that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” The principle embodied in these words must apply to all who exercise authority over their fellow-men at whatever level, whether their sphere of influence be extensive or restricted. We can well imagine that if it were adopted as the “golden rule” to be followed at all times, in every legislative assembly, the outcome would be most wonderful! But alas! the situation in our day is far removed from the scriptural ideal: it is more a case of the wicked walking on every side, when “the vilest of men are exalted.”
While our present Queen, in some instances, has acted in a way that has called into question her consistency as far as living up to her solemn coronation vows is concerned, yet we regard her as having personally set a high moral example as far as obedience to the Seventh Commandment is concerned. This cannot, sadly, be said of the Heir to the Throne who is now beginning to flaunt his mistress before the worlds media, making it appear as if the British people are being conditioned to accept her as his consort, if not as his Queen. If he continues flagrantly to transgress divine law, how can we possibly come to regard him as one who would come anywhere near the standard set? Weighed in the balances, he is presently found wanting for “by the fear of the Lord, men depart from evil”.
Applying the same standard to some of those who occupy the most influential offices of state, we find abundant evidence of shortcoming. What can one, for instance, say of our Governments policy towards Northern Ireland? Is it just that murderers should be released from prison when there is no evidence that the men of violence are prepared to give up their arms and submit themselves to the democratic rule of law? If it is easy for us to answer that question, why should our political leaders find it difficult? It is simply the case that an immoral, unjust policy of appeasement is being pursued by men and women whose ultimate aim is to achieve a united Ireland regardless of cost in terms of truth and moral integrity. If the Divine rule “Whoso sheddeth mans blood, by man shall his blood be shed” had been followed when these terrorists were convicted, as ought to have been the case, they would not now be alive, far less found released to begin their murderous plotting and scheming all over again. It is a matter of great concern to the truly Protestant people of Northern Ireland that such deference should be paid to terrorists masquerading as serious politicians and that their pronouncements which smack of Jesuit cunning and casuistry should carry such weight in formulating policy. Little wonder that the very thought of such men being found members of a governing Executive with the reins of power in their hands fills them with alarm. The Patten report on policing in Northern Ireland seems to lay bare the aims and intentions of those pledged to the uniting of Ireland and to the ending of British rule. It is proposed to change even the oath of allegiance so that in future there will be no reference to Queen or country in any oath taken by recruits to the new Northern Ireland Police Service. The Belfast Correspondent of the “English Churchman” admirably sums up the position thus: “While there remains no change in the structure and armament of deadly terrorist organisations, there should certainly be no change in the structure of the RUC. As Peter Robinson, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party aptly put it: “What Government would reward terrorism by punishing its own law enforcement agency?” Surely only a government that has capitulated to the men of terror, or is working with them.” Not for nothing was Mr Christopher Patten, a staunch Romanist, appointed chairman of the Commission which produced this Report!
In recent times the toleration of sodomites in places of influence has been a most sad and sinister development. Without any sense of shame, there are sitting around the Cabinet table in Downing Street men who “declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not.” But it would seem that all political parties are tainted in this way and in the absence of any voices raised in protest, one wonders if, in these circles, there are any men of moral integrity left! Michael Portillos exposure of himself as having been guilty of this sin in the past seems to have enhanced his image rather than tarnish it as all right-thinking people would expect. There was no evidence of real repentance or even shame in all that he said. Now he seems to be in line for nomination to a safe Tory seat which will guarantee him a place in Parliament into the foreseeable future. So perverted is the judgment of men who have forgotten if they ever learned what is meant by Biblical morality that many still view Michael Portillo as a future Prime Minister!
The spiritual and moral darkness enveloping us seems to be increasing rapidly. The woeful example set by so many of our rulers is having its own effect on the people and we find that being accepted as normal, natural behaviour which our Bible describes as vile and abhorrent. Even our children are corrupted. “If any one shall form an opinion”, Calvin commented long ago on Isaiahs description of the moral and spiritual state of Judah and Jerusalem, “of the people and the rulers, he will find that there is as close a resemblance between them as between Sodom and Gomorrah, or between one egg and another; for no one part is more sound than any other part.” Yet in the land of Judah there was “a very small remnant left” and we believe that there are found throughout our nation those who fit that description, those who fear God and who seek to eschew evil. Our only hope is that the Lord will arise in answer to their prayers to plead His own cause. The darkest time, it is said, is that which immediately precedes the dawn. Can it be far away?
Return to Table of Contents for The Free Presbyterian Magazine – November 1999