Part X. Christian Liberty

Part X. Christian Liberty[pg 470]Illustration.Christ And The Tribute-Money. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17.[pg 471]The Author Of LibertyIllustration.Peter Delivered From Prison. "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee ... out of the house of bondage." Ex. 20:2.1. How is the bondage of Israel in Egypt described?“And the children of Israelsighedby reason of the bondage, and theycried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.”Ex. 2:23. Compare with James 5:1-4.2. Who heard their groaning?“Godheard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.”Verse 24.3. What did God say to Moses?“Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto Me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”Ex. 3:9, 10.4. In giving Israel His law, how did God describe Himself?“I am the Lord thy God, which havebrought thee out ofthe land of Egypt, out ofthe house of bondage.”Ex. 20:2.5. What provision did God make against slavery and oppression in Israel?“And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman,[pg 472]be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; thenin the seventh year thou shall let him go freefrom thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee,thou shall not let him go away empty: thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy wine-press: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. Andthou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing today.”Deut. 15:12-15.“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”Ex. 22:21. See 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.6. What was one reason assigned why Israel should keep the Sabbath?“Andremember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm:therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day.”Deut. 5:15.Note.—This would suggest the idea that in their servitude and oppression in Egypt they had had difficulty regarding the observance of the Sabbath, which is a fact. From the accusation brought against Moses and Aaron by Pharaoh, as recorded in Ex. 5:5,—“Ye make themrest[Heb.,Shabbath] from their burdens,”—it is plain that the Sabbath had been denied them, that they had been required to work on the Sabbath, and that Moses and Aaron were teaching them to keep it. Where individual rights and religious liberty are recognized, Sabbath observance is neither denied nor required by civil law.7. What proclamation was to be made throughout the land of Israel every fifty years?“And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, andproclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.”Lev. 25:10.8. Because Israel failed to do this, became oppressive, and disregarded and misused the Sabbath, what did God do?“Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ye have not harkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to thesword, to thepestilence, and to thefamine; andI will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.”Jer. 34:17. See also Jer. 17:24-27; 2 Chron. 36:19-21.9. What fault did God find with the way in which Israel came to celebrate her fasts and seasons of worship?“Behold; in the day of your fast yefind pleasure, andexact[pg 473]all your labors. Behold, ye fast forstrifeanddebate, and tosmite with the fist of wickedness.”Isa. 58:3, 4.10. What does God set forth as the acceptable fast to Him?“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? toloose the bands of wickedness, toundo the heavy burdens, and tolet the oppressed go free, and that yebreak every yoke? Is it not todeal thy bread to the hungry, and that thoubring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thoucover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”Verses 6, 7.Note.—All this shows that God loves liberty, and hates bondage and oppression.11. What was Christ's mission to this world?“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Meto healthe broken-hearted,to preach deliveranceto the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind,to set at libertythem that are bruised.”Luke 4:18.Note.—The Gospels show that a large part of Christ's time even on the Sabbath was devoted to relieving the oppressed and distressed.12. In what condition are those who commit sin?“Whosoever committeth sin isthe servant of sin.”John 8:34.13. Why was Christ's name to be called Jesus?“And thou shalt call His name Jesus:for He shall save His people from their sins.”Matt. 1:21.14. What lies at the root of all sin?“Whenlusthath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.”James 1:15.“I had not knownlust, except the law had said, Thou shalt notcovet.”Rom. 7:7.Note.—Lust, covetousness, and unlawful desire are only different names forselfishness. Selfishness lies at the root of all sin; and selfishness is simply the love of self to the disregard of the equal rights of others.15. By what scripture is the equality of rights clearly shown?“Thou shalt love thy neighboras thyself.”Lev. 19:18.16. What rule of conduct has Christ laid down in harmony with this command?“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”Matt. 7:12.Note.—Selfishness, then, must be uprooted from men's hearts before they will recognize the equal rights of their fellow men.[pg 474]17. Who alone can cleanse men's hearts from selfishness?“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”Acts 4:12. See also 1 John 1:9.18. Who alone, then, can give men real freedom?“Ifthe Sontherefore shall make you free, ye shall befree indeed.”John 8:36.19. What was Christ's attitude toward unbelievers?“If any man hear My words, and believe not,I judge him not: for I came not tojudgethe world, but tosavethe world.”John 12:47.20. What spirit did Christ say should control His disciples?“But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exerciselordshipover them; and their great ones exerciseauthorityupon them. Butso shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be yourminister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall beservant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.”Mark 10:42-45.21. What is present where the Spirit of the Lord is?“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there isliberty.”2 Cor. 3:17.22. What kind of worship only is acceptable to God?“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Fatherin spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”John 4:23, 24.Freedom and reason make brave men;Take these away, what are they then?—Mere groveling brutes, and just as wellThe beasts may think of heaven or hell.Know, then, that every soul is freeTo choose his life, and what he'll be;For this eternal truth is given:That God will force no man to heaven.He'll call, persuade, direct him right,Bless him with wisdom, love, and light,In nameless ways be good and kind,But never force the human mind.[pg 475]The Powers That BeIllustration.Worship Interfered With By The State. Christians surprised by troops while worshiping in a cavern.1. Who should be subject to civil government?“Letevery soulbe subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God.”Rom. 13:1.2. By whom are the powers that be ordained?“The powers that be are ordained ofGod.”Same verse.3. What does one resist, who resists civil authority?“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteththe ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”Verse 2.Note.—“That is, they who rise up againstgovernment itself, who seek anarchy and confusion, who oppose the regular execution of the laws. It is implied, however, that those laws shall not be such as violate the rights of conscience or oppose the law of God.”—Dr. Albert Barnes, on Rom. 13:2.4. What do the Scriptures indicate as the proper sphere and legitimate work of civil authority?“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to theevil.... If thou do that which isevil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God,a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”Verses 3, 4.5. For whom is law made?“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, butfor the lawless and disobedient.”1 Tim. 1:9.[pg 476]6. How are Christians admonished to respect civil authority?“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.”Titus 3:1.“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well.... Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”1 Peter 2: 13-17.“For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”Rom. 13:6, 7.7. In what words does Christ show that there is another realm outside of Cæsar's, or civil government?“Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's;and unto God the things that are God's.”Matt. 22:21.8. To whom alone did He say worship is to be rendered?“Thou shalt worshipthe Lord thy God, andHim only shalt thou serve.”Matt. 4:10.9. What decree did King Nebuchadnezzar once make respecting worship?“To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, yefall down and worship the golden imagethat Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up. And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”Dan. 3:4-6.Note.—This decree was in direct conflict with the second commandment of God's law, which forbids making, bowing down to, and serving images. It was religious, idolatrous, and persecuting in character.10. What answer did the three Hebrew captives, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, return when asked by the king why they had not fallen down and worshiped the golden image, as he had commanded?“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee,[pg 477]O king, thatwe will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”Verses 16-18.11. What did Nebuchadnezzar then do?“Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: ... and he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and tocast them into the burning fiery furnace.”Verses 19, 20.12. After their miraculous deliverance, what did Nebuchadnezzar say?“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.”Verse 28.Note.—By preserving these men in the fire, and thus changing the king's word, God was demonstrating before all the world, through this greatest of then-existing earthly kingdoms, that with the question of religion civil governments can of right have nothing whatsoever to do; that religion is a realm outside the legitimate sphere of civil authority; and that every individual should be left free to worship, or not to worship, according to the dictates of his own conscience. The lesson to be learned from this is that, although ordained of God, civil governments are not ordained to direct or oppress men in religious matters.13. How only did the envious princes and rulers under King Darius conclude that they could effect the downfall of Daniel?“Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against himconcerning the law of his God.”Dan. 6:5.14. To this end, what decree did they prevail upon the king to make and sign?