cams_benton_b028_f012_002_004

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*As the minister of God, he is to do, not his own will, but what God com-
-mands such ministers to do; – & is to be respected ac-
-cordingly. He is not to act rashly, or with temerity; – nor
to proceed upon his own responsibility; – but by the
authority of God. Until the J justice of God may
be restrained from the punishment of crimes, – no
one can object to the infliction of public vengeance on
offenders; for it is the will of God. And, if officers of
the law wish to approve their piety, justice, & integ-
-rity, before God, they must yield a constant &
ready obedience to the requirements of their Stations.

[* This text bracketed together, with "set up" written on the bracket]

It is, therefore, one of the first duties
of all men, toward magistrates & others, to entertain the
most honorable sentiments towa in respect to their calling
& functions; knowing these to be delegated to them
from God; &, on that account, rendering them worthy
of esteem. & reverence. We are to submit to them
in authority; not merely from a dread of their
power; not as to our armed enemy; but because
obedience rendered to them is obedience to God.
"I am not speaking of the persons, as if the mask
of dignity ought to palliate or excuse folly, ignorance,
or cruelty, & conduct the most nefarious & flagitious,
and so to acquire for vices the praise due to vir-
-tues; but I affirm that the station itself is worthy