make for the good and against the bad. v. 14.
Use. 1. This may serve to refute the Anabaptists and others, who for conscience sake will not be subject to the Magistrate. 2. To admonish us, never so to subject our selves unto men, as that for their sakes we should neglect our duty towards God, because we ought to be subject unto them for the Lords sake, and therefore a farre greater subjection is due unto the Lord, then unto them. Doct. 3. [Footnote: By these duties the good will of God is observed, and the foolishnesse of wicked men is put to silence.]
This is gathered from v. 15.
Reas. 1. Because we serve God, when for conscience sake towards God, we are subject unto men; therefore we fulfill the will of God. 2. Because we doe that before men, which they doe usually praise most, and so we remove all occasion of offence. Use. This may serve to exhort us, so much the more carefully to apply our selves to such duties. Doct. 4. Christian liberty is not contrary to that subjection, which we owe either unto God or man.
This is gathered from v. 16.
Reas. 1. Because by it we are freed from sinne, but not from that duty, which is contrary unto sinne. 2. Because Christian liberty consists properly in spirituall things, and not in corporall; for although we are subject unto God alone in spirituall things, yet in corporall things we owe subjection unto men also. 3. Because for that end did we receive this liberty, that we might more freely and readily performe those things, which we owe unto God and men. Vse. This may serve to condemne those, that use Christian liberty for a cloake of maliciousnesse, as it is in the text. Doct. 5. We are to take exact notice of the difference of our duty towards men, towards our brethren, towards God, and towards the Magistrates.
This is gathered from v. 17.
Reas. Because great is the difference of the grounds or reasons, whereupon these duties depend, as it is intimated in the text; but we must make conscience of our duty in all.