“That whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days,save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.”Verse 7.Note.—Unlike the decree of Nebuchadnezzar, this decree forbade the worship of the true God, and was therefore in direct conflict with the first commandment, which forbids the worship of any other than the true God. Like it, however, it was religious and persecuting in character.15. How did Daniel regard this decree?“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,he kneeled upon his knees three times a day,[pg 479]and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”Verse 10.Illustration.Daniel Praying In Babylon. "When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, ... he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, ... as he did aforetime." Dan. 6:10.16. What was finally done with Daniel?“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, andcast him into the den of lions.”Verse 16.17. What did Darius say to Daniel the next morning when he came to the lions' den?“The king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”Verse 20.18. What was Daniel's reply?“Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”Verses 21, 22.Note.—Here again was demonstrated by a most remarkable miracle, wrought in the face of the greatest nation then in existence, that with the directing, prescribing, proscribing, or interfering with religion or its free exercise, civil governments can of right have nothing whatever to do; that religion is an individual matter, and should be left to the dictates of each one's own conscience.19. Before leaving His disciples, what command did Christ give them?“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”Mark 16:15.20. What counter-command did the Jewish Sanhedrin soon afterward give them?“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”Acts 4:18.21. What reply did Peter and John make?“But Peter and John answered and said unto them,Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”Verses 19, 20.22. For continuing to preach Jesus, what did the Jewish rulers do to the apostles?“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, andlaid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”Acts 5:17, 18.[pg 480]23. What did an angel of God then do?“But the angel of the Lord by nightopened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”Verses 19, 20.Note.—Here once again is demonstrated the fact that men have no right to interfere with the free exercise of religion, and that when the laws of men conflict with the law and Word of God, we are to obey the latter, whatever the consequences may be. God Himself has set the seal of His approval to such a course. John Bunyan was imprisoned for twelve years for daring to preach the gospel contrary to law.24. Upon the apostles being called before the council again, what question did the high priest ask them?“Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”Verse 28.25. What reply did the apostles make?“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,We ought to obey God rather than men.”Verse 29.Note.—“Obedience is to be rendered to all human governments, in subordination to the will of God. These governments are a recognized necessity, in the nature of the case, and their existence is manifestly in accordance with the divine will. Hence the presumption is always in favor of the authority of civil law, and any refusal to obey must be based on the moral proof that obedience will be sin.... It is still true that obedience to human law often involves sin against God and man. There are cases so clear that no one can question the duty to refuse obedience. In all times and in all lands such cases have arisen.”“It is too obvious to need discussion, that the law of God, the great principle of benevolence, is supreme, and that 'we ought to obey God rather than men' in any case of conflict between human law and the divine.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 178-181.26. Who is higher than the“higher powers”?“If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: forHe that is higher than the highestregardeth; andthere be higher than they.”Eccl. 5:8.Note.—In attempting to defend the right of civil government to enforce religious observances by law, some still ask,“Shall we not obey the powers that be?”We answer,“Yes, when they are in harmony with the higher powers that be. God made His law for all the universe. He created man; He gives the bounteous provisions of nature, and holds our breath and life in His hand. He is to be recognized, His law honored, before all the great men and the highest earthly powers.”27. Because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman in accordance with the command of King Ahasuerus (Esther 3:1-6),[pg 481]what decree did Haman succeed in having the king issue and send to every province throughout the Persian Empire?“And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces,to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.”Esther 3:13, 14.Notes.—By an overruling of Providence the carrying out of this terrible decree was averted, and Haman was hanged on the very gallows which he had erected for the execution of Mordecai. See Esther 7:9, 10.God has placed the sword (civil authority) in the hands of Cæsar (civil government) for the punishment of evil-doers; but when the sword is raised to slay theinnocent, as in the case of the children of Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16); or toenforce idolatrous worship, as in the case of the three Hebrews (Daniel 3); or toprohibit the worship of the true God, as in the case of Daniel (Daniel 6); or to slayall of God's people, as in the time of Esther; or toenforce the observance of a false sabbath, as in the case of all Sunday laws, it is anabuseof civil authority, and not a proper or justifiable use of it; and God honors those who, under such circumstances, in the face of persecution, oppression, and death, remain loyal and true to Him.“Government is never the gainer in the execution of a law that is manifestly unjust.... Conscientious men are not the enemies, but the friends, of any government but a tyranny. They are its strength, and not its weakness. Daniel, in Babylon, praying contrary to the law, was the true friend and supporter of the government; while those who, in their pretended zeal for the law and the constitution, would strike down the good man, were its real enemies. It is only when government transcends its sphere that it comes in conflict with the consciences of men.“But it is objected that the example is corrupting,—that a bad man will violate a good law, because the good man refuses to obey a wicked law. The cases are just as unlike as right and wrong, and any attempt to justify the one by the other is gross dishonesty. Unquestionably, the principle can be abused by the wicked, and so can any truth whatever; but the principle of unquestioning obedience to human law is false, and needs no perversion to make it mischievous....“It should always be remembered that the great end of government is human well-being, that law and authority are nothing in themselves, and that all their sacredness arises from the uses which they serve. The machinery of government is valuable only for the work it does; in itself, it has no value.... The most grievous of all imperfections in government is the failure to secure the just and good result.... Injustice and oppression are not made tolerable by being in strict accordance with the law. Nothing is surer, in the end, than the reaction of such wrong to break down the most perfectly constituted government.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 184-186.God is above all earthly rulers, and His law above all human laws. He made us, and we therefore owe allegiance to Him before any earthly power, potentate, or tribunal. And this is saying nothing in disparagement of civil authority exercised in its rightful domain—civil things.[pg 482]Individual AccountabilityIllustration.Esther At The Banquet. "We are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish." Esther 7:4.1. What is religion?“The recognition of God as an object of worship, love, and obedience.”—Webster.Other definitions equally good are:“The duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it.”“Man's personal relation of faith and obedience to God.”2. In religious things, whom alone did Christ say we should recognize as Father?“And call no man your father upon the earth:for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”Matt. 23:9.3. When tempted to fall down and worship Satan, what Scripture command did Christ cite in justification of His refusal to do this?“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.”Matt. 4:10. See Deut. 6:13; 10:20.4. To whom alone, then, is each one accountable in religious things?“So then every one of us shall give account of himselfto God.”Rom. 14:12.[pg 483]Note.—With this agree the words of Washington:“Every man who conducts himself as a good citizen, is accountable alone to God for his religious faith, and should be protected in worshiping God according to the dictates of his own conscience.”—Reply to Virginia Baptists, in 1789.5. What do those do, therefore, who make men accountable to them in religious affairs?They put themselves in the place of God. See 2 Thess. 2:3, 4.6. Why, in religious matters, did Christ say men should not be called masters?“Neither be ye called masters:for one is your Master, even Christ.”Matt. 23:10.Note.—Every one, therefore, who acts as master in Christ's church, or lords it over God's heritage (1 Peter 5:3), puts himself in the place of Christ.7. To whom, then, as servants, are we responsible in matters of faith and worship?“Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?to his own master he standeth or falleth.”Rom. 14:4.8. Whose servants are we not to be?“Ye are bought with a price;be not ye the servants of men.”1 Cor. 7:23.Note.—“Satan's methods ever tend to one end,—to make men the slaves of men,”and thus separate them from God, destroy faith in God, and so expose men to temptation and sin. Christ's work is to set men free, to renew faith, and to lead to willing and loyal obedience to God. Says Luther:“It is contrary to the will of God that man should be subject to man in that which pertains to eternal life. Subjection inspiritualsis a real worship, and should be rendered only to the Creator.”—D'Aubigne's“History of the Reformation,”edited by M. Laird Simons, book 7, chap. 11.9. Where must all finally appear to render up their account?“For we must all appearbefore the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”2 Cor. 5:10.Note.—Inasmuch, then, as religion is an individual matter, and each individual must give account of himself to God, it follows that there should be no human constraint nor compulsion in religious affairs.Dare to be a Daniel,Dare to stand alone;Dare to have a purpose firm,Dare to make it known.P. P. Bliss.[pg 484]

