The Divine right and irresistibility of kings and supreme magistrates clearly evidenced, not from any private authority, but from the publique confessions of the reformed churches, and the homilies of the Church of England.

THE DIVINE RIGHT AND Irresistibility of KINGS and Supreme MAGISTRATES.

The HELVETIAN Confession.

THe Magistrate of what sort soever it be,* 1.1 is or∣dained of God himselfe, for the Peace and quietnesse of Mankind, and so that he ought to have the chiefest place in the World. (And) God doth work the safety of his People by the Magistrate, whom as he hath given to be as a Father of the World; so all the Subjects are commanded to acknowledge this benefit of God in the Magistrate, and honour him as the Minist••r of God. And if the common safety of the Country and Justice require it, and the Magistrate doe of ne∣cessity make Warre, let them lay downe their life and spend their blood for the commo•• safety and defence of the Magi∣strate, and that in the name of God willingly, valiantly, and cheerfully, for that he that opposeth himselfe against the Ma∣gistrate doth procure the wrath of God against him. We know that though we be free, we ought wholly in a true Faith, holi∣ly to submit our selves to the Magistrate, both with our body, and with our goods, and endeavours of minde, so farre forth as his government is not evidently repugnant to him for whose sake we reverence the Magistrate.

The Confession of BOHEMIA.

IT is taught out of the holy Scriptures,* 1.2 that the Civill Magistrate is the Ordinance of God, and appointed by God, who both taketh his originall from God, and by the effectuall power of his presence, and continuall aid, is main∣tained

to governe the People, in those things which apper∣taine to the life of this body here upon earth, whereof is that of S^t Paul, Rom. 13.1. There is no Power &c. And Magistrates must know and remember this, that they are Gods Deputies, and in his stead, and that God is the Soveraigne Lord and King, even of them all as well as of other men, to whom they must give an account at the last day, of the degree wherein they were placed, and of their dominion, and of the whole admini∣stration of their government, whereof it is expresly written in the book of Wisdome, Cap. 6.1. The people also are taught of their duty, and by the word of God are effectually thereto in∣forced, that all, and every of them in all things, so that they be not contrary to God, performe their obedience to the superior power, first to the King's Majesty, then to all other Magistrates, and such as are in Authority, in what charge soever they be pla∣ced, whether they be of themselves good men or evill.

The FRENCH Confession.

* 1.3VVE believe that God would have the world to be governed by Lawes, and by Civill Go∣vernment, that there may be certain bridles, whereby the immoderate desires of the world may be restrai∣ned, and that therefore he appointed, Kingdomes, Common∣wealths, and other kind of Principalities, whether they come by Inheritance or otherwise. (And) Therefore because of the author of this order, we must not only suffer them to rule whom he hath set over us, but also give unto them all honour and reverence, as unto his Ambassadours and Ministers assigned of him to execute a Lawfull and Holy Function. We affirme also, That we must obey the Lawes and Statutes, that Tribute must be paid, and we must patiently endure the other burthens; to conclude, That we must willingly suffer the yoke of subje∣ction, although the Magistrates be infidells, so that the sove∣raigne power of God doe remaine whole or entire, and no∣thing be diminished.

The Confession of BELGIA.

VVE believe that the most gratious and mighty God, did appoynt Kings, Princes,* 1.4 and Magi∣strates, because of the depravation of man∣kind, and that it is his will, that this World should be gover∣ned by Lawes, and by a certain civill government to punish the faults of men, and that all things may be done in good or∣der among men: Therefore he hath armed the Magistrate with a sword, to punish the wicked and defend the good.

The Confession of AUSPURGE.

VVE are sure that seeing the Godly must obey the Magistrates that be over them,* 1.5 they must not wring their authority out of their hands, nor overthrow Governments by Sedition, for as much as Paul wisheth every soule to be subject to the Magistrates. We know also that the Church in this life, is subject to the Crosse, as S^t Paul saith, We must be made like to the image of the Sonne of God.

The Confession of SAXONY.

VVE teach that in the whole Doctrine of God delivered by the Apostles and Prophets,* 1.6 the degrees of the civill State are avouched, and that Magistrates, Lawes, order in judgement, and the lawfull society of mankind, are not by chance sprung up among men. And although there be many horrible confusions which grow from the divell, and madnesse of men, yet the lawfull Govern∣ment and society of men is ordained of God, and whatsoever order is yet left by the exceeding goodnesse of God, it is pre∣served for the Churches sake. (And) Subjects owe to the Ci∣vill Magistrate obedience, as Paul saith, not only because of Wrath, (i.e.) for fear of Corporall punishment, wherewith the Rebellious are rewarded by the Magistrate, but also for Con∣science sake. (i.e.) Rebellion is a sinne that offendeth God; and with-draweth the Conscience from God. (And again) God

would have all men to be ruled and kept in order by civill go∣vernment, even those that are not regenerate; and in this go∣vernment the Wisdome, Iustice, and goodnesse of God to∣wards us is most clearely to be seen,

1 Wisdome, by Order, and the societies of mankind under lawfull government.

2 Iustice, in that he will have open sinnes to be punished by the Magistrates, and when they that are in authority doe not take punishment on offendors, God himselfe doth miracu∣lously draw them unto punishment, and proportionably doth lay upon grievous sinnes, grievous punishments in this life, Mat. 26 52. Heb. 13.4.

