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…

First, this Text here in Rom, 13. giveth this as the ground why we are to be subject, Because (saith the Text, ver. 4.) he is the minister of God for thy good. So that that which is the special ground of our subjection, is, because they that are in place are ministers for our good. But here is then an abuse of their power, if they will command what is not indeed tending to the good of the public, but merely the satisfaction of their own minds.

First, this Text here in Rom, 13. giveth this as the ground why we are to be subject, Because (saith the Text, ver. 4.) he is the minister of God for thy good. So that that which is the speciall ground of our subjection, is, because they that are in place are ministers for our good. But here is then an abuse of their power, if they will command what is not indeed tending to the good of the publique, but meerly the satisfaction of their own mindes.

But suppose it be an abuse, the Text saith we must be subject.

[…] You must do the thing for conscience […] be subject, we must not resist, ⟨p. 115⟩but be subject: The words are, We must be subordinate for conscience sake, (so it may be translated) Here is all that is required, that I must be subordinate and not resist,¹ that is, though there be a thing commanded by authority, though this authority should be abused, yet I may not resist, I must be subject. If then out of that reverent respect I have to authority, though I do not do the thing,² yet I do not forbear out of contempt: It is a thing exceedingly prejudicial unto me, and it is not for the common good, but yet I am so careful that authority shall not be despised that I will keep it secret.