XXIV - Of the Civill Magistrate

Rom. 13.1. Titus 3.1. 1 Peter 2.13. WE confesse and acknowledge Empires, Kingdomes, Dominions and Cities, to be distincted and Ordained by God, the powers and authorities in the same (be it of Emperours in their Empires, of Kings in their Realms, Dukes and Princes in their Dominions, or of other Magistrates in free Cities) to be Gods holy Ordinance, ordained for manifestation of his owne glory, and for the singular profit and commoditie of mankinde. Rom. 13.2. So that whosoever goeth about to take away, or to confound the whole state of Civill Policies, now long established; We affirm the same men not onely to be enemies to mankinde, but also wickedly to fight against Gods expresse will. Rom. 13.7. We further confesse and acknowledge, That such persons as are placed in authority, are to be loved, honoured, feared, and holden in most reverent estimation, because they are the Lieutenants of God, in whose Session God himself doth sit and judge (yea, 1 Pet 2.17. Psal 82.1. even the Judges and Princes themselves) to whom by God is given the sword, to the praise and defence of good men, and to revenge and punish all open malefactours. To Kings, moreover Princes, Rulers, and Magistrates, we affirme, that chiefly and most principally the conservation and purgation of Religion appertaineth, so that not only they are appointed for civill policie but also for maintenance of the true Religion, and for suppressing of Idolatry and Superstition whatsoever, 1 Chron. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. Chap. 2 Chron. 29, 30, 31. chap. 2 Chron. 34, & 35. chap. as in David, Iosaphat, Ezekias, Iosias, and others highly commended for their zeal in the cause, may be espied. And therefore we confesse and avow, that such as resist the supreme Powers (doing that which appertaineth to their charge) do resist Gods Ordinance, and therefore cannot be guiltlesse: And further we affirme, that whosoever deny unto them their aide, counsell, and comfort, while the Princes and Rulers vigilantly travell in the executing of their Office, that the same men denie their help, support and counsell to God, who by the presence of his Lieutenant craveth it of them.