Commonplace
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Superiors in the commonwealth are all civil magistrates, whe- Superion in thcr they be supreme, as emperors and kings, or inferior governors *^* *^\ tinder them. (1 Peter ii. 13, 14.) Whereunto arc to be referred, Y S22 THE DUTIES OF KIN08 AVD MAGISTRATBa. .- the general in the field, the captain in war:, as ako in. courts, advocates are fathers to their clients. Those under tfa^ govenn ment of the civil magistrates, are all persons and. ^mbjects in tbe realm, citj, or state, where they are governors*. (Rom. xiii; 1.) The duties of kings and inferior mi^trates in dM common- wealth are twofold* L In respect of God*s matters, and, 2. In regard of civil affairs; (1 Tim* ii« 1, 2«) the former whereof regardeth the good of the souls, the latter of the bodies of their sub- jects. With respect to God*s matters, and the aouU of the subjects, it is the duty of the civil magistrate, 1. To pray for them, that God would make their hearts obedient unto him. 2. To see that God be honoured in his dominions : that abases in religion be reformed, and truth promoted and maintained, aflter the example of David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Josiah, and other good kings. (2 Chron. xiv. 3, 4 ; xv. 12 — 15; xviL6— 9.) 3. To plant the sincere preaching of the word among hia sub- jects, that so they may be more obedient unto bins, and take care that the good things already taught and established may be done as God hath appointed. He is not to make new laws of his own for religion, but to see those ordinances of religion which are grounded upon the word of God, duly established and practised ; that so God may be truly served and gk>rified9 pnd the churches within his realms, and under his govemment, may lead a quiet and peaceable Itfe, in all godlineu and homuijf. (1 Tim. ii. 2.) For he who neglccteth this duty to GK>d« shall never perform his duty to men, how politic soever be soem to TbeiMisli- be. In respect of ciWl affiiirs, 1. He must look to the pefu^ of in ciAl the commonwealth over which he is set, defending hii^ subj.ects
James UssherA Body of Divinity, CHAPTER XXVI.
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