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.