Kaina kai palaia Things new and old, or, A store-house of similies, sentences, allegories, apophthegms, adagies, apologues, divine, morall, politicall, &c. : with their severall applications / collected and observed from the writings and sayings of the learned in all ages to this present by John Spencer ...

Not lawful to fight for Religion. [ 316]

WHen Mahomet was about to establish his abom••nable superstition,* 1.1 wherein he had mingled the Laws and doctrines of Heathens, of Iews, false Christians and Hereticks, with the illusions and inventions of his own brain; he gave it forth for a main Principle, how God at the first in his love to mankind sent Moses, after him Jesus Christ, who were both of them endued with power to work miracles, but men gave small heed to them:* 1.2 Therefore he determined to send Mahomet, a man without miracles, a Warrior with a sword in his hand; that whom miracles had not moved, weapons might compell. Thus they may derive their authority perhaps by a long descent from Mahomets pretended Charter, but most sure it is they can find no syllable of allowance in the great, assured, sacred Charter of Gods word, who seek to set up Religion by the sword; fire and faggots are but sad Reformers;* 1.3 The Church therefore was wont to be gathered by the mouths of Mini∣sters, not by the swords of Souldiers. It was well said of one, Let Religion sink to Hell, rather then we should call to the devill for help to s••pport it.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Pomp. Laetus de exortu Ma∣hom.
• * 1.2

  Flectere si ne∣queo Superos▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.3

  T. Full••r.