Chapter Twenty-Four

Of the Civil Magistrate

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 defense and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evildoers.

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, 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; 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.