The text presents to our notice two topics, first, The Duty of nations; and secondly, The Punishment by which the neglect of this duty will be avenged. The consideration of these may be subservient to the appreciation of our position and responsibilities as a church of Christ.
[I]f any party whatever, but especially if the State, or civil power, shall claim the right of controlling the government which Christ has appointed in the hands of Church office-bearers, they must refuse obedience to that claim, must make up their minds to suffer, if need be, the loss of all things, rather than yield to it. And this because they are only servants, ministers, stewards, entrusted by the alone Master and King with a certain authority and duty.
For a considerable number of years previous to 1842, many belonging to the Established Church of Scotland believed that the Civil Courts of the country were interfering with and encroaching on the jurisdiction of the Church in matters spiritual; and at the General Assembly of that year, a Claim, Declaration, and Protest was adopted, setting forth the interference and encroachment of which the Church complained, and seeking redress from the Queen and Parliament.
