On the other side, to batter downe Idolatry, false worship, heresie,
schisme, blindnesse, hardnesse, out of the soule and spirit, it is vaine,
improper, and unsutable to bring those weapons which are used by
persecutors, stocks, whips, prisons, swords, gibbets, stakes, &c. (where
these seem to prevaile with some Cities or Kingdomes, a stronger
force sets up againe, what a weaker pull'd downe) but against
these spirituall strong holds in the soules of men, Spirituall Artillery
and weapons are proper, which are mighty through God to subdue
and bring under the very thought to obedience, or else to binde fast
the soule with chaines of darknesse, and locke it up in the prison of
unbeleefe and hardnesse to eternity.
2. I observe that as civill weapons are improper in this businesse,
and never able to effect ought in the soule: So (although they were
proper, yet) they are unnecessary, for if as the Spirit here saith (and
the Answerer grants) spirituall weapons in the hand of Church officers
are able and ready to take vengeance on all disobedience, that is able
and mighty, sufficient and ready for the Lords worke either to save
the soule, or to kill the soule of whomsoever, be the party or parties
opposite, in which respect I may againe remember that speech of
Iob, How hast thou helped him that hath no power? Iob 26.
Peace.
Offer this (as Malachie once spake) to the Governours
the Kings of the Earth, when they besiege, beleagure, and assault
great Cities, Castles, Forts, &c. should any subject pretending his
service bring store of pins, sticks, strawes, bulrushes, to beat and bat∣ter
downe stone walls, mighty Bulwarkes, what might his expe∣ctation
and reward be, but at least the censure of a man distract,
beside himself? &c.
Truth.
What shall we then conceive of His displeasure, (who is
the chiefe or Prince of the Kings of the earth, and rides upon the
Word of Truth and meeknesse, which is that white Horse, Rev. 6. and
Rev. 19. with His holy witnesses the white Troopers upon white hor∣ses)
when to His helpe and aid men bring and adde such unnecessary,
improper and weake munition?
Will the Lord Iesus (did He ever in His owne Person practice,
or did he appoint to) joyne to His Breastplate of Righteousnesse, the
breastplate of iron and steele? to the Helmet of righteousnesse and
salvation in Christ, an helmet and crest of iron, brasse, or steel, a tar∣get
of wood to His shield of Faith? His two edged sword comming
forth of the mouth of Iesus, the materiall sword, the worke of Smiths