But since this edict has been proclaimed by that celestial herald, Peter, “We ought to obey God rather than men,” [Acts v. 29.]—let us console ourselves with this thought, that we truly perform the obedience which God requires of us, when we suffer any thing rather than deviate from piety. And that our hearts may not fail us, Paul stimulates us with another consideration—that Christ has redeemed us at the immense price which our redemption cost him, that we may not be submissive to the corrupt desires of men, much less be slaves to their impiety. [1 Cor. vii. 23.]
