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 They should, 1. Not treat them, harshly, but kindly; 2. Give them their just wages and sufficient nourishment; 3. Urge them, by word and example, to fulfil their religious duties, and to do all that is right; and 4. Keep them from evil and all occasions of sin.

26. What are the obligations of Civil Rulers to their inferiors?

Civil Rulers are ordained by God for the good of the people; therefore they should, 1. Promote public welfare as much as lies in their power; 2. Perform the duties of their office with wisdom and incorruptible justice; 3. Punish evil; and 4. Be to all a pattern of a Christian life.

Application. Always honor your Civil Rulers as the ministers of God for your own good, and never listen to those enemies of all law and order, who 'promise liberty, whereas they themselves are the slaves of corruption' (2 Peter ii. 19). Besides observing the laws, all are bound to live together in harmony, as far as possible, and to endeavor, each according to his means and ability, to promote virtue, peace, good order and the common welfare.