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not have any power against Me, unless it were given tliee from above” 
(John xix. 11). “By God kings reign and law-givers decree just things” 
(Prov. viii, 15). 
Therefore, lawful superiors, whether secular or spiritual, must be 
obeyed, that is, as long as they command nothing contrary to God's law. 
On the other hand, persons who are in authority ought to remember 
that “ a most severe judgment will he for those who hear rule” (Wisd. vi. 
6). The higher the post, the greater the responsibility. 
Governors ought above all to study the real welfare of their subjects; 
since this is the purpose of their appointment. The princes of the earth 
are God’s ministers for the good of mankind (Pom. xiii. 4). 
Eulers ought moreover to be impartial, and treat all without distinc¬ 
tion, whether rich or poor, with equal kindness, remembering “there is no 
respect of persons with God” (Pom. ii. 11). 
Those who are in authority must also beware of acting unjustly, or 
of allowing themselves to be corrupted by bribes (Exod. xxiii. 8). They 
must not favor the rich and powerful, and be induced to give unjust judg¬ 
ment, as was the unhappy Pilate. 
Then, no man should ever be condemned unheard. If any one went 
to Alexander the Great with a charge against another, he used to close one 
ear, saying: “I give one ear to the accuser, the other to the accused” 
Even God, who is omniscient, did not condemn Adam until He had heard 
his defense and proved to him his guilt. 
Furthermore, those who are in high places ought to set a good ex¬ 
ample, because deeds are more eloquent than words. 
“Not from gray hairs authority doth flow, 
Nor from bald heads, nor from a wrinkled brow; 
But our past life, when virtuously spent. 
Must to our age those happy fruits present.” 
— Denham. 
