But further, not only because it is the command of God, does the Christian submit, but because _his submission tends to the glory and honour of God_. If he were to _refuse submission_, he would bring _disgrace_ upon that holy name whereby he is called. Whenever a professor of the Gospel becomes instrumental in stirring up sedition, or in exciting disorder and confusion in his country, all the evils he occasions are immediately charged by the enemies of God upon his principles; they lay it all to the score of _his religion_, as if that had a tendency to make him rebellious and disobedient, and thus the blame of all the mischief he foments is charged indirectly upon God himself, and thereby his name is dishonoured and profaned. But to the true Christian, brethren, this is matter of deep and unfeigned regret; the name of God is precious to him, His honour is dear to his soul; he cannot bear that He should be lightly esteemed, or that any reflection injurious to his character should be cast either on his word or on his works. And therefore, that he may never be instrumental to this, he submits himself to every ordinance of man. Nor is this all: if the name of God is dishonoured by the Christian's refusing submission, it is _honoured by his yielding it_. When he "leads a virtuous and godly life in all quietness and honesty," the power of the principles he holds is seen. Men are constrained to admit, that the religion he professes is something more than an empty name. They cannot deny its efficacy in subduing the unruly will, and regulating the sinful affections of the heart. Religion then appears what it really is, "the power of God unto salvation:"[14] and thus honour is brought to God's name. Seeing their good works, men glorify God in his people. But this is the point at which all the wishes, and prayers, and endeavours of the real Christian are constantly aiming. This is the object of his most ardent desires; this is the end that he is continually proposing to himself in all his thoughts, and words, and actions, that God, both in him and by him may be glorified; that "His name" may be "great among the heathen," and hence, therefore, as the apostle well expresses it, "he must needs be subject not only for wrath but also for conscience sake."[15] These then are the grounds on which the submission of the Christian is founded; this is the high motive from which it springs; he submits for _the Lord's sake_. And now, brethren, have I made the duty enjoined in the text plain to you? have I shown you in a scriptural manner its nature and extent, and the motive which is to actuate the Christian in the discharge of it?