The excellency of holy courage in evil times by Jeremiah Burroughs

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.

And therefore we read of Constantius he took this course to know his true subjects: he proclaimed, that whosoever would not worship Idols must be banished the Court, and those that would, should stay: now some rather than they would leave the Court, and be banished, they would sacrifice to Idols: others left ⟨p. 18⟩the Court: upon this he chose those that left the Court, and banished the others: says he If you be not faithful to God, you will not be faithful to me.

And therefore we read of Constantius he took this course to know his true subjects: he proclaimed, that whosoever would not worship Idols must be banished the Court, and those that would, should stay: now some rather than they would leave the Court, and be banished, they would sacrifice to Idols: others left ⟨p. 18⟩the Court: upon this he chose those that left the Court, and banished the others: sayes he If you be not faithful to God, you wil not be faithful to me.