pread of truth; that attempt to subordinate
the Church to the civil power; that seek the alliance of any idolatrous
system of religion to support their authority; that seek the continuance
of power by attempting to bring the nations to which they belong, at the
risk of the exterminating penalty of poverty or destitution, under the
yoke of ignorance, to be fastened on by the educating or training of the
young of the lower classes by the priesthood or other agents of the
"mystery of iniquity" alone; or that seek to secure their influence by
any means at variance with the law of Christ; are all in opposition to
his revealed will, are unpossessed of authority from him, are the
voluntary agents of "the Prince of the power of the air," and cannot be
countenanced without rebellion against Him who is the Governor among the
nations. Whosoever there may be that fear God among those who rule or
govern in connection with such constitutions, by being connected with
them and putting forth their claims, are not in the path of duty. The
obligation incumbent on such, nay, on all--whether in power or not, who
support them, is either to give up their adherence to them, or to change
them so as to bring them up to the scriptural standard. With the
supporters of such constitutions unamended, some who disapprove of them,
have in some respects to co-operate. But never can any act, without sin,
along with these, in such a manner as to recognise the claims of the
power maintained by these constitutions, to be the ordinance of
God.[307] Joint procedure with such can be warrantable only when
directed to an end good in itself, and when accompanied by an expressed
or understood disapproval of the character and authority of the civil
power. Against such, that they may be modified for good, or succeeded by
what is glorifying to God, a substantial testimony ought to be lifted
up. In order to the extension of the acknowledgment of the Mediatorial
power over all the kingdoms of the world, an exhibition of the
prerogatives and claims upon these of the Redeemer, should explicitly be
made in testifying for him, by a scriptural profession, and practical
observance of his commands. And in solemn Covenanting such attestations
required to be embodied. "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I
hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A
froward heart shall depart from me; I will not know a wicked person.
Mine eyes shall be upon the fa