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Duty and Role of the Christian Magistrate (Thomas Houston)

Book title: The Christian Magistrate: a discourse. At a time when many churches remain silent on political matters lest they should offend part of their base of support, it is as imperative as ever to discuss why Reformed Presbyterians have chosen the path least traveled in civil relations. Many Christians fail to understand how much the Bible has to say about the relations believers have to civil magistracy. Too many seem to think that all the Bible has to say is contained in Romans 13 and, sadly, they do not have an accurate interpretation of that passage. Amongst Reformed and Presbyterian Christians, it is particularly Reformed Presbyterians, or Covenanters, who have given the most thought to setting forth a Biblically consistent view of the office of the civil magistrate and its relation to the true religion. In Thomas Houston’s “Christian Magistrate,” we are given a broad view of what Reformed Presbyterians believe and why. He gives attention to the origin of the office, the duties of the Christian holding that office and the question of the magistrate’s power with respect to matters of faith in the public square. Additionally, he quite ably exposes the arguments of the gainsayers and advocates of passive obedience to the light of Scripture. In the canon of Reformed Presbyterian literature, on the question of magistracy, Houston’s work has a welcome place because of the wide grasp he exhibits on the true doctrine of civil government and the place of true religion in the life of a nation. To Houston’s own remarks, he has given several sizable notes having extensive quotes illustrating the points he is making. This small book ought to find favor with any who are concerned about the level of idolatry found in modern politics—a kind of political messianism—which should be rejected by the faithful.