The Sword of Christian Magistracy, Treatise (2 of 2)

The Sword of Christian Magistracy · Treatise (2 of 2)

p. 19My fourth Argument is this:

God hath prophecyed, That Idolaters, Hereticks, and Falſe Prophets under theArgum. 4. Goſpel ſhal be put to Death.

Therefore Chriſtian Kings and Magiſtrates under the Goſpel, may lawfully put them to death, elſe theſe Proph…ſies ſhould be fruſtrated and not fulfilled.

The Antecedent I have already made good in part from DEUT. 18. 15. to 21. (which relates to the times of the Goſpel), But the Prophet which preſumes to ſpeak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to ſpeak, or that ſhal ſpeak in the name of other gods, EVEN THAT PROPHET SHAL DYE: to wit, by the ſword of Juſtice; which is thus repeated, ACT. 3. 22, 23. And it ſhal come to paſſe, that every ſoul that wil not hear that Prophet SHAL BE DESTROYED FROM AMONG HIS PEOPLE: even under the Goſpel, as wel as under the Law; either immediately by the hand of God himſelf; or mediately by the Civil Magiſtrate and Sword of Juſtice, as The deſpiſers of Moſes Law were to be deſtroyed; HEBR. 10. 28, 29. compared with this text: Whereto I ſhal now ſubjoyn ZECH. 13. 1, 2, 3, &c. which ſpeaking thus of the time of CHRIST and of his paſſion: In that day ſhall a fountain be opened to the houſe of David for ſin and for uncleanneſſe: Awake O ſword againſt my ſhpherd, and againſt the man that is my fellow; ſaith the Lord of hoſts: Smite the ſhepherd and the ſheep ſhal be ſcattered &c. (applyed to Chriſt and the times of the Goſpel in the New Teſtament, MAT. 26. 32. MARK 14. 27. 1 PET. 1. 6, 7.) he adds, And it ſhal come to paſſe IN THAT DAY (of the **See Gualther in Locum; & Hom. 44. in Epiſt. ad Gal. fol. 121.Goſpel) ſaith the Lord of hoſts, I wil cut off the names of Idols out of the Land, and they ſhal no more be remembred; and alſo I wil cauſe the Prophets and unclean ſpirits to paſſe out of the Land; And it ſhal come to paſſe that when any ſhal yet propheſie, that HIS FATHER and mother which begat him, ſhal ſay unto him THOƲ SHALT NOT LIVE, FOR THOƲ SPEAKEST LYES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD: and his FATHER and his Mother that begat him, SHAL THRƲST HIM THROƲGH WHEN HE PROPHESYETH: And it ſhal come to paſſe in that day, that the Prophets ſhal be ashamed every one of his viſion when he hath propheſied, neither shall hee wear a rough garment to deceive.

p. 20This Propheſy relates **This Maſter Burroughs himſelf confeſſeth, in his Hearts diviſions, p. 20. 21wholy to the times of the Goſpel: The firſt part thereof concerning the deſtruction of Idols and Idolaters, was in part fulfilled by the Apoſtles and others preaching, and by Conſtantine the great his ſubverting of all Idols Temples, Groves, Statues, by his enacting Laws againſt their worſhip, and putting Lycinius and his complices (qui praelii CONTRADEƲM SƲSCIPIENDI authores fuerunt) to death, being firſt condemned by Martial Law, for waging war againſt God and the Chriſtians, as we may read at large in iiDe vita Conſtantini l. 2. c. 18. 43, 44. l. 3. c. 52. to 57.Euſebius. The latter part concerning Hereticks and falſe Prophets, who ſpeak lyes in the name of the Lord, relates likewiſe to the times of the Goſpel: wherein two things are conſiderable; Firſt, their judgement and puniſhment; Thou ſhalt not live; and they ſhal thruſt him through when he propheſieth. A capital ſentence and execution, to the very taking away of their lives. Secondly, The parties who are to pronounce and execute this Judgement; his Father and Mother that begat him: (an expreſſion borrowed from Deut. 13. 6, 7, 8, 9.) This may have a threefold interpretation: Firſt, His natural Father and Mother ſhal do it, if living, upon lawful conviction before the Chriſtian Magiſtrate. Secondly, His Civil or Eccleſiastical Father and Mother (eſpecially if his natural Parents be dead) to wit, the Chriſtian Magiſtrate, Church, and people where he liveth. Thirdly, his very neereſt, deareſt friends and kindred, who muſt caſt aſide all affection in the cauſe of God. And this part of the Prophecy was fulfilled under the Goſpel, by the manygodly Laws of Chriſtian Emperors, Kings, States in all ages, for the puniſhing of Hereticks, and ſeducing falſe Teachers with Baniſhment, Impriſonment, Burning, Death, and other corporal cenſures, of which more anon.

Thirdly, the good effect of theſe corporal cenſures and puniſhments upon Idolaters, Hereticks, and Falſe Prophets, is thus expreſſed in the Text. Firſt, The name of Idols ſhal no more be remembred. Secondly, The falſe prophet and unclean ſpirit ſhal paſſe out of the Land. Thirdly, Every other falſe prophet ſhal be aſhamed of his viſion, and no more wear a rough garment to deceive, but give over his falſe Teaching. So that the Magiſtrates and others ſevere proceedings by corporal and capital cenſures againſt Idolaters and Falſe Prophets, is a principal means predicted and ordained by God even under the Goſpel, to extirpate Idolatry, Hereſie, Errours, Falſe Prophets, and reclaim ſuch as have been ſeduced by them. I wonder therefore how any man who pretends himſelf a Chiſtian, a SAINT, much more a tranſcendent NEW LIGHT, ſhould dare publikely oppoſe or privately deny the exerciſe of ſuch corporall and capitall cenſures againſt Hereticks, Falſ-Teachers, Blaſphemers, &c. by Chriſtian Princes and Magiſtrates under the Goſpel (which this propheſie ſo plainly both allows and preſcribes) upon meer whim…icall crotchets of their own, warranted by no text. We read Joſh. 1. 18. That the officers of the people, with the Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manaſſeh ſpake thus to Joſhua, when God had appointed him to ſucceed Moſes in the Government, Whoſoever he be that doth rebel against thy Commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words, to do all that thou commandeſt him, HE SHAL BE PƲT TO DEATH. If he who thus wilfully rebelled againſt the command of Joſhua, was to be put to death, by the verdict of all the people, much more then may ſuch p. 21Idolaters, Hereticks, Apoſtates, Blaſphemers, and obſtinate Schi…maticks be put to death, who rebell ſo publickly againſt the Command and Word of God himſelf, by warrant of all the forecited Texts.

But ſome perchance wil object that theſe Arguments are all drawn fromObject. texts in the Old Teſtament to ſatisfie them.

I anſwer, that all the Texts forecited are ſtil in force under, and ſome ofAnſw. them relate only to the times of the New: and ſo the objection is but frivilous, yea exceeding derogatory to the Old Teſtament, of which it ſeems they make no more account then of **See Mr Edwards Gangraena, part▪ 2: p. 162.an old Almanack out of date. Therefore to take away this cavil, (**Page 2. 3. Argum. 5. formerly Anſwered) I ſhal propound this fifth Argument.

Apoſtacy, Idolatry, Hereſie, Blaſphemy, obſtinate Schiſm, Falſe Teachers, together with falſe Prophets, who are guilty of them, are as odious unto God, as execrable to all godly Chriſtians, as infectious, dangerous, deſtructive to peoples ſouls, as apt to provoke Gods wrath, and bring down his ſevere judgements upon whole Churches, Nations, Kingdoms, where they are tolerated, perpetrated, and are as carefully to be ſuppreſſed, prevented under the Goſpel, as they were under the Law: Yea Chriſtian Princes, Magiſtrates, Republicks power under the Goſpel is the ſame, or as large as the authority of godly Kings and Magiſtrates under the Law.

