R. F. COTTRELL by R. F. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Apr 18, 1865

R. F. COTTRELL

By R. F. Cottrell

I THINK we ought to make a wide distinction between fighting in defense of the government, and murder. The Lord makes use of the civil magistrate for the punishment of evil doers, and we are told, "He beareth not the sword in vain." If it would be wrong to class the sheriff who hangs the murderer with the murderer himself, it is wrong to class the soldier who fights in defense of the government against rebellion, with the murderers that have made an insurrection against the government. Although we do not, as Christians, see it our duty to engage in the great national struggle impending; although we do not feel it duty to fight with carnal weapons; yet we would appreciate the blessings which God gives us through civil governments, and we would be far from reproaching as murderers the defenders of our free, civil institutions and ourselves, against the violence of those who would enslave mankind.