On the Rights of Magistrates (Theodore Beza)

Theodore Beza

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

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

By Theodore Beza 
1574

Sections:


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

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