Therefore conſequently they are to be as ſeverely puniſhed with corporal, if not capital puniſhments under the Goſpel by Chriſtian Princes, Magiſtrates, Republicks, as they were by godly Kings and Magiſtrates under the Law.

The ſequel is clear from its own light; for where there is the ſelf ſame reaſon, there is ever the ſelf-ſame law and equity, both under the Law and Goſpel. See Mat. 7. 11, 12. Luke 6. 30. to 35. Jam. 2. 10, 11. as I have formerly proved, p. 2. 3. 5.

The Antecedent is undeniable: Firſt, becauſe the Goſpel doth no ways mitigate, but rather aggravate the hainouſnes of theſe ſins, as being committed againſt greater light and mercy; therefore certainly they are as odious, as provoking unto God, as execrable, damnable, destructive unto men, as pernicious unto whole Churches, Nations, Kingdomes now, as then, and in ſome ſence more now, then formerly under the Law, as is clear by Rom. 1. 18. to the end, 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10. cap. 10. 7. 9. 11. Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21. Eph. 5. 5, 6. 2 Cor. 6. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Heb. 2. 2, 3. cap. 6. 4. to 9. cap. 10. 26, 27, 28, 29. 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2. 12, 13. 17. Rom. 2. 10. to 28. Rev. 2. 14, 15. 21, 22. cap. 17. 16. c. 18. 4. c. 19. 20. compared together. Secondly, becauſe that Hereticks, Falſe Prophets & Teachers, Schiſmaticks, Seducers, are as diligently to be avoyded, ſuppreſſed under the Goſpel, as Law, they being alike, nay more infectious, dangerous, ſeducing and pernicious to mens ſouls now, then under the Law, as is apparent by all theſe ſerious admonitions to beware of them and their ſeducements, which deceive the greateſt part of the world, and if poſſible would ſeduce the very Elect, as you may read at leiſure in theſe enſuing texts, Mat. 7. 15. cap. 11. 14. cap. 24. 11. 23, 24, 25. Mar. 13. 21. Luke 17. 23, 24. Rom. 16. 17, 18. Acts 20. 28. to 32. 2 Theſ. 2. p. 223. to 16. EPH. 6. 13. to 19. PHIL. 3. 2. COL. 3. 18, 19. 1 TIM. 4. 1. to 7. 2 TIM. 2. 15. 16, 17. c. 3. 1. to 10. TIT. 1. 9. to the end. HER. 4. 1. 1 PET. 5. 2. 8. 2. COR. 11. 13, 14, 15. 2 PET. 2. 1. to 22. c. 3. 2, 3. 17, 18. 1 JOH. 2. 18, 19. c. 4. 1, 2, 3. 2 JOH. 8. to 12. 3 JOH. 10. 11. JUDE 3. to 24. REV. 13. 1. to 18. c. 16. 13, 14. c. 17. throughout. cap. 18. 9. to 24. c. 19. 20. c. 20. 8. 9. 10. 1 COR. 11. 19. TIT. 3. 10, 11. Theſe notable Texts ſo frequently, ſo earneſtly admoniſhing us to beware of Antichriſts, Hereticks, Falſe Teachers, Wolves, in ſheeps clothing, as alſo forewarning us of their extraordinary diligence, power, cunning, ſtratagems to deceive and ſeduce men to their damnable Errors; of the multitudes of men they ſhal ſeduce; and of the extraordinary perilouſneſſe of the laſt times under the Goſpel, when many more erroneous ſpirits and ſeducing Hereticks (transforming themſelves into the Angels of light) ſhould ariſe and ſpring up every where, then did in all former ages under the Law, (where we read of no ſuch **See Epiphanius, Irenaeus, Auguſtin, Alfonſus de Caſtro and others, Adverſ. Haereſes.variety of Hereſies, Blaſphemies, Errors, and dangerous Schiſms as have ſprouted up and over-ſpread the whole world under the Goſpel) is an unanſwerable Argument to ſatisfie all mens conſciences, who have any care of their own or others ſouls, that not only all godly Miniſters, and Chriſtians, by inſtruction, and admonition, but all Chriſtians Princes, Magiſtrates, States, by ſevere Laws, yea corporal and capital Cenſures, where need is, ſhould more diligently ſuppreſſe and cut off Hereſie, Hereticks, Falſe Teachers, Blaſphemers, obſtinate Schiſmaticks, and Apoſtates, under the Goſpel, then ever godly Magiſtrates, Princes, People did under the Law, when theſe were not ſo dangerous, ſo numerous, ſo contagious, and pernicious, as now: For as God in the Old Teſtament is moſt copious in admoniſhing men, to beware of Idolatry, and ſuch Falſe Prophets, and Idolaters, who would ſeduce them to worſhip Idol-gods, which then abounded; and as godly Princes, Magiſtrates were then moſt diligent in puniſhing Idolaters and ſeducers, even with death, according to Gods Law, which frequently enjoyns them to puniſh ſuch with death, becauſe the ſin of Idolatry (which then over-ſpread the heathen world) was at that time moſt common, moſt dangerous, and that to which Gods own people moſt frequently revolted by reaſon of the multitudes of Idolaters round about them; of the many ſtrong enticements, and their own proneneſs thereunto. So upon the like reaſon, the New Teſtament is far more frequent in exhorting Chriſtians under the Goſpel to beware of Hereticks, Schiſmaticks, and Falſe Teachers, then of Idolaters; and of Hereſie and Errors in Religion, then of Idolatry, becauſe Idolaters under the Goſpel (when moſt Idolatrous Nations ſhould be converted, and the vanity, the falſe-hood of Idolatry fully diſcovered) ſhould be nothing ſo dangerous, ſo infectious, ſo numerous, ſo diligent and cunning to ſeduce men as Hereticks, Schiſmaticks, Falſe Teachers; and Idolatrie, nothing ſo apt to ſeduce men to it as heretical and erroneous Tenets, which have a more ſpecious ſhew of truth, and greater colour of warrant from the Scriptures, then Idolatry. Wherefore godly Kings, Magiſtrates, States ſhould be more ſevere and vigilant againſt obſtinate Hereticks, Seducers, Falſe Teachers, Hereſie, &c. then againſt profeſſed Idolaters or Idolatry, wherewith their people are ſeldom endangered, ſeduced; and the many reiterated Caveats againſt them in the Goſpel, will warrant them to proceed againſt ſuch as capitally, as ſeverely under the Goſpel, as godly Magiſtrates and p. 23Princes proceeded againſt Idolaters and Falſe Teachers under the Law. That Chriſtian Kings, States, Magiſtrates, under the Goſpel, have the ſelf-ſame Power and Commiſſion as godly Kings, States, Magiſtrates had under the Law, I have formerly manifeſted, and is undeniably proved by **See Gualther Hom 76. in Epiſt. ad Rom.ROM. 13. 1. to 6. 1 TIM. 2. 1, 2. TIT. 3. 1, 2. 1 PET. 2. 13, 14, 15. compared with 2 SAM. 23. 3. 1 KING. 10. 9. PSAL. 101. 8. PSAL. 78. 71, 72. ISA. 16. 5. c. 32. 1. PROV. 20. 2. 8. 20. c. 24. 21, 22. c. 25. 5. c. 29. 4. 16. and other texts. Yea it is a Maxime under the Goſpel as wel as under the Law, That a right hand muſt be cut off, and a right eye pulled out, & any member (eſpecially the corrupt Members of a Chriſtian Church or State) deſtroyed by the Magiſtrate, rather then the whole body infected, endangered, deſtroyed, MAT. 5. 29. 30. c. 18. 8. MARK 9. 45. JOH. 11. 50, 51, 52. c. 18. 14. ROM. 5. 7, 8. GAL. 5. 12. As therefore pious Kings and Magiſtrates under the Old Teſtament might lawfully cut off one or more Idolaters, Seducers, Blaſphemers Apoſtates, to preſerve the whole Church and State from deſtruction, infection, ruine, and avert Gods wrath, DEUT. 7. 2. 4. c. 13. 7. 9, 10, 11. 15, 16, 17. NUM. 16. 26. c. 25. 4. to 14. So by like reaſon may Chriſtian Kings, States, Magiſtrates under the Goſpel off rotten Hereticks, Seducers, Blaſphemers, and the like putred Members from the body of their Churches and States by capital puniſhments, to ward off Gods Judgements from the reſt; as wel as Traytors, Murtherers, Theeves, and other Malefactors, as the forequoted texts, together with the 1 COR. 5. 6, 7. 13. ROM. 13. 3. 4. fully evidence.

