An exposition on the fourteene first chapters of Genesis, by way of question and answere Collected out of ancient and recent writers: both briefely and subtilly propounded and expounded. By Abraham [sic] Rosse of Aberden, preacher at St. Maries neere South-Hampton, and one of his Maiesties chaplaines.

Q. Was it lawfull for Abraham being both a priuate man and a priest, to raise warres?

A. A priuate man cannot raise armes, ex∣cept he will be counted seditious, now Abra∣ham was no priuate man, because by Gods owne mouth, he was appointed Lord of this land; and it was his by right, although not by possession, neither were these three bre∣thren priuate men, with whom Abraham was confederate. Yea although Abraham had beene a priuate man, yet this fact of his is no president, for priuate men to rayse armes, except they haue the same measure and direction of the Spirit that he had, for if he had not beene directed by God, it is vn∣like that with three hundred and eighteene domestick seruants hee would pursue foure mighty kings. Moreouer, although Abra∣ham was a priest, and a prophet also, yet he rayseth armes lawfully, beeing called by God, so did Moses and the Leuites fight a∣gainst the worshippers of the golden calfe, Moses killed Og king of Sihon, and Samuel Agag king of Amelec, yet these are not pre∣sidents for the ministers of the Gospell to

rayse armes, for they were called extraordi∣•…•…arily vnto this function, but the preachers •…•…f the Gospell are not. Againe, the prea∣•…•…ers of the Gospell must eschew all things •…•…hat hinder them in discharging of their fun∣•…•…tion, especially warres, which if they follow, •…•…hey must neglect prayers, preaching, and ec∣•…•…lesiasticall discipline. Besides, the Apostle •…•…heweth, that the weapons of our warrefare •…•…re not carnall, but mighty through God, •…•…asting downe euery strong hold, 2. Cor. 10. Yet I deny not but the preachers may ex∣•…•…ort the magistrateto raysearmes against the enemies of God, for the priests vnder the law •…•…ounded the trumpets and carried the Arke, when the people went to battle.