Beza – Rights of Rulers Over Their Subjects

Concerning the Rights of Rulers Over Their Subjects and the Duty Of Subjects Towards Their Rulers.

By Theodore Beza
1572




Summary: This is a 10 chapter work by Beza (French Reformater) that explores the relationship between the subjects and the ruler of a land from a biblical perspective.

A brief and clear treatise particularly indispensable to either class in these troubled times.

Translation by Henry-Louis Gonin, edited by Patrick S. Poole

Notes from the critical French Edition translated by Patrick S. Poole. This edition and translation © 1995 Patrick S. Poole (pspoole@hiwaay.net)

To Kings and Princes the Counsel of David: Psalm 2: Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath will soon be kindled.

To the Subjects: I Peter 2:13: Be subjects to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.

Contents:

Question 1. Must Magistrates Always Be Obeyed As Unconditionally As God?

Question 2. Is A Magistrate Held Responsible To Render Account Of All His Laws To His Subjects? And How Far Are They To Presume Such Laws To Be Just?

Question 3. How Far Must Obedience Be Rendered Or Refused To Unjust Or Impious Commands

Question 4. How Can One Who Has Suffered Wrong At The Hands Of A Ruler Defend Himself Against Him?

Chapter 5. Whether Manifest Tyrants Can Lawfully Be Checked By Armed Force.

Question 6. What is the duty of subjects towards their superiors who have fallen into tyranny?

Question 7. What must be done when the Orders or Estates cannot be summoned to impede or to check tyranny?

Question 8. What may be done against unjust oppressors?

Question 9. Whether subjects can contract with their rulers?

Question 10. Whether those who suffer persecution for the sake of their religion can defend themselves against tyrants without hurt to their consciences.

Endnotes