her
therein, otherwise her state were worse under the Christian than under
the pagan magistrate.

Objective or objectively ecclesiastical, as being exercised about
objects ecclesiastical, but politically, not ecclesiastically. His
proper power is _about_, not _in_ religious matters. He may politically,
outwardly exercise his power about objects or matters spiritual; but not
spiritually, inwardly, formally act any power in the Church. He may act
in church affairs as did Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah; not as did
Corah, Saul, Uzzah, or Uzziah. He is an overseer of things without, not
of things within. And in a word, his whole power about church offices
and religion is merely, properly, and formally civil or political.[30]

Nor is this only our private judgment, or the opinion of some few
particular persons touching the granting or bounding of the magistrate's
power about matters of religion; but with us we have the suffrage of
many reformed churches, who, in their Confessions of Faith published to
the world, do fully and clearly express themselves to the same effect.

The Helvetian church thus: Since every magistrate is of God, it is
(unless he would exercise tyranny) his chief duty, all blasphemy being
repressed, to defend and provide for religion, and to execute this to
his utmost strength, as the prophet teacheth out of the word; in which
respect the pure and free preaching of God's word, a right, diligent,
and well-instituted discipline of youth, citizens and scholars; a just
and liberal maintenance of the ministers of the church, and a solicitous
care of the poor, (whereunto all ecclesiastical means belong,) have the
first place. After this, &c.

The French churches thus: He also therefore committed the sword into the
magistrates' hands, that they might repress faults committed not only
against the second table, but also against the first; therefore we
affirm, that their laws and statutes ought to be obeyed, tribute to be
paid, and other burdens to be borne, the yoke of subjection voluntarily
to be undergone, yea, though the magistrates should be infidels, so long
as the supreme government of God remains perfect and untouched, Matt.
xxiv.; Acts iv. 17, and v. 19; Jude verse 8.

The church of Scotland thus: Moreover we affirm, that the purging and
conserving of religion is the first and most especial duty of kings,
princes, governors, and magistrates. So that they are ordained of God
not only for civil polit