Even in order to abolish these oaths, the going into parliament by swearing any of them, cannot be recommended. But since legislators in either house, having sworn oaths of allegiance—even not justifiable, are in possession of privileges, for the time being, of which the Legislature cannot deprive them, let such have put into their hands, memorials on the subject, by the people, and let them use their privilege in order to gain their object. It does not appear how any one can act dutifully by remaining in parliament, except in endeavouring to carry into effect this measure.
But should Popery continue to make progress, as it has done of late, and receive more countenance from the civil power, the friends of truth would find it difficult, in any way to co-operate with the government, but would be urged to take higher ground, in opposition to error, or even tyranny, than they have in general lately taken. They may even have to confederate against powers that would seek to rob them of their christian privileges—wherewith the Lord Jesus has gifted them. Should they have to engage in a struggle for these, let their efforts be made without hesitation or wavering. Let their minds be wholly devoted. Under the influence of that faith which makes humble, but also enables to do all things in the strength of Christ, let them enter on duty. Having taken up their position, as if bound by the adamantine chain of necessity, yet free as the orbs of heaven—under the influence of gravity, let them, cordially engaged to one another, occupy that ground, there to stand or fall together. Let there be taken by them the calm and noble resolution, which knows not to fail; which fear cannot agitate, nor outward evils diminish; which peril and distress would only display in all its mighty strength; which, immovable as the pillars of heaven, stedfast in the midst of opposition, as the summit of the mountain on which the thunderbolts are expended in vain, would sustain undismayed the assault of every foe; which though pressed to the utmost would not desert the field; but which, though like the warrior, black and weary through the toil of conflict, it might be misrepresented or not recognised, would at some era, more or less remote, shine forth in the glory of victory, to be celebrated and employed for good in all time to come.
D.
The Reformed Presbyterian Church has for some time had in view the performance of the duty of Covenanting in her social capacity. There are the most abundant reasons why the object should be more and more steadily contemplated, till it be attained. We profess that Covenanting is a duty. We have not for a length of time engaged socially in the formal discharge of it. We acknowledge ourselves to be bound by the obligations of the Church of God in past times, especially of his Church in these lands; and should view ourselves, as by these obligations bound to the duty. An example should be set by us to others who do not entertain the same views of the importance of the duty that we do. The events of the age are arousing. Many are making efforts for the maintenance of the truth. The enemies of true religion are on the alert. Besides, within the last few years, many, some of whom, we should trust, love the truth, though their views of parts of it would seem to be inadequate, have acted as if men become engaged to a system of conduct only when they promise to follow it; and have virtually acted as if their own doings could bind them to a given course. Be it ours, by Covenanting to testify practically, that we feel bound to pledge ourselves to the service of God, not by caprice, but according to his law,—commanding to vow, and finding those who enter into covenant bound by his authority through their own deed. Let us not be undecided. There is duty incumbent on us which we cannot devolve on others. Let us be active, lest even the tide of liberalism, like a refluent wave, bring society back to a sea of trouble, before the glorious work of Covenanting which will be performed in future times will be begun, and we who should have used direct means to lead to it will be dishonoured. That some are engaged in making reformation, is no reason why we should not be diligent. We have our duty to perform; and in being most active ourselves, we would most heartily show that we approve of the faithful exertions of these others. Our duties are peculiar. If we make no progress, we encourage not the movements for good, of society around us. While we rejoice to think of many maintaining truth, we also ought to advance to duty. We would account it incumbent on us to stand steadfastly by the side of all the lovers of true godliness in the nation, in defending the interests of truth and righteousness. By doing the service incumbent on us at present, we would most completely take means to lead to union ofpurpose and exertion, the most effective. We ought not to anticipate the good that may be done by others in such a manner as to suppose, that little will be required at our hands. Whatever step of obedience we take will aid in encouraging others; but, wherein we may now fail to advance, when victory will be complete, we will, like a squadron on the field, waiting for the success or aid of a fellow-battalion, fail of attaining to the true honour that will be shared in the triumph of truth.
FOOTNOTES:[793]Of the years 1661, 1662.[794]See a valuable pamphlet, entitled, "The Revolution Settlement considered in reference to the independence and present position of the Church of Scotland." Glasgow: 1840.[795]For a luminous view of what would seem to be the Church's duty at present, we refer to an article in the "Scottish Presbyterian" for May, 1843, entitled, "Friendly Hints to the projected Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland."[796]On the subject of the duty of those who still abide by the Establishment, see three powerful and seasonable discourses, entitled, "Come out and be separate," by the Rev. Dr. Bates. Glasgow, 1843.
[793]Of the years 1661, 1662.
[793]Of the years 1661, 1662.
[794]See a valuable pamphlet, entitled, "The Revolution Settlement considered in reference to the independence and present position of the Church of Scotland." Glasgow: 1840.
[794]See a valuable pamphlet, entitled, "The Revolution Settlement considered in reference to the independence and present position of the Church of Scotland." Glasgow: 1840.
[795]For a luminous view of what would seem to be the Church's duty at present, we refer to an article in the "Scottish Presbyterian" for May, 1843, entitled, "Friendly Hints to the projected Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland."
[795]For a luminous view of what would seem to be the Church's duty at present, we refer to an article in the "Scottish Presbyterian" for May, 1843, entitled, "Friendly Hints to the projected Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland."
[796]On the subject of the duty of those who still abide by the Establishment, see three powerful and seasonable discourses, entitled, "Come out and be separate," by the Rev. Dr. Bates. Glasgow, 1843.
[796]On the subject of the duty of those who still abide by the Establishment, see three powerful and seasonable discourses, entitled, "Come out and be separate," by the Rev. Dr. Bates. Glasgow, 1843.
ERRATA.
Page 145, line 12, for "requires," read "require."
Page 161, line 21, before "will persevere, &c.," put "that."
Page 174, line 14, for "unrevealed," read "revealed."
Page 198, line 17, for "even," read "view"; line 18, for "are," read "as."
Page 205, line 11, for "share," read "shun."
Page 237, line 17, for "visitors," read "writers."
Page 340, line 20, for "his," read "their."
Transcriber's Notes
Added footnote marker 637 after: "four living creatures" of the NewAdded footnote marker 641 after: for a light of the Gentiles."Removed unnecessary closing quotation mark after: he might have the pre-eminence.Added closing quotation mark after: sacrifices God is well pleased.Corrected "Jos" to "Job" in footnote 412.The Errata listed above have been corrected in the text, except for "requires," which does not occur in the text as indicated.