than he had before done, for revering, and ſubmitting to, magiſtracy, from this conſideration, that ſuch as really performed the duty of magiſtrates, would be enemies only to the evil actions of men, and would befriend and encourage the good: and ſo be a common bleſſing to ſociety. But how is this an argument, that we muſt honor, and ſubmit to, ſuch magiſtrates as are not enemies to the evil actions of men; but to the good: and ſuch as are not a common bleſſing, but a common curſe, to ſociety! But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: For he is the miniſter of God, a revenger, to execute wrath upon him that doth evil. Here the apoſtle argues from the nature and end of magiſtracy, that ſuch as did evil, (and ſuch only) had reaſon to be afraid of the higher powers; it being part of their office to puniſh evildoers, no leſs than to defend and encourage ſuch as do well. But if magiſtrates are unrighteous; if they are reſpecters of perſons; if they are partial in their adminiſtration of juſtice; then thoſe who do well have as much reaſon to be afraid, as thoſe that do evil: there can be no ſafety for the good, nor any peculiar ground of terror to the unruly and injurious. So that, in this caſe, the main end of civil government will be fruſtrated. And what reaſon is there for ſubmitting to that government, which does by no means anſwer the deſign of government? Wherefore ye muſt needs be ſubject not only for wrath, but alſo for conſcience ſake. Here the apoſtle argues the duty of a cheerful and conſcientious ſubmiſſion to civil government,