3. Goodnesse towards mankind, in that he preserveth the societies of mankind after this order: and for that cause doth he maintaine it, that from thence his Church may be gathe∣red, and he will have Common-wealths to be places for the maintenance of his Church.

The confession of SCOTLAND.

* 1.7VVE confesse and acknowledge Empires, King∣domes, Dominions, and Cities to be distin∣cted and ordeined by God: the Powers and Authorities in the same, be it of Emperours in their Em∣pires, Kings in their Realmes, Dukes and Princes in their Dominions, and of other Magistrates in their C••ties to be Gods holy ordinance, ordeined for manifestation of his owne glory, and for the singular profit and Commodity of man∣kind: so that whosoever goeth about to take away, or con∣found the whole state of Civill policies now long established, we affirme the same men, not onely to be Enemies to man∣kind, but also wickedly fight against Gods expressed will.

The summe of these confessions.

THe summe is; All power is originally in God him∣selfe, who is Solus potens,a 1.8 the onely King, and independant potentate. 2. He hath (for the good of mankind) communicated some of his power immediately to

Kings, and by themb 1.9 to inferiour Magistrates. So that a King is Gods immediate Vicegerent and Deputy, and therefore His Authority, and Person are both Sacred, and should be in∣violable. He is, Ministerc 1.10 Dei, and Ʋnctus Domini, not the Peoples, but the Lords Deputy, the Lords Annointed; and therefore none can stretch out his hand against himd 1.11 (though he be a Saul, a Tyrant) and be guiltlesse. And if the Kirke of Scotland may be judge, they that goe about to take away, or confound Monarchy, — Those men are not onely Enemies to mankind, but also wickedly fight against Gods expresse will. I would to God the practice of that Nation, were any way sui∣table to the piety, and truth of this profession.

And because of the Author of this order, we must both suffer those whom he hath set over us for to rule, and also ho∣nour them in their place & office, as his Embassadours and Mi∣nisters, of which their Ministration they must give an account at the last day. And in all things that be not contrary to God we must performe obedience to the Superiour power; First to the Kings Majesty, then to all other Magistrates, whether they be of themselves good men or evill: yea we must patiently suffer the yoke of Subjection, though they be Infidells.

And if the common safety of the Country and Iustice re∣quire it, and the Magistrate doe of necessity make Warre, they must lay downe their lives, and spend their bloud, for the common safety and defence of the Magistrate, and that in the name of God willingly, valiantly and chearfully; for that he that opposeth himselfe against the Magistrate, doth procure the wrath of God against him.

Lastly, we must not wring their Authority out of their handes, nor overthrow Government by Sedition: and they that goe about to take away Civill policies established, are Enemies to mankind; and they that Resist and Rebell against their Prince, resist God himselfe, whose Deputy and Embas∣sadour and Minister he is; and they who teach such Doctrine, withdraw the Consciences of men from God.

And Reader, see the Harmony between the Confessions of the Reformed Churches, and the Doctrine of the Church of England▪ delivered in the Books of Homilies, concerning

Civill Obedience and Subjection.

The Authority of which Books is declared and confirmed, by the 35 Article of our Religion.

The second Book of Homilies doth containe a godly and whol∣some Doctrine, and necessary for these times, as doth the former Book of Homilies, which were set forth in the time of King Ed∣ward the sixt, and therefore we judge them to be read in Churches by the Minister diligently and distinctly, that they may be under∣stood of the People.

And now I shall present unto thee, the summe of the Do∣ctrine of those Books concerning the Premises.

GOD.

God is the universall Monarch of the world, lib. 2. p. 278. l. 7.

ORDER.

God hath appoynted all things in a most excellent Order, lib. 1. pag. 69. lin. 1.

Where there is no order, nor Magistrate, there is Confusion, lin. 31.

KINGS.

Kings are from God, 1. 70. 81. 2. 276. 39. 45. 278. 1. 10. 23. Kings have their power from God onely, 1. 71. 31.

They are the Chiefe and Supreme Rulers next under God, 1. 76. 15.

They onely have the use of the Sword, 1. 74. 19.

Evill KINGS.

Evill Kings are from God, 2. 276. 45.

God placeth them over a Country for the sinnes thereof, 2. 278. 31. They are reserved for Gods punishment, and judge∣ment, 1. 74. 10.

OBEDIENCE.

