Chapter 25
Of the Civil Magistrate
- God, the supreme Lord, and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be
under Him over the people, for His own glory, and the public good; and to this end hath
armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do
good, and for the punishment of evil doers.1
- It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate, when
called thereunto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice,
and peace,2 according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom and
commonwealth, so for that end they may lawfully now under the New Testament wage war upon
just and necessary occasions.3
- Civil magistrates being set up by God, for the ends aforesaid, subjection in all lawful
things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath but
for conscience' sake;4 and we ought to make supplications and prayers
for kings, and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and
peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.5
Footnotes:
1. Ro 13:1-4.
2. 2Sa 23:3; Ps 82:3-4.
3. Lk 3:14.
4. Ro 13:5-7; 1Pe 2:17.
5. 1Ti 2:1-2.