obedience to tyrannical, oppreſſive rulers in common with others of a different character.
The apoſtle enters upon his ſubject thus—Let every ſoul be ſubject unto the higher powers; for there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are ordained of God. Here he urges the duty of obedience from this topic of argument, that civil rulers, as they are ſuppoſed to fulfill the pleaſure of God, are the ordinance of God. But how is this an argument for obedience to ſuch rulers as do not perform the pleaſure of God, by doing good; but the pleaſure of the devil, by doing evil; and ſuch as are not, therefore, God's miniſters, but the devil's! Whoſoever, therefore, reſiſteth the power, reſiſteth the ordinance of God; and they that reſiſt, ſhall receive to themſelves damnation. Here the apoſtle argues, that thoſe who reſiſt a reaſonable and juſt authority, which is agreeable to the will of God, do really reſiſt the will of God himſelf; and will, therefore, be puniſhed by him. But how does this prove, that thoſe who reſiſt a lawleſs, unreaſonable power, which is contrary to the will of God, do therein reſiſt the will and ordinance of God? Is reſiſting thoſe who reſiſt God's will, the ſame thing with reſiſting God? Or ſhall thoſe who do ſo, receive to themſelves damnation! For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good; and thou ſhalt have praiſe of the ſame. For he is the miniſter of God to thee for good. Here the apoſtle argues more explicitly
