Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/729



With these examples in our mind we can better understand the intention of Saint Paul, why he exhorted to pray for the governing powers. He saw the temptations which surrounded the Christians living in a pagan world. He prayed that they should not become contaminated by pagan hatreds. For satanic hatred is most naturally inherent in the ruling people, the kings and their ilk. It consumed Saul through many wars, and multitudes fell when he fell. Today also the ruling class oppresses the subjects. But if we are good Christians we must pray to God for these haughty people, that they might be turned by Him from the power of the Satan and from fighting and rebelling against truth. 261*