Calvin answers those who condemn every appeal to a judge. Paul claimed the rights of a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar. That was not revenge. Revenge is the private desire to return evil for evil. The magistrate's sword is God's vengeance, exercised by the ministry of man.

Turning the other cheek remains. A Christian is born to bear injury, to pray for the one who curses him, and to overcome evil with good. That patience of heart does not forbid him to seek the magistrate's aid for his goods, or, for the public good, to call for the punishment of a man whom nothing but death will reform. Paul rebuked the rage for lawsuits at Corinth, not every just defence. Charity is the adviser. If the plea carries a man past charity, the cause is already lost.

The first duty of subjects is honour. Not the man, as if office could cloak cruelty, but the station, as a jurisdiction delegated from God. Obedience follows: edicts, tribute, public burdens, and prayer for those in authority. To resist the magistrate is to resist God. Private men do not put their hands to a public correction unless his command first frees them.

Today's Reading John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 4, Chapter 20, Sections 19–23

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