The excellency of holy courage in evil times by Jeremiah Burroughs

Secondly: None do it up on such good grounds: because they do it for Conscience sake, and submit ⟨p. 17⟩to authority, further than others do: they dare not in their secret thoughts have any ill mind against authority: and they do it, because they see the image of God upon them, not to save themselves.

3. And Thirdly. None do fear authority in so good a manner; they do it willingly and cheerfully, not by force, but as being the will of God they should do it; it is agreeable to the disposition of their souls for to do it. Naturally, no man would be under another, but it is agreeable to grace to be so, and therefore no such subjects, as those that are Godly, if it be rightly considered.

3. And Thirdly. None do feare authority in so good a manner; they do it willingly and cheerefully, not by force, but as being the will of God they should do it; it is agreeable to the disposition of their souls for to do it. Naturally, no man would be under another, but it is agreeable to grace to be so, and therefore no such subjects, as those that are Godly, if it be rightly considered.

It hath been a scandal cast upon Religion in all ages that they did contemn authority, and did not give that fear that was due to authority. As Pharaoh said, they would rebel against him; and so they said in Nehemiahs time Just in Martyr and Tertullian, were fain to make apologies for the Christians in this particular, to convince them, that none were more obedient to authority then they.

It hath been a scandal cast upon Religion in all ages that they did contemne authority, and did not give that feare that was due to authority. As Pharoah said, they would rebell against him; and so they said in Nehemiahs time Just in Martyr and Tertullian, were fain to make apologies for the Christians in this particular, to convince them, that none were more obedient to authority then they.