APPENDIX.
James Dodson
Note A.
The following quotations show with how much unanimity the doctrine of Christ’s universal Lordship has been received and taught by eminent divines of different denominations.
CALVIN.—“We see the end of this session; it is, that all creatures, both celestial and terrestial, may admire his majesty, be governed by his hand, obey his will, and be subject to his power. And the only design of the Apostles in their frequent mention of it, is to teach us that all things are committed to his government.” Institutes, Book II. Chapter. xvi. 15.
TURRETIN.—“The session of Christ at the right hand of the Father imports.—2. The most extensive dominion which he powerfully exercises over all creatures.” Loc. xiii. Ques. 19.
CHARNOCK.—“All power of government is given to Christ—not that the Father lays aside all care of things, but as the Father discovers himself only in him, so he governs only by him. All this power was committed to him upon his interposition after the fall of man: he was made Lord and Christ, that is, anointed by God to the government of the world.” On Providence, p. 220.
FLAVEL.—“Christ’s sitting at the right hand of God implies.—4. The sovereignty and supremacy of Christ over all. He is also Lord of the providential Kingdom, the whole world, Ps. 110:2.” Fountain of Life, Ser. xli.
HENRY.—“Entrusted him (Jesus Christ) with the administration of the Kingdom of providence, in conjunction with, and subserviency to, the Kingdom of grace. All the creatures are put under his feet.” On Ps. viii.
SCOTT.—“He was ‘crowned with glory and honour,’ and in human nature exercises universal dominion, even an authority infinitely more extensive and absolute, than ever the first Adam possessed, or could possibly have administered.” On Ps. viii.
GUYSE.—“Thou (the Father) didst advance him like a King to his throne, and solemnly inaugurate him—in all mediatorial dignity and authority, and didst constitute him the absolute and universal Lord and Sovereign of all creation.” On Heb. ii. 7.
BOSTON.—“He has an economical or mediatory Kingdom. He is invested with authority over all the creatures.” Body of Divinity, Vol. II. p. 50.
E. ERSKINE.—“Upon which undertaking the Judge is so well pleased, that in order to the accomplishment of the Son’s undertaking, ‘all power in heaven and earth is given him:’ all government is committed to the Son, angels, men and devils, and all creatures are put into his hand. This general mediatory kingdom extends itself over heaven, earth and hell. All persons, kingdoms, and revolutions of affairs in the world, are ordered and managed by our mediator and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He sets up kings and pulls them down, &c.” Sermon entitled, “The Sovereignty of Zion’s King.”
JONATHAN EDWARDS.—“In the person of Christ are conjoined an exceeding spirit of obedience, with supreme dominion over heaven and earth. Christ is the Lord of all—as God-man and Mediator: and thus his dominion is appointed, and given him of the Father. Having it by delegation from God, he is as it were the Father’s vicegerent.” Ser. v. on the Excellency of Christ.
Note B.
“I regard the New Testament as a suitable book in all respects to be daily read in common schools. Education consists of more than mere instruction. It is the training and discipline of the faculties of the mind, which shall systematically and harmoniously develop the future man for happiness in sustaining the various relations of life. What is commenced in the hallowed sanctuary of the domestic circle, and periodically inculcated at the altar, must be daily and hourly recognised in the Common Schools.” Letter of Samuel Young, superintendent of the Common Schools of the State of New York.
It is encouraging to find these principles acknowledged in so influential a quarter. We would have been much better pleased, however, had he said, “the Old and New Testaments,” and referred to preparation for another world as one end of education. The schools are training immortal beings.
The following extract from “The Presbyterian” of April 2, 1842, contains some judicious hints. “It (referring to the breaking up of the present school system in New York City by the Roman Catholic bill) it will prove a happy event that the other system has been exploded, which in its liberality to persons of all sects, attempts to educate the youth of the country without religion. For our parts we should like to see every denomination of Christians taking active measures to establish schools on denominational principles.”
These hints contain the germ, at least, of important principles. It would be much more desirable, however, to Christianize the government, so that instead of being agents in diffusing “indifferentism” and error, the civil institutions of the country might become active instruments in promoting the interests of vital religion.
Note C.
We quote with pleasure the following sentiments. “None should be elected to office, but those who acknowledge the truth of religion and respect the ordinances of God.” Biblical Repertory, Oct., 1832, p. 520.
“But let both the candidates for their support be such men, that either, if elected to office, will be a public blessing, sagacious, good, industrious, an example to the people, fearing God and hating covetousness, a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do well.” Sermon by Rev. J.M. Krebs, New York, on the National Fast, May 14, 1841.
Note D.
The following brief remark speaks volumes, considering the quarter from which it comes.
“It is probably the regret of all pious men, that the Constitution of the United States never recognises the being or providence of God.” Biblical Repertory, Oct., 1832, p. 519.