Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/623



(:However, the arguments of the Church ani of her wise doctors in defense of authority are not Christian.:)

Therefore no Christian should deviate from the path of faith in order. to follow the fmperor ani his sword, for indeed, the way of Christ has not been repealed just because the Emperor is "Christian." In the beginning, the Christians were obligated to follow Christ in patience and humility, and they are expected to persevere in this even unier the Emperors. If they have rejected patience for the purpose of defemiing the Emperor, they have been seduced from faith by the Emperor; they no longer are of the faith of Christ dut of the faith of the Emperor. He introduced the religion of the sword to the Christians. These were formerly beaten for the sake of Christ and were rewarded by him; now they stand guard with a sword, and expect to be rewarded by the Emperor. Where Caesar is, there they are too. Man shall be rewarded fittingly in accordance with what he believes. 207*