Wesley Corpus

It is the very point in question. We allow, Christ does here expressly command, to acknow ledge no such authority of any, as the Jews paid their Rabbies, whom they usually styled either Fathers or Masters; implicitly believing all they affirmed, and obeying all they enjoined. But we deny, that he expressly commands, to acknowledge no authority of governors, in things purely indifferent, whether they relate to the worship of God, or other matters. You attempt to prove it by the following words: “‘One is your Master’ and Lawgiver, “even Christ; and all ye are brethren;’ (Matt. xxiii. 8, 9;) all Christians; having no dominion over one another.” True; no such dominion as their Rabbies claimed; but in all things indifferent, Christian Magistrates have dominion. As to your inserting, “ and Lawgiver,” in the preceding clause, you have no authority from the text; for it is not plain, that our Lord is here speaking of himself in that capacity. A 3xxx xxos, the word here rendered “Master,” you well know, conveys no such idea. It should rather have been translated “Teacher.” And indeed the whole text primarily relates to doctrines. But you cite another text: “The Princes of the Gen tiles exercise dominion over them; but it shall not be so among you.” (Matt. xx. 25.) Very good; that is, Christian Pastors shall not exercise such dominion over their flock, as heathen Princes do over their subjects. Most sure; but, without any violation of this, they may appoint how things shall “be done decently and in order.” “But Christ is the sole Lawgiver, Judge, and Sovereign in his Church.” (Page 12.) He is the sole sovereign Judge and Lawgiver. But it does not follow (what you continually infer) that there are no subordinate judges therein; nor, that there are none who have power to make regulations therein in subordination to Him. King George is sovereign judge and lawgiver in these realms. But are there no subordinate judges? Nay, are there not many who have power to make rules or laws in their own little communities? And how does this “invade his authority and throne?” Not at all, unless they contradict the laws of his kingdom.