XXIV. Of the Civil Magistrate
1. God the supreme Lord, and King of all the World, hath ordained Civil aMagistrates 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 defense and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers.
aRom. 13:1–4
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 aJustice, and Peace, according to the wholesome Laws of each Kingdom, and Commonwealth: so for that end they may lawfully now under the New Testament bwage war upon just and necessary occasions.
a2 Sam. 23:3; Ps. 82:3–4 bLuke 3:14
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 abut for Conscience sake; and we ought to make supplications and prayers for Kings, and all that are in Authority, bthat under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.
aRom. 13:5–7; 1 Pet. 2:17 b1 Tim. 2:1–2