at_o prayer_n and_o tear_n these_o have_v be_v always_o think_v the_o only_a remedy_n the_o church_n have_v against_o persecute_v power_n and_o it_o seem_v st._n paul_n think_v so_o too_o for_o he_o prescribe_v no_o other_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o pray_v against_o the_o king_n neither_o but_o exhort_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o security_n under_o his_o government_n chap._n v._o st._n peter_n doctrine_n about_o nonresistance_n have_v hear_v what_o st._n paul_n doctrine_n be_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o st._n peter_n teach_v about_o this_o matter_n he_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o learn_v this_o lesson_n as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n our_o saviour_n have_v severe_o rebuke_v he_o for_o draw_v his_o sword_n against_o the_o lawful_a power_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v and_o indeed_o his_o rash_a and_o intemperate_a zeal_n in_o this_o action_n cost_v he_o very_o dear_a for_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n that_o tempt_v he_o to_o deny_v his_o master_n he_o be_v afraid_a to_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n or_o that_o he_o have_v be_v in_o the_o garden_n with_o he_o because_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o by_o draw_v his_o sword_n and_o smite_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n he_o have_v incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v he_o be_v discover_v can_v expect_v nothing_o less_o but_o to_o be_v severe_o punish_v for_o it_o it_o may_v be_v to_o have_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o his_o resistance_n and_o indeed_o this_o have_v very_o often_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v be_v transport_v with_o a_o boisterous_a and_o intemperate_a zeal_n to_o draw_v their_o sword_n for_o their_o master_n and_o his_o religion_n against_o the_o lawful_a power_n that_o they_o common_o deny_v their_o master_n and_o despise_v his_o religion_n before_o they_o put_v their_o sword_n up_o again_o but_o st._n peter_n have_v by_o our_o saviour_n reproof_n and_o his_o own_o dear-bought_a experience_n learn_v the_o evil_a of_o resistance_n never_o draw_v his_o sword_n more_o and_o take_v great_a care_n to_o instruct_v christian_n not_o to_o do_v so_o 1_o peter_z 2._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o to_o they_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n and_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well_o do_v you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolishman_n as_o free_v and_o not_o use_v your_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n which_o st._n paul_n teach_v the_o roman_n let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o original_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o to_o submit_v and_o to_o be_v subject_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o signify_v nonresistance_n only_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v only_o of_o not_o resist_v the_o high_a power_n that_o be_v emperor_n and_o sovereign_a prince_n herein_o include_v all_o those_o who_o act_n by_o their_o authority_n st._n peter_n to_o prevent_v all_o cavil_n and_o exception_n distinct_o mention_n both_o that_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a that_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n phrase_n to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o all_o sovereign_a prince_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n but_o also_o to_o those_o who_o be_v send_v by_o he_o who_o receive_v their_o authority_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o sovereign_a prince_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o at_o large_a that_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o power_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n that_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o be_v punish_v by_o man_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n and_o fear_v of_o his_o judgement_n this_o st._n peter_n comprise_v in_o one_o word_n which_o include_v it_o all_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n for_o how_o be_v god_n concern_v in_o our_o obedience_n to_o prince_n if_o they_o be_v not_o his_o minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v and_o advance_v by_o he_o and_o act_n by_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o will_n and_o command_v that_o we_o shall_v obey_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well_o do_v that_o be_v by_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o prince_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n that_o be_v that_o you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v those_o foolish_a man_n who_o ignorant_o accuse_v you_o as_o fond_a of_o change_n and_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a to_o government_n but_o then_o st._n peter_n observe_v that_o christian_a liberty_n be_v make_v a_o pretence_n for_o sedition_n and_o treason_n he_o caution_n they_o against_o that_o also_o as_o free_a but_o not_o use_v your_o liberty_n