Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

Their Authority over men is limited, Gods Authority over them is absolute, and unbounded. Though every Soul ought to be subject to the higher powers, yet there is a higher power of all, to which those higher powers are to subject themselves; they are to be keepers of both the Tables of the Law of God, and are then most sovereigns when they set in their own practice an example of obedience to God, for their Subjects to write after.

Their Authority over men is limited, Gods Authority over them is absolute, and unbounded. Though every Soul ought to be subject to the higher powers, yet there is a higher power of all, to which those higher powers are to subject themselves; they are to be keepers of both the Tables of the Law of God, and are then most soveraigns when they set in their own practice an example of obedience to God, for their Subjects to write after.

2. They ought to imitate God in the exercise of their sovereignty in ways of Justice and Righteousness. Though God be an absolute sovereign, yet his Government is not Tyrannical, but managed according to the rules of Righteousness, Wisdom, and Goodness. If God that created them as well as their Subjects, doth so exercise his Government, 'tis a duty incumbent upon them, to do the same: Since they are not the Creators of their people, but the conductors. As Gods Government tends to the good of the World, so ought theirs to the good of their Countries. God committed not the government of the World to the Mediator in an unlimited way, but for the good of the Church, in order to the Eternal Salvation of his people. Eph. 1.22. He gave him to be head over all things to the Church. He had power over the Devils, to restrain them in their temptation and malice; power over the Angels, to order their Ministry for the Heirs of Salvation. So power is given to Magistrates for the Civil preservation of the World and of humane Society: They ought therefore to consider, for what ends they are placed over the rest of mankind, and not exercise their Authority in a licentious way, but conformable to that Justice and Righteousness wherein God doth administer his government; and for the preservation of those who are committed to them.