Part X. Christian Liberty[pg 470]Illustration.Christ And The Tribute-Money. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17.[pg 471]The Author Of LibertyIllustration.Peter Delivered From Prison. "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee ... out of the house of bondage." Ex. 20:2.1. How is the bondage of Israel in Egypt described?“And the children of Israelsighedby reason of the bondage, and theycried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.”Ex. 2:23. Compare with James 5:1-4.2. Who heard their groaning?“Godheard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.”Verse 24.3. What did God say to Moses?“Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto Me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”Ex. 3:9, 10.4. In giving Israel His law, how did God describe Himself?“I am the Lord thy God, which havebrought thee out ofthe land of Egypt, out ofthe house of bondage.”Ex. 20:2.5. What provision did God make against slavery and oppression in Israel?“And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman,[pg 472]be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; thenin the seventh year thou shall let him go freefrom thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee,thou shall not let him go away empty: thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy wine-press: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. Andthou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing today.”Deut. 15:12-15.“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”Ex. 22:21. See 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.6. What was one reason assigned why Israel should keep the Sabbath?“Andremember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm:therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day.”Deut. 5:15.Note.—This would suggest the idea that in their servitude and oppression in Egypt they had had difficulty regarding the observance of the Sabbath, which is a fact. From the accusation brought against Moses and Aaron by Pharaoh, as recorded in Ex. 5:5,—“Ye make themrest[Heb.,Shabbath] from their burdens,”—it is plain that the Sabbath had been denied them, that they had been required to work on the Sabbath, and that Moses and Aaron were teaching them to keep it. Where individual rights and religious liberty are recognized, Sabbath observance is neither denied nor required by civil law.7. What proclamation was to be made throughout the land of Israel every fifty years?“And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, andproclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.”Lev. 25:10.8. Because Israel failed to do this, became oppressive, and disregarded and misused the Sabbath, what did God do?“Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ye have not harkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to thesword, to thepestilence, and to thefamine; andI will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.”Jer. 34:17. See also Jer. 17:24-27; 2 Chron. 36:19-21.9. What fault did God find with the way in which Israel came to celebrate her fasts and seasons of worship?“Behold; in the day of your fast yefind pleasure, andexact[pg 473]all your labors. Behold, ye fast forstrifeanddebate, and tosmite with the fist of wickedness.”Isa. 58:3, 4.10. What does God set forth as the acceptable fast to Him?“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? toloose the bands of wickedness, toundo the heavy burdens, and tolet the oppressed go free, and that yebreak every yoke? Is it not todeal thy bread to the hungry, and that thoubring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thoucover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”Verses 6, 7.Note.—All this shows that God loves liberty, and hates bondage and oppression.11. What was Christ's mission to this world?“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Meto healthe broken-hearted,to preach deliveranceto the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind,to set at libertythem that are bruised.”Luke 4:18.Note.—The Gospels show that a large part of Christ's time even on the Sabbath was devoted to relieving the oppressed and distressed.12. In what condition are those who commit sin?“Whosoever committeth sin isthe servant of sin.”John 8:34.13. Why was Christ's name to be called Jesus?“And thou shalt call His name Jesus:for He shall save His people from their sins.”Matt. 1:21.14. What lies at the root of all sin?“Whenlusthath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.”James 1:15.“I had not knownlust, except the law had said, Thou shalt notcovet.”Rom. 7:7.Note.—Lust, covetousness, and unlawful desire are only different names forselfishness. Selfishness lies at the root of all sin; and selfishness is simply the love of self to the disregard of the equal rights of others.15. By what scripture is the equality of rights clearly shown?“Thou shalt love thy neighboras thyself.”Lev. 19:18.16. What rule of conduct has Christ laid down in harmony with this command?“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”Matt. 7:12.Note.—Selfishness, then, must be uprooted from men's hearts before they will recognize the equal rights of their fellow men.[pg 474]17. Who alone can cleanse men's hearts from selfishness?“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”Acts 4:12. See also 1 John 1:9.18. Who alone, then, can give men real freedom?“Ifthe Sontherefore shall make you free, ye shall befree indeed.”John 8:36.19. What was Christ's attitude toward unbelievers?“If any man hear My words, and believe not,I judge him not: for I came not tojudgethe world, but tosavethe world.”John 12:47.20. What spirit did Christ say should control His disciples?“But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exerciselordshipover them; and their great ones exerciseauthorityupon them. Butso shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be yourminister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall beservant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.”Mark 10:42-45.21. What is present where the Spirit of the Lord is?“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there isliberty.”2 Cor. 3:17.22. What kind of worship only is acceptable to God?“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Fatherin spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”John 4:23, 24.Freedom and reason make brave men;Take these away, what are they then?—Mere groveling brutes, and just as wellThe beasts may think of heaven or hell.Know, then, that every soul is freeTo choose his life, and what he'll be;For this eternal truth is given:That God will force no man to heaven.He'll call, persuade, direct him right,Bless him with wisdom, love, and light,In nameless ways be good and kind,But never force the human mind.[pg 475]The Powers That BeIllustration.Worship Interfered With By The State. Christians surprised by troops while worshiping in a cavern.1. Who should be subject to civil government?“Letevery soulbe subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God.”Rom. 13:1.2. By whom are the powers that be ordained?“The powers that be are ordained ofGod.”Same verse.3. What does one resist, who resists civil authority?“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteththe ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”Verse 2.Note.—“That is, they who rise up againstgovernment itself, who seek anarchy and confusion, who oppose the regular execution of the laws. It is implied, however, that those laws shall not be such as violate the rights of conscience or oppose the law of God.”—Dr. Albert Barnes, on Rom. 13:2.4. What do the Scriptures indicate as the proper sphere and legitimate work of civil authority?“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to theevil.... If thou do that which isevil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God,a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”Verses 3, 4.5. For whom is law made?“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, butfor the lawless and disobedient.”1 Tim. 1:9.[pg 476]6. How are Christians admonished to respect civil authority?“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.”Titus 3:1.“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well.... Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”1 Peter 2: 13-17.“For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”Rom. 13:6, 7.7. In what words does Christ show that there is another realm outside of Cæsar's, or civil government?“Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's;and unto God the things that are God's.”Matt. 22:21.8. To whom alone did He say worship is to be rendered?“Thou shalt worshipthe Lord thy God, andHim only shalt thou serve.”Matt. 4:10.9. What decree did King Nebuchadnezzar once make respecting worship?“To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, yefall down and worship the golden imagethat Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up. And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”Dan. 3:4-6.Note.—This decree was in direct conflict with the second commandment of God's law, which forbids making, bowing down to, and serving images. It was religious, idolatrous, and persecuting in character.10. What answer did the three Hebrew captives, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, return when asked by the king why they had not fallen down and worshiped the golden image, as he had commanded?“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee,[pg 477]O king, thatwe will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”Verses 16-18.11. What did Nebuchadnezzar then do?“Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: ... and he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and tocast them into the burning fiery furnace.”Verses 19, 20.12. After their miraculous deliverance, what did Nebuchadnezzar say?“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.”Verse 28.Note.—By preserving these men in the fire, and thus changing the king's word, God was demonstrating before all the world, through this greatest of then-existing earthly kingdoms, that with the question of religion civil governments can of right have nothing whatsoever to do; that religion is a realm outside the legitimate sphere of civil authority; and that every individual should be left free to worship, or not to worship, according to the dictates of his own conscience. The lesson to be learned from this is that, although ordained of God, civil governments are not ordained to direct or oppress men in religious matters.13. How only did the envious princes and rulers under King Darius conclude that they could effect the downfall of Daniel?“Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against himconcerning the law of his God.”Dan. 6:5.14. To this end, what decree did they prevail upon the king to make and sign?“That whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days,save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.”Verse 7.Note.—Unlike the decree of Nebuchadnezzar, this decree forbade the worship of the true God, and was therefore in direct conflict with the first commandment, which forbids the worship of any other than the true God. Like it, however, it was religious and persecuting in character.15. How did Daniel regard this decree?“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,he kneeled upon his knees three times a day,[pg 479]and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”Verse 10.Illustration.Daniel Praying In Babylon. "When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, ... he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, ... as he did aforetime." Dan. 6:10.16. What was finally done with Daniel?“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, andcast him into the den of lions.”Verse 16.17. What did Darius say to Daniel the next morning when he came to the lions' den?“The king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”Verse 20.18. What was Daniel's reply?“Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”Verses 21, 22.Note.—Here again was demonstrated by a most remarkable miracle, wrought in the face of the greatest nation then in existence, that with the directing, prescribing, proscribing, or interfering with religion or its free exercise, civil governments can of right have nothing whatever to do; that religion is an individual matter, and should be left to the dictates of each one's own conscience.19. Before leaving His disciples, what command did Christ give them?“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”Mark 16:15.20. What counter-command did the Jewish Sanhedrin soon afterward give them?“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”Acts 4:18.21. What reply did Peter and John make?“But Peter and John answered and said unto them,Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”Verses 19, 20.22. For continuing to preach Jesus, what did the Jewish rulers do to the apostles?“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, andlaid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”Acts 5:17, 18.[pg 480]23. What did an angel of God then do?“But the angel of the Lord by nightopened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”Verses 19, 20.Note.—Here once again is demonstrated the fact that men have no right to interfere with the free exercise of religion, and that when the laws of men conflict with the law and Word of God, we are to obey the latter, whatever the consequences may be. God Himself has set the seal of His approval to such a course. John Bunyan was imprisoned for twelve years for daring to preach the gospel contrary to law.24. Upon the apostles being called before the council again, what question did the high priest ask them?“Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”Verse 28.25. What reply did the apostles make?“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,We ought to obey God rather than men.”Verse 29.Note.—“Obedience is to be rendered to all human governments, in subordination to the will of God. These governments are a recognized necessity, in the nature of the case, and their existence is manifestly in accordance with the divine will. Hence the presumption is always in favor of the authority of civil law, and any refusal to obey must be based on the moral proof that obedience will be sin.... It is still true that obedience to human law often involves sin against God and man. There are cases so clear that no one can question the duty to refuse obedience. In all times and in all lands such cases have arisen.”“It is too obvious to need discussion, that the law of God, the great principle of benevolence, is supreme, and that 'we ought to obey God rather than men' in any case of conflict between human law and the divine.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 178-181.26. Who is higher than the“higher powers”?“If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: forHe that is higher than the highestregardeth; andthere be higher than they.”Eccl. 5:8.Note.—In attempting to defend the right of civil government to enforce religious observances by law, some still ask,“Shall we not obey the powers that be?”We answer,“Yes, when they are in harmony with the higher powers that be. God made His law for all the universe. He created man; He gives the bounteous provisions of nature, and holds our breath and life in His hand. He is to be recognized, His law honored, before all the great men and the highest earthly powers.”27. Because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman in accordance with the command of King Ahasuerus (Esther 3:1-6),[pg 481]what decree did Haman succeed in having the king issue and send to every province throughout the Persian Empire?“And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces,to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.”Esther 3:13, 14.Notes.—By an overruling of Providence the carrying out of this terrible decree was averted, and Haman was hanged on the very gallows which he had erected for the execution of Mordecai. See Esther 7:9, 10.God has placed the sword (civil authority) in the hands of Cæsar (civil government) for the punishment of evil-doers; but when the sword is raised to slay theinnocent, as in the case of the children of Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16); or toenforce idolatrous worship, as in the case of the three Hebrews (Daniel 3); or toprohibit the worship of the true God, as in the case of Daniel (Daniel 6); or to slayall of God's people, as in the time of Esther; or toenforce the observance of a false sabbath, as in the case of all Sunday laws, it is anabuseof civil authority, and not a proper or justifiable use of it; and God honors those who, under such circumstances, in the face of persecution, oppression, and death, remain loyal and true to Him.“Government is never the gainer in the execution of a law that is manifestly unjust.... Conscientious men are not the enemies, but the friends, of any government but a tyranny. They are its strength, and not its weakness. Daniel, in Babylon, praying contrary to the law, was the true friend and supporter of the government; while those who, in their pretended zeal for the law and the constitution, would strike down the good man, were its real enemies. It is only when government transcends its sphere that it comes in conflict with the consciences of men.“But it is objected that the example is corrupting,—that a bad man will violate a good law, because the good man refuses to obey a wicked law. The cases are just as unlike as right and wrong, and any attempt to justify the one by the other is gross dishonesty. Unquestionably, the principle can be abused by the wicked, and so can any truth whatever; but the principle of unquestioning obedience to human law is false, and needs no perversion to make it mischievous....“It should always be remembered that the great end of government is human well-being, that law and authority are nothing in themselves, and that all their sacredness arises from the uses which they serve. The machinery of government is valuable only for the work it does; in itself, it has no value.... The most grievous of all imperfections in government is the failure to secure the just and good result.... Injustice and oppression are not made tolerable by being in strict accordance with the law. Nothing is surer, in the end, than the reaction of such wrong to break down the most perfectly constituted government.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 184-186.God is above all earthly rulers, and His law above all human laws. He made us, and we therefore owe allegiance to Him before any earthly power, potentate, or tribunal. And this is saying nothing in disparagement of civil authority exercised in its rightful domain—civil things.[pg 482]Individual AccountabilityIllustration.Esther At The Banquet. "We are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish." Esther 7:4.1. What is religion?“The recognition of God as an object of worship, love, and obedience.”—Webster.Other definitions equally good are:“The duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it.”“Man's personal relation of faith and obedience to God.”2. In religious things, whom alone did Christ say we should recognize as Father?“And call no man your father upon the earth:for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”Matt. 23:9.3. When tempted to fall down and worship Satan, what Scripture command did Christ cite in justification of His refusal to do this?“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.”Matt. 4:10. See Deut. 6:13; 10:20.4. To whom alone, then, is each one accountable in religious things?“So then every one of us shall give account of himselfto God.”Rom. 14:12.[pg 483]Note.—With this agree the words of Washington:“Every man who conducts himself as a good citizen, is accountable alone to God for his religious faith, and should be protected in worshiping God according to the dictates of his own conscience.”—Reply to Virginia Baptists, in 1789.5. What do those do, therefore, who make men accountable to them in religious affairs?They put themselves in the place of God. See 2 Thess. 2:3, 4.6. Why, in religious matters, did Christ say men should not be called masters?“Neither be ye called masters:for one is your Master, even Christ.”Matt. 23:10.Note.—Every one, therefore, who acts as master in Christ's church, or lords it over God's heritage (1 Peter 5:3), puts himself in the place of Christ.7. To whom, then, as servants, are we responsible in matters of faith and worship?“Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?to his own master he standeth or falleth.”Rom. 14:4.8. Whose servants are we not to be?“Ye are bought with a price;be not ye the servants of men.”1 Cor. 7:23.Note.—“Satan's methods ever tend to one end,—to make men the slaves of men,”and thus separate them from God, destroy faith in God, and so expose men to temptation and sin. Christ's work is to set men free, to renew faith, and to lead to willing and loyal obedience to God. Says Luther:“It is contrary to the will of God that man should be subject to man in that which pertains to eternal life. Subjection inspiritualsis a real worship, and should be rendered only to the Creator.”—D'Aubigne's“History of the Reformation,”edited by M. Laird Simons, book 7, chap. 11.9. Where must all finally appear to render up their account?“For we must all appearbefore the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”2 Cor. 5:10.Note.—Inasmuch, then, as religion is an individual matter, and each individual must give account of himself to God, it follows that there should be no human constraint nor compulsion in religious affairs.Dare to be a Daniel,Dare to stand alone;Dare to have a purpose firm,Dare to make it known.P. P. Bliss.[pg 484]

