Isaiah 28:6 And for a spirit of judgment to him that sits in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate. Next to the enactment of just and wholesome laws, the due administration of them is of the highest importance to a community. If the distribution of justice in secular kingdoms, and in relation to the affairs of this life, is of so great moment, it must be of still greater importance in that society which is styled "the kingdom of heaven," and in relation to things connected with the eternal interests of men. I. THE WARRANTS AND NATURE OF ECCLESIASTICAL JUDICATURE. Religious society has its foundation in the very nature of man considered as a social being. Christ, as King of His Church, hath appointed a government in her, and committed to office bearers, under Him, a power to execute His laws, and pronounce judgment according to them, for the preservation of order and peace, and the promoting of the interests of truth and holiness to His glory. The overlooking of the important ends to be served by the Church as a visible society is a capital error, or at least has been the source of many hurtful mistakes in our own as well as in former times. To ecclesiastical judges belong the interpretation of the laws of Christ, by a judicial declaration of truth in opposition to prevailing error, and of duty in opposition to prevailing sins; and the application of these laws to such cases as occur. 1. Ecclesiastical judgment is spiritual, in distinction from that which is civil or secular. 2. Ecclesiastical judgment is ministerial and executive, not lordly or legislative. Christ is the sole lawgiver in His spiritual kingdom; and the proper business of the office bearers whom He hath appointed is to interpret and carry into execution those laws which He has given forth and enrolled in His statute book. 3. It is public and authoritative. There is a right of private judgment, called by divines the judgment of discretion, which belongs to all the members of the Church, and extends to every thing connected with religion, and among others to the decisions of ecclesiastical judicatories. But there must be also lodged, in every well-ordered society, a power of pronouncing by its proper organs, a public judgment for deciding disputes and controversies which may arise, and for determining the manner in which its affairs shall be conducted. 4. It is to be exercised by select persons set apart for this purpose, and not by the community of the faithful. "In the multitude of counsellors is safety," in opposition to the danger incurred by him who relies on his own judgment, of the advice of one or two favourites; but counsellors consist of a select number taken from many. 5. It is to be exercised by them jointly, and in parity. The only monarchical power in the Church is exercised by Jesus Christ. II. THE SPIRIT WHICH IS REQUISITE FOR THE EXERCISE OF ECCLESIASTICAL JUDGMENT, and which is promised in the text. Jesus Christ is not only the exemplar, but also the foundation of all qualifications for ruling in the Church (Isaiah 11:2-4). 1. I begin with the fear of the Lord, or a deep sense of religion. This is the ground into which all the other qualities must be wrought. 2. The spirit of wisdom and understanding. A good heart and upright intentions are not enough here. Knowledge, prudence, and discernment are peculiarly requisite for the management of public affairs. Those who are invested with office in the Church must be men "full of wisdom," as well as "of the Holy Ghost." 3. The spirit of disinterestedness and impartiality. This is "the spirit of judgment" — when the individual is sunk in the public functionary — when on crossing the threshold of the sanctuary and ascending the seat of judgment he forgets self and all worldly considerations. 4. A spirit of patience and meekness. 5. The spirit of holy resolution and courage. 6. The spirit of humility and dependence on God. III. PRACTICAL LESSONS. 1. The great importance of ecclesiastical discipline, and of preserving it in its scriptural purity and primitive vigour. Evangelical and vital religion cannot flourish generally or permanently in any Church where this is neglected. 2. We may see one duty incumbent on those who have devoted themselves to the public service of the Church. To preach the gospel is a principal part of their employment, but it is not the whole of it. It is possible that a person may be able to make a sermon which shall be both acceptable and edifying, and, after all, be but poorly qualified for "taking care of the Church of God." 3. We may learn what care ought to be exercised in choosing and setting apart those who are to bear office in the Church. 4. We may see the scriptural grounds of subjection to the authority, and obedience to the determinations of church rulers. These are, the Divine institutions of ecclesiastical government, the connection between it and the regal glory of Christ, and the salutary influence which it is calculated to exert upon all other Divine institutions, as well as upon the peace, unity, order, purity, and general prosperity of the Church as a visible and diffusive society. 5. Our subject suggests suitable exercise on occasion of the meeting of ecclesiastical judicatories. It was a custom in the better times of our Church to set apart a day for fasting and prayer before the meeting of a General Assembly, to entreat the Divine countenance to its deliberations. (T. M'Crie, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate. |
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