Qualifications for Public Office

The is a continuation of the 10-28 post from Messiah the Prince or, The Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ by William Symington, D.D., 1884 Edition, Chapter VIII The Mediatorial Dominion Over the Nations, Part Three: Moral and Religious Qualifications:

It is not every individual who is qualified to hold office in a nation. Good natural talents, a cultivated mind, and a due share of acquaintance with the constitution and laws of the country, seem indispensable. Scripture, not less than common sense, discountences the practice of setting feeble intellect to bear rule. 'Wo unto thee, O land, when thy king is a child! Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men. Take ye wise men and understanding, and I will make them rulers over you.' (Eccl. x. 16; Exod. xviii. 21; Deut. i. 13)

Not less essential are moral qualifications. High and incorruptable integrity, well regulated mercy, strict veracity, and exemplary temperance, are all specified with approbation in the Word of God. 'Moreover, thou shalt provide out of all the people men of truth, hating covetousness. He that ruleth over men must be just. Mercy and truth preserve the king, and his throne is upholden by mercy. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes to strong drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgement of any of the afflicted.' (Exod. xviii. 21; 2 Sam. xxiii. 3; Prov. xx. 28, xxxi 4, 5.)

Nay, more than this, religious qualifications are required in the Scriptures. A profession of religion would seem to be implied in the canon: 'One from among thy brethren shall thou set over thee; thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, who is not thy brother.' (Deut. xvii. 15.)

But true religion of the soul is also specified. 'Thou shalt provide out of all the people such as fear God. (Exod. xviii. 21; 2 Sam. xxiii. 3.)

It is needless to say, that the fear of God is spoken of in Scripture as the very essence and sum of true piety. 'The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. I will put my fear in their hearts, and they shall not depart from me.'