Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/431



The second peculiarity with which Constantine defiled the true faith and imitation of God among the first Christians was shown when he joined faith with pagan dominion, assuming power over the Christians when he became one of their members. And I consider this a serious matter: having become one of them he did not take into consideration that the condition of the Christians bound them so firmly to obedience to God that they could not deviate in any way from His law, that a Christian must obey God only, not turning to any other law which would only swerve him from the divine statutes and obedience to them. Constantine who entered the fold of faith subjected the Christians to pagan law and procedure in order that they conduct their affairs in accordance with pagan civil laws (which affairs they conducted before in accordance with divine commandments). Whenever there was filed a suit or any other injustice committed, they had to go with their complaints to pagan officials in court in order that the injustices be settled through pagan authority and law. Chap. XIV, p.83*.

111*