I am accused also with Sedition and Faction, and for being the chief ring-leader of Sects, &c. But I may well say, with my old friend, St. Paul (who was accused by Tertullus in like sort) being called a pestilent Fellow, and a mover of Sedition, &c. Acts 24.5. I am clear from this evil Charge, neither can they prove this Accusation against me, I have been travelling up and down in most parts of the earth for almost six thousand years, and 'tis strange, were I really guilty, that none should come forth and prove it against me. Therefore know ye, that the Doctrine, I True Godliness, the Off-spring of Jehovah, the darling of Heaven, do, and ever did teach upon this account, is this, viz. That Husbands ought to love their Wives, Wives to obey their Husbands, Children to honour their Parents, and Parents to carry it wisely towards their Children, and to bring them up in ⟨p. 79⟩the fear and nurture of the Lord. Servants to obey their Masters, and Masters to carry it well towards their Servants; and Neighbours to live in love one with another, and Subjects to obey their Prince. Did I not ever teach this Doctrine, viz. That all Men ought to be subject to Principalities, to obey Magistrates, and to be ready to every good work, Tit. 3.1. And if Christians at any time are by their Superiors required to do such things, that they conceive are contrary to the Word and Will of God, then I bid them patiently to suffer, and not to resist, but to learn of my blessed Master, who when he was reviled, reviled not again, and when he suffered, he threatened not. But palpable 'tis, if men are bound to submit to their Superiors in all things, in Divine matters whatsoever, then the Apostles were faulty, who in spiritual things cried out, Whether it be right in the sight of God, 1to hearken to you rather than God, judg ye. Besides, this would cause Persecution for ever to cease, and charge all the Martyrs in every Age of the World, not only with disobedience, but also with folly; and then also it would follow, whatsoever Religion in any Nation, the chief Magistrate thereof does set up, must be subjected to, which sure no wise man will say ought to be done; therefore I am for rendering to Caesar the things which are Caesars, and unto God the things that are Gods, Mark 12.17.
I am accused also with Sedition and Faction, and for being the chief ring-leader of Sects, &c. But I may well say, with my old friend, St. Paul (who was accused by Tertullus in like sort) being called a pestelent Fellow, and a mover of Sedition, &c. Acts 24.5. I am clear from this evil Charge, neither can they prove this Accusation against me, I have been travelling up and down in most parts of the earth for almost six thousand years, and 'tis strange, were I really guilty, that none should come forth and prove it against me. Therefore know ye, that the Doctrine, I True Godliness, the Off-spring of Jehovah, the darling of Heaven, do, and ever did teach upon this account, is this, viz. That Husbands ought to love their Wives, Wives to obey their Husbands, Children to honour their Parents, and Parents to carry it wisely towards their Children, and to bring them up in ⟨p. 79⟩the fear and nurture of the Lord. Servants to obey their Masters, and Masters to carry it well towards their Servants; and Neighbours to live in love one with another, and Subjects to obey their Prince. Did I not ever teach this Doctrine, viz. That all Men ought to be subject to Principalities, to obey Magistrates, and to be ready to every good work, Tit. 3.1. And if Christians at any time are by their Superiors required to do such things, that they conceive are contrary to the Word and Will of God, then I bid them patiently to suffer, and not to resist, but to learn of my blessed Master, who when he was reviled, reviled not again, and when he suffered, he threatned not. But palpable 'tis, if men are bound to submit to their Superiors in all things, in Divine matters whatsoever, then the Apostles were faulty, who in spiritual things cry'd out, Whether it be right in the sight of God, 1to hearken to you rather than God, judg ye. Besides, this would cause Persecution for ever to cease, and charge all the Martyrs in every Age of the World, not only with disobedience, but also with folly; and then also it would follow, whatsoever Religion in any Nation, the chief Magistrate thereof does set up, must be subjected to, which sure no wise man will say ought to be done; therefore I am for rendring to Caesar the things which are Caesars, and unto God the things that are Gods, Mark 12.17.
- 1Acts 4.19.
