Charity (Whitehead) n. 161

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161. (II.) Charity in Magistrates. By magistrates are meant the highest functionaries in kingdoms, commonwealths, provinces, cities, and societies, who have jurisdiction over them in civil affairs. Each one of them in his own place, if he looks to the Lord and shuns evils as sins, and sincerely, justly, and faithfully performs the work of his exalted office, does the good of use to the community and the individuals in the community continually and becomes charity in form. And this he does when he is influenced by an affection for the good of the subjects or citizens; and when he is so influenced he is moved, in common with men that are wise and fear God, to establish useful laws, to see that they are observed, and especially to live under them; and also to appoint intelligent and at the same time benevolent officers under him over the people, through whom, under his supervision, judgment and justice shall reign, and continually effect the good of the community. He will regard himself as highest in the order of those that serve others; and thus not as the head, for the head leads all things of its body from love and wisdom in itself, and the Lord alone is Love and Wisdom in itself; by whom he too will be led as a servant.


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