The Bible, the Covenanters and Civil Government

(The pdf file connected with this address is the sermon delivered by the Covenanter John Guthrie, and taken from the collection of 'Sermons in Times of Persecution in Scotland.' Also includes the Solemn League and Covenant of 1643; the breach of which occasioned Guthrie's sermon in 1663).

1.Biblical principle of civil government and our duty to civil rulers
2.Covenanting history
3.Conclusions

1. i) Our duty
   We have an obligation to submit to ungodly government unless required to sin. Rom 12:19; 1 Pet 2:13,14; Act 4:19; 5:29
   ii) The duty of the State
   The Lord Jesus is to be acknowledged as King over all nations by rulers, as individuals but also in their public office. Acts 4:24-28 ; Psa 2. All nations are either in submission to or rebellion against Christ.

iii) National Covenants
Joshua 9:18. The descending obligation of national covenants demonstrated from Scripture.
iv) Principles of self defence and resistance to rulers.
Examples of lawful self defence and Christ's teaching on the use of arms
v) The right of the people to remove a wicked ruler
Principles of submission and resistance to pagan and professed Christian rulers

2. i) Rullion Green (1666).
   ii) The killing of Archbishop Sharpe (1679)
   iii) Cameron – The Sanquar Declaration (1680)
   iv) Revolution Settlement (1688)

3. Conclusions