n are very often obliged to do, as a
vehement man; forever striking must the contrast remain between the
greatest of all ages and all countries, and Him, who was indeed tempted
in all things like as we are, but who alone was never overcome.

Without doubt the Savior of the world directed his attention to
political life, and Christianity and politics are in no wise
antagonistic. On the contrary, it is the aim of Christianity to elevate
and ennoble even earthly relations; it is the true religion of the
people. No saying is so misunderstood, so entirely twisted from its
real meaning, as that uttered by Christ: "My kingdom is not of this
world." This earth, the theatre of divine love and power, is
represented as a vale of tears--a welcome doctrine to all secular and
spiritual lords, who, through its spread, have only the less opposition
to fear against their iron rule; and, only the more secure in the
enjoyment of their state, agree in making it truly an abode of sorrow
to millions of their subjects. There is no doubt that Christianity
teaches us to bear and suffer; no doubt that it says: "Whosoever shall
smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also," and
"whosoever shall compel thee to go with him one mile, go with him
twain;" no doubt that it teaches the duty of submission to rulers, and
has no sympathy with rebellion and self-aid, by resort to arms; yet far
more strongly and impressively does this same Christianity speak to
magistrates and rulers, and tell them? that men are not born lords and
slaves, but brethren, and that they are the greatest who are the
servants of all. Christianity wishes no forms of government, nor will
it make them lawful, yea necessary, whilst overgrown wealth may find
out means to chain down despairing poverty, by which reckless
debauchery may riot in palaces, whilst in the hut, hard by, the
restless laborer cannot earn bread enough to prolong his miserable
existence. It will have the right to moderate enjoyment purchased by
self-control and self-denial, and the capability to govern proven by
the capability and practice of obedience; along with greater rights it
places greater duties; with greater advantages it invariably connects
greater burdens--and whilst it enjoins submission to God as an equal
duty upon all, it does not make order in the state rest upon parchments
or voluminous codes of laws, upon standing armies or public prisons,
but upon the law written in the heart, upon lo