Remarks from "Recollections of J. G. Bellett", p. 63, 64.

His strong conviction that "the Church is a heavenly stranger" in the world kept him apart from
politics, while he yet carried out to the full the principle of subjection to the powers that be, and
was thankful for the protection of our English laws. While he took no part in politics he was by
no means indifferent to public events.

At a time when there was a great deal said about the abolition of capital punishment, he felt very
strongly against such a measure, because, as he said, when the government of the earth was
committed to Noah, the command was clear_"Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his
blood be shed":and it was never abrogated.

The following extract from a letter written after the Crimean war is an index of his mind:

"I would acknowledge the blessings of peace. Surely we would rejoice that the sword is in the
scabbard again; but in all prayer or thanksgiving on these subjects, we must remember that it is
in the way of overruling and not in the way of governing, that the Lord now holds the nations of
the world in His hand. In millennial days it will be otherwise. Then He will govern and not simply
overrule.

We are to submit to Powers; but to share with them is not the Calling of the Church. She will sit
and share power when her Lord governs.

I see more to dread from peace than from war; for the world will get further opportunities to ripen
its superstitious and infidel thoughts, and prepare itself in its ecclesiastical and civil apostasies for
the judgments of the Lord."