is only such a rule as is ruled by a
higher rule. In so far as it is ruled by the own rule of it, in as far it
is a rule to us; and in so far as it is not ruled by the own rule of it,
in as far it is not a rule to us. _Quid ergo? an non licebit Christiano
cuique convenientiam regulae et regulati (ut vocant) observare?_ saith
Junius.(942)

6. The rule whereby we ought to walk in all our ways, and according to
which we ought to frame all our actions, is provided of God a stable and
sure rule, that it being observed and taken heed unto, may guide and
direct our practice aright about all those things which it prescribeth.
But the law of a prince (if we should, without trial and examination, take
it for our rule) cannot be such a stable and sure rule. For put the case
that a prince enjoin two things which sometimes fall out to be
incompatible and cannot stand together, in that case his law cannot direct
our practice, nor resolve us what to do; whereas God hath so provided for
us, that the case can never occur wherein we may not be resolved what to
do if we observe the rule which he hath appointed us to walk by.

7. Except this judgment of discretion which we plead for be permitted unto
us, it will follow that in point of obedience we ought to give no less,
but as much honour unto princes as unto God himself. For when God
publisheth his commandments unto us, what greater honour could we give him
by our obedience than to do that which he commandeth, for his own sole
will and authority, without making further inquiry for any other reason?

8. The Apostle, 1 Cor. vii. 23, forbiddeth us to be the servants of men,
that is, to do things for which we have no other warrant beside the
pleasure and will of men. Which interpretation is grounded upon other
places of Scripture, that teach us we are not bound to obey men in
anything which we know not to be according to the will of God, Eph. vi. 6,
7; that we ought not to live to the lusts of men, but to the will of God,
1 Pet. iv. 2, and that, therefore, we ought in everything to prove what is
acceptable to the Lord, Eph. v. 20.

9. They who cleanse their way must take heed thereto according to the
word, Psal. cxix. 9; therefore, if we take not heed to our way, according
to the word, we do not cleanse it. They who would walk as the children of
light, must have the word for a lamp unto their feet, and a light unto
their path, Psal. cxix. 105; therefore, if we go in any path without the
l