The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates (Matthew Trewhella)

America has entered troubling times. The rule of law is crumbling. The massive expansion of Federal government power with its destructive laws and policies is of grave concern to many. But what can be done to quell the abuse of power by civil authority? The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates places in your hands a hopeful blueprint for freedom.

Are unjust or immoral actions by the government simply to be accepted and their lawless commands obeyed? How do we know when the government has acted tyrannically? Which actions constitute proper and legitimate resistance?  Appealing to history and the Word of God, Pastor Matthew Trewhella answers these questions and shows how Americans can successfully resist the Federal government’s attempts to trample our Constitution, assault our liberty, and impugn the law of God.

The doctrine of the lesser magistrates declares that when the superior or higher civil authority makes an unjust/immoral law or decree, the lesser or lower ranking civil authority has both the right and duty to refuse obedience to that superior authority. If necessary, the lower authority may even actively resist the superior authority.

Historically, this doctrine was practiced before the time of Christ and Christianity. It was Christian men, however, who formalized and embedded it into their political institutions throughout Western Civilization.

The doctrine of the lesser magistrates is a historic tool that provides proven guidelines for proper and legitimate resistance to tyranny, often without causing any major upheaval in society. The doctrine teaches us how to rein in lawless acts by government and restore justice in our nation.

“Use this sword against my enemies, if I give righteous commands; but if I give unrighteous commands, use it against me.” — Roman Emperor Trajan, speaking to one of his subordinates

This is the first book in print addressing the doctrine of the lesser magistrates in over 400 years.

Contents

Introduction

1. The Doctrine Defined
2. Rooted in Interposition
3. All Authority is Delegated
4. The Duty of Lesser Magistrates
5. The Objective Standard for Law
6. Rule of Law and the Lesser Magistrates
7. Magdeburg and the Lesser Magistrates
8. John Knox, Holy Scripture, and the Lesser Magistrates
9. When Lesser Magistrates go Rogue
10. The Response of the Tyrannical Higher Magistrates
11. The Role of the People
12. Lesser Magistrate Doctrine in Our Day
13. An Examination of Romans 13
14. Laws of a Nation Should Mirror the Law and Justice of God
15. The Police Officer as Lesser Magistrate
16. Interposition of the Military
17. A Biblical Response to those who say we should Disarm; to those who teach Pacificism; to those who think the Scriptures have nothing to say about Arms

•     Summary of the Doctrine
•     Bibliography
•     Further Reading

About the Author

Matt Trewhella grew up in the city of Detroit, where his parents divorced in his childhood. He lived a life of sin and crime as a gang member.  In 1978 he began to follow Christ – a radical transformation in his life.  He married Clara Tolnai in 1981, and they have eleven children and ten grandchildren.

Matt has been the pastor of Mercy Seat Christian Church since 1988. He is the founder of Missionaries to the Preborn, a pro-life group located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  His actions on behalf of the preborn is what first interested him in government.  Matt served 14 months in jail for interposing at the doors of abortion clinics.  Believing that biblical truth should impact every area of life, he has commenced Defy Tyrants.