into their hands. They are to be "a terror to the workers of iniquity," and " not to bear the sword in vain :" but to all others they are " ministers for good," protecting them in the peaceful enjoyment of every earthly blessing. Would we conceive aright of the benefits we derive from our govern- ment, let us imagine such a state of things existing amongst us as occasionally existed in the land of Israel, when " there was no king in Israel, and every one did what was right in his own eyesf:" what enormities would be committed in every quarter of the land ! If for the space of three days only all the functions of government were suspended, and all were left at liberty to perpetrate whatever came into their hearts, we should soon see how much we have been indebted to the legis- lature for enacting wholesome laws, and to the magistracy for enforcing them. To the government we owe it, that our persons are safe from injury, and our property from the depredation of lawless violence : and whilst " we sit, each under his own vine and fig-tree, none making us afraid," we should feel our obligations to those, who, by God's ordinance, have been, and continue day by day to be, the means and instruments of all our comfort. What Tertullus said in a way of flattery to Felix, we may, with the strictest truth, say respecting our governors, that" by them we enjoy great quiet- ness, and by their providence very worthy deeds are done to our whole nation g."]
From this view of their character, we are prepared to hear,
II. What regard should be paid to them —
The relation of ruler and subject necessarily brings with it corresponding duties. Whilst they are caring and labouring for us, it is our duty,
1 . To honour their persons —
[God says, respecting himself, " If I be a Father, where is my honour ? if I be a master, where is my fear ?" A portion of the same regard is due to magistrates also, as his represen- tatives and vicegerents upon earth. Hence, in reference to them, it is said in our text, "Render unto all their dues; fear, to whom fear is due ; and honour to whom honour." To speak harshly or contemptuously of them is highly unbe- coming. To " despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities," are among the leading features of many who are a scandal to the Christian nameh. We should consider, that they are necessitated to see with other eyes, and to hear with other
f Judg. xvii. 6. and xxi. 25. s Acts xxiv. 2. h Jude, ver. 8.