But leſt this ſhould not fully ſatisfie, I ſhal next proceed to Arguments drawnArgum. 6. from the New Teſtament only, wherein I ſhal thus argue in the ſixth place.

Magiſtrates, Kings, Rulers, and the Higher powers under the Goſpel it ſelf are ordained, continued by God and men for this very end among others, to be a terror to evil doers and workers; to be Gods Miniſters, Avengers to execute wrath upon them that do evil, and not to bear the ſword in vain, being ſent FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF EVIL DOERS: Nay, Chriſtians themſelves are to obey, ſubmit unto them, and injoyned to pray for them, that under them they may live a peaceable life IN ALL GODLINESSE and HONESTY, they being the Miniſters of God for their good, ROM. 13. 1. to 6. 1 PET. 2. 13, 14. TIT. 3. 1. 1 TIM. 2. 1, 2, 3. Yea Chriſt himſelf commands his diſciples when they ſhould be brought before them, nay SCOURGED, KILLED and PUT TO DEATH BY THEM, not to diſpute their power, as ſome do now, but to ſubmit unto it (as he did to Pilates) MAT. 10. 17, 18. 21. LUK. 22. 12. 17. JOHN. 16. 2, 3. Upon which grounds, Paul being brought before Feſtus, Felix, & Agrippa, and accuſed by the Jews of HERESY, ſtirring up of ſedition among the Jews throughout the world, teaching againſt the Law, and defiling the Temple, juſtified himſelf, and denyed theſe accuſations, but demurred not to their Juriſdiction; uſing this notable ſpeech, ACT. 25. 10. IF I BE AN OFFENDOR, OR HAVE COMMITTED ANY THING VVORTHY OF DEATH, IREFUSE NOT TO DYE: BUT IF THERE BE NONE OF THESE p. 24THINGS VVHEREOF THEY ACCUSE ME, NOMAN MAY DELIVER VNTOUNTO THEM, I APPEAL VNTOUNTO CAESAR: Where Paul appeals not from, but to the Supream Civil Magiſtrate from the Jews, even in a caſe of Religion, yea of Hereſie, Schiſm, Superſtition, as it was then accounted; not refuſing to dye, IF HE HAD DONE ANY THING VVORTHY OF DEATH, and were guilty of this charge.

Therefore by theſe Goſpel Texts and Preſidents, Chriſtian Magiſtrates, Kings, Rulers, and the Higher Powers under the Goſpel, have right to inflict corporal, pecuniary, and capital Puniſhments upon notorious dangerous Idolaters, Apoſtates, Hereticks, Blaſphemers, Falſe Teachers, and obſtinate Schiſmaticks, who are evil doers in the higheſt degree, diſhonoring and blaſpheming God, undermining Religion, ſubverting the faith of many, bringing upon themſelves and others ſwift damnation; diſturbing the Peace, Order, Doctrins of the Church, and bringing down Gods Wrath, Judgements on the Churches, States, Kingdoms wherein they live, and deſtroy the very ſtock and faith of Chriſt as much as in them lies, Rom. 16. 17, 18. Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21. Phil. 3. 2, Mat. 7. 15. cap. 23. 14. 26. 27. 28. Acts 20. 29, 30. 1 Tim. 4. 1, 2. 2 Tim. 2. 17, 18. Tit. 3. 10, 11. 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2▪ 3. Rom. 1. 18. to the end. Revel. 2. 15. to 24. 1 Cor. 5. 6, 7. 13. Heb. 12. 15.

I ſuppoſe our Oppoſiters are not ſo impudent to deny, but that Chriſtian Princes, States, Magiſtrates under the Goſpel may puniſh Traytors, Murderers, Theeves, Witches, and other Idolaters, with corporal and capital puniſhments, becauſe they are evill doers; even by vertue of the forecited Texts; then by the ſelf ſame reaſon they muſt likewiſe puniſh all obſtinate ſeducing Hereticks, Blasphemers, Schiſmaticks &c. with the ſelf-ſame puniſhments, who are guilty of High Treaſon and Blaſphemy againſt God himſelf, the Father, Son, Spirit, Goſpel, Chriſtian Faith; Deſtroyers, Murderers of mens very ſouls; and greater diſturbers of the States and Churches wherein they live, then any Theeves, Felons, Witches. Can any rational Chriſtian think, that God would ſo ſeverely puniſh Idolaters, Blasphemers, and ſeducing Prophets under the Law with inexorable death; and yet let them and Hereticks ſcape unpuniſhed under the Goſpel,**Jam. 1. 17.Jas 1:17 there being no variableneſſe nor ſhadow of turning in him? That he would appoint Magiſtrates to puniſh only the ſmalleſt offences between man and man, and not to correct and puniſh the moſt heinous offences and Treaſons againſt himſelf, being his own **Rom. 13. 3, 4.Rom 13:3Rom 13:4Avengers, Miniſters, Vicegerents? Would it not be deemed a grand abſurdity in earthly Kings and Princes to give their Judges power only to enquire of, and puniſh offences againſt their Subjects, but not at all to enquire after, or puniſh Treaſons, Conſpiracies, and Rebellions againſt their own Perſons, Crowns, Kingdoms? and ſhall wee deem the moſt wiſe and juſt God guilty of ſuch a Soleciſm? Doubtleſs, as God himſelf under the Old Teſtament commanded Idolaters, Blaſphemers, Seducing Prophets, and Achan himſelf to be ſtoned to death by all Iſrael, and after that burnt with fire, for breaking his covenant, and medling with the accurſed thing; and thereby troubling and bringing Gods wrath upon all Iſrael, ſo as they fled and fell before the men of Ai; Joſh. 7. 25. 27. So by the like reaſon, juſtice, p. 25equity, commands Chriſtian Princes, Magiſtrates and people under the Goſpell, to puniſh obſtinate Heretickes, Idolaters, Blaſphemers, Falſe Teachers, and pernicious Schiſmaticks, who diſhonor his name, deſpite his Spirit, ſubvert his Truth, corrupt, ſeduce and deſtroy others, trouble the States and Churches wherein they live, and bring Gods wrath upon them, with like capital puniſhments, when milder remedies wil not prevail; and theſe recited Texts wil be a ſufficient Commiſſion to juſtifie ſuch their proceedings; as all the ſubſequent Authors as wel ancient as modern, Proteſtants as Papiſts, aſſert.

