cams_benton_b028_f012_002_008

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"A man may, then, on conscientious grounds,
refuse to obey a given law. In that case he, as an
individual, may not resist the government, & because
he is aggrieved, stir up a people to revolt; but he may
decline to obey, & so suffer the consequences, & take
the penalty. As the quakers have done in respect to performing military duty. Duty to God & fidelity to Christ may
require him to do so. Duty required it of Daniel
& his companions in Babylon. Duty required it of
Peter & John in Jerusalem." Duty required of the
mid-wives in Egypt; – and of the people under Saul.
It may yet require it of us; & those who come after us.

There is still another exception
to this unconditional submission to rulers; now
universally acknowledged in all free countries.
It is even implied in my text. We are com-
-manded to submit to governors, as to those who
are sent "for the punishment of evil-doers, &
for the praise of them that do well". But, what
if they fail to do this! What, if they let the guilty
go unwhipped of justice! What, if they refuse to show
favor, & give encouragement, & dispense blessings
to such as do well! What, if they employ their
opportunities to enrich themselves by plunder; – to
filch their earnings from the industrious; – and to glut
their evil passions by preying on the innocent? –