ABSTRACT
God expressly admonishes rulers to submit to the Gospel and to allow it to be propagated. The magistrate is the custodian of the first and second tables of the law, as regards external discipline; that is, he must prohibit external impieties, punish those guilty of them, and set a good example. Now it is clear in the first and second commandments that idolatry and blasphemy are prohibited; therefore it is necessary that the magistrate should abolish blasphemy and external idolatry and assure that true doctrine and godly ceremonies are established. Thus in the government of society, too, the proper goal of society is principally to be sought by the governor. The preeminent and particular goal of human society is that God become known. The ministry of the Gospel proclaims the Gospel by which the Holy Spirit is effective in believers.