My ſeventh Argument ſhal be from our Saviors own words Math. 12. 3…, 32.Argum. 7. Whoſoever ſpeaketh a word against the ſon of man it ſhal be forgiven him, but whoſoever ſpeaketh againſt the Holy Ghost, and the BLASPHEMY againſt the Holy Ghost, SHAL NOT BE FORGIVEN IN THIS WORLD, nor in the World to come. I have formerly proved from Levit. 24. 10. to 17. and other Texts▪ That Blaſphemy was to be puniſhed with death by the Civil Powers under the Law: Our Savior by this Expreſſion; Shall not be forgiven in this World (which cannot be thought ſuperfluous) implies, if not aſſerts, That Blaſphemy againſt the Holy Ghoſt ſhould be thus puniſhed by Chriſtian Magiſtrates under the Goſpel even in this world: whence ſome conceive S. John in his firſt Epiſtle c. 5. v. 16. phraſeth it, in this reſpect among others: A ſin ƲNTO DEATH: that is▪ a ſin to be puniſhed with temporal, as wel as eternal death. And that our Saviors words: Shal not be forgiven him, neither in this world &c. imply, that the Chriſtian Magiſtrates muſt not pardon ſuch Blaſphemy, but puniſh it with death in this world; as is clear by the next words, Neither in the world to come. So as the plain ſenſe of theſe words is: That Blaſphemy and ſpeaking of words againſt the Holy Ghoſt ſhall not bee forgiven by the Magiſtrates, nor Miniſters, but puniſhed by temporal death, and **1 Tim. 1. 20▪1 Tim 1:20delivery over to Satan, (the caſe of Hymenaeus and Alexander in part) in this world: nor yet pardoned by God, but puniſhed by him with eternall death in the world to come. Which being the ſoundeſt Expoſition of theſe Words in learned mens opinions: (which no ways prove a Popiſh Purgatory, as the Papiſts dream) will ſufficiently warrant the puniſhment of ſuch Blaſphemy by the Chriſtian Magiſtrate, even with death, under the Goſpel, as wel as under the Law.

My eighth Argument is drawne from Hebrewes 10. 26. to 31. For if Argum. 8.wee ſinne wilfully after wee have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remaineth no more ſacrifice for ſinne; but a certaine fearefull looking for of Judgement and fiery Indignation, which ſhall devoure the Adverſary. Hee that deſpiſed Moſes Law DYED WITHOUT MERCY under two or three witneſſes (and that in caſe of Idolatry, Apoſtacy, and Blaſphemy, to which this Text relates, Deutronomy 13. Verſe 6, 7, 8, 9. Chap. 17. 8, 9, 10. Leviticus 24. Verſe 10. to 17.) OF HOW MƲCH SORER PƲNISHMENT ſuppoſe yee SHALL HE BE THOƲGHT WORTHY, Who hath TRODEN ƲNDER FOOT the Sonne p. 26of God, and hath counted the blood of the Covenant, where with he was ſanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done deſpite unto the Spirit of Grace? For we know him that hath ſaid, Vengeance is mine, I wil recompence ſaith the Lord: And again; The Lord wil judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. From this text (as likewiſe from Heb. 2. 1, 2. and cap. 6. 1. to 9. which are in ſome ſort paralelled with it) it is moſt apparent:

Firſt, that the ſins of Apoſtacy, Blaſphemy, Hereſy, contempt of Chriſt and his blood, and deſpiting of his Spirit, by Chriſtians, are far more heinous, great, and more unpardonable under the Goſpel then they were under the Law.

Secondly, that they are worthy of much ſorer puniſhment under the Goſpel, then under the Law: Wherefore ſince thoſe who were guilty of them and deſpiſed Moſes Law dyed without mercy (by the hand of the Magiſtrate and people) under two or three witneſſes under the Law; thoſe who are guilty of them under the Goſpel, deſerving much ſorer puniſhment, may likewiſe be put to death by the Chriſtian Magiſtrate without mercy, and puniſhed with more ſevere temporal puniſhments then any were under the Law; becauſe their ſin is more hainous, and deſerves much ſorer puniſhment, as the text expreſly reſolves; which I wiſh our Oppoſites, and all Chriſtian States, Magiſtrates would ſeriouſly conſider, who deem the times of the Goſpel times of greater indulgence, connivance, and mercy towards ſuch capital Tranſgreſſors, then the times of the Law.

Thirdly, that if Magiſtrates and others neglect, or refuſe to puniſh ſuch enormious Tranſgreſſors under the Goſpel, God himſelf wil take vengeance on, judge, and recompence them, and they ſhal fall into the hands of the living God; which is a more fearful thing then to fall into the hand of men.

Now if any ſhould hence infer (as our Oppoſites do) that ſuch muſt be leftObject. wholy to the hands, judgement and vengeance of God himſelf, who reſerves ſuch for his own Tribunal, and hath exempted them from the inferior Magiſtrates Juriſdiction by this text.

I anſwer, that the text wil warrant no ſuch inference: For firſt, it is but a bareAnſw. recital of Gods own Words in the Old Teſtament, Deut. 32. 35. 39, 40, 41, 42, 43. Now in the Old Teſtament, the vengeance, puniſhment inflicted by God himſelf upon Apoſtates, Idolaters, as on the Iſraelites, Midianites, Canaanites, and others, did not exclude but include the Temporal Magiſtrates Cenſures, and the uſe of ſecondary Inſtruments; as is moſt apparent by Exod. 32. 26. to the end; Where Moſes SLEW about three thouſand men for worſhipping the Golden calf, and yet God plagued the people for the ſame ſinn too: and Numb. 25. 3. to 16. Where Moſes for the ſin of Peor hanged up the heads of the people before the Lord againſt the Sun; the Judges of Iſrael ſlew every one his men that were joyned unto Baal Peor, and Phineas ſlew Zimri and Cozbi with a Javelin; and yet God himſelf at the ſame time ſlew twenty four thouſand more of the people with the Plague for the ſame ſin. And by Joſh. chap. 9. to 13. and Acts 13. 19. Where God himſelf uſeth the Iſraelites to destroy his enemies the Canaanites, and other Idolatrous Nations. Therefore this ſentence under the New Teſtament, Vengeance is mine, &c. no more exempts ſuch Malefactors, as the text ſpeaks of, from the capital puniſhments of the Magiſtrates and others, under the Goſpel, then it did under the Law.

Secondly, The Goſpel informs us, Rom. 13. 4. That every Chriſtian Ruler p. 27and Magiſtrate, is the Miniſter of God, and his REVENGER, to execute wrath upon him that doth evil: And their Vengeance and Judgement is not their own but Gods, on whoſe Tribunal they ſit, and whoſe Perſon they repreſent, as is evident by Deut. 1. 17. Ye ſhal not reſpect perſons in Judgement, for THE JUDGEMENT IS GODS. 2 Chron. 19. 6. And Jehoſhaphat ſaid to the Judges, take heed what ye do; for ye iudge not for men, but FOR THE LORD, who is with you in the Judgement. Prov. 29. 26. Many ſeek the face of a Ruler, but every mans Judgement COMETH FROM THE LORD. 2 Chron. 9. 8. Bleſſed be the Lord thy God which delighted in thee, to ſet thee ON HIS THRONE to be KING FOR THE LORD THY GOD, becauſe the Lord loved Iſrael, therefore made he thee King over them, to do Justice and Judgment. Prov. 8. 15. By me Kings reign, and Princes DECREE JUSTICE. And Dan. 4. 24. The moſt high RULETH IN THE KINGDOM OF MEN, and giveth it to whomſoever he will: As God and Chriſt are ſaid to preach the Goſpel in and by the Miniſters of it; as our Antagoniſts themſelves wil grant: So they are likewiſe ſaid to execute wrath and vengeance in and by the Magiſtrates. Therefore this fond Objection (whereon our Oppoſites much inſiſt) muſt needs evaporate into ſmoak; and this Text remain an unanſwerable proof for the Chriſtian Magiſtrates power to puniſh Apoſtates, Hereticks, Blaſphemers, Contemners of Chriſt, his blood, his Covenant, and the Spirit of Grace, with more grievous corporal and capital puniſhments under the Goſpel, then under the Law.

