures, and
commerce, and to provide for gen.
eral education, the administration
of justice, and the defence of public
and private interests. On the
other hand revelation teaches that
the kingdom of Christ was in
augurated to. promote the worship
of God and the salvation of souls.
1t differs from civil governments,
in that it takes cognizanee of
thoughts and desires and aims to
regulate the inward and spiritual
aspirations of individuals. Ordin-
ary governments are limited in
their jurisdictions and temporary
in their character. They rise and
fall with the drift of human ex.
perience, but the kingdom of Christ
is boundless and enduring. 1t is
also without either visible throne
or locality of government. Other
religions have their centres Of
ceremonies. Christ appointed none
for his. The spirit and precepts Of
his kingdom are alike adapted tc
all its parts. Its king rules by in.
herent right Independently of his
subjects and in this particular also
his kingdom contrasts strongly with
our American governments, in
which the citizen-elects the magis'
trate. 1t tolerates nothing but
holiness and purity, 1t reproves
personal wickedness, but imposes
no law on human governments
That was part Of the mission o.
Moses. Though Lord of the uni
verse the Savior as head of Hi
church regarded the proffer of tht
control of the kingdoms of thu
world as a temptation to depar
from divine appointment and serve
the creature instead. of the creator
who is God over all blessed TO
ever. He paid tribute % Caesar
declined to act as an earthIy Jcs
and would not permit. the populac'
to make him temporal monarch
Nevertheless revelation also teach
es that civil government is of di
vine appointment and therefore no
to be interfered with in the exer
else of its powers. The kingdom
of Christ is said to be founded II
love for the purpose of persuadins
men to be virtuous and holy +; bu
ordinary government in one of it
aspects is declared to be. Gods forci
BILE administration of justice ant
expediency. Let him who doubt
the correctness of the foregoing
contrasts listen to the words o
Christ: ssThen said Pilot unit,
him, speakest thou not unto me
knowest thou not, that have pow
er to cruelty thee and have powe,
to release thee?" Jesus answered
"Thou couldst have no power at al
against me except it were gfyer
thee from above" And again
"My kingdom is not of this world
ifmy kingdom were of this world
then would my servants fight, tha
/ should not be delivered to tn,
Jews" Pilot therefore said untt
him: cart thou a king then?'
Jesus answered: "Thou sayes
that / am a king. To this enc
was / born and for this caus,
came I unto the world that shoult
bear witness unto the truth PLAT
saith unto him, "What is truth?'
Need it be added, that to answe
this question and repeat and pro
mulgate the testimony of her Lor'
| is the mission of his church.
IF the foregoing be true and ther
can be little doubt of that anon
those that accept the word of Go
as the revelation of his viii,