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Of the Civil Magistrate

Section 24.2

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 wholsome Laws of each Kingdome, and Commonwealth: so for that end they may lawfully now under the New Testament wage war upon just and necessary occasions.

See also in WCF: 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 Compare: Of the Civil Magistrate
2 Samuel 23:3
[3] The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God,
Psalms 82:3, 4
[3] Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. [4] Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Luke 3:14
[14] Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
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Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate

The authority and duties of the civil magistrate

Of the Civil Magistrate

Section 24.1

God the supream Lord, and King of all the World, hath ordained Civil Magistrates to be under him, over the people for his own glory, and the publick 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.

Of the Civil Magistrate

Section 24.2

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 wholsome Laws of each Kingdome, and Commonwealth: so for that end they may lawfully now under the New Testament wage war upon just and necessary occasions.

Of the Civil Magistrate

Section 24.3

Civil Magistrates being set up by God, for the ends aforesaid; subjection in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yeilded 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.