My ninth Argument ſhal be from the 2 Pet. 2. 1. to 14. But there were falſe Prophets alſo among the people, even as there ſhal be falſe Teachers among you, Argum. 9.who privily ſhal bring in DAMNABLE HERESIES, even denying the Lord that bought them; and ſhall BRING UPON THEMSELVES SWIFT DESTRUCTION. And many ſhal follow their pernicious ways, by reaſon of whom the way of truth ſhal be evil ſpoken off. And through covetouſneſſe ſhal they with fained words make merchandize of you; whoſe judgement now of a long time lingreth not, and their damnation ſlumbreth not: For if God spared not the Angels that ſinned, but caſt them down into hell, and delivered them into chains of darkneſſe, to be reſerved unto Judgement: And spared not the old World, but ſaved Noah the eight perſon, a preacher of righteouſneſſe, bringing in the Flood upon the world of the ungodly: And turning the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into aſhes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an enſample unto thoſe that after ſhould live ungodly, &c. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reſerve the unjuſt unto the day of Judgment to be puniſhed; But chiefly them that walk after the fleſh in the lust of uncleanneſſe, and deſpiſe government; preſumptuous are they, ſelf-willed, they are not affraid to speak evill of dignities: Whereas Angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not rayling accuſations againſt them before the Lord: But theſe, as natural bruite beaſts, made to be taken and deſtroyed, speak evil of the things they underſtand not, and ſhal utterly periſh in their own corruption: And ſhal receive the reward of unrighteouſneſſe, &c. The very ſame expreſſions in ſubſtance, if not in words, we have repeated in Jude, v. 4. to 23.

From theſe conſiderable texts I ſhal Obſerve:

p. 28Firſt, That Falſe Teachers under the New Teſtament are in the ſame rank and condition as falſe Prophets under the Old; therefore liable to the like Capital Puniſhment under the Goſpel, as falſe Prophets under the Law, which I have formerly proved.

Secondly, That theſe Falſe Teachers ſhal privily (at firſt, but more openly afterwards) bring in Damnable Hereſies; or as the Greek phraſe renders it, Hereſies of Perdition or Deſtruction foreign that is, Hereſies deſerving a Sentence of Deſtruction, becauſe they bring Perdition to the ſouls and bodies of thoſe who broach and embrace them, yea to the Churches, States wherein they are vented and tolerated, Rev. 2. 14 to 24.

Thirdly, That ſuch falſe Teache… ſhal bring upon themſelves SWIFT DESTRUCTION; The word foreign, which we Engliſh Deſtruction; is oft times in the New Teſtament …ied for the cutting off or deſtruction of a mans perſon by a violent and unnaturall death, by men or other creatures, through the juſt Judgement of God▪ a… Luk▪ 17. 27. 29. The flood came and deſtroyed them all; It rained fir… heaven and deſtroyed them all: 1 Cor. 10. 9. They were … Matth. 21. 41. He wil miſerably deſtroy thoſe wicked … Barrabas and deſtroy Jeſus: And ſometimes for a j… way of Cenſure: as Jam. 4. 12. There is one Law-giver who … ſave, and to DESTROY: Matth. 10. 28. Fear him who is able … both ſoul and body in hell. From this acception of the word … destroy, in the New Teſtament, I conceive the meaning of Peter … falſe Teachers who bring in damnable and deſtructive Hereſies …n themſelves (by theſe their Hereſies when detected) SW…JCTION, in a two-fold ſenſe: Firſt, from the Chriſtian) … out of zeal to God and the peoples ſouls whom they would ſeduce, ſhall … proceed againſt, and deſtroy their perſons with capital puniſhments: Secondly, From God himſelf in mans default, who by ſome exemplary Judgments wil deſtroy their perſons here, yea their ſouls and bodies in hel for ever hereafter: 2 Theſ. 1. 8, 9.

Fourthly, That ſuch falſe Teachers Deſtruction by the Magiſtrate, cannot be called Perſecution, no more then a Traytors or Murderers, becauſe they bring it upon themſelves by their Damnable Hereſies, and obſtinate perſeverance in them.

Fifthly, That many ſhal (in the laſt times) follow the ways and damnable Hereſies of Falſe Teachers: and therefore it is no wonder that ſuch multitudes follow after ſuch ſeducing New-Lights and falſe Teachers now.

Sixthly, That by reaſon of theſe falſe Teachers calumnies and Hereſies, the very way of truth ſhall be evil ſpoken of, and cryed down among their followers; as now it is more then ever in our memory by New-Lights and Sectaries; who ſtile all others but themſelves; **See M. Dels Epiſtle and Sermon; and Mr Edwards Gangraenaes.The carnal and Antichristian Church; The Clergy▪Antichriſtian, &c. and themſelves; The Saincts; The Faithful; Gods peculiar Portion, the anointed ones &c.

Seventhly, That falſe▪ Teachers are for the moſt part exceeding covetous, and make Merchandiſe of mens ſouls.

Eighthly, That they are very Laſcivious, and uſually walk after the fleſh in the luſt of uncleanneſs, as **See M Edw. Gangraenaes.many of our Anabaptiſts, and Dippers of naked women, p. 29both in the night and day time, proclaim themſelves to be.

Ninthly, That they are preſumptuous, ſelf-willed, deſpiſe Government, ſpeak evil of dignities, and bring rayling accuſations againſt them; never ſo really verified as by our falſe Teachers, **See Lilburnes and Overtons Libels; The Arraignment of Perſecution; Englands Birthright &c and Mr Edw. Gangraennes.Separatiſts, Anabaptiſts, and New-Lights at this preſent, who deſpiſe and ſpeak againſt all Church-government in a moſt preſumptuous manner; ſpeaking evil and bringing rayling accuſations againſt our Parliament, Aſſembly, Magiſtrates, Miniſters, Church, Laws, Covenant, Directory; and what not, both in Preſs and Pulpit.

Tenthly, That theſe falſe Teachers damnation and their followers judgment now of a long time lingreth not, and their damnation ſlumbreth not: and that theſe as natural bruite beaſts, made to be taken and deſtroyed, ſhal utterly periſh in their own corruption, and receive the reward of unrighteouſneſs at the laſt, either from the hands of the Chriſtian Magiſtrate, who juſtly may, yea ought to deſtroy and cut off ſuch with the Sword of Juſtice, or elſe by the avenging hand of that juſt God, who ſpared not the Angels that ſinned, but cast them down to hel: drowned the Old World with a Flood, and turned the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into aſhes; who is as juſt, as ſevere now as ever.

If any hence Object from Verſ. 9. That the Chriſtian Magiſtrate hath no authorityObject. to puniſh ſuch falſe Teachers who bring in damnable Hereſies, &c. becauſe God reſerves the wicked to the day of Judgment to be puniſhed.

I Anſwer, that the Argument holds not.

