Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 1.

THis Herisie hath been maintained of old by the Ma∣niches, who held that the Old Testament was con∣trary to the New, and that in these respects:

1. Object. Because that in the Old Testament the Lord professeth enmity against the Cananites, and chargeth the Israelites to kill and destroy them; how then is this (say they) consonant, and agreeable with the Gos∣pel, where Christ commandeth to love our enemies, Mat. 5. 44.

Ans. 1. That discention and enmity was not in respect of the Persons, but of the manners of the Gentiles; the Israelites were not so much enemies unto them, as they were enemies to the true religion of the Israelites, in worshipping of God aright.

2. The killing of the enemy did agree with that carnall people, to whom the Law was given as a School-master, Gal. 3. 24.* 1.1

3. The Apostle when he delivered over the incestuous man unto Satan, (for the destruction of the flesh,) did sufficiently de∣clare, that revenge may be taken of some enemies in charity; therefore there may be love in him that taketh revenge, as we see in Fathers which correct their children whom they love, and al∣though

Fathers kill not their children in correcting of them, yet God that knoweth what is better for every one, can correct with love, not only by infirmity, and sicknesse, but also with temporall death; as is evident in the Corinthians, where the Apostle saith, For this cause many are weake, and sick amongst you, and many sleep. And that these corrections proceed of love, he presently af∣ter sheweth, as in these words; But when we are judged we are chastened of the Lord, because we should not be condemned with the world, 1 Cor. 11. 30. 32.

4. Neither did they doe this without divine Authority, which sometimes ••s manifested in Scripture, and sometimes concealed, lest any should think it was permitted them to kill whom they would at their pleasure.

5. Albeit that in the Old Testament it be permitted to kill* 1.2 the enemies of God, yet is there also examples of loving our ene∣mies, as in David, who when Saul was offered into his hands, he chose rather to spare him, then kill him; where then there was neither difficulty, nor feare of killing the enemy, it was love that helped him; and therefore in that respect the Old Testament is not contrary to the New.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Revenge may be taken of some people in charity.
• * 1.2

  The Old Te∣stament not contrary to the New.