This Synod entered into correspondence with the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church some years ago. It was felt among us that there was an element of Voluntaryism in their principles; yet there is much truth in the following letter, in fact, more than Voluntaryism in this country are prepared to support:—
TO THE FREE PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.
Dear Brethren,—We are gratified to receive your fraternal greetings. We are glad to express our interest in the spiritual success of those who are holding with us the same fundamental principles of the Christian faith. We appreciate the kindly spirit in which you refer to the relation of Christ’s kingdom to the nations. You are well aware of the long, hard struggle of the Church in Scotland for the principle of the spirituality and independence of the kingdom of Christ. We are one with you in the maintenance of this principle. We assert that Christ’s kingdom is spiritual, acknowledging no other laws or ruler than such as Christ has appointed. This kingdom claims the highest recognition of intelligent creatures. The powers of civil government are evidently not exempt from this claim. Civil government is an institution founded upon natural principles. The natural end for which God has ordained it is the good of society. Our testimony declares that the magistrates’ duty “respects men, not as Christians, but as members of civil society.” To suppose the converse of this proposition would confound civil duties with ecclesiastical would make the magistrate a church officer and empower him to punish heretics and schismatics with civil penalties. As it is the duty of Christians to obey all lawful demands of the civil magistrate, though he be not a Christian, so it is the magistrate’s duty to respect the consciences, properties, liberties, and rights of his subjects, as members of civil society, regardless of the fact as to whether they are Christian or non-Christian.
It does not follow, however, that there are no important duties incumbent on the magistrate toward religion and the professors of religion. He ought to be a Christian and exercise his office in the interests of Christ’s kingdom. It is true that civil qualifications alone constitute his being as a magistrate, yet its well being renders it important that he be a Christian, and a professedly Christian nation should be represented by Christian rulers, and the laws and practices of the nation should conform “to the revealed will of the King of Kings and and Lord of Lords.” The moral law of God is the law of nature stamped on man’s heart, the foundation of all law. It is the magistrate’s duty to punish all outward breaches of that law, such as open contempt of the great truths of natural religion, the profanation of God’s name, perjury, profane and contemptuous disturbance of public worship, open profanation of the Sabbath, and in general all open breaches of the government of God which lies at the root of all moral obligation and secures the welfare of human society. In subserviency to the interests of Christ and His Church the Sabbath should be recognised as a national institution, the oath should be administered in Scriptural form, and the Bible given due recognition in public institutions. The purest form of religion best promotes godliness, and consequently is the most beneficial to society. The magistrate, therefore, according to the light which he possesses as a Christian, should confer on worthy members of the purest Church such distinguished offices or positions of trust as are optional to him. In doing so he is giving recognition to the most esteemed members of civil society without prejudice to the natural rights of others. “It is a sad truth that nations frequently neglect to acknowledge God, and give things injurious to religion a place in civil constitutions. Against these evils Christians ought to testify as the Lord gives them opportunity. We deplore the fact that the principles of the Word of God are so little regarded in the political affairs of the nation. The moral law of God, which is the supreme standard of life, the basis of all law, the principle which should regulate men in all relations in life, is too frequently disregarded in society and national affairs. This broad recognition of the supremacy of Christ’s kingdom we would rejoice to see, and trust, that according to Christ’s promise, the time will soon come when the nations shall do service to Him who is God over all, blessed forever.”
Brethren, wishing for you much Christian joy and hoping that God may make you His faithful and efficient servants in the promotion of His cause on earth, and preserve you unto His heavenly kingdom, we are, yours fraternally,
A. M. MALCOM.
S. H. M’NEEL.