The theologian has committed a great error in making the kingdom of heaven a historic affair, supposing that the death of Jesus terminated the first, and introduced the second dispensation, not seeming to understand that the _character_ of the government determined to which dispensation it belonged irrespective of time or place. That government which is instituted with respect to, and is administered upon the principles of selfishness and force, is Mosaic, no matter in what age or by whom administered. All civil and ecclesiastical governments which are external and forceful belong to the Mosaic, no matter by what names they may be called. A moment’s reflection will demonstrate to a mind of ordinary intelligence and information, that all external human governments are of this character. We have no Christian governments exercising power and compelling external obedience to law. The very supposition is an absurdity. The very moment a government is organized, and clothes itself with external force, its _Christian_ character is destroyed. Christianity, in its true spiritual and saving character, acts only from _within_ the _individual_. It is not a government over men or among men. It is a government in man. It cleanses the _inside_ of the cup and the platter, and _thence_ makes clean the outside. Christians have no need of governments to keep them in the right way. Understand me—_real_ Christians, not _professing_ ones. They have no uses for institutions, for each obeys the right, and takes upon himself the labor of all needful charities. Thus it will be found to be a truth of universal applicability, that wherever institutions, and especially legal institutions, are found necessary, the people are not Christians, no matter what creed they profess. Christianity pertains to _character_, not _creed_. External institutions are incompatible with true Christianity. Both can not live and act together in the same individual. Men have been conscious of this, and hence have been involved in doubt and difficulty as to their duties. But there need be no difficulty on this point. Let it be understood, that the man who feels the needs of outward restraint belongs to the Mosaic government, and by it he must be governed; that all men who are under the dominion of their selfish natures have not put on Christ, and hence are under Moses. Such are under the law, and must be continued under “tutors and governors.”