The excellency of holy courage in evil times by Jeremiah Burroughs ; published by Thomas Goodwin ... [et al.]

CHAP. 5. (Book 5)

Some further Directions, how we should order our selves, if we should be injoined unlawful things.

BUt to give some further rules of Direction; if we should be enjoined things unlawful, and we could not in a legal way recover the power out of the hands of those that do injoine such things, how we should or∣der our selves.

1. First, Do not do any thing otherwise than au∣thority enjoines rashly: forbeare as long as you can, and consult, and consider further about it, because we should loath to do any thing than that which is injoin'd by tho sthat are above us. If there be any arguments to shew that they may be done, we should listen to them. Some assoon as they see a thing Commanded that is forbidden. they flie upon it, before they try it, and therefore when they come to suffer they have little comfort in it: we are to try all our actions, especially when they shal seem to have any opposition against authority.

Secondly. If we be put upon it, that we must of necessity do those things that authority forbids, do them privately, that it may appear we are loth to disobey

those that are in authority: because if we should do it openly, others that know not our grounds, may be brought into contempt of authority.

Thirdly, We are to do it as silently as we can, not to make a brag and boast of it: as many will take a de∣light and pride in it: if they have warrant enough to go against the command, they brag and boast of it wheresoever they come: it is enough for us to go on silently; if we may do our duty to God, make little noise of it.

Fourthly, Observe all circumstances of time and place, and so all other circumstances, so as to do it in a way that may as little exasperate them that are in au∣thority as possible we can. Many when their Consci∣enc will not suffer them to do those things, which those that are above them do enjoyn, they wil go a∣gainst it with such bitterness of spirit, as if they did take delight to exasperate them, this doth not become a Christian.

Fiftly. Howsoever we do those things that autho∣rity forbids, let us take heed we give as reverent respect unto authority as wee can: not to be violent in our words, nor to give revileing, provokeing speeches; that shews our own pride of heart rather than any thing else.

Sixthly. Be sure you keep to your Principles; that they may be convinced that what you do is out of con∣science, and not out of any refractory humor: if so be you should plead you cannot do such & such things be∣cause of your Conscience, and they shal observe that you wil do other things that are as apparent against consci∣ence, they may see, it was not out of your conscience but out of your stoutness: but if they shal observe that there is nothing in which you dare go against the rule of your conscience, they shall see that it is not out of disobedi∣ence unto them, but in obedience to conscience: And therefore by how much the more you are forced to dis∣obey

in some things, by so much the more be careful, to obey in what you may.

And this is usual, that those that are truly gracious and are in place of office, they wil labor to see those laws that may make for Gods glory shal be executed, and so they are accounted rather two busy, Because they wil do so much for authority: but howsoever, it ought to be the care of all Gods people to be obedient to au∣thority in what they can.

And in the last place. If authority should deal ne∣ver so hardly with you, take heed you have no thoughts of revenge, but commit your cause to God, and requite good for evil, and pray for those that persecute you.

And these directions being premised, you see how far you are to fear the wrath of the King, and the dis∣pleasure of al that are in place above you.