Chapter I. On Law

...kiss the Son original: "osculari Filium"; referencing Psalm 2:12, a passage traditionally interpreted as an exhortation for rulers to submit to Christ. according to Psalm 2:10, 11, 12. God desires all people to worship Him rightly and to come to the knowledge of the truth. However, because He speaks here specifically to Kings—telling them to understand, to be instructed, and to "kiss the Son"—it is clear that they are obligated to command their subjects to also embrace the true religion. Similarly, Kings are commanded to remove all evil and to act as agents of justice on God's behalf, as seen in Proverbs 20:8 and Romans 13:4. Indeed, Christ Himself says that false prophets "work iniquity" original: "operari peccatum"; or "work lawlessness." (Matthew 7:23). This is not only because true piety cannot exist where true doctrine is lacking, but primarily because of the "fruits" of false doctrine which Christ mentioned earlier, and by which Christians must recognize them. This matter likewise shows that it is the office of Kings to preserve religion uncorrupted and to establish appropriate penalties for those who violate it.

§. IX. Subjects are also commanded by the Apostle Paul to pray for Kings and for all who are in high positions, so that they may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness and honesty (1 Timothy 2:2). Therefore, Kings themselves, in their capacity as Kings original: "qua Reges sunt"; referring to their official legal role rather than their private lives., must take care that their subjects live piously, think rightly about God, and worship Him correctly. For this reason, the same Apostle calls them ministers of God for the sake of what is good (Romans 13:4).

§. X. The power and duty of Princes in sacred matters is further proven by the fact that the Israelite Kings repeatedly [removed] The text cuts off here and continues on the next page. idolatrous worship...