SUBJECT TO THE POWERS THAT BE.
By A. P. Lawton
Rom. xiii, 1, 2, 3. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers; for there are no powers but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God, &c. Titus iii, 1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, &c. 1 Pet. ii, 13. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto governors as them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well These texts are quoted in defense of Sunday. If we have no higher authority then it is our duty to submit; but if subordinate officers rebel against laws of their king, we are not under obligation to obey, but refer them to their king as supreme. God says the seventh day is the Sabbath. We are to obey the powers that be, or the law giver until it is shown that the power that made the law has abrogated or changed it. This no one has yet been able to do. It is the officers that are not subject to the powers that be. There are no powers but of God. Sunday keeping is not of God, hence it is not to be recognized as a power. Rulers of different grades are ordained of God. Men abuse or pervert this power and are rebels to government. Rulers are to be a terror to those who do evil, and a praise to them that do well. Those who keep the laws of the king, not those who break them, are those that do well. If the laws of these rulers interfere with the laws of God we are to obey God rather than man, and fear not those who kill the body; &c. The time doubtless is near when we shall be obliged to look this subject in the face, and decide whether it is right to obey God or man. W. Winfield, N. Y., March 6, 1862.