A62049:124
Men are gods, or, The dignity of magistracy, and the duty of the magistrate…
Men are gods, or, The dignity of magistracy, and the duty of the magistrate as it was presented in a sermon at the assize holden at Hertford for that county on August 2, 1653 / by George Swinnocke ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1660
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3. Again, Order or Magistracy is not only necessary to those that are in a state of nature, but to those also that are in a state of grace, Titus 3.1, 2. Rom. 13.1, 2. When they begin to be servants to God, they do not cease to be subjects to the Gods. Christianity doth not consume but confirm Magistracy: As a man I obey and honour the Magistrate for fear; as a Christian, for conscience sake: so that Religion addeth a stronger tie and obligation. The Sceptre in Christs hand doth not strike the Crown of the Magistrates head: No, it maketh it sit the faster, especially where their person is crowned with grace, and the power improved for the glory of Christ. One Ordinance of God doth not weaken but strengthen another.
3. Again, Order or Magistracy is not only necessary to those that are in a state of nature, but to those also that are in a state of grace, Titus 3.1, 2. Rom. 13.1, 2. When they begin to be servants to God, they do not cease to be subjects to the Gods. Christianity doth not consume but confirm Magistracy: As a man I obey and honour the Magistrate for fear; as a Christian, for conscience sake: so that Religion addeth a stronger tie and obligation. The Scepter in Christs hand doth not strike the Crown of the Mastrates head: No, it maketh it sit the faster, especially where their person is crowned with grace, and the power improved for the glory of Christ. One Ordinance of God doth not weaken but strengthen another.
I shall inquire a little, and very briefly, into the reasons which some urge against Magistracy and Order.