for_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n that_o be_v to_o cover_v and_o excuse_v such_o wickedness_n as_o rebellion_n against_o prince_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n you_o must_v remember_v whatever_o freedom_n christ_n have_v purchase_v it_o for_o you_o he_o have_v not_o deliver_v you_o from_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n you_o be_v his_o servant_n still_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o those_o who_o receive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n as_o all_o sovereign_a prince_n do_v this_o be_v as_o plain_a one_o will_v think_v as_o word_n can_v make_v it_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o plain_a but_o that_o man_n who_o be_v unwil_v to_o understand_v it_o and_o who_o set_v their_o wit_n on_o work_n to_o avoid_v the_o force_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o find_v something_o to_o say_v to_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v what_o false_a colour_n some_o man_n have_v put_v upon_o these_o word_n to_o elude_v and_o baffle_v the_o plain_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o they_o as_o first_o they_o observe_v that_o st._n peter_n call_v king_n and_o subordinate_a governor_n a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n or_o a_o humane_a creature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o from_o hence_o they_o conclude_v that_o king_n be_v only_o the_o people_n creature_n they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n and_o receive_v their_o power_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v accountable_a to_o they_o if_o they_o abuse_v their_o power_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o that_o this_o interpretation_n of_o st._n peter_n word_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o st._n paul_n who_o express_o assert_n that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n but_o according_a to_o this_o exposition_n of_o humane_a creature_n or_o the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o power_n of_o god_n but_o all_o power_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o people_n king_n and_o prince_n may_v be_v choose_v by_o man_n as_o it_o be_v in_o elective_a kingdom_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o they_o receive_v their_o power_n from_o god_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n may_v be_v reconcile_v but_o to_o affirm_v that_o st._n peter_n call_v king_n a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n because_o they_o receive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o man_n be_v a_o irreconcilable_a contradiction_n to_o st._n paul_n who_o affirm_v that_o they_o receive_v their_o power_n from_o god_n that_o they_o be_v god_n and_o not_o the_o people_n minister_n now_o though_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n do_v once_o differ_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o prudence_n it_o will_v be_v of_o ill_a consequence_n to_o religion_n to_o make_v they_o differ_v in_o so_o material_a a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o be_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o reconcile_v they_o but_o by_o expound_v st._n peter_n word_n so_o as_o to_o agree_v with_o st._n paul_n for_o st._n paul_n word_n can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o sense_n which_o these_o man_n give_v of_o st._n peter_n
again_o when_o he_o please_v or_o however_o he_o must_v be_v a_o unfortunate_a prince_n who_o all_o his_o own_o officer_n and_o minister_n conspire_v against_o and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a weak_a prince_n who_o have_v not_o force_n and_o power_n to_o oppose_v they_o for_o what_o do_v the_o discontent_n of_o the_o great_a minister_n signify_v who_o can_v raise_v no_o force_n to_o oppose_v their_o prince_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o force_n to_o be_v raise_v if_o private_a man_n must_v not_o resist_v when_o inferior_a magistrate_n must_v submit_v or_o rebel_v alone_o as_o they_o must_v do_v if_o private_a man_n must_v not_o rebel_v whatever_o authority_n they_o have_v to_o control_v their_o prince_n they_o will_v want_v force_n and_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o lewd_a way_n of_o burlesque_a this_o doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n to_o make_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o this_o that_o when_o st._n paul_n so_o severe_o threaten_v damnation_n against_o those_o who_o resist_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o private_a subject_n must_v not_o resist_v their_o prince_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o discontent_a and_o factious_a magistrate_n to_o head_n they_o but_o how_o shall_v these_o subordinate_a governor_n come_v by_o this_o power_n to_o resist_v their_o prince_n they_o must_v either_o have_v it_o from_o god_n or_o from_o their_o prince_n not_o from_o god_n for_o sovereign_n prince_n receive_v their_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o if_o god_n have_v bestow_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_n power_n on_o the_o