A commentary

Thirdly, we must submit our selves to their ordinances, that is, to all sorts of Magistrates. Now all Magistrates may be distinguished, either in respect of 1. Jurisdiction, 2. or Religion, 3. or Objects, 4. or Affairs, 5. or Office, 6. or Adjuncts, 7. or Dignity. First, in respect of Jurisdiction: some are superior, that they have none above them but God; as Emperor, King, Dictator, Senate, &c. or inferior, which is appointed by the superior, as are all inferior Governors, and Officers. Secondly, in respect of Religion; some are believers, as David: some infidels, and so are either such as persecute Religion, as Herod, Julian: or tolerate it, as Trajan. Thirdly, in respect of Objects, some are Togati, Governors: some are Armati, Marshall men. Fourthly, in respect of Business, some are Councillors, some Senators, some Judges, &c. Fifthly, in respect of Office, some are [Greek or Hebrew], Law-givers: some are [Greek or Hebrew], Law-keepers, as Justices, and the like. Sixthly, in respect of Adjuncts, some are lawful, and just, and good Magistrates, who come by their power by lawful election or succession, and do exercise it well: others are unlawful, or bad Magistrates, as having, in respect of the manner, attained their places by unlawful means, or do exercise their authority with cruelty or partiality, or the like. Seventhly, in respect of Dignity, ⟨p. 579⟩some have dignity, and not authority; as such as enjoy the titles of Dukes, Earls, Lords, Knights, Esquires, or Gentlemen: Some have Dignity, and Authority also, as such of any of the former kind, or the like, as are likewise called to any office of rule and government, or service: Now we must be subject, not alone to the King or superior, but to governors under them, as the Text shows: We must be subject to Princes that are infidels, as well as to Christian Princes; for such were the Magistrates for the most part, when the Apostles writ: So we must be subject to unworthy, or vicious, or tyrannous Princes, as well as to godly and virtuous, and loving Princes, which the word here translated Ordinance, imports: for it signifies creation, and so Magistracy is a creation in divers respects. First, because God was the author of it, as he was of the world. Secondly, because Magistrates are raised beyond expectation.

Thirdly, wee must submit our selues to their ordinances, that is, to all sorts of Magistrates. Now all Magistrates may bee distinguished, either in respect of 1. Iurisdiction, 2. or Religion, 3. or Obiects, 4. or Affaires, 5. or Office, 6. or Adiuncts, 7. or Dignitie. First, in respect of Iurisdiction: some are superiour, that they haue none aboue them but God; as Emperor, King, Dictator, Senate, &c. or inferiour, which is appointed by the superiour, as are all inferiour Gouernours, and Officers. Secondly, in respect of Religion; some are beleeuers, as Dauid: some infidels, and so are either such as persecute Religion, as Herod, Iulian: or tolerate it, as Traiane. Thirdly, in respect of Obiects, some are Togati, Gouernours: some are Armati, Marshall men. Fourthly, in respect of Businesse, some are Councellors, some Senators, some Iudges, &c. Fiftly, in respect of Office, some are , Law-giuers: some are , Law-keepers, as Iustices, and the like. Sixtly, in respect of Adiuncts, some are lawfull, and iust, and good Magistrates, who come by their power by lawfull election or succession, and doe exercise it well: others are vnlawfull, or bad Magistrates, as hauing, in respect of the manner, attained their places by vnlawfull meanes, or doe exercise their authoritie with cruelty or partiality, or the like. Seuenthly, in respect of Dignity,