We learne by the word of God to yeeld to our King, that is due to our King; that is, honour, obedience, payments of due taxes, customes, tributes, subsidies, feare and love, 1. 77. 7.

This is gods ordinance, gods Commandement, and gods holy will, that all the whole body of every Realme, and all the members and parts thereof should be subject to their Head their King, 1. 77. 2.

They that live in true obedience to god and the King, please god, and have peace of Conscience, and having god on their side, let them not feare what man can doe against them, ibid. 37.

We must obey sharp and rigorous Princes. 2. 277. 46. and pa∣tiently suffer under them 289. 32. 42. and pray for their pro∣sperity. 2. 280. 46. 288. 3. 6.

If the King command any thing contrary to Gods Word, we must rather obey God then man: yet in that case, we may not in any wise withstand violently, or make any insurrection, sedition, or Tumults by force of Armes, or otherwise against the Lords Annoynted, or any of his Officers. 1. 74. 44.

If God give a heathen tyrant to reigne over us, we must obey him and pray for him. 2. 282. 13.

Where is obedience there is the figure of heaven. 2. 296. 46. Heaven is the place of good Subjects, ibid. 44.

JƲDGING.

We must not judge of the King his government or Councel∣lours. Yea it is a perilous thing to commit unto Subjects the judgement, which Prince is wise and Godly, and his government good, and which is otherwise; as though the foot must judge of the head, an enterprise very hainous, and must needs breed Re∣bellion. 2. 279. 23.

MƲRMƲRING.

We may not murmure against the King, or speak evill of him. 2. 299. 12. 31. 34. 300. 3.

RESISTING.

We may not in any case resist or stand against the superior powers, though they be wicked, because they have their power from God. 1. 72. 12. 29. 30. 2. 280. 5. 33. 285. 6. 28. Though we have great numbers of men (2. 286. 40.) yet we must not at∣tempt any thing against the King; though hated of god, and gods enemy, & so likely to be pernitious to the Common-wealth. 287. 2. 16. though he doth not consider our faithfull service, or safe∣guard of our Posterity. 22. and lastly though he be our known mortall deadly enemy, and that he seeketh our lives. 26.

They that resist, resist not man but God. 1. 71. 35.

REBELLION.

The sink of all sinne, both of the first & second table. 2. 292. 29.

Lucifer the first author of Rebellion, 2. 276. 7.

The two Principall causes of Rebellion are,

• 1 Ambition, and restlesse desire in some men to be of higher Estate then God hath given them.
• 2. Ignorance in the people, and lack of knowledge of Gods blessed will, declared in his holy word concerning their obedi∣ence. 2. 307. 16. 28. 313. 14.

Rebells no true Christians. 2. 289. 45.

Rebells a wicked example against all Christendome, and whole mankind, &c. 2. 282. 24.

Rebells pretences vaine, viz. redresse of the Common-wealth, and reformation of Religion. 2. 301. 19. 302. 2. 22. 25. 29.

Rebellion no good means of Reformation. 2. 279. 34.

Miseries following Rebellion; viz. Pestilence, Famine, the calamities of Warre extraordinary. 2. 294. 29.

Gods judgement on Rebells. 2. 300. 9.

Rebells never prospered long. 2. 300. 45.

Hell the place of Rebells. 2. 296. 45.

Vnlesse we doe what we are able to stay Rebellion, we are most wicked, &c. 2. 282. 36.

The CLERGY.

The Clergy ought both themselves especially to be obedient to their Prince, and also to exhort others to the same. 2. 308. 27.

ALmighty God, whose Kingdome is everlasting and power infi∣nite, have mercy upon the whole Congregation, and so rule the heart of thy chosen servant Charles our King and Governour, that He knowing whose Minister He is, may above all things seek thy honour and glory, and that we His Subiects, duly considering whose authority He hath, may faithfully serve, honour, and hum∣bly obey him, in thee, and for thee, according to thy blessed Word and Ordinance, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  In Syntag. confession. Genev. An. 1612. pag. 85.
• * 1.2

  In Syntag. Confes. edit. Genev. An. 1612. pag. 264. part 2.
• * 1.3

  In Corpor. Confession. Genevae. An. 1612. p. 110. Art. 39. Con∣fess. Gallican.
• * 1.4

  Ibid. pag. 183. Confess. Belg. Artic. 36.
• * 1.5

  Ibid. pag. 17. vid. Confessi∣on. August. Art. 16. part. 2.
• * 1.6

  Conf. Sax. Art. 23. In E∣dit. Gen. 1612. part. 2. pag. 128.
• * 1.7

  Confes. Scot. Artic. 24. in Corp. Conf. Gen. An. 1612. p. 156. part. 1.
• a 1.8

  1. Tim. 6.15.
• b 1.9

  1. Pet. 2.13.
• c 1.10

  Rom. 13.4.
• d 1.11

  1. Sam. 26: 9.