Page:The ethics of Hobbes (IA ethicsofhobbes00hobb).pdf/373
no dominion over their faith, but were helpers of their joy.
4. And for the actions of men which proceed from their consciences, the regulating of which actions is the only means of peace, if they might not stand with justice, it were impossible that justice towards God, and peace amongst men, should stand together in that religion that teacheth us, that "justice and peace shall kiss each other," and in which we have so many precepts of absolute obedience to human authority; as Matth. xxiii. 2, 3, we have this precept: "The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat; all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do." And yet were the Scribes and Pharisees not priests, but men of temporal authority. Again Luke xi. 17: "Every kingdom divided against itself shall be desolate"; and is not that kingdom divided against itself, where the actions of every one shall be ruled by his private opinion, or conscience, and yet those actions such as give occasion of offence and breach of peace? Again Rom. xiii. 5: "Wherefore you must be subject, not because of wrath only, but also for conscience sake." Titus iii. 1: "Put them in remembrance, that they may be subject to principalities and powers." 1 Peter ii, 13, 14: "Submit yourselves unto all manner of ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake, whether it be unto the king, as unto the superior, or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers." Jude, verse 8: "These dreamers also that defile the flesh, and despise government, and speak evil of them that are in authority." And forasmuch as all subjects in commonwealths are in the nature of children and servants, that which is a command to them, is a command to all subjects. But to these St. Paul saith (Colos. iii. 20, 22): "Children, obey your parents in all things; servants, be obedient to your masters according to the flesh in all things." And verse 23: "Do