When men are so outrageous and behave so ill as to fill us with fear, we may mention their very depravity as a plea before God; for, if we are right, ‘the more cruel and unjust the conduct of our enemies may be, we have proportionally the better ground to believe that God will interpose on our behalf. Horne: “A victory gained by the fear of God over the fear of man is a necessary step, and a happy prelude, to a full and final triumph over every enemy of our salvation.”
Hosea 4:6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge
In a short time there will (we have reason to fear) remain but two kinds of persons among us, either those who think not at all, or those whose imaginations are active indeed, but continually evil. Of these latter it may be said, "Their foolish heart was darkened." Of the principles, I do not say of the detail, of political science, a sound theology is the only sure and steady basis. Now we trace the operations by which a destruction so extended in its consequences has been effected. The master-spring of every principle which can permanently secure the stability of a people is the fear and knowledge of Almighty God. The first operation of a principle of atheism, and perhaps one of the most formidable in its consequences, is that which leads political men to conceive of Christianity as a mere auxiliary to the State. Religion was not instituted (in the Divine council I mean) for the purpose of society and government, but society and government for the purposes of religion. As a...
Comments
Post a Comment