Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/593



Now many, including ourselves, resist the governing authorities for another reason, supposing that this resistance is justified and condoned by faith. The priesthood has been invested with power and riches by the Emperor, am it has allied itself with his authority so that it might cover up its evil and hypocritical life. Therefore it praises this authority for its own advantage, and even includes it in its structure of faith as an integral part.

Therefore we repeat that the secular governing authority is compulsatory, and therefore not in the position to be of very much help to faith.

(:It is spiritually weak, appeasing consciences by giving out occasional crumbs of goodness; this enables it to maintain a semblance of order, at least for the time being. This is, in effect, what the secular authorities Say to the Church:)

"Priests, do not eat your bread for nothing! Drive your flock to the lords so that they may watch over it with their swords and nasty goats!"

(:And we say to the state:)

“And you, sons of the scepter, sit, render account and repent for cheating the people of their souls and possessions!" 192*