[4] Heb. 10:24, 25. Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is. Acts 13:44. The next Sabbath Day came almost the whole city together to hear the Word of God. XVII. CIVIL GOVERNMENT We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of Divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society;[1] and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed;[2] except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ,[3] who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.[4] [1] Rom. 13:1-7. The powers that be are ordained of God. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. [2] Matt. 22:21. Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, and unto God the things that are God's. Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:1-8. [3] Acts 5:29. We ought to obey God rather than man. Matt. 10:28. Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7, 10; Acts 4:18-20. [4] Matt. 23:10. Ye have one Master, even Christ. Rev. 19:16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Ps. 72:11; Ps. 2; Rom. 14:8-13. XVIII. RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked;[1] that such only as are regenerate, being justified through faith in Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous in His esteem;[2] while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are, in His sight, wicked and under the curse;[3] and this distinction holds among men, both in and after death.[4] [1] Mal. 3:18. Ye shall discern between the righteous and the wicked: between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5:26; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts 10:34, 35; Rom. 6:16. [2] Rom. 1:17. The just shall live by faith. 1 John 2:29. If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him. 1 John 3:7; Rom. 6:18, 22; 1 Cor. 11:32; Prov. 11:31; 1 Peter 4:17, 18. [3] 1 John 5:19. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. Gal. 3:10. As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse. John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Ps. 10:4; Isa. 55:6, 7. [4] Prov. 14:32. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous hath hope in his death. Luke 16:25. Thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. John 8:21-24; Prov. 10:24; Luke 12:4, 5; 11:23-26; John 12:25, 26; Eccl. 3:17. XIX. THE WORLD TO COME