§. XIV.
First, Christ commands, That [159]we should love our Enemies; but War, on the contrary, teacheth us to hate and destroy them.
[159] Matt. 5. 43.
Secondly, The Apostle saith, That [160]we war not after the Flesh, and that we fight not with Flesh and Blood; but outward War is according to the Flesh, and against Flesh and Blood; for the shedding of the one, and destroying of the other.
[160] Eph. 6. 12.
Thirdly, The Apostle saith, That [161]the Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal, but spiritual; but the Weapons of outward Warfare are carnal, such as Cannon, Muskets, Spears, Swords, &c. of which there is no Mention in the Armour described by Paul.
[161] 2 Cor. 10. 4.
Fourthly, Because James testifies, That [162]Wars and Strifes come from the Lusts, which war in the Members of carnal Men; but Christians, that is, those that are truly Saints, have crucified the Flesh, with its Affections and Lusts; therefore they cannot indulge them by waging War.
[162] Jam. 4. 1. Gal. 5. 24.
Fifthly, Because the Prophets Isaiah and Micah have expresly prophesied, That [163]in the Mountain of the House of the Lord, Christ shall judge the Nations, and then they shall beat their Swords into Plowshares, &c. Primitive Christians most averse from War. And the ancient Fathers of the first three hundred Years after Christ did affirm these Prophecies to be fulfilled in the Christians of their Times, who were most averse from War; concerning which Justin Martyr, Tertullian, and others may be seen: Which need not seem strange to any, since Philo Judæus abundantly testifies of the Essenes, That there was none found among them that would make Instruments of War. But how much more did Jesus come, that he might keep his Followers from fighting, and might bring them to Patience and Charity?
[163] Isa. 2. 4. Mic. 4. 3.
Sixthly, Because the Prophet foretold, That [164]there should none hurt nor kill in all the Holy Mountain of the Lord; but outward War is appointed for killing and destroying.
[164] Isa. 11. 9.
Seventhly, Because Christ said, That [165]his Kingdom is not of this World, and therefore that his Servants shall not fight; therefore those that fight are not his Disciples nor Servants.
[165] John 18. 36.
Eighthly, Because he reproved Peter for the Use of the Sword, saying, [166]Put up again thy Sword into his Place: For all they that take the Sword, shall perish with the Sword. Concerning which Tertullian speaks well, Lib. de Idol. “How shall he fight in Peace without a Sword, which the Lord did take away? For although Soldiers came to John, and received a Form of Observation; if also the Centurion believed afterwards, he disarmed every Soldier in disarming of Peter.” Idem. de Coron. Mil. asketh, “Shall it be lawful to use the Sword, the Lord saying, That he that useth the Sword, shall perish by the Sword?”
[166] Mat. 26. 52.
Ninthly, Because the Apostle admonisheth Christians, [167]That they defend not themselves, neither revenge by rendering Evil for Evil; but give Place unto Wrath, because Vengeance is the Lord’s. Be not overcome of Evil, but overcome Evil with Good. If thine Enemy hunger, feed him; If he thirst, give him Drink. But War throughout teacheth and enjoineth the quite contrary.
[167] Rom. 12. 19.
Tenthly, Because [168]Christ calls his Children to bear his Cross, not to crucify or kill others; to Patience, not to Revenge; to Truth and Simplicity, not to fraudulent Stratagems of War, or to play the Sycophant, which John himself forbids; to flee the Glory of this World, not to acquire it by warlike Endeavours; therefore War is altogether contrary unto the Law and Spirit of Christ.
[168] Mark 8. 54.