CHAPTER 24; OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE
Paragraph 1. God, the supreme
Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates to be under
him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this
end has 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
1 Rom. 13:1-4
Paragraph 2. 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
2 2 Sam. 23:3; Ps.
82:3,4
3 Luke 3:14
Paragraph 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
4 Rom. 13:5-7; 1
Pet. 2:17
5 1 Tim. 2:1,2