Firſt, Becauſe God forbearing his own immediate puniſhing of men till theAnſw. day of Judgement, is no ſuperſedeas to the Magiſtrates puniſhment of them here: for then no kind of impenitent Malefactors ſhould be puniſhed by the Magiſtrates in this life, becauſe God reſerves his own puniſhing of them till the day of Judgement: So that this poſition, if admitted, would wholy take away the Civil Chriſtian Magiſtrates Judicatory & Power, contrary to Rom. 13. 4. and 1 Pet. 2. 13, 14. and condemn Gods proceedings againſt Idolaters, &c. in the O. Teſtament.

Secondly, Becauſe Gods own puniſhing of ſuch here with Plagues and other temporal puniſhments, no wayes impeacheth nor hindreth the executions of the Magiſtrates Cenſures on them; as I have formerly proved.

Thirdly, The Apoſtle here informs us; that ſuch mens damnation ſlumbreth not, and their Judgment lingreth not, and that they bring upon themſelves ſwift deſtruction: Therefore their puniſhment is not always to be reſpited to the generall day of Judgment, but to be executed ſpeedily on them here.

Fourthly, The reſerving ſuch to the day of Iudgment to be puniſhed, is not to be underſtood here of the general day of Judgment to come hereafter; but of the day of their particular Judgment here; as is clear by the preceding Verſes; The day of Judgment to the Old World was the day when God brought the Flood upon them; the day of Judgment to Sodom and Gomorrah, was the day God turned them into aſhes, and condemned them with an overthrow: and the day here meant to which God reſerves ſuch Falſ Teachers, is the day wherein he bringeth ſwift deſtruction upon them by the Magiſtrates Sword of Juſtice, or his own immediate Judgments; not the general day of Judgment; for then their deſtruction ſo long deferred, would not be ſwift, and their Judgment and Damnation would juſtly be ſaid to linger, to ſlumber, contrary to the Text▪

p. 30Fifthly, Admit it meant of the general day of Judgement, yet God reſerves not Falſe Teachers and damnable Hereticks till that day to be puniſhed with eternal damnation and deſtruction, but where Magiſtrates neglect to puniſh them with temporal damnation and deſtruction, which through Gods bleſſing might be a means to free them from eternal. So that this Text duly conſidered, is in my apprehenſion a ſufficient warrant and commiſſion for all Chriſtian Magiſtrates under the Goſpel, ſpeedily to puniſh all falſ Teachers, who privately or openly bring in damnable Hereſies with ſwift deſtruction, and capitall cenſures inflicted by them upon conviction, in a way of Juſtice.

My ninth Argument is this:

Hereticks, Falſe Teachers, Seducers, and obſtinate Schiſmaticks are ſtiled, notArgum. 9. only in the Old but New Teſtament, Foxes, litle foxes, Wolves in ſheeps clothing, ravenous, grievous Wolves who ſpoil and devour the Flock; yea, Theeves and Robbers, who come only to ſteal, kil, and deſtroy Chriſts ſheep, and the like. Cant. 2. 15. Math. 7. 15. John 10. 8. to 14. Acts 20. 29, 30. And not only Miniſters, but likewiſe godly Magiſtrates are the Shepherds and Paſtors of Chriſts flock, to preſerve, defend them from, and chaſe away, take, and if need be, deſtroy and kil theſe Foxes, Wolves, Theeves, Robbers, 2 Chron. 18. 16. Pſa. 78. 76. 71, 72, Iſa. 49. 23. Cant. 2. 15. 1 Tim. 2. 2.

As therefore Shepherds lawfully may and ought to drive away Foxes, Wolves, Theeves, Lyons, Bears, and other beaſts of prey from their ſheepfolds, and take and kil them too, for the preſervation of their flocks, as David did kil the Lyon and the Bear that devoured his Fathers ſheep, 1 Sam. 17. 34, 35, 36. Cant. 2. 15. Jer 31. 4. John 10. 12, 13. So doubtleſſe godly Chriſtian Magiſtrates and Shepherds under the Goſpel, may, yea ought to chaſe away and baniſh theſe pernicious Foxes, theſe ravenous grievous Wolves, Bears, Lyons, Theeves which devour their flocks, and apprehend and kil them too where they ſee juſt cauſe, to preſerve Chriſts ſheep from being devoured, and his flock from being deſtroyed by them: Theſe very Titles wherewith the Scripture brands them, being a **See here p. …42.ſufficient warrant for ſuch proceedings. We read Exod. 21. 28, 29. If an Ox gore a man or woman, that they dye, then the Ox ſhal be ſurely ſtoned, and the owner quit: But if the Ox were wont to puſh with his horn in time paſt, and it hath been teſtified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or woman, the Ox ſhal be ſtoned, and the OWNER ALSO SHAL BE PUT TO DEATH. Certainly if an Ox that kils the body but of one man or woman with his horn muſt thus be ſtoned to death, and his owner too, for not reſtraining him, if he formerly uſed puſhing; then much more may ſeducing Hereticks. Falſe Teachers, Blaſphemers, Schiſmaticks, who gore the ſouls of hundreds to death, and thoſe Magiſtrates who willingly countenance and keep them not in by Laws and Puniſhments from goring the ſouls of others that they dye, be puniſhed, and put to death.

My tenth Argument ſhal be this: The Apoſtle informes us Gal. 5. 19, 20.Argum. 10. That Idolatry, Schiſms, Hereſies are works of the fleſh, not Spirit; and couples them with Witchcrafts and Murders; adding, that thoſe who do ſuch things ſhal not inherit the Kingdom of God: Yea he informes us Rom. 1. 32. That thoſe p. 31who commit ſuch things ARE WORTHY OF DEATH. And 1 Tim. 1. 9, 10. The Law is not made for the righteous man (that is, to reſtrain and puniſh him) but for the lawleſſe and diſobedient, for the ungodly and for ſinners, for the unholy and prophane, for murderers of Fathers and murderers of Mothers, for man-ſlayers, &c. and ANY OTHER THING CONTRARY TO SOUND DOCTRINE: Whereas againſt the fruits of the Spirit there is no Law, Gal. 5. 22, 23. that is to puniſh them, or any Chriſtians for them. Whence I thus argue.

If Hereſies, Idolatry, Schiſms, & Blaſphemies too, (as Chriſt reſolves Mat. 15. 19, Mar. 2. 22.) be works of the fleſh, not Spirit, as wel as Witchcraft, Murders, deſerving death as wel as they; and the Law of God is made for the puniſhment of the diſobedient, ungodly, unholy, and prophane, and whatſoever is contrary to ſound doctrine, as wel as for Murderers of Fathers and Mothers, and Man-ſlayers; then the Chriſtian Magiſtrate under the Goſpel, when he ſees juſt cauſe, may and ought by the Law of God to puniſh men with corporal, and capital puniſhments for Hereſies, Idolatry, Blaſphemies, and dangerous Schiſmes, being works of the fleſh, as well as for Murther, Witchcraft; and ſuch as murther and deſtroy mens ſouls, as wel as thoſe who only murther their bodies; ſince no reaſon can be rendred out of Scripture, why they ſhould puniſh ſome works of the fleſh only, and not others.

But the Suppoſition is true, and ratified by the forecited texts.

Ergo, the Sequel cannot be gainſaid, but muſt be granted.Object.

If **Mr Dells Right Reformation, p. 20, 21, 22, 23. comparedwith p. 1, 2.any Object, That the Subjects of Chriſts Kingdom are a spiritual people, born of the Spirit, and therefore without the reach of any outward force, and beyond not only the power, but cognizance of the Magiſtrate & ſecular powers, which are but a carnal and worldly Institution.

