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Letter to Editor
December 17, 1850
New York Daily Tribune
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
Letter to Tribune editor challenges the notion that governments ordained by God must be obeyed unconditionally, using a hypothetical despotic regime suppressing free speech and press as example; editor declines theological debate and refers to experts. (187 characters)
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OCR Quality
98%
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Full Text
The Higher and the Lower Law.
To the Editor of The Tribune:
I am somewhat obfuscated by the many recent discourses about the "powers that be," being "ordained of God"—can, and will you, enlighten me by replying to the following?
Suppose some Nero or Caligula should imbibe the idea that our Government is not the real, true, genuine one that it ought to be, and should be able, by revolution or conquest, to overthrow it, and establish a despotic one, (absolutely so.) and one of its laws should forbid the Freedom of Speech and of the Press, and make the penalty for its violation, Death by the most approved method adopted by the Inquisition—Would resistance to this new government, or this new law, be a resistance of God's ordinance? and, to make the case stronger, we will suppose the above law has been adjudicated and pronounced right and proper, by the "properly organised department of the government."
One Who Wants Light.
Not being addicted to the untying of Theological knots, we turn over our inquiring friend to Rev. Dr. Moses Stuart, Rev. J. S. Spencer, the Journal of Commerce, or some other advocate of the Right Divine of rulers to 'govern wrong.' We are not of their number. [Ed. Trib.
To the Editor of The Tribune:
I am somewhat obfuscated by the many recent discourses about the "powers that be," being "ordained of God"—can, and will you, enlighten me by replying to the following?
Suppose some Nero or Caligula should imbibe the idea that our Government is not the real, true, genuine one that it ought to be, and should be able, by revolution or conquest, to overthrow it, and establish a despotic one, (absolutely so.) and one of its laws should forbid the Freedom of Speech and of the Press, and make the penalty for its violation, Death by the most approved method adopted by the Inquisition—Would resistance to this new government, or this new law, be a resistance of God's ordinance? and, to make the case stronger, we will suppose the above law has been adjudicated and pronounced right and proper, by the "properly organised department of the government."
One Who Wants Light.
Not being addicted to the untying of Theological knots, we turn over our inquiring friend to Rev. Dr. Moses Stuart, Rev. J. S. Spencer, the Journal of Commerce, or some other advocate of the Right Divine of rulers to 'govern wrong.' We are not of their number. [Ed. Trib.
What sub-type of article is it?
Philosophical
Political
Provocative
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Constitutional Rights
Morality
What keywords are associated?
Divine Right
Gods Ordinance
Resistance To Tyranny
Freedom Of Speech
Freedom Of Press
Despotic Government
Inquisition Penalty
What entities or persons were involved?
One Who Wants Light.
To The Editor Of The Tribune
Letter to Editor Details
Author
One Who Wants Light.
Recipient
To The Editor Of The Tribune
Main Argument
questions whether resistance to a despotic government that overthrows the existing one, establishes absolute despotism, and enacts laws forbidding freedom of speech and press with death penalties (upheld by government adjudication) would constitute resistance to god's ordinance.
Notable Details
Hypothetical Scenario Involving Nero Or Caligula Overthrowing Government
Law Forbidding Freedom Of Speech And Press With Death By Inquisition Methods
Reference To 'Powers That Be' Ordained Of God
Editor's Response Referring To Rev. Dr. Moses Stuart, Rev. J. S. Spencer, And Journal Of Commerce