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

§. 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.

§. 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 denyeth, 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 Soveraign, 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.