prince_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v advance_v his_o own_o minister_n and_o officer_n above_o he_o which_o will_v be_v to_o place_v a_o superior_a power_n over_o the_o supreme_a nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o inferior_a magistrate_n receive_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o from_o their_o prince_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v no_o power_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o he_o for_o notwithstanding_o trajan_n compliment_n which_o he_o never_o intend_v shall_v be_v make_v a_o law_n for_o himself_o or_o other_o sovereign_n prince_n no_o prince_n can_v give_v such_o power_n as_o this_o to_o a_o subject_a without_o give_v he_o his_o crown_n he_o give_v away_o his_o sovereign_n power_n when_o he_o give_v any_o subject_a authority_n to_o resist_v he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sovereign_n prince_n if_o he_o make_v any_o man_n his_o superior_a for_o he_o can_v give_v away_o sovereign_n power_n and_o yet_o keep_v it_o himself_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a case_n with_o prince_n have_v they_o as_o many_o judge_n and_o master_n as_o they_o have_v officer_n and_o minister_n of_o state_n indeed_o no_o prince_n without_o part_v with_o his_o crown_n can_v grant_v such_o a_o extravagant_a power_n to_o any_o subject_a for_o while_o he_o continue_v sovereign_n god_n have_v make_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o great_a subject_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v for_o as_o for_o trajan_n say_v to_o one_o of_o his_o commander_n when_o he_o deliver_v he_o the_o sword_n use_v this_o for_o i_o if_o i_o govern_v well_o and_o against_o i_o if_o i_o govern_v ill_a it_o only_o signify_v his_o fix_a resolution_n to_o govern_v well_o and_o that_o he_o will_v employ_v it_o in_o no_o ill_a service_n but_o it_o convey_v no_o more_o power_n to_o he_o to_o rebel_v if_o he_o shall_v govern_v ill_a than_o a_o father_n say_v to_o his_o son_n that_o he_o shall_v forgive_v his_o disobedience_n if_o ever_o he_o will_v prove_v unkind_a will_v justify_v the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o son_n if_o his_o father_n shall_v prove_v unkind_a the_o duty_n of_o these_o relation_n be_v fix_v by_o god_n and_o can_v be_v alter_v by_o man_n a_o prince_n may_v divest_v himself_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o royal_a power_n but_o while_o he_o continue_v sovereign_a he_o can_v give_v liberty_n to_o any_o man_n to_o resist_v he_o 4._o there_o be_v another_o objection_n not_o only_o to_o invalidate_v st._n peter_n authority_n but_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v produce_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o enforce_v this_o duty_n of_o nonresistance_n and_o subjection_n to_o prince_n and_o that_o be_v that_o these_o command_n be_v only_o temporary_a and_o oblige_v christian_n while_o they_o want_v force_n and_o power_n to_o resist_v but_o do_v not_o oblige_v we_o when_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o conquer_v too_o i_o have_v sometime_o think_v that_o this_o objection_n ought_v to_o be_v answer_v only_o with_o indignation_n and_o abhorrence_n as_o a_o open_a contempt_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v indict_v but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v better_a to_o answer_v and_o expose_v it_o and_o let_v the_o world_n see_v beside_o the_o notorious_a folly_n of_o it_o how_o near_o a_o kin_n the_o doctrine_n of_o resistance_n be_v to_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o blasphemy_n 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o very_a objection_n suppose_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v against_o resistance_n for_o those_o who_o evade_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o say_v that_o christian_n be_v then_o forbid_v to_o resist_v because_o they_o want_v power_n to_o conquer_v must_v grant_v that_o resistance_n be_v forbid_v which_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o all_o the_o art_n they_o have_v use_v to_o make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v their_o sense_n and_o justify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o resistance_n will_v not_o do_v and_o therefore_o when_o man_n be_v once_o reduce_v to_o this_o last_o refuge_n to_o confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v against_o they_o if_o they_o have_v any_o modesty_n leave_v they_o ought_v never_o to_o pretend_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o cause_n more_o and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o man_n who_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o can_v resist_v their_o prince_n without_o disobey_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v law_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o be_v a_o bold_a man_n who_o will_v venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o plead_v his_o exemption_n from_o any_o express_a law_n 2._o i_o will_v desire_v all_o man_n who_o have_v any_o reverence_n leave_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o consider_v serious_o how_o this_o