XIV. It is not lawful to take arms to diminish a Neighbor's power.
THat is in no wise to be allowed, which some have deliver'd, that by the Law of Nations, arms may be right∣ly taken to abate a growing power, which being encreased might be able to do hurt. I confess, in consultation about war this is wont also to come in, not under the respect of just, but of profitable: that if the war be just upon some other ground, upon this it may be judged prudent∣ly undertaken. Nor do the Authors cited * 1.1 here say any more. But, that a possibili∣ty of suffering force should give a right of offring force, this is far from all equity. So is the life of man, that full security is never in our hand. Against uncertain fears, we must guard our selves by me∣ditation of divine providence, and by harmless caution, not by doing violence to our neighbours.