We confess qthat such as resist the supreme power, doing that thing which appertaineth to his charge, do resist Gods Ordinance; and therefore cannot be guiltless. And further we affirm, that whosoever deny unto them their aid, counsel and comfort, whilst the Princes and Rulers vigilantly travel in execution of their Office, that the same men deny their help, support, and counsel to God, who by the presence of his Lieutenant doth crave it of them. We know and believe, rthat though we be free, we ought wholly in a true faith holily to submit our selves to the Magistrate, both with our ⟨image 8⟩body, and with all our goods, and endeavour of mind, also to perform faithfulness, and the oath which we made to him, so far forth as his government is not evidently repugnant to him for whose sake we do reverence the Magistrate. sThat we ought to yield unto Kings and other Magistrates in their own stations, fear, honour, tribute, and custom, whether they be good men or evil, as likewise to obey them, in that which is not contrary to the Word of God: It being always provided that in things pertaining to our souls and consciences, we obey God only and his holy Word. We believe tthat God hath delivered the Sword into the hands of the Magistrates, to wit, that offences may be repressed, not only those which are committed against the second Table, but also against the first. We do agree and avouch, uthat all men of what dignity, condition, or state soever they be, ought to be subject to their lawful Magistrates, and pay unto them Subsidies and Tributes, and obey them in all things which are not repugnant to the word of God. Also they must pour out their prayers for them, that God would vouchsafe to direct them in all their actions, and that we may lead a ⟨image 8⟩peaceable and quiet life under them, with all godliness and honesty. We teach xthat it doth belong to the authority and duty of the Magistrate, to forbid and (if need be) to punish such sins as are committed against the ten Commandments or the Law natural: as likewise to add unto the Law natural some other laws, defining the circumstances of the natural Law, and to keep and maintain the same by punishing the transgressors. We hold ythat the laws of the Realm may punish Christian men with death, for heinous and grievous offences.
We confesse qthat such as resist the supreame power, doing that thing which appertaineth to his charge, doe resist Gods Ordinance; and therefore cannot be guiltlesse. And further we affirme, that whosoever deny unto them their ayd, counsell and comfort, whilest the Princes and Rulers vigilantly travell in execution of their Office, that the same men deny their help, support, and counsell to God, who by the presence of his Lieutenant doth crave it of them. We know and believe, rthat though we be free, we ought wholly in a true faith holily to submit our selves to the Magistrate, both with our ⟨image 8⟩body, and with all our goods, and endeavour of mind, also to performe faithfulnesse, and the oath which we made to him, so far forth as his government is not evidently repugnant to him for whose sake we doe reverence the Magistrate. sThat we ought to yeeld unto Kings and other Magistrates in their owne stations, feare, honour, tribute, and custome, whether they be good men or evill, as likewise to obey them, in that which is not contrary to the Word of God: It being alwaies provided that in things pertaining to our soules and consciences, we obey God onely and his holy Word. We believe tthat God hath delivered the Sword into the hands of the Magistrates, to wit, that offences may be repressed, not onely those which are committed against the second Table, but also against the first. We doe agree and avouch, uthat all men of what dignity, condition, or state soever they be, ought to be subject to their lawfull Magistrates, and pay unto them Subsidies and Tributes, and obey them in all things which are not repugnant to the word of God. Also they must poure out their prayers for them, that God would vouchsafe to direct them in all their actions, and that we may lead a ⟨image 8⟩peaceable and quiet life under them, with all godlinesse and honesty. We teach xthat it doth belong to the authority and duty of the Magistrate, to forbid and (if need be) to punish such sinnes as are committed against the ten Commandements or the Law naturall: as likewise to adde unto the Law naturall some other lawes, defining the circumstances of the naturall Law, and to keepe and maintaine the same by punishing the transgressors. We hold
- qIbid.
- rThe Confession of Helvetia in the head of Magistracy.
- sThe confession of Bohemia cap. 16.
- tThe French confession Art. 39.
- uThe confession of Belgia At. 36.The confession of Belgia Att. 36.
- xThe confesof Saxony, Art. 23.
- yIrish Articles of Religion Art. 61, 62.
