I answer — Certainly Christianity doth not abolish civil distinctions ; therefore —
[1.] Some think this exhortation only concerneth inferiors, pressing them to yield obedience to whom it is due, in subordination to God, as the wife to the husband, the children to the parents, servants to their masters.
[2.] Others better, that this general exhortation concerneth the duties both of superiors and inferiors, and that submission is taken generally for any duty that we are bound to perform to one another for mutual good and advantage. And this interpretation I approve of for these reasons. (1.) Because this sense runneth most smoothly and without forcing. (2.) Because it suiteth with many other scriptures, as I shall show you by and by. (3.) Since all grant this is the preface to the following exhortation, and therein superiors are exhorted as well as inferiors to their proper duties, this should be extended to both. He beginneth indeed with the duty of inferiors, as being most tedious and difficult, but he layeth a charge upon both faithfully to perform their duties to each other; for we all owe a service of love one to another, and must endeavour to do good in our several places and capacities.
3. The manner of performance, ' In the fear of God ; ' that is, so as they would approve themselves to God, who is the author of all order in every community and society of mankind ; and to him we must give an account as our proper judge : 1 Peter i. 17, * And if ye call on the
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Father, who without respect of persons judge th every man according to his work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.' They that ohey ' only for wrath, and not for conscience' sake,' Eom. xiii. 5, do not fulfil this precept for fear of God, hut for fear of men. To obey for conscience' sake is to ohey for fear of God.
Doct. That mutual condescension to one another in the duties of our places and relations doth very much become those who are filled with the Spirit.
1. I shall inquire wherein this mutual condescension doth consist.
2. What graces are necessary to it.
3. That this is an unquestionable duty both in superiors and in- feriors.
I. Wherein this mutual condescension doth consist ?
I answer — It may be considered with respect to ecclesiastical, or civil, or economical power.
1. With respect to ecclesiastical power, whicli must be determined by the nature of that community for which it serveth. They are a voluntary people : Ps. ex. 3, ' Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.' And yield up themselves to be guided to everlasting happiness by such helps and means as God hath instituted : 2 Cor. viii. 5, ' But first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.' They covenanted with God to obey him, so also to sub- mit to the institutions of his family. Now here there are teachers and taught, governors and governed. There are some that have the inspection of others, and they must be obeyed in that kind of govern- ment which belongeth to souls dedicated to God, which is directive rather than authoritative, and managed by a council rather than a court. And here there must be a mutual condescension both in governors and governed, for in both there is mutual service.
[1.] The governors are but ministers, servants of God for the com- fort of the faithful : 1 Cor. iv. 1, ' Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.' They have an honourable office in the family, but still they are ministers and servants ; and they are to feed the flock, not as lords over God's lieritage, but as directors or guides, by word and example. They should not affect dominion over the Lord's people, but walk holily and humbly, guiding them in a tender and condescending way to their everlasting estate ; rather persuading them to the receiving and embracing the gospel than forcing and compelling them to it. And therefore the exercise of their office on their part should not be €lomination, but ministration and service : Mat. xx, 25-27, ' And they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you ; but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister: and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.' They most please the Lord who serve the souls of men, and promote the work of the Lord in their conversion to God. It is an office of burden and humility ; for all the power of the church is a power of eminent charity. ' Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me ? Feed my sheep,' John xxi. 15-17.
[2.] The governed must meekly submit themselves to these institu- tions of Christ, and directions given them for eternal life, how contrary
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soever they be to our lusts, interests, and carnal prejudices : Heb. xiii. 17, ' Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your- selves ; for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief ; for that is unprofit- able for you/ Their task is great ; now you should make it as easy and pleasing as you can, that they may have comfort in the discharge of their office to you. They should submit, and you should submit ; the church doth live in peace by mutual condescension, when every one becometh a mutual servant to another.