Five disputations of church-government and worship

Sect. 92. The Consequence then is proved from the parity of Reason, in both […] ▪ The title of such Princes is so far good, as that subjection is due to them, and their Government valid: our title to the Ministry is at least as good as theirs: therefore submission or obedience is due to us, and our administrations valid to the Church. And that our title is as good as theirs, will appear by a due comparison.

Sect. 92. The Consequence then is proved from the parity of Reason, in both 〈…〉 ▪ The title of such Princes is so far good, as that subjection is due to them, and their Government valid: our title to the Ministry is at least as good as theirs: therefore submission or obedience is due to us, and our administrations valid to the Church. And that our title is as good as theirs, will appear by a due comparison.

Sect. 93. 1. God is equally the Author of our Office, and of theirs. He that appointed the Magistrate to Rule by force, appointed the Ministry to Teach, and Guide, and Worship publicly before the Church. There is no Power but of God: even Magistrates could have none, unless it were given them from above. 2. Usurpation therefore is a sin in Magistrates as well as Ministers. And there is the same reason, why it should invalidate their actions, as ours, if we were guilty of it. 3. The Dissenters rule [Nemo dat quod non habet] concerneth the Magistrate as much as the Minister, and somewhat more. A man may do more in works of service to others without a special Office, then in Magisterial Government. Magistracy is a Relation that must have a foundation or efficient cause, as well as Ministry. If a Giver that himself hath the Power given, is necessary to make Ministers, then also to make Magistrate, (which yet is false in both, if you speak of humane Donation to the Sovereign) The effect can no more be without a cause in them then in us. 4. I• the Election or Consent of the people be enough to make a Magistrate, or to be the foundation or donation (as they suppose) of his authority, then much more may the election or consent of the people, with the approbation and investiture by Presbyters, and allowance of the Magistrate, prove those in question to be true Ministers. 5. No Prince on earth that ever heard of, can prove any thing like an uninterrupted succession of legitimate Princes from a Predecessor immediately authorized by God. If Hereditary Princes that are the Successors