A72378:34
Certain godly, and most necessary annotations upon the thirteenth chapter to the RomansCertaine godly, and most necessarie annotations vpon the thirteenth chapter to the Romanes
Certain godly, and most necessary annotations upon the thirteenth chapter to the Romans: set forth by the right vigilant pastor: John Hopper, by Gods calling, Bishop of Gloucester.Certaine godly, and most necessarie annotations vpon the thirteenth chapter to the Romanes: set forth by the right vigilant pastor: Iohn Hoper, by Gods calling, Bishop of Gloucester.
printed by Robert Walde-grave, 1583printed by Robert Walde-graue, 1583
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.
The Text.
For rulers be not to be feared of such as do well, but of such as do evil.
For rulers be not to be feared of such as doe well, but of such as do euill.
BY these words S. Paul declareth two things. First he warneth the Magistrate of his office, least when he shall perceive it to be the ordinance of God, and that no man should more resist and contrary it, then to resist and contrary God should wax arrogant and proud, and begin to favour and flatter himself to much under the tittle and pretence of Gods power. But God forbid (saith saint Paul) that the Magistrate should think any such thing, he should remember rather that he is appointed ⟨image 13⟩to his place to defend, help, & preserve such as be good, and punish such as be nought & evil. This commandment did God command to the higher powers in the common wealth of the Israelites, and that they should not lift up their hearts above their brothers, 1but to use indifferency & justice, with all indifferently, without exception of persons: as ye may read in the holy scripture.