Lex Rex (Samuel Rutherford)

When kings claim to be above the law, we declare “Lex Rex,” meaning “the law is king.” 

Published in 1644 by Scottish Presbyterian pastor and Westminster Divine Samuel Rutherford, Lex Rex became one of the most influential political works of the Reformed tradition. Written during the English Civil War, Rutherford challenged the prevailing doctrine of the divine right of kings and argued that rulers are subject to God's law.

His ideas helped shape later constitutional thought, limited government, and the principle that civil rulers are accountable to both God and the people they govern. For these views, Rutherford's book was condemned after the monarchy was restored, and copies were publicly burned.

The Westminster Confession of Faith 23.3 describes the civil magistrate as a “nursing father”  to the Church, a phrase drawn directly from Isaiah 49:23. While the civil magistrate is not a minister of the Gospel, he is called to protect the Church, uphold justice, and rule under the authority of King Jesus.

Because the crown belongs to Christ, no earthly king may rule without limits. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Side-seamed construction • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.