Tuesday, August 20, 2024

SDA HISTORY: Jones on "Caesar"

"The people inhabiting the territory formerly called the province of
New Hampshire, do hereby solemnly and mutually agree with each other to form themselves into a free, sovereign, and independent body politic, or state, by the name of the State of New Hampshire
."

In the Constitution of New Hampshire of 1792, these articles are repeated word for word. They remain there without alteration in a single letter under the ratification of 1852, and also under the ratification of 1877.

Consequently, sir, the very state which sends you to this capitol is founded upon the very theory which you here deny. 
---This is the doctrine of the Declaration of Independence
---it is the doctrine of the Scripture; 
---and therefore we hold it to be eternally true.

These sound and genuine American principles - civil governments deriving their powers from the consent of the governed, and the inalienability of the rights of conscience, - these are the principles asserted and maintained by Seventh-day Adventists.

When Caesar exacts of men that which pertains to God, then Caesar is out of his place, and in so far as Caesar is obeyed there, God is denied. When Caesar - civil government - exacts of men that which is God's, he demands what does not belong to him; in so doing Caesar usurps the place and the prerogative of God, and every man who regards God or his own rights before God, will disregard all such interference on the part of Caesar.

This argument is confirmed by the apostle's commentary upon Christ's words found in Romans 13:1-9. It is written: -
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers
--For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 
--Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall received themselves damnation. 
--For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. 
Q: Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? 
--Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. 
--But if thou do that which is evil, 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. 
Wherefore ye must needs be subject not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 
--For, 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. 
Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt no kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
A.T. Jones