Part X. Christian Liberty[pg 470]Illustration.Christ And The Tribute-Money. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17.[pg 471]The Author Of LibertyIllustration.Peter Delivered From Prison. "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee ... out of the house of bondage." Ex. 20:2.1. How is the bondage of Israel in Egypt described?“And the children of Israelsighedby reason of the bondage, and theycried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.”Ex. 2:23. Compare with James 5:1-4.2. Who heard their groaning?“Godheard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.”Verse 24.3. What did God say to Moses?“Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto Me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”Ex. 3:9, 10.4. In giving Israel His law, how did God describe Himself?“I am the Lord thy God, which havebrought thee out ofthe land of Egypt, out ofthe house of bondage.”Ex. 20:2.5. What provision did God make against slavery and oppression in Israel?“And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman,[pg 472]be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; thenin the seventh year thou shall let him go freefrom thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee,thou shall not let him go away empty: thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy wine-press: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. Andthou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing today.”Deut. 15:12-15.“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”Ex. 22:21. See 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.6. What was one reason assigned why Israel should keep the Sabbath?“Andremember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm:therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day.”Deut. 5:15.Note.—This would suggest the idea that in their servitude and oppression in Egypt they had had difficulty regarding the observance of the Sabbath, which is a fact. From the accusation brought against Moses and Aaron by Pharaoh, as recorded in Ex. 5:5,—“Ye make themrest[Heb.,Shabbath] from their burdens,”—it is plain that the Sabbath had been denied them, that they had been required to work on the Sabbath, and that Moses and Aaron were teaching them to keep it. Where individual rights and religious liberty are recognized, Sabbath observance is neither denied nor required by civil law.7. What proclamation was to be made throughout the land of Israel every fifty years?“And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, andproclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.”Lev. 25:10.8. Because Israel failed to do this, became oppressive, and disregarded and misused the Sabbath, what did God do?“Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ye have not harkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to thesword, to thepestilence, and to thefamine; andI will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.”Jer. 34:17. See also Jer. 17:24-27; 2 Chron. 36:19-21.9. What fault did God find with the way in which Israel came to celebrate her fasts and seasons of worship?“Behold; in the day of your fast yefind pleasure, andexact[pg 473]all your labors. Behold, ye fast forstrifeanddebate, and tosmite with the fist of wickedness.”Isa. 58:3, 4.10. What does God set forth as the acceptable fast to Him?“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? toloose the bands of wickedness, toundo the heavy burdens, and tolet the oppressed go free, and that yebreak every yoke? Is it not todeal thy bread to the hungry, and that thoubring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thoucover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”Verses 6, 7.Note.—All this shows that God loves liberty, and hates bondage and oppression.11. What was Christ's mission to this world?“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Meto healthe broken-hearted,to preach deliveranceto the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind,to set at libertythem that are bruised.”Luke 4:18.Note.—The Gospels show that a large part of Christ's time even on the Sabbath was devoted to relieving the oppressed and distressed.12. In what condition are those who commit sin?“Whosoever committeth sin isthe servant of sin.”John 8:34.13. Why was Christ's name to be called Jesus?“And thou shalt call His name Jesus:for He shall save His people from their sins.”Matt. 1:21.14. What lies at the root of all sin?“Whenlusthath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.”James 1:15.“I had not knownlust, except the law had said, Thou shalt notcovet.”Rom. 7:7.Note.—Lust, covetousness, and unlawful desire are only different names forselfishness. Selfishness lies at the root of all sin; and selfishness is simply the love of self to the disregard of the equal rights of others.15. By what scripture is the equality of rights clearly shown?“Thou shalt love thy neighboras thyself.”Lev. 19:18.16. What rule of conduct has Christ laid down in harmony with this command?“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”Matt. 7:12.Note.—Selfishness, then, must be uprooted from men's hearts before they will recognize the equal rights of their fellow men.[pg 474]17. Who alone can cleanse men's hearts from selfishness?“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”Acts 4:12. See also 1 John 1:9.18. Who alone, then, can give men real freedom?“Ifthe Sontherefore shall make you free, ye shall befree indeed.”John 8:36.19. What was Christ's attitude toward unbelievers?“If any man hear My words, and believe not,I judge him not: for I came not tojudgethe world, but tosavethe world.”John 12:47.20. What spirit did Christ say should control His disciples?“But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exerciselordshipover them; and their great ones exerciseauthorityupon them. Butso shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be yourminister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall beservant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.”Mark 10:42-45.21. What is present where the Spirit of the Lord is?“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there isliberty.”2 Cor. 3:17.22. What kind of worship only is acceptable to God?“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Fatherin spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”John 4:23, 24.Freedom and reason make brave men;Take these away, what are they then?—Mere groveling brutes, and just as wellThe beasts may think of heaven or hell.Know, then, that every soul is freeTo choose his life, and what he'll be;For this eternal truth is given:That God will force no man to heaven.He'll call, persuade, direct him right,Bless him with wisdom, love, and light,In nameless ways be good and kind,But never force the human mind.[pg 475]The Powers That BeIllustration.Worship Interfered With By The State. Christians surprised by troops while worshiping in a cavern.1. Who should be subject to civil government?“Letevery soulbe subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God.”Rom. 13:1.2. By whom are the powers that be ordained?“The powers that be are ordained ofGod.”Same verse.3. What does one resist, who resists civil authority?“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteththe ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”Verse 2.Note.—“That is, they who rise up againstgovernment itself, who seek anarchy and confusion, who oppose the regular execution of the laws. It is implied, however, that those laws shall not be such as violate the rights of conscience or oppose the law of God.”—Dr. Albert Barnes, on Rom. 13:2.4. What do the Scriptures indicate as the proper sphere and legitimate work of civil authority?“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to theevil.... If thou do that which isevil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God,a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”Verses 3, 4.5. For whom is law made?“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, butfor the lawless and disobedient.”1 Tim. 1:9.[pg 476]6. How are Christians admonished to respect civil authority?“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.”Titus 3:1.“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well.... Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”1 Peter 2: 13-17.“For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”Rom. 13:6, 7.7. In what words does Christ show that there is another realm outside of Cæsar's, or civil government?“Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's;and unto God the things that are God's.”Matt. 22:21.8. To whom alone did He say worship is to be rendered?“Thou shalt worshipthe Lord thy God, andHim only shalt thou serve.”Matt. 4:10.9. What decree did King Nebuchadnezzar once make respecting worship?“To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, yefall down and worship the golden imagethat Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up. And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”Dan. 3:4-6.Note.—This decree was in direct conflict with the second commandment of God's law, which forbids making, bowing down to, and serving images. It was religious, idolatrous, and persecuting in character.10. What answer did the three Hebrew captives, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, return when asked by the king why they had not fallen down and worshiped the golden image, as he had commanded?“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee,[pg 477]O king, thatwe will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”Verses 16-18.11. What did Nebuchadnezzar then do?“Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: ... and he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and tocast them into the burning fiery furnace.”Verses 19, 20.12. After their miraculous deliverance, what did Nebuchadnezzar say?“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.”Verse 28.Note.—By preserving these men in the fire, and thus changing the king's word, God was demonstrating before all the world, through this greatest of then-existing earthly kingdoms, that with the question of religion civil governments can of right have nothing whatsoever to do; that religion is a realm outside the legitimate sphere of civil authority; and that every individual should be left free to worship, or not to worship, according to the dictates of his own conscience. The lesson to be learned from this is that, although ordained of God, civil governments are not ordained to direct or oppress men in religious matters.13. How only did the envious princes and rulers under King Darius conclude that they could effect the downfall of Daniel?“Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against himconcerning the law of his God.”Dan. 6:5.14. To this end, what decree did they prevail upon the king to make and sign?“That whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days,save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.”Verse 7.Note.—Unlike the decree of Nebuchadnezzar, this decree forbade the worship of the true God, and was therefore in direct conflict with the first commandment, which forbids the worship of any other than the true God. Like it, however, it was religious and persecuting in character.15. How did Daniel regard this decree?“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,he kneeled upon his knees three times a day,[pg 479]and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”Verse 10.Illustration.Daniel Praying In Babylon. "When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, ... he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, ... as he did aforetime." Dan. 6:10.16. What was finally done with Daniel?“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, andcast him into the den of lions.”Verse 16.17. What did Darius say to Daniel the next morning when he came to the lions' den?“The king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”Verse 20.18. What was Daniel's reply?“Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”Verses 21, 22.Note.—Here again was demonstrated by a most remarkable miracle, wrought in the face of the greatest nation then in existence, that with the directing, prescribing, proscribing, or interfering with religion or its free exercise, civil governments can of right have nothing whatever to do; that religion is an individual matter, and should be left to the dictates of each one's own conscience.19. Before leaving His disciples, what command did Christ give them?“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”Mark 16:15.20. What counter-command did the Jewish Sanhedrin soon afterward give them?“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”Acts 4:18.21. What reply did Peter and John make?“But Peter and John answered and said unto them,Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”Verses 19, 20.22. For continuing to preach Jesus, what did the Jewish rulers do to the apostles?“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, andlaid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”Acts 5:17, 18.[pg 480]23. What did an angel of God then do?“But the angel of the Lord by nightopened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”Verses 19, 20.Note.—Here once again is demonstrated the fact that men have no right to interfere with the free exercise of religion, and that when the laws of men conflict with the law and Word of God, we are to obey the latter, whatever the consequences may be. God Himself has set the seal of His approval to such a course. John Bunyan was imprisoned for twelve years for daring to preach the gospel contrary to law.24. Upon the apostles being called before the council again, what question did the high priest ask them?“Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”Verse 28.25. What reply did the apostles make?“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,We ought to obey God rather than men.”Verse 29.Note.—“Obedience is to be rendered to all human governments, in subordination to the will of God. These governments are a recognized necessity, in the nature of the case, and their existence is manifestly in accordance with the divine will. Hence the presumption is always in favor of the authority of civil law, and any refusal to obey must be based on the moral proof that obedience will be sin.... It is still true that obedience to human law often involves sin against God and man. There are cases so clear that no one can question the duty to refuse obedience. In all times and in all lands such cases have arisen.”“It is too obvious to need discussion, that the law of God, the great principle of benevolence, is supreme, and that 'we ought to obey God rather than men' in any case of conflict between human law and the divine.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 178-181.26. Who is higher than the“higher powers”?“If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: forHe that is higher than the highestregardeth; andthere be higher than they.”Eccl. 5:8.Note.—In attempting to defend the right of civil government to enforce religious observances by law, some still ask,“Shall we not obey the powers that be?”We answer,“Yes, when they are in harmony with the higher powers that be. God made His law for all the universe. He created man; He gives the bounteous provisions of nature, and holds our breath and life in His hand. He is to be recognized, His law honored, before all the great men and the highest earthly powers.”27. Because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman in accordance with the command of King Ahasuerus (Esther 3:1-6),[pg 481]what decree did Haman succeed in having the king issue and send to every province throughout the Persian Empire?“And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces,to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.”Esther 3:13, 14.Notes.—By an overruling of Providence the carrying out of this terrible decree was averted, and Haman was hanged on the very gallows which he had erected for the execution of Mordecai. See Esther 7:9, 10.God has placed the sword (civil authority) in the hands of Cæsar (civil government) for the punishment of evil-doers; but when the sword is raised to slay theinnocent, as in the case of the children of Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16); or toenforce idolatrous worship, as in the case of the three Hebrews (Daniel 3); or toprohibit the worship of the true God, as in the case of Daniel (Daniel 6); or to slayall of God's people, as in the time of Esther; or toenforce the observance of a false sabbath, as in the case of all Sunday laws, it is anabuseof civil authority, and not a proper or justifiable use of it; and God honors those who, under such circumstances, in the face of persecution, oppression, and death, remain loyal and true to Him.“Government is never the gainer in the execution of a law that is manifestly unjust.... Conscientious men are not the enemies, but the friends, of any government but a tyranny. They are its strength, and not its weakness. Daniel, in Babylon, praying contrary to the law, was the true friend and supporter of the government; while those who, in their pretended zeal for the law and the constitution, would strike down the good man, were its real enemies. It is only when government transcends its sphere that it comes in conflict with the consciences of men.“But it is objected that the example is corrupting,—that a bad man will violate a good law, because the good man refuses to obey a wicked law. The cases are just as unlike as right and wrong, and any attempt to justify the one by the other is gross dishonesty. Unquestionably, the principle can be abused by the wicked, and so can any truth whatever; but the principle of unquestioning obedience to human law is false, and needs no perversion to make it mischievous....“It should always be remembered that the great end of government is human well-being, that law and authority are nothing in themselves, and that all their sacredness arises from the uses which they serve. The machinery of government is valuable only for the work it does; in itself, it has no value.... The most grievous of all imperfections in government is the failure to secure the just and good result.... Injustice and oppression are not made tolerable by being in strict accordance with the law. Nothing is surer, in the end, than the reaction of such wrong to break down the most perfectly constituted government.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 184-186.God is above all earthly rulers, and His law above all human laws. He made us, and we therefore owe allegiance to Him before any earthly power, potentate, or tribunal. And this is saying nothing in disparagement of civil authority exercised in its rightful domain—civil things.[pg 482]Individual AccountabilityIllustration.Esther At The Banquet. "We are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish." Esther 7:4.1. What is religion?“The recognition of God as an object of worship, love, and obedience.”—Webster.Other definitions equally good are:“The duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it.”“Man's personal relation of faith and obedience to God.”2. In religious things, whom alone did Christ say we should recognize as Father?“And call no man your father upon the earth:for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”Matt. 23:9.3. When tempted to fall down and worship Satan, what Scripture command did Christ cite in justification of His refusal to do this?“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.”Matt. 4:10. See Deut. 6:13; 10:20.4. To whom alone, then, is each one accountable in religious things?“So then every one of us shall give account of himselfto God.”Rom. 14:12.[pg 483]Note.—With this agree the words of Washington:“Every man who conducts himself as a good citizen, is accountable alone to God for his religious faith, and should be protected in worshiping God according to the dictates of his own conscience.”—Reply to Virginia Baptists, in 1789.5. What do those do, therefore, who make men accountable to them in religious affairs?They put themselves in the place of God. See 2 Thess. 2:3, 4.6. Why, in religious matters, did Christ say men should not be called masters?“Neither be ye called masters:for one is your Master, even Christ.”Matt. 23:10.Note.—Every one, therefore, who acts as master in Christ's church, or lords it over God's heritage (1 Peter 5:3), puts himself in the place of Christ.7. To whom, then, as servants, are we responsible in matters of faith and worship?“Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?to his own master he standeth or falleth.”Rom. 14:4.8. Whose servants are we not to be?“Ye are bought with a price;be not ye the servants of men.”1 Cor. 7:23.Note.—“Satan's methods ever tend to one end,—to make men the slaves of men,”and thus separate them from God, destroy faith in God, and so expose men to temptation and sin. Christ's work is to set men free, to renew faith, and to lead to willing and loyal obedience to God. Says Luther:“It is contrary to the will of God that man should be subject to man in that which pertains to eternal life. Subjection inspiritualsis a real worship, and should be rendered only to the Creator.”—D'Aubigne's“History of the Reformation,”edited by M. Laird Simons, book 7, chap. 11.9. Where must all finally appear to render up their account?“For we must all appearbefore the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”2 Cor. 5:10.Note.—Inasmuch, then, as religion is an individual matter, and each individual must give account of himself to God, it follows that there should be no human constraint nor compulsion in religious affairs.Dare to be a Daniel,Dare to stand alone;Dare to have a purpose firm,Dare to make it known.P. P. Bliss.[pg 484]

