The true and only way of concord of all the Christian churches the desirableness…

§. 5. 1. As to the first, it is undoubtedly true, if you distinguish between the Office, Power, and ⟨p. 251⟩the aptitude of the person to perform it. The Office of a Supreme Ruler is the same in all, but all are not equally capable of performing it. That is, It is the same as described by Gods command of their performance. As he commandeth infidels to believe and communicate with the Church, but not to communicate before they believe; so he commandeth Infidel Princes to believe and to govern the Christian affairs: but to govern them as they are capable. The common Laws of nature, justice and peace among Christian subjects, an Infidel Prince may and must see executed: The Laws of Christ revealed supernaturally, he ought to understand, believe and execute: But till he understand and believe them, he cannot execute them. And therefore wants the disposition and ability to do what he had command and authority to do; but to do it only in the due manner, to which his sin disableth him: and so his Power is in him incomplete.

§. 6. I confess it is a very hard question, How an Atheist can be said to have any Governing right from that God whom he denieth, any more than a Constable from the King from whom by rebellion he revolteth: And also since all power in Heaven and earth is given to Christ, how an infidel that renounceth him can be said to be authorized by him. And I can no otherwise resolve it, than by distinguishing of a King or ruler, that is such simpliciter, and one that is such but secundum quid: 2. One that is tolerated in the place by God the Sovereign, and one that is also approved: 3. One that the people are bound to obey only in tantum for civil order, peace and safety; and one that they must obey in matters of Religion, and whom God will not condemn as an Usurper in part. The case ⟨p. 252⟩is much the same as that: How far subjects that are necessitated to live under a Foolish Prince must obey him; which is, 1. So far as it is no wrong to another: 2. So far as is necessary to the due honour of the office which he possesseth: 3. So far as is needful to the common peace, order and safety, and to our own, and to the ends of Government; But so as still to desire a better, and by just means to endeavour it, but not by sin, or that which is worse to the Common-wealth than his Foolishness is.