and who they are in whom God and his merciful presence
rules.

The _first_ is resolved to us by the words of the apostle, saying, "There
is no power but of God." David brings in the eternal God speaking to
judges and rulers, saying, "I have said, ye are gods, and sons of the Most
High." (Psal. lxxxii.) And Solomon, in the person of God, affirmeth the
same, saying, "By me kings reign, and princes discern the things that are
just." From which place it is evident, that it is neither birth, influence
of stars, election of people, force of arms, nor finally, whatsoever can
be comprehended under the power of nature, that makes the distinction
betwixt the superior power and the inferior, or that establishes the royal
throne of kings; but it is the only and perfect ordinance of God, who
willeth his terror, power, and majesty, partly to shine in the thrones of
kings, and in the faces of judges, and that for the profit and comfort of
man. So that whosoever would study to deface the order of government that
God has established, and allowed by his holy word, and bring in such a
confusion, that no difference should be betwixt the upper powers and the
subjects, does nothing but avert and turn upside down the very throne of
God, which he wills to be fixed here upon earth; as in the end and cause
of this ordinance more plainly shall appear: which is the _second_ point
we have to observe, for the better understanding of the prophet's words
and mind.

The end and cause then, why God imprints in the weak and feeble flesh of
man this image of his own power and majesty, is not to puff up flesh in
opinion of itself; neither yet that the heart of him, that is exalted
above others, should be lifted up by presumption and pride, and so despise
others; but that he should consider he is appointed lieutenant to One,
whose eyes continually watch upon him, to see and examine how he behaves
himself in his office. St. Paul, in few words, declares the end wherefore
the sword is committed to the powers, saying, "It is to the punishment of
the wicked doers, and unto the praise of such as do well." Rom. xiii.

Of which words it is evident, that the sword of God is not committed to
the hand of man, to use as it pleases him, but only to punish vice and
maintain virtue, that men may live in such society as is acceptable before
God. And this is the true and only cause why God has appointed powers in
this earth.

For such is the furious rage of man's corrup