Religious Liberty
The principle for which the disciples stood so fearlessly when, in
answer to the command not to speak any more in the name of Jesus,
they declared, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken
unto you more than unto God, judge ye,” [
Acts 4:19
.] is the same
that the adherents of the gospel struggled to maintain in the days of
the Reformation. When in 1529 the German princes assembled at
the Diet of Spires, there was presented the emperor’s decree restrict-
ing religious liberty, and prohibiting all further dissemination of the
reformed doctrines. It seemed that the hope of the world was about
to be crushed out. Would the princes accept the decree? Should the
light of the gospel be shut out from the multitudes still in darkness?
Mighty issues for the world were at stake. Those who had accepted
the reformed faith met together, and their unanimous decision was,
“Let us reject this decree. In matters of conscience the majority has no
power.” [
D’Aubigne: “History of the Reformation,” Book 13, Chap.
5.
]
This principle we in our day are firmly to maintain. The banner
of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of the gospel
church and by God’s witnesses during the centuries that have passed
since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands.
The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has
blessed with a knowledge of His word. We are to receive this word
as supreme authority. We are to recognize human government as an
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ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred
duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with
the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God’s word
must be recognized as above all human legislation. A “Thus saith the
Lord” is not to be set aside for a “Thus saith the church” or a “Thus
saith the state.” The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems
of earthly potentates.
We are not required to defy authorities. Our words, whether spoken
or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on
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