pretence_n do_v disparage_v and_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v it_o a_o very_a imperfect_a and_o a_o very_a uncertain_a rule_n of_o life_n which_o every_o man_n may_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o inclination_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n and_o under_o the_o most_o severe_a penalty_n forbid_v the_o resistance_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n but_o say_v these_o man_n this_o law_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o now_o though_o it_o do_v oblige_v the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n for_o our_o circumstance_n be_v much_o change_v and_o alter_v the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n be_v weak_a and_o unable_a to_o resist_v and_o therefore_o be_v teach_v to_o suffer_v patient_o without_o resistance_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n the_o case_n be_v not_o thus_o now_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v vindicate_v our_o natural_a and_o religious_a right_n and_o liberty_n against_o all_o unjust_a violence_n now_o observe_v what_o follow_v from_o hence_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a rule_n of_o life_n that_o it_o absolute_o forbid_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o evil_a but_o sometime_o lawful_a without_o allow_v for_o such_o a_o difference_n that_o it_o give_v general_a law_n which_o oblige_v only_o at_o certain_a time_n or_o in_o some_o circumstance_n without_o give_v any_o notice_n in_o what_o case_n they_o do_v not_o oblige_v which_o be_v a_o mighty_a snare_n to_o man_n conscience_n or_o a_o great_a injury_n to_o their_o christian_a liberty_n it_o impose_v this_o hard_a necessity_n upon_o they_o either_o to_o make_v bold_a with_o a_o divine_a law_n if_o they_o do_v resist_v tyrannical_a power_n which_o be_v grievous_a to_o a_o tender_a conscience_n which_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o god_n or_o to_o suffer_v injurious_o when_o they_o need_v not_o have_v they_o be_v plain_o instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o acquaint_v in_o what_o case_n they_o may_v resist_v and_o in_o what_o not_o and_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o make_v it_o such_o a_o imperfect_a and_o ensnare_a rule_n 2._o nay_o this_o charge_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o either_o they_o know_v that_o
god_n himself_o have_v for_o the_o prince_n have_v god_n authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v resist_v but_o by_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n be_v subject_a to_o god_n they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o their_o prince_n too_o because_o he_o act_n by_o god_n authority_n and_o commission_n be_v a_o sovereign_a prince_n the_o people_n creature_n may_v be_v a_o good_a maxim_n rex_fw-la major_n singulis_fw-la sed_fw-la minor_fw-la universis_fw-la that_o the_o king_n be_v great_a than_o any_o particular_a subject_n but_o less_o than_o all_o together_o but_o if_o he_o be_v god_n minister_n he_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n as_o much_o great_a than_o all_o as_o god_n be_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n all_o together_o as_o well_o as_o one_o by_o one_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o this_o command_n of_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o consideration_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o will_v secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o resistance_n of_o single_a person_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o themselves_o than_o to_o the_o prince_n but_o a_o powerful_a combination_n of_o rebel_n be_v formidable_a to_o the_o most_o puissant_a monarch_n the_o great_a number_n of_o subject_n rebel_v against_o their_o prince_n the_o more_o do_v they_o distress_v his_o government_n and_o threaten_v his_o crown_n and_o dignity_n and_o if_o his_o person_n and_o authority_n be_v sacred_a the_o great_a the_o violence_n be_v which_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o the_o great_a be_v the_o crime_n have_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n after_o this_o manner_n let_v no_o private_a and_o single_a man_n be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o rebel_v against_o his_o prince_n who_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o but_o if_o you_o can_v raise_v sufficient_a force_n to_o oppose_v against_o he_o if_o you_o can_v all_o consent_n to_o depose_v or_o murder_v he_o this_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o justifiable_a nay_o a_o heroical_a achievement_n which_o become_v a_o freeborn_a people_n how_o will_v this_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n how_o will_v this_o have_v agree_v with_o what_o follow_v that_o prince_n be_v advance_v by_o god_n and_o that_o to_o resist_v our_o prince_n be_v to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o for_o can_v the_o apostle_n be_v think_v absolute_o to_o condemn_v resistance_n if_o he_o make_v it_o only_o unlawful_a to_o resist_v when_o we_o want_v power_n to_o conquer_v which_o