CHAP. VII. Arguments for the Negative of that Question formerly propounded.
MY Arguments against the derivation of Magistracy from Jesus Christ as Mediator, and against the Magistrates holding of his office of and under Christ as Mediator, are these.
First, This Doctrine doth evacuate and nullifie the civil Authority and Government of all Heathen or Pagan Magistrat••; for which way was the authority of Government derived from Christ, and from him as Mediator, to a Pagan Magistrate or Emperour? If he hath not his power from Christ as Mediator, then he is but an usurper, and hath no just title to reign, according to their Principles which hold that all government, even civil, is given to C rist, and to him as Mediator. Mr. Hussey for∣sooth doth learnedly yeeld the argument, and answereth pag. 20. that not onely it is a sin to be a Heathen, but the govern∣ment of a Heathen is sinfull and unlawfull, for which he gives this reason, Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. He might as well conclude, in that sence, that the best vertues of the Heathen were sin, because not of faith, that is, accidentally sin, in re∣spect of the end, or manner of doing, not materially, or in their own nature. Vpon the same reason he must conclude, that the government of a Christian Magistrate is unlawfull, if it be not of faith, as oftimes it is not, through the blindnesse and corruption of mens hearts who govern. But whether is