Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

They do not pretend to take the Crown from Gods head, but discover a bold ambition to shuffle their hairy Scalps under it, and wear part of it upon their own, that they may rule with him, not under him; And would be joint Lords of his Manor with him, who hath by the Apostle forbidden any to be Lords of his Heritage. 1 Pet. 5.3. And therefore they cannot assume such an Authority to themselves, till they can show where God hath resigned this part of his Authority to them. If their Exposition of that place. Matth. 16.18. Upon this rock I will build my Church, be granted to be true, and that the person and Successors of Peter are meant by that Rock, it could be no Apology for their Usurpations; 'tis not Peter and his Successors shall build, but I will build; others are instruments in building, but they are to observe the directions of the grand Architect.

They do not pretend to take the Crown from Gods head, but discover a bold ambition to shuffle their hairy Scalps under it, and wear part of it upon their own, that they may rule with him, not under him; And would be joint Lords of his Mannour with him, who hath by the Apostle forbidden any to be Lords of his Heritage. 1 Pet. 5.3. And therefore they cannot assume such an Authority to themselves, till they can shew where God hath resign'd this part of his Authority to them. If their Exposition of that place. Matth. 16.18. Ʋpon this rock I will build my Church, be granted to be true, and that the person and Successors of Peter are meant by that Rock, it could be no Apology for their Usurpations; 'tis not Peter and his Successors shall build, but I will build; others are instruments in building, but they are to observe the directions of the grand Architect.

3. The Sovereignty of God is contemned, when men prefer Obedience to mens Laws before Obedience to God. As God hath an undoubted right as the Law-giver and Ruler of the World, to enact Laws, without consulting the pleasure of men, or requiring their consent to the verifying, and establishing his Edicts, so are men obliged by their Allegiance, as subjects, to observe the Laws of their Creator, without consulting whither they be agreeable to the Laws of his revolted Creatures. To consult with Flesh and Blood, whither we should obey, is to Authorize Flesh and Blood above the purest and most sovereign spirit. When men will obey their superiors, without taking in the condition the Apostle prescribes to Servants.