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

SECT. 9.

THere is no precept in the New Testament touching this matter, but only in the Old.

Ans. It is sufficient that we finde it there, for whatsoever is prescribed in the Old Testament, not repugnant to (nor rever∣sed in) the New, Christians are to receive and obey. And the rea∣son why no mention is made in the New Testament of waging of Battell, or making of Warre is, for that there was no Christian Magistrate (by whose authority Warre must be taken in hand) as also because there was no Civil power in the Church, the Lord gave unto his Apostles an extraordinary power in punishing the wicked, as Peter did strike Annanias and Saphira with sud∣daine death, Act. 5. 5. so likewise they needed no Schooles then, because they were furnished with extraordinary gifts of the Spi∣rit, but now they are needfull, them extraordinary gifts being ceased. And so it is necessary now that the materiall Sword be used, that Spirituall sword of vengeance (which the Apostles had) being no more exercised.

And now that I am speaking of Warre, it will not be imperti∣nent (in respect of the times many being dubitable to take up Armes for the reasons afore mentioned) to shew you what things are required, and doe concurre to make a just Warre,

wherein Christians may ingage, and be also an honour to their profession; for I doe admire, that seeing the enemies of Christ, and the Kingdome, are so active for Anti-christ, and Christians sit still and doe nothing, not considering the curse which the Angel of the Lord pronounced against Mer••s (for not, comming out to help the Lord against the mighty) may fall upon them; for though the Lord can, and wil doe it, if they help not, yet are they not thereby excused, as in that example. These three things are required, and ought to concur to make a just War.