Page:St. Paul's behaviour towards the civil magistrate.pdf/5

 dare to judge when their privileges were invaded; and much more, that he being a Christian, and an apostle, a follower of a crucified Master, and a preacher of the doctrine of the cross, ought not to shew any concern about worldly rights and privileges; but think it a glory rather to give them up to the invasion of his superiors. Thus, I say, might some Christians have taught St. Paul to have behaved himself. But he, we find, was of another opinion; and had very differing sentiments concerning these matters. He thought it no argument of a christian spirit to suffer any thing which he could honourably avoid; and he thought it honourable to plead the privileges of a subject against the encroachments of the higher powers: and so he appeals to the laws, and claims the right of being used by the executive power no otherwise than as they direct.

2. If we follow him a little farther, we shall find him in the next chapter brought, by order of the same chief captain, before the chief priests and council of the Jews, to see how he could acquit himself to them. Upon his declaring his sincerity, and uprightness the high-priest, Ananias, commanded them that stood by to smite him on the mouth. St. Paul's reply was very severe, God shall smite thee thou whited wall: For sitteth thou there to judge me after the