yet_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o if_o by_o every_o soul_n the_o apostle_n mean_v only_o particular_a man_n not_o the_o unite_a force_n and_o power_n of_o subject_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n assign_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v lay_v so_o strict_a a_o command_n on_o particular_a christian_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n which_o do_v not_o equal_o concern_v whole_a nation_n for_o if_o it_o can_v ever_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o whole_a nation_n to_o resist_v a_o prince_n it_o may_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n be_v equal_o lawful_a for_o a_o particular_a man_n to_o do_v it_o if_o a_o nation_n may_v conspire_v against_o a_o prince_n who_o invade_v their_o right_n their_o liberty_n or_o their_o religion_n why_o may_v not_o any_o man_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n resist_v a_o prince_n when_o his_o right_n and_o liberty_n be_v invade_v it_o be_v not_o so_o safe_a and_o prudent_a indeed_o for_o a_o private_a man_n to_o resist_v as_o for_o great_a and_o powerful_a number_n but_o this_o make_v resistance_n only_o a_o matter_n of_o discretion_n not_o of_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o resist_v in_o such_o case_n it_o must_v be_v equal_o lawful_a for_o a_o particular_a man_n to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o do_v it_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n when_o he_o have_v only_o his_o one_o single_a force_n to_o oppose_v against_o his_o prince_n so_o that_o our_o apostle_n must_v forbid_v resistance_n in_o all_o or_o none_o for_o single_a person_n do_v not_o use_v to_o resist_v or_o rebel_v or_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n to_o the_o public_a if_o they_o do_v but_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o security_n of_o public_a government_n be_v only_o endanger_v by_o a_o combination_n of_o rebel_n when_o the_o whole_a nation_n or_o any_o considerable_a part_n for_o number_n power_n and_o interest_n take_v arm_n against_o their_o prince_n if_o resistance_n of_o our_o prince_n be_v a_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o great_a sin_n the_o great_a and_o the_o more_o formidable_a the_o resistance_n be_v and_o it_o will_v very_o much_o unbecome_v the_o gravity_n and_o sacredness_n of_o a_o apostolical_a precept_n to_o enjoin_v subjection_n to_o private_a christian_n who_o dare_v not_o who_o can_v resist_v alone_o but_o to_o leave_v a_o powerful_a combination_n of_o rebel_n at_o liberty_n to_o resist_v so_o that_o every_o soul_n must_v signify_v all_o subject_n whether_o single_a or_o unite_a for_o whatever_o be_v unlawful_a for_o every_o single_a person_n consider_v as_o a_o subject_a be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o all_o together_o for_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v as_o much_o a_o subject_n to_o the_o high_a power_n as_o any_o single_a man_n thus_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v in_o our_o government_n where_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n own_v themselves_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o king_n and_o have_v by_o public_a law_n disclaim_v all_o power_n of_o raise_v any_o war_n either_o offensive_a or_o defensive_a against_o the_o king_n 2._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o high_a power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o supreme_a power_n in_o any_o nation_n in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v place_v whether_o in_o the_o king_n as_o in_o monarchical_a government_n or_o in_o the_o noble_n as_o in_o aristocratical_a or_o in_o the_o people_n as_o in_o democracy_n at_o the_o time_n of_o write_v this_o epistle_n the_o supreme_a power_n be_v in_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o therefore_o when_o st._n paul_n command_v the_o roman_a christian_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n the_o plain_a meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o thus_o st._n peter_n explain_v it_o 1_o epist._n 2_o chap._n 13_o v._n be_v subject_n to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n use_v in_o my_o text_n as_o to_o he_o who_o have_v a_o supereminent_a power_n and_o be_v above_o all_o other_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o all_o well-governed_a society_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n from_o whence_o there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n and_o which_o can_v and_o must_v not_o be_v resist_v for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n man_n may_v quarrel_v eternal_o about_o right_n and_o privilege_n and_o property_n and_o preeminency_n and_o when_o every_o man_n be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v great_a odds_n but_o he_o will_v give_v judgement_n for_o himself_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n to_o determine_v such_o matter_n but_o by_o force_n and_o power_n which_o turn_v humane_a society_n into_o a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o no_o man_n be_v secure_v any_o long_o than_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v