“ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers; to obey magistrates.” —Titus iii, 1. “ Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but for conscience sake.” —Romans xiii, 5. The Christian Religion prescribes the duties of men in all the relations of human life. When St. Paul instituted Titus as bishop of the Church in the island of Crete, the inspired apostle incorporated the instructions of the Holy Ghost in the Epistle to Titus, wherein political duties are enjoined among the rest: “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers ; to obey magistrates.” So likewise, in the Epistle to the Romans, wherein God’s will reveals itself in the mighty sweep of his eternal purpose towards mankind, our subjection to civil government is duly enjoined : “ Let every soul be subject under the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resist- eth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power ? Do that which is good and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but for conscience sake. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also ; for they are God’s ministers attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due: custom to whom custom: honor to whom honor.” —(Rom. xiii. 1-8.)
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