The excellency of holy courage in evil times by Jeremiah Burroughs

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.

Tertullian hath a notable expression in his apology. What is the reason you do not count us obedient to authority? because we will not worship Idols, and pray to the Idols for your Governors? yet we pray to the True God for your Governors. Like men in these days, because they will not yield their Consciences prostrate to authority, and seek the honour of it in an unlawful way, therefore they are not subject to them, when as, none are so truly subject unto men, as those that are obedient unto God.

Tertullian hath a notable expression in his apology. What is the reason you do not count us obedient to authority? because we will not worship Idolls, and pray to the Idols for your Governors? yet we pray to the True God for your Governors. Like men in these days, because they wil not yeild their Consciences prostrate to authority, and seek the honor of it in an unlawful way, therefore they are not subject to them, when as, none are so truly subject unto men, as those that are obedient unto God.