Illustration.Christ And The Tribute-Money. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17.

Christ And The Tribute-Money. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17.

The Author Of LibertyIllustration.Peter Delivered From Prison. "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee ... out of the house of bondage." Ex. 20:2.1. How is the bondage of Israel in Egypt described?“And the children of Israelsighedby reason of the bondage, and theycried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.”Ex. 2:23. Compare with James 5:1-4.2. Who heard their groaning?“Godheard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.”Verse 24.3. What did God say to Moses?“Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto Me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”Ex. 3:9, 10.4. In giving Israel His law, how did God describe Himself?“I am the Lord thy God, which havebrought thee out ofthe land of Egypt, out ofthe house of bondage.”Ex. 20:2.5. What provision did God make against slavery and oppression in Israel?“And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman,[pg 472]be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; thenin the seventh year thou shall let him go freefrom thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee,thou shall not let him go away empty: thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy wine-press: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. Andthou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing today.”Deut. 15:12-15.“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”Ex. 22:21. See 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.6. What was one reason assigned why Israel should keep the Sabbath?“Andremember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm:therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day.”Deut. 5:15.Note.—This would suggest the idea that in their servitude and oppression in Egypt they had had difficulty regarding the observance of the Sabbath, which is a fact. From the accusation brought against Moses and Aaron by Pharaoh, as recorded in Ex. 5:5,—“Ye make themrest[Heb.,Shabbath] from their burdens,”—it is plain that the Sabbath had been denied them, that they had been required to work on the Sabbath, and that Moses and Aaron were teaching them to keep it. Where individual rights and religious liberty are recognized, Sabbath observance is neither denied nor required by civil law.7. What proclamation was to be made throughout the land of Israel every fifty years?“And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, andproclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.”Lev. 25:10.8. Because Israel failed to do this, became oppressive, and disregarded and misused the Sabbath, what did God do?“Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ye have not harkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to thesword, to thepestilence, and to thefamine; andI will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.”Jer. 34:17. See also Jer. 17:24-27; 2 Chron. 36:19-21.9. What fault did God find with the way in which Israel came to celebrate her fasts and seasons of worship?“Behold; in the day of your fast yefind pleasure, andexact[pg 473]all your labors. Behold, ye fast forstrifeanddebate, and tosmite with the fist of wickedness.”Isa. 58:3, 4.10. What does God set forth as the acceptable fast to Him?“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? toloose the bands of wickedness, toundo the heavy burdens, and tolet the oppressed go free, and that yebreak every yoke? Is it not todeal thy bread to the hungry, and that thoubring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thoucover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”Verses 6, 7.Note.—All this shows that God loves liberty, and hates bondage and oppression.11. What was Christ's mission to this world?“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Meto healthe broken-hearted,to preach deliveranceto the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind,to set at libertythem that are bruised.”Luke 4:18.Note.—The Gospels show that a large part of Christ's time even on the Sabbath was devoted to relieving the oppressed and distressed.12. In what condition are those who commit sin?“Whosoever committeth sin isthe servant of sin.”John 8:34.13. Why was Christ's name to be called Jesus?“And thou shalt call His name Jesus:for He shall save His people from their sins.”Matt. 1:21.14. What lies at the root of all sin?“Whenlusthath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.”James 1:15.“I had not knownlust, except the law had said, Thou shalt notcovet.”Rom. 7:7.Note.—Lust, covetousness, and unlawful desire are only different names forselfishness. Selfishness lies at the root of all sin; and selfishness is simply the love of self to the disregard of the equal rights of others.15. By what scripture is the equality of rights clearly shown?“Thou shalt love thy neighboras thyself.”Lev. 19:18.16. What rule of conduct has Christ laid down in harmony with this command?“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”Matt. 7:12.Note.—Selfishness, then, must be uprooted from men's hearts before they will recognize the equal rights of their fellow men.[pg 474]17. Who alone can cleanse men's hearts from selfishness?“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”Acts 4:12. See also 1 John 1:9.18. Who alone, then, can give men real freedom?“Ifthe Sontherefore shall make you free, ye shall befree indeed.”John 8:36.19. What was Christ's attitude toward unbelievers?“If any man hear My words, and believe not,I judge him not: for I came not tojudgethe world, but tosavethe world.”John 12:47.20. What spirit did Christ say should control His disciples?“But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exerciselordshipover them; and their great ones exerciseauthorityupon them. Butso shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be yourminister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall beservant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.”Mark 10:42-45.21. What is present where the Spirit of the Lord is?“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there isliberty.”2 Cor. 3:17.22. What kind of worship only is acceptable to God?“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Fatherin spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”John 4:23, 24.Freedom and reason make brave men;Take these away, what are they then?—Mere groveling brutes, and just as wellThe beasts may think of heaven or hell.Know, then, that every soul is freeTo choose his life, and what he'll be;For this eternal truth is given:That God will force no man to heaven.He'll call, persuade, direct him right,Bless him with wisdom, love, and light,In nameless ways be good and kind,But never force the human mind.

