At first sight this question seems difficult and troublesome: and all the more so because, in as much as it would appear to be superfluous under pious princes but perilous under impious ones, scarcely any one has touched upon it other than very lightly. We must investigate on the basis of fact whether it be lawful to resist a prince who is abrogating the law and destroying the church of God, or hindering its restoration. Holy Scripture will determine the matter for us, if we stand by its judgement. For if, as will easily be proved from Scripture, this was licit for the whole Jewish people, and was even enjoined upon it, then no-one, I believe, will deny that exactly the same is manifestly established with regard to the whole Christian people of any kingdom.

This must be the first consideration: that God chose from all /33/ peoples the people of Israel to be His special people; and sealed a covenant [foedus] with it, that it should be the people of God. This is demonstrated throughout Deuteronomy.