Gold Nugget 357 - Secular Government
Individual men cannot wage a war or declare a truce. But the units constitute nations. If each is peaceable the nation is peaceable. Insignificant people have vast power for harm if they choose to execute it. It should be understood that seditious conduct is not only a political offence, it is a sin in the sight of God, a cruelty to the many people who it disturbs and injures. …
We all reap benefits from the state. It is mean to accept them without taking our part in bearing the burdens of the state. There are people who deny the right of Christian men to take part in “worldly politics,” yet these people are glad to avail themselves of the protection and other advantages which are provided for them by the secular government they affect to despise. …
We are members one of another. There is a general harmony and health of the whole body, over and above the well-being of each member, when all work together for the mutual good. As individual men, we have great reason to be thankful for the general prosperity of the nation and for the maintenance of public peace. …
To be in opposition is no excuse for being in sedition. Unless we can change the government it is foolish and wrong to revolt against it. The nation is larger than the government.
The Pulpit Commentary, Jeremiah p. 590, Jeremiah 29:7, (W. F. Adeney)
Gold Nugget 357
Secular Government