Illustration.Peter Delivered From Prison. "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee ... out of the house of bondage." Ex. 20:2.

Peter Delivered From Prison. "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee ... out of the house of bondage." Ex. 20:2.

1. How is the bondage of Israel in Egypt described?

“And the children of Israelsighedby reason of the bondage, and theycried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.”Ex. 2:23. Compare with James 5:1-4.

2. Who heard their groaning?

“Godheard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.”Verse 24.

3. What did God say to Moses?

“Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto Me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”Ex. 3:9, 10.

4. In giving Israel His law, how did God describe Himself?

“I am the Lord thy God, which havebrought thee out ofthe land of Egypt, out ofthe house of bondage.”Ex. 20:2.

5. What provision did God make against slavery and oppression in Israel?

“And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman,[pg 472]be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; thenin the seventh year thou shall let him go freefrom thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee,thou shall not let him go away empty: thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy wine-press: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. Andthou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing today.”Deut. 15:12-15.“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”Ex. 22:21. See 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.

6. What was one reason assigned why Israel should keep the Sabbath?

“Andremember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm:therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day.”Deut. 5:15.

Note.—This would suggest the idea that in their servitude and oppression in Egypt they had had difficulty regarding the observance of the Sabbath, which is a fact. From the accusation brought against Moses and Aaron by Pharaoh, as recorded in Ex. 5:5,—“Ye make themrest[Heb.,Shabbath] from their burdens,”—it is plain that the Sabbath had been denied them, that they had been required to work on the Sabbath, and that Moses and Aaron were teaching them to keep it. Where individual rights and religious liberty are recognized, Sabbath observance is neither denied nor required by civil law.

7. What proclamation was to be made throughout the land of Israel every fifty years?

“And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, andproclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.”Lev. 25:10.

8. Because Israel failed to do this, became oppressive, and disregarded and misused the Sabbath, what did God do?

“Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ye have not harkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to thesword, to thepestilence, and to thefamine; andI will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.”Jer. 34:17. See also Jer. 17:24-27; 2 Chron. 36:19-21.

9. What fault did God find with the way in which Israel came to celebrate her fasts and seasons of worship?

“Behold; in the day of your fast yefind pleasure, andexact[pg 473]all your labors. Behold, ye fast forstrifeanddebate, and tosmite with the fist of wickedness.”Isa. 58:3, 4.

10. What does God set forth as the acceptable fast to Him?

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? toloose the bands of wickedness, toundo the heavy burdens, and tolet the oppressed go free, and that yebreak every yoke? Is it not todeal thy bread to the hungry, and that thoubring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thoucover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”Verses 6, 7.

Note.—All this shows that God loves liberty, and hates bondage and oppression.

11. What was Christ's mission to this world?

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Meto healthe broken-hearted,to preach deliveranceto the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind,to set at libertythem that are bruised.”Luke 4:18.

Note.—The Gospels show that a large part of Christ's time even on the Sabbath was devoted to relieving the oppressed and distressed.

12. In what condition are those who commit sin?

“Whosoever committeth sin isthe servant of sin.”John 8:34.

13. Why was Christ's name to be called Jesus?

“And thou shalt call His name Jesus:for He shall save His people from their sins.”Matt. 1:21.

14. What lies at the root of all sin?

“Whenlusthath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.”James 1:15.“I had not knownlust, except the law had said, Thou shalt notcovet.”Rom. 7:7.

Note.—Lust, covetousness, and unlawful desire are only different names forselfishness. Selfishness lies at the root of all sin; and selfishness is simply the love of self to the disregard of the equal rights of others.

15. By what scripture is the equality of rights clearly shown?

“Thou shalt love thy neighboras thyself.”Lev. 19:18.

16. What rule of conduct has Christ laid down in harmony with this command?

“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”Matt. 7:12.

Note.—Selfishness, then, must be uprooted from men's hearts before they will recognize the equal rights of their fellow men.

17. Who alone can cleanse men's hearts from selfishness?

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”Acts 4:12. See also 1 John 1:9.

18. Who alone, then, can give men real freedom?

“Ifthe Sontherefore shall make you free, ye shall befree indeed.”John 8:36.

19. What was Christ's attitude toward unbelievers?

“If any man hear My words, and believe not,I judge him not: for I came not tojudgethe world, but tosavethe world.”John 12:47.

20. What spirit did Christ say should control His disciples?

“But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exerciselordshipover them; and their great ones exerciseauthorityupon them. Butso shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be yourminister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall beservant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.”Mark 10:42-45.

21. What is present where the Spirit of the Lord is?

“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there isliberty.”2 Cor. 3:17.

22. What kind of worship only is acceptable to God?

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Fatherin spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”John 4:23, 24.

Freedom and reason make brave men;Take these away, what are they then?—Mere groveling brutes, and just as wellThe beasts may think of heaven or hell.Know, then, that every soul is freeTo choose his life, and what he'll be;For this eternal truth is given:That God will force no man to heaven.He'll call, persuade, direct him right,Bless him with wisdom, love, and light,In nameless ways be good and kind,But never force the human mind.

Freedom and reason make brave men;Take these away, what are they then?—Mere groveling brutes, and just as wellThe beasts may think of heaven or hell.

Freedom and reason make brave men;

Take these away, what are they then?—

Mere groveling brutes, and just as well

The beasts may think of heaven or hell.

Know, then, that every soul is freeTo choose his life, and what he'll be;For this eternal truth is given:That God will force no man to heaven.

Know, then, that every soul is free

To choose his life, and what he'll be;

For this eternal truth is given:

That God will force no man to heaven.

He'll call, persuade, direct him right,Bless him with wisdom, love, and light,In nameless ways be good and kind,But never force the human mind.

He'll call, persuade, direct him right,

Bless him with wisdom, love, and light,

In nameless ways be good and kind,

But never force the human mind.

