99. If it further happen (which God forbid) that the magistrate do so far
abuse his authority, that he doth straitly forbid what Christ hath
ordained, yet the constant and faithful servants of Christ will resolve
and determine with themselves, that any extremities are rather to be
undergone than that they should obey such things, and that we ought to
obey God rather than men; yea, they will not leave off to perform all the
parts of their office, being ready in the meantime to render a reason of
their practice to every one that demandeth it, but specially unto the
magistrate (as was said before).

100. These things are not to that end and purpose proposed, that these
functions should be opposed one against another, in a hostile posture, or
in terms of enmity, than which nothing is more hurtful to the church and
commonwealth, nothing more execrable to them who are truly and sincerely
zealous for the house of God (for they have not so learned Christ); but
the aim is, first, and above all, that unto the King of kings and Lord of
lords, Jesus Christ, the only monarch of the church, his own prerogative
royal (of which also himself in the world was accused, and for his
witnessing a good confession thereof before Pontius Pilate, was unjustly
condemned to death) may be fully maintained and defended.

101. Next, this debate tendeth also to this end, that the power, as well
of ecclesiastical censure as of the civil sword, being in force, the
licentiousness of carnal men, who desire that there be too slack
ecclesiastical discipline, or none at all, may be bridled, and so men may
sin less, and may live more agreeably to the gospel. Another thing here
intended is, that errors on both sides being overthrown (as well the error
of those who, under a fair pretence of maintaining and defending the
rights of magistracy, do leave to the church either no power, or that
which is too weak, as the error of others, who, under the veil of a
certain suppositious and imaginary Christian liberty, do turn off the yoke
of the magistrate) both powers may enjoy their own privileges; add hereto,
that both powers being circumscribed with their distinct borders and
bounds, and also the one underpropped and strengthened by the help of the
other, a holy concord between them may be nourished, and they may mutually
and friendly embrace one another.

102. Last of all, seeing there are not wanting some unhappy men, who cease
not to pervert the right ways of th