I anſwer, Firſt, that the Hereſies, Errors, Schiſms, Blasphemies of ſuch as are pretended to be a spiritual people and Subjects of Chriſts Kingdom, born of Anſw.the Spirit, are meerly carnal and works of the fleſh, not Spirit, as Paul expreſly reſolves; therefore admit the Magiſtrate and ſecular power to be but a carnal Ordinance, they are yet within the reach and cognizance both of their power and cenſure, as well as Treaſons, Murthers and other Felonies of ſuch Saints and ſpiritual people.

Secondly, The Argument is but a meer fallacy: Fleſh and blood and the Civil Magiſtrate hath nothing to do with them that are born of the Spirit, in things of the Spirit. Ergo, It hath nothing to do with them in the fruits and works of their fleſh, which deſerve both puniſhment and cenſure.

Thirdly, This Objection caſts a ſcandal & reproach upon Magiſtrates and their Authority, in calling them, the power of the world, fleſh and blood, a car…l Ordinance, outward and ſecular power; as if they were not Gods Ordinance, as wel as Miniſters of the Word, for the good of men, and puniſhment of all Malefactors, as wel Saints as others, as is reſolved Row. 13. 1. to 6.

Fourthly, It is a meer Popish Argument uſed by the Pope and Popiſh Clergy in former times to exempt themſelves from all ſecular power, abuſing that text of 1 Cor. 2. 15. But he that is ſpiritual judgeth all thing…; yet hee himſelf p. 32is judged of no man: (which I wonder Mr Dell forgot to quote;) as thoſe who now object it may read at large in Antiqu. Eccleſiae Brit. p. 245. and ſundry Popiſh Authors De Immunitate et Exemptione Clericorum. So that theſe New-Lights who pretend themſelves moſt oppoſite to Popery, do but in truth revive it among us in an higher degree then ever, by giving to all thoſe they pleaſe to ſtile Saints, ſpiritual people, or the faithful, the very ſame, yea a greater exemption from the civil Magiſtrates power, then ever the Papiſts gave unto their Clergy only, and no others.

My eleventh Argument is this:Argum. 11.

Private Chriſtians are ſtrictly and frequently enjoyned to beware of, avoyde, turn away from, and not to receive, or admit into their houſes, any Hereticks, Apoſtates, Schiſmaticks, or falſe Teachers: Matth. 7. 15. Rom. 16. 17, 18. Phil. 3. 2. 2 Tim. 2. 16. 17. c. 3. 5, 6. c. 4. 15. 2 Pet. c. 3. 17. 2 John 10. 11. Yea when and where there were no Chriſtian Magiſtrates to reſtrain and puniſh them, the Apoſtles themſelves delivered them unto Satan, 1 Tim. 1. 19, 20. Wiſhed **Fromwhence Ferom, Gualter Beza, Bellarmine, & many others, infer; the lawſulneſs of puniſhing Hereticks with death.that they were even cut off for troubling the Church, Gal. 5. 12. Willed Miniſters to ſtop their mouthes, rebuke them ſharply, and after the firſt and ſecond admonition to reject; becauſe they ſubverted whole houſes, and overthrew the faith of many, Tit. 1. 11. 13. c. 3. 10, 11. 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2. 2 Tim. 2. 18. And the Churches of Pergamus, Thyatira, and the Angels of them, when they had no Chriſtian Magistrates, are particularly blamed by God, for ſuffering ſuch who held the doctrine of Baalam and of the Nicholaitans which Chriſt hated: and for SUFFERING that woman. Jezebel, who called her ſelf a Propheteſſe, to teach and ſeduce his ſervants to commit fornication and to eat things ſacrificed unto Idols. Threatning to caſt her, and thoſe that committed fornication with her, into great tribulation, unleſſe they repented; Yea, ſaying, I WIL KIL HER CHILDREN WITH DEATH; and all the Churches shal know, that I am he which ſearcheth the reins and heart; and I wil give unto every of you according to your works, Rom. 2. 14. to 24.

Therefore when and where there are Chriſtian Magiſtrates; they may and muſt by like reaſon, expel, reject, baniſh ſuch out of their Dominions; not admit them into their territories; cut them off for troubling the Church: ſtop their mouthes; and not ſuffer them to teach and ſeduce their people: yea, kil them and their children (where there is juſt cauſe) with death: ſince Chriſt himſelf threatens to do it (not only immediately by himſelf, but alſo mediately by the Magiſtrates, who are his Miniſters, Avengers, and muſt not bear the Sword in vain, but puniſh ſuch evil doers with it, Rom. 13. 3, 4.) and to render to them according to their works.

The Argument holds undeniably, becauſe Chriſtian Princes and Magiſtrates are the Nurſing fathers of the Church, to defend, protect it againſt theſe Seducers and devouring wolves, to preſerve the peace, the unity of it, and the purity of Doctrine and worſhip in it, as the Scripture warrants, and Divines have ever aſſerted in all ages of the Church, til ſome New-Lights and Sectaries p. 33of late oppoſed it in others, to procure impunity to themſelves, to vent their Errors without controle.

My twelfth Argument ſhal be deduced from theſe following Goſpel Texts,Argum. 12. Luke 19. 27. Where Chriſt, after the Parable of the Talents, concludes thus: But thoſe mine Enemies that would not that I ſhould reign over them, bring hither AND SLAY THEM BEFORE MY FACE. Chriſt doth not ſlay them immediately himſelf, but the Magiſtrates who are his Miniſters; ſervants **Rom. 13. 4.Rom 13:4revengers; they are to bring and ſlay them before his face, for their Treaſon and Rebellion againſt him. Mat. 21. 33. to 44. Mark 12. 1. to 12. Luke 20. 9, to 19. Where the Lord of the Vineyard, who let it out to huſbandmen; who ſtoned his ſervants and killed his Son, when he cometh; he wil miſerably DESTROY thoſe wicked men and let out his Vineyard to other huſbandmen, which ſhal render him the fruits in due ſeaſon; (which Parable was experimentably verified in the deſtruction of Jeruſalem and the Jews by the Romans.) And it is added: Whoſoever ſhal fall on this ſtone (Christ) ſhal be broken; but on whomſoever it ſhal fal, IT SHAL GRIND HIM TO POWDER. Mat. 22. 2. to 8. The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a certain King which made a marriage for his ſon; and ſent his ſervants to cal them that were bidden to the wedding, but they would not come, &c. And the remnant took his ſervants, and intreated them ſpitefully, and ſlew them: But when the King heard thereof, he was wroth, and ſent forth his armies, and DESTROYED THOSE MURDERERS, and burnt up their City: Really verified in the Jews too. To which I ſhal ſubjoyn Rev. 11. 17, 18. We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and waſt, and art to come, becauſe thou haſt taken unto thee thy great power, and haſt reigned: And the time is come thou ſhouldest DESTROY THEM WHICH CORRUPT THE EARTH. Compared with Rev. 17. 5. 16. where it is thus prophecyed of the deſtruction of the whore of Babylon the great, the mother of fornications, & abominations of the earth. The ten horns which thou ſawſt upon the beaſt (w^ch are 10. Kings) theſe ſhal hate the whore, and make her deſolate and naked, and SHAL EAT HER FLESH & BURN HER WITH FIRE; for God hath put it into their hearts TO FULFIL HIS WIL. And Rev. 19. 19, 20, 21. And I ſaw the beaſt, and the Kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to make war againſt him that ſate on the horſe: And the beaſt was taken, and with him the falſe prophet, that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beaſt, & them that worſhipped his image. Theſe both were caſt into A LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE & BRIMSTONE. And the remnant WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD of him that ſate upon the horſe, which ſword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fouls were filled with their fleſh. From all theſe Parabolical Expreſſions in the New Teſtament it ſelf, of things to be acted by God the Father, by Jeſus Chriſt himſelf & his ſervants (the Magiſtrates) under the Goſpel, I ſhal draw theſe Concluſions neceſſarily flowing from them.