on_o the_o prevail_a side_n whoever_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o government_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n to_o decide_v controversy_n to_o administer_v justice_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o supreme_a power_n which_o be_v not_o unaccountable_a and_o irresistible_a for_o whatever_o power_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n and_o to_o be_v resist_v have_v some_o power_n above_o it_o and_o so_o be_v not_o supreme_a of_o late_a year_n whoever_o have_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n have_v be_v think_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o country_n one_o who_o trample_v on_o all_o law_n who_o betray_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o set_v up_o for_o tyranny_n and_o arbitrary_a power_n now_o i_o will_v desire_v those_o man_n who_o think_v thus_o to_o try_v their_o skill_n in_o frame_v any_o model_n of_o government_n which_o shall_v answer_v the_o end_n and_o necessity_n of_o humane_a society_n without_o a_o supreme_a power_n that_o be_v without_o such_o a_o power_n
resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n now_o if_o they_o must_v obey_v the_o power_n because_o they_o be_v from_o god_n subjection_n and_o nonresistance_n be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o have_v power_n to_o resist_v as_o when_o we_o have_v not_o and_o be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n at_o this_o day_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v as_o great_a a_o hand_n in_o set_v up_o king_n now_o as_o he_o have_v then_o 2._o he_o threaten_v eternal_a damnation_n against_o those_o who_o resist_v he_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v unto_o himself_o damnation_n which_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a evil_n in_o resistance_n and_o therefore_o that_o nonresistance_n be_v a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n which_o can_v be_v true_a if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o resist_v when_o we_o can_v resist_v to_o some_o purpose_n when_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o conquer_v it_o be_v foolish_a indeed_o to_o resist_v a_o prince_n when_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a force_n to_o oppose_v against_o he_o but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v perish_v etenal_o for_o do_v a_o action_n which_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o imprudent_o undertake_v these_o man_n have_v need_n look_v well_o to_o themselves_o how_o lawful_a soever_o they_o think_v resistance_n to_o be_v if_o every_o imprudent_a and_o unfortunate_a rebel_n must_v be_v damn_v 3._o st._n paul_n add_v that_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o be_v not_o only_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o man_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n now_o if_o resistance_n be_v not_o in_o its_o nature_n sinful_a it_o be_v a_o very_a prudential_a consideration_n not_o to_o resist_v for_o fear_n of_o wrath_n that_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o be_v punish_v by_o man_n if_o we_o can_v conquer_v but_o there_o will_v be_v no_o conscience_n in_o the_o case_n no_o sense_n of_o any_o duty_n to_o god_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o nonresistance_n be_v our_o duty_n when_o we_o can_v conquer_v and_o resistance_n when_o we_o can_v 4._o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o subjection_n to_o king_n and_o governor_n be_v a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v it_o well-doing_n for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o with_o well-doing_n you_o may_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n that_o be_v by_o submit_v to_o king_n and_o governor_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v now_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n can_v alter_v with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o one_o age_n be_v so_o in_o another_o which_o show_v that_o subjection_n and_o nonresistance_n be_v not_o a_o temporary_a law_n and_o mere_a matter_n of_o prudence_n but_o a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n 5._o for_o it_o appear_v by_o what_o he_o add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a credit_n and_o reputation_n to_o christianity_n that_o it_o make_v man_n quiet_a peaceable_a and_o governable_a by_o well-doing_n they_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n by_o their_o peaceable_a and_o obedient_a behaviour_n to_o their_o governor_n they_o shame_v those_o man_n who_o ignorant_o reproach_v the_o christian_a religion_n now_o hence_o there_o be_v two_o plain_a consequent_n 1._o that_o subjection_n to_o government_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o good_a repute_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v no_o credit_n to_o christianity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o subjection_n to_o government_n be_v a_o great_a virtue_n because_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o good_a report_n and_o therefore_o become_v christian_n 4_o