Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/499

145* people of his Lord; for this would involve pagan rule, compulsion through power in accordance with the ways of the heathens, that is, the people would have laws contrary to the law of Christ the King Jesus.

Cf. Chap.XIV, p.80*.

, p. 136*.

John 10:27.

secular authority.

Eph. 1:22–23.

temporal authority.

Chelc̄icky̍'s position represents an interesting echo of a similar interpretation attributed by Eusebius to Emperor Constantine. In chapter LXII of his he records the appeal of the dying Emperor, requesting the Christian bishops to confer upon him the rite of baptism. We quote from it: "The time is arrived in which I may receive the seal of salvation B eBe [sic] it so, then, without delay: for should it be His will who is Lord of Life and Death that I should be destined henceforth to associate with the people of God, and unite with them in prayer as a member of His Church,               " (Italics mine). After he had thus spoken, the prelates performed the sacred ceremonies in the usual manner Thus was Constantine the first of all sovereigns who was regenerated Thus gifted with the Divine seal of baptism, he rejoiced in spirit At the conclusion of the ceremony     ,    ,         ,         .' (Italics mine). Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, 2nd Series, vol. I: Eusebius. ("The Life of the Blessed Emperor Constantine by Eusebius Pamphilus"). Chapter LXII, p.556. (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1890).

sanction?

2-Sam.15:6ff.

i.e. a priest.