In these words the Apostle sheweth that particular part of obedience, which did in a speciall manner pertaine to the honesty of the faithfull among the Gentiles, that is, subjection to the Magistrates, which some at that time did begin to cast off, as not agreeing with Christian liberty. Now this subjection he doth. 1. Generally command and direct us unto, to performe it for religion sake towards God, verse 13. 2. By a distribution of the object, to wit, that we ought to performe it, not only to the King and the supreme Magistrate, but also to the governours that are sent by him. Verse 13,14. 3. He doth perswade us thereunto, 1. From the end of this ordinance, to wit, that it is to represse and punish the evill doers, and to preserve and cherish the good verse 14. at the end. 2. From the efficient cause, or command of God, verse 15. 3. From the end and benefit of performing this subjection, to wit, to stop the mouthes of the enemies, who are described by their ignorance and their foolishnesse, verse 15. 4. He removes an objection that might be made against it, about Christian liberty, verse 16. Where he distinguisheth betwixt faigned liberty, which is joyned with maliciousnesse; and true liberty, that makes men to be addicted unto the service of God: Now that this subjection to superiours belongs to the service of God, he shewes verse 17. by a short repetition of those precepts, that belong to this and the like duties. Here a Question may be made. _Question._ Why is the Magistracy called an ordinance of man verse 13. seeing all powers are ordained of God, and every power is the ordinance of God, _Romans 13.1,2._ _Answer._ The superiority of power, or government it selfe is simply and absolutely commanded by God, and in that respect is called the ordinance of God; but this or that speciall manner of power or government is not determined by God, but by men; and is therefore called _an ordinance of man_, which as touching the nature of it, may also be called _an ordinance of God_: And this is the difference betwixt an Ecclesiasticall and a civill office. An Ecclesiasticall office is not legitimate, if it be not directly determined by God himselfe, and consequently cannot be changed by men: but this or that civill office may be made & changed by men. And the reason of the difference is this, because God and Christ alone hath dominion and power in spirituall matters; but in civill matters men are also Gods, though not absolute. The Doctrines arising from this. Doctrine 1. _The duties of righteousnesse towards men, doe much commend our religion towards God._ This is gathered from the connexion of these words with the foregoing words, in that particle _therefore_. So _Iames 1.27._ _Reason_ 1. Because they are the effects of religion; Now the vertue of the cause doth alwayes appeare in the effect. 2. Because they are more obvious to the sight of man, then religion it selfe, which is the cause thereof.