The divine life in three treatises

6. Yea hence we must practically understand, in what respect to obey our Governors: Not merely as the Officers of men: not only as chosen by the people; but as the Officers of God, that from him have their Authority. The Atheistical Politicians that derive Authority no higher than the Sword, or the Peoples choice, or natural strength, do teach men to obey their Governors, but as a little Dog submits unto a Mastiff, or so far as their Commodity persuadeth them, but not for conscience in obedience to God. And they teach men to look to no higher end than common preservation and liberties, and not to expect protection or reward from the absolute Sovereign. In a word, they entice all Princes and people into damnable rebellion against the Lord; as much as if they should entice all Constables and Justices to hold their places without dependence on the Prince. But God teacheth us that [there is no Power but of God: the Powers that be are ordained of God: Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they ⟨p. 121⟩that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation; For he is the Minister of God to us for good; even the Minister of God▪ an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil.] Rom. 13. 1, 2, 4. [Wherefore we must needs be subject not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake—[For they are Gods Ministers, continually attending upon this very thing: and for this cause we must pay them tribute] vers. 5, 6. [Submit your selves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake,—For so is the will of God—1 Pet. 2. 13, 15. Deut. 1. 16, 17. [Judge righteously between every man and his brother—ye shall not respect persons in judgement, but shall hear the small as well as the great, you shall not be afraid of the face of man: for the judgement is Gods,] 2 Chron. 19 5, 6, 7. [And he said to the Judges, Take heed what ye do; for you judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgement; wherefore let the fear of the Lord be upon you] But our Atheistical Politicians would teach Rulers that they are none of the Ministers of God, and that they judge for man only and not for him. The nature of all true obedience is such as Paul describeth in children and servants,