Chapter XXIII
Of the Civil Magistrate
I. 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 the defence and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil doers.1
II. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate, when called thereunto:2 in the managing whereof, as they ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth;3 so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under the New Testament, wage war, upon just and necessary occasion.4
III. Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and sacraments; or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven;5 or, in the least, interfere in matters of faith. Yet, as nursing fathers, it is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the Church of our common Lord, without giving the preference to any denomination of Christians above the rest, in such a manner that all ecclesiastical persons whatever shall enjoy the full, free, and unquestioned liberty of discharging every part of their sacred functions, without violence or danger. And, as Jesus Christ has appointed a regular government and discipline in his Church, no law of any commonwealth should interfere with, let, or hinder, the due exercise thereof, among the voluntary members of any denomination of Christians, according to their own profession and belief. It is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the person and good name of all their people, in such an effectual manner as that no person be suffered, either upon pretense of religion or of infidelity, to offer any indignity, violence, abuse, or injury to any other person whatsoever: and to take order, that all religious and ecclesiastical assemblies be held without molestation or disturbance.
IV. It is the duty of people to pray for magistrates,8 to honor their persons,9 to pay them tribute or other dues,10 to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience' sake.11 Infidelity, or difference in religion, does not make void the magistrates' just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to them;12 from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted,13 much less has the Pope any power and jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and, least of all, to deprive them of their dominions, or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretence whatsoever.14
Scripture Proofs
[1]
ROM 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 1PE 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
[2]
PRO 8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. ROM 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good.
[3]
PSA 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. 1TI 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. PSA 82:3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. 2SA 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
[4]
LUK 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. ROM 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. MAT 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. ACT 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion.
[5]
2CH 26:18 It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord. MAT 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. EPH 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.
[8]
1TI 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
[9]
1PE 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
[10]
ROM 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
[11]
ROM 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. TIT 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers.
[12]
1PE 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake.
[13]
ROM 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.
[14]
2TH 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God. REV 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast.