But Peter and John answered and said unto them
With great boldness and courage, and without any fear of man, but
in the true fear of God whether it be right in the sight of
God;
who is omniscient, and sees, and knows all things, all the
actions of men, and the springs of them; who is holy, just, and
true, and sits and judges among the gods, that which is right:
to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge
ye:
it is not denied that magistrates are to be hearkened to, and
obeyed: but not more than God, or in things that are contrary to
his nature, will, law, honour, and glory: whatever is agreeable
to the law and will of God, commanded by magistrates, should be
attended to, and cheerfully obeyed; but what is not should be
disregarded, whatever follows upon it: and this was so just and
reasonable, that the apostles appeal to the sanhedrim, or council
itself, to determine.
Acts 4:19
