Quest. Why is the Magistracy called an ordinance of man v. 13. seeing all powers are ordained of God, and every power is the ordinance of God, Rom. 13.1.2. Answ. The superiority of power, or government it selfe is simply and absolutely commanded by God, and in that respect is called the ordinance of God; but this or that speciall manner of power or government is not determined by God, but by men; and is therefore called an ordinance of man, which as touching the nature of it, may also be called an ordinance of God: And this is the difference betwixt an Ecclesiasticall and a civill office. An Ecclesiasticall office is not legitimate, if it be not directly determined by God himselfe, and consequently cannot be changed by men: but this or that civill office may be made & changed by men. And the reason of the difference is this, because God and Christ alone hath dominion and power in spirituall matters; but in civill matters men are also Gods, though not absolute.
The Doctrines arising from this.
Doct. 1. The duties of righteousnesse towards men, doe much commend our religion towards God.
This is gathered from the connexion of these words with the foregoing words, in that particle therefore. So Iames 1.27.
Reas. 1. Because they are the effects of religion; Now the vertue of the cause doth alwayes appeare in the effect. 2. Because they are more obvious to the sight of man, then religion it selfe, which is the cause thereof. 3. Because they draw mens minds to approve of that religion whence they proceed. Vse. This may serve to exhort us, for religion sake to apply our selves to these duties. Doct. 2. We must performe civill subjection to our civill Magistrates for the Lords sake.
This is gathered from the 13. v.
Reas. 1. Because by these meanes the Lord preserveth the societies of men.
2. Because these Governments are the meanes to advance Gods glory, at least so farre forth as they tend to performe some part of the will of God.
3. Because in their owne nature and of themselves they
