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I. GOVERNMENT IS OF GOD. It has its germ and root in the fatherly relationship. The early patriarch was monarch of his own house, lord of his own castle and flocks, and of the keeper thereof.

II. GOVERNMENT AS OF GOD IS TO BE OBEYED. Conscience, which binds us by direct ties to the throne of God, must, of course, always be obeyed.

III. GOVERNMENT AS OF GOD IS TO OCCUPY A FOREMOST PLACE IN OUR PETITIONS. First of all — too often, indeed, it is last of all, and sometimes seldom at all.

IV. GOVERNMENT BLESSED BY GOD WILL THUS ENSURE THE WEAL OF MAN.

(W. M. Statham.)

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KJV: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

WEB: I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: