Fenner - BV4500 F466 1651

154 !i treatife of Conf'cience. i. Conelufon. i. Magiflrates have power to command .us. Let everyfoul be fugjc t to the higher powers : fer there is no power but on God; andthe powersthat beare ordained of God, Rom. 13 !. That chapter doth molt clearly prove this conclufion unto us. Out of the firfl part of the chapter we learn, i . That Magi- flrates have power and authority tomake laws, and to eftablifh orders among men ; and therefore they are called powers : 2. We learn that there laws of Magiflrates receive ftrength and force from the law of God : For the powers that be are ordai- ned of God, faith the text. 3. Thofe laws made by the Magi- flrate and confirmed by God have power to bind conscience, verf. 5. Wherefore we muff befubjeá not only becaufe ofwrath but alfofor confcierce face. And the violating ofthem is (inne. When their authority is confirmed by God, we cannot refill thembut we refit the ordinance ofGod, faith the Apoflle : nay, we may pull condemnation upenus if we do ; They that refill (hall receive to themfelves condemnation, verf. 2. So that this firfl conclufion telleth us what lawsof men are tobe obeyed ; viz I. Such as do virtually flow from Gods word, though not expreffely commanded in it ; 2, Such as are good and wholefome and profitable for the common- wealth : Thefe though they are not particularly commanded in Gods word, yet are they by virtue of it injoyned : and therefore to negle& them and be difobedient unto them, is to negle& and be dif- obedient to God. Again, fo farre onely are they to be obeyed (fo farre onely, J fay) as they virtually do flow from Gods word : for fo farre onely they receive force from Gods law. This is the firfl conclufion. 2. Conclufon. 2. The commandements of Magiflrates and thole that are in authoritie lofe theirpower of binding the conscience in foure cafes : I. When

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