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Shall they then be honored & submitted to?
Can they then, in the name of God, exact
our obedience, as his representatives? Can they
then demand our reverence & gratitude as pub-
-lic benefactors? No! Not for a moment. They
do not stand any longer in the place of God; – they have forfeit-
-ed his favor; they no longer represent him. In-
-stead of benefactors – they are robbers; instead of
promoting the public good, they are trampling
upon it; instead of encouraging industry & protect-
-ing innocence, they are rioting upon the spoils of
both. Their authority is no longer binding, in
fact; though, it may be, in form. Ceasing to do
that for which they are sent – they have lost the
authority to exact the tribute due to worthy
magistrates. And he commits no sin, who with-
-holds from them his respect – who scorns their
commands – who sets at naught their power.

The text – then, – requires of us full
& hearty submission – a spirit of honor & reverence,
toward laws, rulers, & magistrates; – so long as they do
not contravene the law of God, and are faithful
& diligent in the discharge of their duties;
aiming always to punish offenders as they deserve,
and to uphold & protect those who follow what is good;
and not a moment longer.