phil._n 8._o 2._o it_o hence_o follow_v also_o that_o subjection_n to_o government_n be_v a_o stand_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v recommend_v christianity_n to_o the_o world_n by_o subjection_n to_o prince_n but_o certain_o god_n never_o intend_v they_o shall_v put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o recommend_v christianity_n to_o they_o by_o that_o which_o be_v no_o part_n nor_o duty_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o confute_v that_o vain_a pretence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o subjection_n and_o nonresistance_n oblige_v christian_n only_o while_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o resist_v and_o defend_v themselves_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o subjection_n to_o prince_n as_o for_o their_o example_n i_o think_v there_o be_v never_o any_o dispute_n about_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o they_o suffer_v martyrdom_n as_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o that_o and_o some_o follow_a age_n do_v without_o either_o reproach_v their_o governor_n or_o rebel_a against_o they_o and_o this_o they_o do_v as_o they_o teach_v other_o to_o do_v not_o mere_o because_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v but_o out_o of_o duty_n and_o reverence_n to_o god_n who_o set_v prince_n on_o throne_n and_o have_v give_v they_o a_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a authority_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o go_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n before_o the_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n chap._n vi_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o popular_a objection_n against_o nonresistance_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n though_o methinks_v after_o such_o plain_a and_o convince_a proof_n that_o nonresistance_n be_v the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n though_o witty_a man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o start_v some_o objection_n yet_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o regard_v they_o for_o no_o objection_n be_v of_o any_o force_n against_o a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o god_n indeed_o when_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o a_o thing_n but_o only_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v equal_o strong_a and_o cogent_a on_o both_o side_n it_o render_v the_o matter_n very_o doubtful_a on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v but_o when_o on_o one_o side_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n which_o side_n we_o choose_v unless_o any_o man_n think_v it_o doubtful_a which_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n scripture_n or_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o therefore_o till_o man_n can_v answer_v that_o scripture-evidence_n which_o i_o have_v produce_v which_o i_o be_o not_o much_o concern_v about_o for_o i_o guess_v it_o will_v take_v they_o up_o some_o time_n to_o do_v it_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n whether_o i_o can_v answer_v they_o or_o not_o signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o i_o and_o aught_o to_o signify_v as_o little_a to_o any_o man_n who_o reverence_v the_o scripture_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o objection_n for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o formidable_a that_o we_o need_v be_v afraid_a of_o they_o now_o i_o know_v no_o body_n but_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o most_o case_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n not_o to_o resist_v their_o prince_n but_o they_o only_o pretend_v that_o this_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n when_o their_o prince_n oppress_v and_o persecute_v they_o contrary_a to_o law_n when_o their_o life_n and_o liberty_n and_o property_n and_o religion_n be_v all_o secure_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n they_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v tame_o suffer_v a_o prince_n to_o usurp_v upon_o they_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o defend_v themselves_o against_o all_o unjust_a and_o illegal_a violence_n and_o they_o urge_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o five_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o no_o law_n to_o suffer_v against_o law_n 2._o that_o the_o prince_n have_v no_o authority_n against_o law_n 3._o that_o they_o have_v a_o natural_a right_n of_o self-defence_n against_o unjust_a violence_n 4._o that_o otherwise_o we_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n between_o a_o absolute_a and_o limit_a monarch_n between_o a_o prince_n who_o will_n be_v his_o law_n and_o a_o prince_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o govern_v by_o law_n which_o undermine_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o english_a government_n 5._o that_o if_o resistance_n in_o no_o case_n be_v allow_v the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n to_o mankind_n may_v be_v intolerable_a i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v