1781. A Presbyterian minister speaks out against
religious & political domination and control by minority as being
compatible in any way with Christ and His Kingdom.
"In the strength of this
conviction, permit me to subjoin a few plain inferences from what hath
been discoursed on this subject.
And 1st.
As the kingdom of Christ is not of
this world-As it did not originate from worldly policy; doth not join
issue with the passion and prejudices of men; disclaims the aid of
violence and oppression; and arrogates to itself no authority but what
truth and righteousness should possess over the minds and conduct of
men; we may infer that every attempt to influence belief, or regulate
modes of worship among men, by human policy or power, is inconsistent
with its spirit. It is a kingdom purely moral and religious; morality
and religion are personal; and the religious belief of every
individual must depend upon the light in which religious subjects are
presented to his understanding.
2dly.
As Christianity proposes the
happiness of mankind as its end, prohibits the violation of his
person, character, and property, and denounces its judgements against
those who counter-act it; we may infer that every act of perfidy,
oppression, cruelty, and injustice is highly offensive to that
merciful and righteous God, from whom it derives its solemn sanction.
If this inference be just, in respect to individuals who fill private
walks of life; it cannot be less so, in regard to those, who, from
more elevated stations extend their influence through a wider circle;
or states, the effects of whose rapacity and ambition, are still more
dreadfully destructive. As Jesus came to subdue the passions of men,
direct them into proper channels, and regulate their influence; all
offensive wars, for wealth, empire, fame, or even religion itself, are
evidently inconsistent with his character and dominion. We can never
suppose that he would forbid the poor man to purloin a morsel of
bread, or lift his hand against his neighbour, under pain of
damnation, and yet, suffer the great to plunder and destroy with
impunity; or states to deluge the earth with blood. The thought is too
big with absurdity to find reception, for a moment, into an
enlightened mind.
To us, my Revd. Fathers and brethren, who hold the
character of Ministers, under the Messiah's Kingdom, what hath been
offered upon this subject, applies with more than common force"
Rev. William Steel Dickson addressing the General
Synod of Ulster, June 1781. Dickson was later imprisoned without trial
for three years 7 months. It was claimed that he was implicated in
'treasonable and seditious practices' and that he was the United Irish
General for County Down - charges he strenuously denied. Pages
72.73 Scripture Politics: Brendan Clifford
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