CXI propositions concerning the ministry and government of the ChurchCXI propositions concerning the ministerie and government of the Church

72.

Fifthly, they are distinguished by the effect. The effect of civill power is either proper or by way of redundance; The proper effect is the safety temporal of the Commonwealth, external tranquillity, the fruition of civill Liberty, and of all things which are necessary to the civill Society of men: The effect by way of redundance is the good of the Church, to wit, in so far as by execution of Justice and good Laws, some impediments that usually hinder and disturb the course of the Gospel, are avoided or taken away.

Fifthly, they are distinguished by the effect. The effect of civill power is either proper or by way of redundance; The proper effect is the safety temporall of the Commonwealth, externall tranquillity, the fruition of civill Liberty, and of all things which are necessary to the civill Society of men: The effect by way of redundance is the good of the Church, to wit, in so far as by execution of Justice and good Lawes, some impediments that usually hinder and disturbe the course of the Gospel, are avoided or taken away.

73.

For by how much the more faithfully the Magistrate executeth his office in punishing the wicked, and cherishing and encouraging good men, taking away those things which withstand the Gospel, and punishing or driving away the troublers and subverters of the Church; so much the more the orthodox Faith and Godliness are reverenced and had in estimation, sins are hated and feared: Finally, all the subjects contained (as much as concerneth the outward man) within the lists of Gods Law; whence also by consequence it happeneth by Gods blessing, that the Church is defiled with fewer scandals, and doth obtain the more freedom and Peace.