The Powers That BeIllustration.Worship Interfered With By The State. Christians surprised by troops while worshiping in a cavern.1. Who should be subject to civil government?“Letevery soulbe subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God.”Rom. 13:1.2. By whom are the powers that be ordained?“The powers that be are ordained ofGod.”Same verse.3. What does one resist, who resists civil authority?“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteththe ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”Verse 2.Note.—“That is, they who rise up againstgovernment itself, who seek anarchy and confusion, who oppose the regular execution of the laws. It is implied, however, that those laws shall not be such as violate the rights of conscience or oppose the law of God.”—Dr. Albert Barnes, on Rom. 13:2.4. What do the Scriptures indicate as the proper sphere and legitimate work of civil authority?“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to theevil.... If thou do that which isevil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God,a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”Verses 3, 4.5. For whom is law made?“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, butfor the lawless and disobedient.”1 Tim. 1:9.[pg 476]6. How are Christians admonished to respect civil authority?“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.”Titus 3:1.“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well.... Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”1 Peter 2: 13-17.“For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”Rom. 13:6, 7.7. In what words does Christ show that there is another realm outside of Cæsar's, or civil government?“Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's;and unto God the things that are God's.”Matt. 22:21.8. To whom alone did He say worship is to be rendered?“Thou shalt worshipthe Lord thy God, andHim only shalt thou serve.”Matt. 4:10.9. What decree did King Nebuchadnezzar once make respecting worship?“To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, yefall down and worship the golden imagethat Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up. And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”Dan. 3:4-6.Note.—This decree was in direct conflict with the second commandment of God's law, which forbids making, bowing down to, and serving images. It was religious, idolatrous, and persecuting in character.10. What answer did the three Hebrew captives, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, return when asked by the king why they had not fallen down and worshiped the golden image, as he had commanded?“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee,[pg 477]O king, thatwe will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”Verses 16-18.11. What did Nebuchadnezzar then do?“Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: ... and he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and tocast them into the burning fiery furnace.”Verses 19, 20.12. After their miraculous deliverance, what did Nebuchadnezzar say?“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.”Verse 28.Note.—By preserving these men in the fire, and thus changing the king's word, God was demonstrating before all the world, through this greatest of then-existing earthly kingdoms, that with the question of religion civil governments can of right have nothing whatsoever to do; that religion is a realm outside the legitimate sphere of civil authority; and that every individual should be left free to worship, or not to worship, according to the dictates of his own conscience. The lesson to be learned from this is that, although ordained of God, civil governments are not ordained to direct or oppress men in religious matters.13. How only did the envious princes and rulers under King Darius conclude that they could effect the downfall of Daniel?“Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against himconcerning the law of his God.”Dan. 6:5.14. To this end, what decree did they prevail upon the king to make and sign?“That whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days,save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.”Verse 7.Note.—Unlike the decree of Nebuchadnezzar, this decree forbade the worship of the true God, and was therefore in direct conflict with the first commandment, which forbids the worship of any other than the true God. Like it, however, it was religious and persecuting in character.15. How did Daniel regard this decree?“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,he kneeled upon his knees three times a day,[pg 479]and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”Verse 10.Illustration.Daniel Praying In Babylon. "When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, ... he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, ... as he did aforetime." Dan. 6:10.16. What was finally done with Daniel?“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, andcast him into the den of lions.”Verse 16.17. What did Darius say to Daniel the next morning when he came to the lions' den?“The king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”Verse 20.18. What was Daniel's reply?“Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”Verses 21, 22.Note.—Here again was demonstrated by a most remarkable miracle, wrought in the face of the greatest nation then in existence, that with the directing, prescribing, proscribing, or interfering with religion or its free exercise, civil governments can of right have nothing whatever to do; that religion is an individual matter, and should be left to the dictates of each one's own conscience.19. Before leaving His disciples, what command did Christ give them?“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”Mark 16:15.20. What counter-command did the Jewish Sanhedrin soon afterward give them?“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”Acts 4:18.21. What reply did Peter and John make?“But Peter and John answered and said unto them,Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”Verses 19, 20.22. For continuing to preach Jesus, what did the Jewish rulers do to the apostles?“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, andlaid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”Acts 5:17, 18.[pg 480]23. What did an angel of God then do?“But the angel of the Lord by nightopened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”Verses 19, 20.Note.—Here once again is demonstrated the fact that men have no right to interfere with the free exercise of religion, and that when the laws of men conflict with the law and Word of God, we are to obey the latter, whatever the consequences may be. God Himself has set the seal of His approval to such a course. John Bunyan was imprisoned for twelve years for daring to preach the gospel contrary to law.24. Upon the apostles being called before the council again, what question did the high priest ask them?“Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”Verse 28.25. What reply did the apostles make?“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,We ought to obey God rather than men.”Verse 29.Note.—“Obedience is to be rendered to all human governments, in subordination to the will of God. These governments are a recognized necessity, in the nature of the case, and their existence is manifestly in accordance with the divine will. Hence the presumption is always in favor of the authority of civil law, and any refusal to obey must be based on the moral proof that obedience will be sin.... It is still true that obedience to human law often involves sin against God and man. There are cases so clear that no one can question the duty to refuse obedience. In all times and in all lands such cases have arisen.”“It is too obvious to need discussion, that the law of God, the great principle of benevolence, is supreme, and that 'we ought to obey God rather than men' in any case of conflict between human law and the divine.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 178-181.26. Who is higher than the“higher powers”?“If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: forHe that is higher than the highestregardeth; andthere be higher than they.”Eccl. 5:8.Note.—In attempting to defend the right of civil government to enforce religious observances by law, some still ask,“Shall we not obey the powers that be?”We answer,“Yes, when they are in harmony with the higher powers that be. God made His law for all the universe. He created man; He gives the bounteous provisions of nature, and holds our breath and life in His hand. He is to be recognized, His law honored, before all the great men and the highest earthly powers.”27. Because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman in accordance with the command of King Ahasuerus (Esther 3:1-6),[pg 481]what decree did Haman succeed in having the king issue and send to every province throughout the Persian Empire?“And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces,to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.”Esther 3:13, 14.Notes.—By an overruling of Providence the carrying out of this terrible decree was averted, and Haman was hanged on the very gallows which he had erected for the execution of Mordecai. See Esther 7:9, 10.God has placed the sword (civil authority) in the hands of Cæsar (civil government) for the punishment of evil-doers; but when the sword is raised to slay theinnocent, as in the case of the children of Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16); or toenforce idolatrous worship, as in the case of the three Hebrews (Daniel 3); or toprohibit the worship of the true God, as in the case of Daniel (Daniel 6); or to slayall of God's people, as in the time of Esther; or toenforce the observance of a false sabbath, as in the case of all Sunday laws, it is anabuseof civil authority, and not a proper or justifiable use of it; and God honors those who, under such circumstances, in the face of persecution, oppression, and death, remain loyal and true to Him.“Government is never the gainer in the execution of a law that is manifestly unjust.... Conscientious men are not the enemies, but the friends, of any government but a tyranny. They are its strength, and not its weakness. Daniel, in Babylon, praying contrary to the law, was the true friend and supporter of the government; while those who, in their pretended zeal for the law and the constitution, would strike down the good man, were its real enemies. It is only when government transcends its sphere that it comes in conflict with the consciences of men.“But it is objected that the example is corrupting,—that a bad man will violate a good law, because the good man refuses to obey a wicked law. The cases are just as unlike as right and wrong, and any attempt to justify the one by the other is gross dishonesty. Unquestionably, the principle can be abused by the wicked, and so can any truth whatever; but the principle of unquestioning obedience to human law is false, and needs no perversion to make it mischievous....“It should always be remembered that the great end of government is human well-being, that law and authority are nothing in themselves, and that all their sacredness arises from the uses which they serve. The machinery of government is valuable only for the work it does; in itself, it has no value.... The most grievous of all imperfections in government is the failure to secure the just and good result.... Injustice and oppression are not made tolerable by being in strict accordance with the law. Nothing is surer, in the end, than the reaction of such wrong to break down the most perfectly constituted government.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 184-186.God is above all earthly rulers, and His law above all human laws. He made us, and we therefore owe allegiance to Him before any earthly power, potentate, or tribunal. And this is saying nothing in disparagement of civil authority exercised in its rightful domain—civil things.

Illustration.Worship Interfered With By The State. Christians surprised by troops while worshiping in a cavern.

Worship Interfered With By The State. Christians surprised by troops while worshiping in a cavern.

1. Who should be subject to civil government?

“Letevery soulbe subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God.”Rom. 13:1.

2. By whom are the powers that be ordained?

“The powers that be are ordained ofGod.”Same verse.

3. What does one resist, who resists civil authority?

“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteththe ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”Verse 2.

Note.—“That is, they who rise up againstgovernment itself, who seek anarchy and confusion, who oppose the regular execution of the laws. It is implied, however, that those laws shall not be such as violate the rights of conscience or oppose the law of God.”—Dr. Albert Barnes, on Rom. 13:2.

4. What do the Scriptures indicate as the proper sphere and legitimate work of civil authority?

“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to theevil.... If thou do that which isevil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God,a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”Verses 3, 4.

5. For whom is law made?

“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, butfor the lawless and disobedient.”1 Tim. 1:9.

6. How are Christians admonished to respect civil authority?

“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.”Titus 3:1.“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well.... Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”1 Peter 2: 13-17.“For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”Rom. 13:6, 7.

7. In what words does Christ show that there is another realm outside of Cæsar's, or civil government?

“Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's;and unto God the things that are God's.”Matt. 22:21.

8. To whom alone did He say worship is to be rendered?

“Thou shalt worshipthe Lord thy God, andHim only shalt thou serve.”Matt. 4:10.

9. What decree did King Nebuchadnezzar once make respecting worship?

“To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, yefall down and worship the golden imagethat Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up. And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”Dan. 3:4-6.

Note.—This decree was in direct conflict with the second commandment of God's law, which forbids making, bowing down to, and serving images. It was religious, idolatrous, and persecuting in character.

10. What answer did the three Hebrew captives, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, return when asked by the king why they had not fallen down and worshiped the golden image, as he had commanded?

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee,[pg 477]O king, thatwe will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”Verses 16-18.

11. What did Nebuchadnezzar then do?

“Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: ... and he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and tocast them into the burning fiery furnace.”Verses 19, 20.

12. After their miraculous deliverance, what did Nebuchadnezzar say?

“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.”Verse 28.

Note.—By preserving these men in the fire, and thus changing the king's word, God was demonstrating before all the world, through this greatest of then-existing earthly kingdoms, that with the question of religion civil governments can of right have nothing whatsoever to do; that religion is a realm outside the legitimate sphere of civil authority; and that every individual should be left free to worship, or not to worship, according to the dictates of his own conscience. The lesson to be learned from this is that, although ordained of God, civil governments are not ordained to direct or oppress men in religious matters.

13. How only did the envious princes and rulers under King Darius conclude that they could effect the downfall of Daniel?

“Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against himconcerning the law of his God.”Dan. 6:5.

14. To this end, what decree did they prevail upon the king to make and sign?

“That whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days,save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.”Verse 7.

Note.—Unlike the decree of Nebuchadnezzar, this decree forbade the worship of the true God, and was therefore in direct conflict with the first commandment, which forbids the worship of any other than the true God. Like it, however, it was religious and persecuting in character.

15. How did Daniel regard this decree?

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,he kneeled upon his knees three times a day,[pg 479]and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”Verse 10.

Illustration.Daniel Praying In Babylon. "When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, ... he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, ... as he did aforetime." Dan. 6:10.

Daniel Praying In Babylon. "When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, ... he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, ... as he did aforetime." Dan. 6:10.

16. What was finally done with Daniel?

“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, andcast him into the den of lions.”Verse 16.

17. What did Darius say to Daniel the next morning when he came to the lions' den?

“The king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”Verse 20.

18. What was Daniel's reply?

“Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”Verses 21, 22.

Note.—Here again was demonstrated by a most remarkable miracle, wrought in the face of the greatest nation then in existence, that with the directing, prescribing, proscribing, or interfering with religion or its free exercise, civil governments can of right have nothing whatever to do; that religion is an individual matter, and should be left to the dictates of each one's own conscience.

19. Before leaving His disciples, what command did Christ give them?

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”Mark 16:15.

20. What counter-command did the Jewish Sanhedrin soon afterward give them?

“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”Acts 4:18.

21. What reply did Peter and John make?

“But Peter and John answered and said unto them,Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”Verses 19, 20.

22. For continuing to preach Jesus, what did the Jewish rulers do to the apostles?

“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, andlaid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”Acts 5:17, 18.

23. What did an angel of God then do?

“But the angel of the Lord by nightopened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”Verses 19, 20.

Note.—Here once again is demonstrated the fact that men have no right to interfere with the free exercise of religion, and that when the laws of men conflict with the law and Word of God, we are to obey the latter, whatever the consequences may be. God Himself has set the seal of His approval to such a course. John Bunyan was imprisoned for twelve years for daring to preach the gospel contrary to law.

24. Upon the apostles being called before the council again, what question did the high priest ask them?

“Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”Verse 28.

25. What reply did the apostles make?

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,We ought to obey God rather than men.”Verse 29.

Note.—“Obedience is to be rendered to all human governments, in subordination to the will of God. These governments are a recognized necessity, in the nature of the case, and their existence is manifestly in accordance with the divine will. Hence the presumption is always in favor of the authority of civil law, and any refusal to obey must be based on the moral proof that obedience will be sin.... It is still true that obedience to human law often involves sin against God and man. There are cases so clear that no one can question the duty to refuse obedience. In all times and in all lands such cases have arisen.”“It is too obvious to need discussion, that the law of God, the great principle of benevolence, is supreme, and that 'we ought to obey God rather than men' in any case of conflict between human law and the divine.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 178-181.

26. Who is higher than the“higher powers”?

“If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: forHe that is higher than the highestregardeth; andthere be higher than they.”Eccl. 5:8.

