The subject of civil government is, in all its aspects, of no little importance. It occupies a large share of men’s thoughts in all enlightened countries, and awakens, just now, the liveliest concern. This is not strange; for its influence is felt in every department of human action. It has to do with the peace, the order, the material prosperity of the commonwealth; with the rights and liberties of the citizens, and exercises no inconsiderable influence upon the interests of morals and religion. In all these respects, in the last particularly, the institution of civil government is deserving the attention of the Christian and of the Christian minister.

James M. Wilson, Civil Government: An Exposition on Romans XIII. 1-7 (Philadelphia: William S. Young, 1853), 5.

Revelation 10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

Even though it was predicted to John that it would be bitter, he is nevertheless obedient. He eats it, and it went as it was predicted to him: it was sweet, and bitterness followed. Thus the Lord would make the teachers obedient and willing in the time of the seventh trumpet. They would have sweetness in preaching, and bitterness because of that persecution. One is only able to proclaim the gospel and suffer on its account, if he has tasted its sweetness, and if he has eaten it, understands it, and feels the power of it in his heart.