"NO JUDGE IN SUCH MATTERS."
By Roswell F. Cottrell
SOME there were in olden times who took the right view of the duties and prerogatives of the civil magistrate, recognizing the true distinction between Church and State. Such an one was Gallio, of Corinth. The Jews had brought Paul before his tribunal, saying, "This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law." But Gallio seemed to understand that, as a civil judge, it was not for him to decide how men should worship God. Said he: "If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you; but if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters." Human laws are for the protection of men in the exercise of their natural rights. They are to restrain men from wrongs and injuries against others. But it is not for men to legislate for God, and to determine how he shall be worshiped; nor for judges to enforce the dogmas of the church. As long as a person does not infringe upon the rights of others, he is at liberty to judge for himself of his duty toward God.
R. F. COTTRELL.