but from God : and those that are, are ordained of God.
"Therefore he that resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God. And they that resist purchase to themselves damnation. . . .
" For he is God's minister to thee, for good. But if thou do that which is evil, fear; for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is God's minister: an avenger, to execute wrath upon him that doth evil.
" Wherefore be subject of necessity, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake."
And St. Peter in his first letter (ii. 13, 15) writes: "Be ye subject, therefore, to every human creature for God's sake: whether it be to the King as excelling, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of the good.
" For so is the will of God, that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men."
3. Our holy religion, therefore, plainly commands that we should regard those possessed of lawful authority as the representatives of God and should honor them as such, obeying them cheerfully, as long as they command nothing which is incompatible with the commandments of God and of His Church. Obey, therefore, the civil authorities for the love of God, not merely from compulsion or fear of punishment. The example of Jesus Christ and of His apostles teaches this obedience.
The Founder of our holy Church, our Blessed Saviour, gave an example of submission to the laws of the State; He never violated them, unless indeed they were not in harmony with the laws of His heavenly Father. Regarding the coin of
