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1 God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates 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 defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil
doers.1
1Romans 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 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
22 Samuel 23:3; Psalms 82:3, 4 3Luke 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, 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
4Romans 13:5–7; 1 Peter 2:17 51 Timothy 2:1, 2
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