The duty of obedience to those in authority is enforced, I. By the con- sideration that civil government is a divine institution, and, therefore, resistance to magistrates in the exercise of their lawful authority is dis- obedience to God, vs. 1, 2. 2. From the end or design of their appoint- ment, which is to promote the good of society, to be a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do well, vs. 3, 4. 3. Because such subjection is a moral, as well as civil duty, v. 5. On these grounds the payment of tributes or taxes, and general deference, are to be cheerfully rendered, vs. 6, 7.
Christians are bound not only to be obedient to those in authority, but also to perform all social and relative duties, especially that of love, which includes and secures the observance of all others, vs. 8 — 10. A pure and exemplary life as members of society is enforced by the con- sideration that the night is far spent and that the day is at hand, that the time of suffering and trial is nearly over, and that of deliverance approach- ing, vs. 11 — 14.