Such government may become, and sometimes does become, so unjust,
oppressive, tyrannical, and cruel, as not to answer the designed,
and righteous, and beneficial purposes of government for a whole
people; and in such a case, it deserves no respect as an ordinance
of God, for it is then acting contrary to the will of God and the
necessity of society; and the injured and oppressed people may
justly rise in rebellion against such a government, and overthrow
it, if they can. But, let it be carefully remembered, that any
violent resistance is positive rebellion against the government; and
either that resistance must be crushed, or the government must be
overturned. There is no middle way--there can be none. In such a
case the whole authority and power of the government come into
direct hostility and conflict with the violence which resists the
execution of Law; and government must crush that violence, or that
violence must crush the government. A government is at an end, a
nullity, when it cannot execute its laws. Let it be carefully
remembered also, that violent resistance to Law cannot be justified,
when there is no righteous design to overthrow the government
itself; for no man owes a _half_-allegiance to government, or can
commit a _half_-high-treason; and besides, Law is too important and
delicate a thing to have its majesty trifled with, by the wicked
nonsense of a _half_-obedience. Let it be carefully remembered also,
that violent resistance to Law cannot be justified, when there is no
fair prospect of overthrowing the government, and being able to
establish a better one.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25