Note.—In attempting to defend the right of civil government to enforce religious observances by law, some still ask,“Shall we not obey the powers that be?”We answer,“Yes, when they are in harmony with the higher powers that be. God made His law for all the universe. He created man; He gives the bounteous provisions of nature, and holds our breath and life in His hand. He is to be recognized, His law honored, before all the great men and the highest earthly powers.”

27. Because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman in accordance with the command of King Ahasuerus (Esther 3:1-6),[pg 481]what decree did Haman succeed in having the king issue and send to every province throughout the Persian Empire?

“And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces,to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.”Esther 3:13, 14.

Notes.—By an overruling of Providence the carrying out of this terrible decree was averted, and Haman was hanged on the very gallows which he had erected for the execution of Mordecai. See Esther 7:9, 10.God has placed the sword (civil authority) in the hands of Cæsar (civil government) for the punishment of evil-doers; but when the sword is raised to slay theinnocent, as in the case of the children of Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16); or toenforce idolatrous worship, as in the case of the three Hebrews (Daniel 3); or toprohibit the worship of the true God, as in the case of Daniel (Daniel 6); or to slayall of God's people, as in the time of Esther; or toenforce the observance of a false sabbath, as in the case of all Sunday laws, it is anabuseof civil authority, and not a proper or justifiable use of it; and God honors those who, under such circumstances, in the face of persecution, oppression, and death, remain loyal and true to Him.“Government is never the gainer in the execution of a law that is manifestly unjust.... Conscientious men are not the enemies, but the friends, of any government but a tyranny. They are its strength, and not its weakness. Daniel, in Babylon, praying contrary to the law, was the true friend and supporter of the government; while those who, in their pretended zeal for the law and the constitution, would strike down the good man, were its real enemies. It is only when government transcends its sphere that it comes in conflict with the consciences of men.“But it is objected that the example is corrupting,—that a bad man will violate a good law, because the good man refuses to obey a wicked law. The cases are just as unlike as right and wrong, and any attempt to justify the one by the other is gross dishonesty. Unquestionably, the principle can be abused by the wicked, and so can any truth whatever; but the principle of unquestioning obedience to human law is false, and needs no perversion to make it mischievous....“It should always be remembered that the great end of government is human well-being, that law and authority are nothing in themselves, and that all their sacredness arises from the uses which they serve. The machinery of government is valuable only for the work it does; in itself, it has no value.... The most grievous of all imperfections in government is the failure to secure the just and good result.... Injustice and oppression are not made tolerable by being in strict accordance with the law. Nothing is surer, in the end, than the reaction of such wrong to break down the most perfectly constituted government.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 184-186.God is above all earthly rulers, and His law above all human laws. He made us, and we therefore owe allegiance to Him before any earthly power, potentate, or tribunal. And this is saying nothing in disparagement of civil authority exercised in its rightful domain—civil things.

Notes.—By an overruling of Providence the carrying out of this terrible decree was averted, and Haman was hanged on the very gallows which he had erected for the execution of Mordecai. See Esther 7:9, 10.

God has placed the sword (civil authority) in the hands of Cæsar (civil government) for the punishment of evil-doers; but when the sword is raised to slay theinnocent, as in the case of the children of Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16); or toenforce idolatrous worship, as in the case of the three Hebrews (Daniel 3); or toprohibit the worship of the true God, as in the case of Daniel (Daniel 6); or to slayall of God's people, as in the time of Esther; or toenforce the observance of a false sabbath, as in the case of all Sunday laws, it is anabuseof civil authority, and not a proper or justifiable use of it; and God honors those who, under such circumstances, in the face of persecution, oppression, and death, remain loyal and true to Him.

“Government is never the gainer in the execution of a law that is manifestly unjust.... Conscientious men are not the enemies, but the friends, of any government but a tyranny. They are its strength, and not its weakness. Daniel, in Babylon, praying contrary to the law, was the true friend and supporter of the government; while those who, in their pretended zeal for the law and the constitution, would strike down the good man, were its real enemies. It is only when government transcends its sphere that it comes in conflict with the consciences of men.

“But it is objected that the example is corrupting,—that a bad man will violate a good law, because the good man refuses to obey a wicked law. The cases are just as unlike as right and wrong, and any attempt to justify the one by the other is gross dishonesty. Unquestionably, the principle can be abused by the wicked, and so can any truth whatever; but the principle of unquestioning obedience to human law is false, and needs no perversion to make it mischievous....

“It should always be remembered that the great end of government is human well-being, that law and authority are nothing in themselves, and that all their sacredness arises from the uses which they serve. The machinery of government is valuable only for the work it does; in itself, it has no value.... The most grievous of all imperfections in government is the failure to secure the just and good result.... Injustice and oppression are not made tolerable by being in strict accordance with the law. Nothing is surer, in the end, than the reaction of such wrong to break down the most perfectly constituted government.”—“Moral Philosophy,”by James H. Fairchild, pages 184-186.

God is above all earthly rulers, and His law above all human laws. He made us, and we therefore owe allegiance to Him before any earthly power, potentate, or tribunal. And this is saying nothing in disparagement of civil authority exercised in its rightful domain—civil things.

Individual AccountabilityIllustration.Esther At The Banquet. "We are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish." Esther 7:4.1. What is religion?“The recognition of God as an object of worship, love, and obedience.”—Webster.Other definitions equally good are:“The duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it.”“Man's personal relation of faith and obedience to God.”2. In religious things, whom alone did Christ say we should recognize as Father?“And call no man your father upon the earth:for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”Matt. 23:9.3. When tempted to fall down and worship Satan, what Scripture command did Christ cite in justification of His refusal to do this?“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.”Matt. 4:10. See Deut. 6:13; 10:20.4. To whom alone, then, is each one accountable in religious things?“So then every one of us shall give account of himselfto God.”Rom. 14:12.[pg 483]Note.—With this agree the words of Washington:“Every man who conducts himself as a good citizen, is accountable alone to God for his religious faith, and should be protected in worshiping God according to the dictates of his own conscience.”—Reply to Virginia Baptists, in 1789.5. What do those do, therefore, who make men accountable to them in religious affairs?They put themselves in the place of God. See 2 Thess. 2:3, 4.6. Why, in religious matters, did Christ say men should not be called masters?“Neither be ye called masters:for one is your Master, even Christ.”Matt. 23:10.Note.—Every one, therefore, who acts as master in Christ's church, or lords it over God's heritage (1 Peter 5:3), puts himself in the place of Christ.7. To whom, then, as servants, are we responsible in matters of faith and worship?“Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?to his own master he standeth or falleth.”Rom. 14:4.8. Whose servants are we not to be?“Ye are bought with a price;be not ye the servants of men.”1 Cor. 7:23.Note.—“Satan's methods ever tend to one end,—to make men the slaves of men,”and thus separate them from God, destroy faith in God, and so expose men to temptation and sin. Christ's work is to set men free, to renew faith, and to lead to willing and loyal obedience to God. Says Luther:“It is contrary to the will of God that man should be subject to man in that which pertains to eternal life. Subjection inspiritualsis a real worship, and should be rendered only to the Creator.”—D'Aubigne's“History of the Reformation,”edited by M. Laird Simons, book 7, chap. 11.9. Where must all finally appear to render up their account?“For we must all appearbefore the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”2 Cor. 5:10.Note.—Inasmuch, then, as religion is an individual matter, and each individual must give account of himself to God, it follows that there should be no human constraint nor compulsion in religious affairs.Dare to be a Daniel,Dare to stand alone;Dare to have a purpose firm,Dare to make it known.P. P. Bliss.

Illustration.Esther At The Banquet. "We are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish." Esther 7:4.

Esther At The Banquet. "We are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish." Esther 7:4.

1. What is religion?

“The recognition of God as an object of worship, love, and obedience.”—Webster.Other definitions equally good are:“The duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it.”“Man's personal relation of faith and obedience to God.”

2. In religious things, whom alone did Christ say we should recognize as Father?

“And call no man your father upon the earth:for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”Matt. 23:9.

3. When tempted to fall down and worship Satan, what Scripture command did Christ cite in justification of His refusal to do this?

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.”Matt. 4:10. See Deut. 6:13; 10:20.

4. To whom alone, then, is each one accountable in religious things?

“So then every one of us shall give account of himselfto God.”Rom. 14:12.

Note.—With this agree the words of Washington:“Every man who conducts himself as a good citizen, is accountable alone to God for his religious faith, and should be protected in worshiping God according to the dictates of his own conscience.”—Reply to Virginia Baptists, in 1789.

5. What do those do, therefore, who make men accountable to them in religious affairs?

They put themselves in the place of God. See 2 Thess. 2:3, 4.

6. Why, in religious matters, did Christ say men should not be called masters?

“Neither be ye called masters:for one is your Master, even Christ.”Matt. 23:10.

Note.—Every one, therefore, who acts as master in Christ's church, or lords it over God's heritage (1 Peter 5:3), puts himself in the place of Christ.

7. To whom, then, as servants, are we responsible in matters of faith and worship?

“Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?to his own master he standeth or falleth.”Rom. 14:4.

8. Whose servants are we not to be?

“Ye are bought with a price;be not ye the servants of men.”1 Cor. 7:23.

Note.—“Satan's methods ever tend to one end,—to make men the slaves of men,”and thus separate them from God, destroy faith in God, and so expose men to temptation and sin. Christ's work is to set men free, to renew faith, and to lead to willing and loyal obedience to God. Says Luther:“It is contrary to the will of God that man should be subject to man in that which pertains to eternal life. Subjection inspiritualsis a real worship, and should be rendered only to the Creator.”—D'Aubigne's“History of the Reformation,”edited by M. Laird Simons, book 7, chap. 11.

9. Where must all finally appear to render up their account?

“For we must all appearbefore the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”2 Cor. 5:10.

Note.—Inasmuch, then, as religion is an individual matter, and each individual must give account of himself to God, it follows that there should be no human constraint nor compulsion in religious affairs.

Dare to be a Daniel,Dare to stand alone;Dare to have a purpose firm,Dare to make it known.P. P. Bliss.

Dare to be a Daniel,Dare to stand alone;Dare to have a purpose firm,Dare to make it known.

Dare to be a Daniel,

Dare to stand alone;

Dare to have a purpose firm,

Dare to make it known.

P. P. Bliss.

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