Prelacy, abjured in the Solemn League of the three kingdoms, was, at the Revolution, established in England and Ireland, and the supremacy of the monarch as head of the National Church, and in “all causes, civil and ecclesiastical,” was declared to be an inherent prerogative of the crown.  These evils yet exist in the civil and ecclesiastical establishments of these countries; and others have in recent years been added, such as the admission of papists to places of power and trust throughout the nation, the national endowment of popish institutions, and the public favour shown by rulers to the Antichristian system.  The national policy in these instances and others that might be mentioned, is wholly inconsistent with the doctrine of the Redeemer’s Headship in its legitimate application, and is the source of many of the evils that in our day corrupt and degrade the Church of England, and that prevent the developement and prevalence of genuine Protestantism throughout the nation.  The Presbyterian Churches that claim descent from the covenanting reformers and martyrs, should seriously consider whether they do not compromise a faithful testimony, and encourage national apostacy, by incorporating with a civil system that refuses homage to the reigning Mediator, and obedience to the authoritative prescriptions of His word.

The rising youth of the Church should carefully study in its legitimate application, and vitally important consequences, the grand article of Renwick’s testimony,—­the Redeemer’s Headship over the Church and the nations, and the cognate principles of the supremacy of the word, the spiritual independence of the Church, and the claim of the subjection of the nation and its rulers to the authority of the reigning Mediator.  Whether viewed in the light of the past or of the present state of the nations, as of America, and the kingdoms of the antichristian earth; or of prophecy yet unfulfilled, a testimony for these truths is of grand and overwhelming importance.  This is emphatically, the present truth—­the cause of God and truth, now to be pleaded in the earth.  It is “the word of Christ’s patience,” which we are required to hold fast.  It is at our peril If we be found neutral here; our preservation from the coming “hour of temptation,” is alone to be expected in fidelity to the great trust committed to us.  We are assured in the faithful word of prophecy, that the Redeemer will ere long take to Him his power to reign.  The “Little Stone” shall bruise and break in pieces the feet and toes of the “great Image,”—­the representative of the world-powers,—­and become a “great mountain,” and fill the earth.  Then shall the cause for which Christ’s witnesses testified in sackcloth, and for which chosen martyrs died, gloriously triumph.  “The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ.”