An exposition of the prophecy of Hosea begun in divers lectures upon the first…An exposition of the prophesie of Hosea begun in divers lectures vpon the first…

And going yet further upon search, finding that though we have not a civill government appointed by God as the Jews had, yet for the Church state, we have one appointed even by God himself. And reason there must be for it: for whatsoever hath a special efficacy upon the heart, must have a spiritual rule for the warrant and direction. Indeed prudence and reason is enough for the ordering of things that concern the outward man, except God will come in with his own institution. But when it cometh to the ordering of the heart, and there is a spiritual efficacy expected (as in all Church ordinances there must be) and that authority by which they are executed giveth a great influence into them, now nothing can go beyond its principle, therefore it must have a divine institution to give it its efficacy.

And going yet further upon search, finding that though we have not a civill government appointed by God as the Jewes had, yet for the Church state, wee have one appointed even by God himself. And reason there must be for it: for whatsoever hath a speciall efficacy upon the heart, must have a spirituall rule for the warrant and direction. Indeed prudence and reason is enough for the ordering of things that concern the outward man, except God will come in with his owne institution. But when it cometh to the ordering of the heart, and there is a spirituall efficacy expected (as in all Church ordinances there must be) and that authority by which they are executed giveth a great influence into them, now nothing can goe beyond its principle, therefore it must have a divine institution to give it its efficacy.

It may here be demanded, whether hat not God appointed over us a particular civill government as he did over the Jews?

That our government and all lawful government of other Nations is appointed by God,¹