Firſt, That God the Father and Jeſus Chriſt are altogether as rigorous and ſevere (if not far more ridged and mercileſſe) againſt their profeſſed Enemies, Antichriſtian Oppoſers, Perſecuters, and falſe Prophets under the Goſpel, as they were under the Law, which theſe Texts, together with Heb. 2. 1, 2. and c. 10. 26. to 32. and Rev. 6. 10. to the end; undeniably manifeſt.

p. 34Secondly, That ſuch as thoſe ſhall be puniſhed with capital and corporal puniſhments even under the Goſpel by Chriſt his Miniſters, Soldiers, Revengers, who bear his Sword; (who are principally, orthodox Chriſtian Kings and Magiſtrates) as theſe ſeveral expreſſions manifeſt; Slay them before my face▪ He will miſerably deſtroy theſe wicked men, and murderers, burn up their City, grind them to powder; thou ſhalt deſtroy them which corrupt the earth: The ten hornes ſhal make the whore deſolate and naked, and ſhal eat her fleſh and burn her with fier; And the beast and falſe prophet were taken and caſt into a lake which burneth with fier and brimſtone (the ground of the ancient Writ De Haeretico comburendo, and of burning Hereticks;) and the rest were ſlain with the ſword, and all the fouls were filled with their fleſh.

If any Object, **Mr Dells Right Reformation, p. 25.that the ſword wherewith thoſe laſt are ſaid to be ſlain, is nothing Object.elſe but the ſword of the Spirit and preaching of the Word; becauſe it is ſaid, that this ſword proceeded out of the mouth of him that ſate upon the horſe: which they further confirm by Iſa. 11. 4. He ſhal ſmite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and by the breath of his lips ſhal he ſlay the wicked: 2 Theſ. 2. 3. And then ſhal that wicked one be revealed whom the Lord ſhal conſume with the Spirit of his mouth, and deſtroy with the brightneſſe of his comming; concluding hence, That God doth all by the power of his Word, even his puniſhments and deſtructions he executes by the Word.

I anſwer: That the Sword proceeding out of the mouth of him that ſate upon Anſw.the horſe, in this Text; is not the meer preaching of the Word and Goſpel, as is pretended; but Chriſts denouncing of Sentence, of Judgement, and executing the ſame upon them, not as a Preacher, but as a Judge: this is clear by Rev. 17. 2. Come hither and I wil ſhew thee the Judgment of the great whore &c. Rev. 18. 8. Shee ſhall bee utterly burnt with fier, for ſtrong is the Lord who JƲDGETH her: Rev. 16. 21, 22. Rejoyce over her thou heaven, and ye holy Apoſtles and Prophets, for God hath avenged you on her. And a mighty Angel took up a ſtone like a great milſtone, and caſt it into the ſea, ſaying; Thus with violence ſhal the great City Babylon be thrown down, and ſhal be found no more at all &c. Rev. 20. 1, 2, 4, 5. I heard a voyce of much people in heaven, ſaying; Allelujah, ſalvation, honor, and power unto the Lord our God (That SAT ON THE THRONE as a Judge,) For true and righteous are his JƲDGEMENTS; for he hath JƲDGED the great where, which did corrupt the earth with her fornications, and hath avenged the blood of his Saints at her hands &c. It follows (in the very next words to thoſe objected) And I ſaw an Angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomleſſe pit, and a great chain in his hand: And he layd hold on the Dragon, the old ſerpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him a thouſand years; and caſt him into the bottomleſſe pit, and ſhut him up &c. And I ſaw THRONES and they ſate upon them, and JUDGEMENT was given unto them, &c. And Verſe 10, 11, 12, &c. And the Devil that deceived them was caſt into the lake of fire and brimſtone, where the beaſt and the falſe Prophet are, and ſhal be tormented day and night, for ever and ever. And I ſaw a great white Throne, and him that ſate on it &c. And I ſaw the dead ſmal and great ſtand before God: And I ſaw the Books opened; and the dead were judged out of thoſe things which were p. 35written in the Books, according to their works &c. By all which it is undeniable, that the ſword of the mouth wherewith thoſe were ſlain; was only Chriſts Sentence of Judgement and Execution paſſed upon the whore, the falſe Prophet, beaſt, &c. by himſelf, ſitting as a Judge, or King upon his Throne of Judgment, and his executioners; not the preaching of the Word by himſelf or his Miniſters, as a Prophet preaching out of a Pulpit: And in this ſenſe Judges and Magiſtrates when they paſſe ſentence of death upon Traytors, Rebels, or other Capital Malefactors, are, and may properly be ſaid, to ſlay them with the breath of their lips, with the ſword that goeth out of their mouth: becauſe this their ſentence makes them liable to death, and brings death upon them by the hand of the Executioner, who hath no power to ſlay or behead them, but only by the Judges ſentence, the original cauſe of their execution. And in this ſenſe are the other objected Texts to be taken, By the breath of his mouth ſhal he ſlay the wiched: Not by the preaching of the Word and Goſpel, as Mr Dell miſtakes it: but by paſſing, inflicting a ſentence of Death and Deſtruction upon them as a Judge, ſitting upon his Throne: In which relation, the Chriſtian Magiſtrates, rather the… the Miniſters, are his Vicegerents, to whom he hath delegated the condemning and executing power of capital Malefactors of all ſorts, Rom. 13. 2, 3, 4. 1 Pet. 2. 13, 14. Hence Rev. 17. 10. The ten horns (interpreted to be ten Kings v. 12.) are thoſe that ſhal hate the whore, and make her deſolate and naked, and eat her fleſh, and burn her with fier; and the Army of him that ſate on the Throne are ſaid, to take the beaſt and falſe prophet, and caſt them into a lake of fire and brimſtone. From theſe Texts therefore Chriſtian Princes and Magiſtrates have ſufficient warrant to puniſh Apoſtates, Hereticks, Falſe Teachers, Blaſphemers, and other open Enemies of God and his truth, with corporal and capital penalties under the Goſpel, as wel as anciently under the Law.

Many other Arguments might be deduced from **Acts 5. 1. to 12, Mat. 21. 12. Joh 2. 13. to 18. Neh. 13. 23. 24. Gal. 5. 12.Acts 5:1–12Matt 21:12John 2:13–18Neh 13:23Neh 13:24Gal 5:12other Texts of Scripture to this purpoſe; but theſe, I truſt, are ſufficient to give ſatisfaction for the preſent.

I ſhal only add to theſe Arguments, the conſtant practiſe of many godly Emperors, Kings, States, who, in all ages, ſince they became Chriſtian, have enacted Laws, and preſcribed ſeveral pecuniary, corporal and capital Puniſhments, and ſometimes baniſhment againſt Hereticks, falſe Teachers, obſtinate Schiſmaticks, Apoſtates, and Blaſphemers. To recite all their Laws at large, would ſwel this Pamphlet into a large Volume, I ſhal give you, for the moſt part, but an Epitome of the chiefeſt of them, which the ſtudious may peruſe at leiſure in the Authors out of which I quote them.

I ſhal begin with Laws and Puniſhments only againſt Hereticks, Apoſtates, falſe Teachers, or obſtinate Schiſmaticks, and then proceed to Laws, and Puniſhments againſt Blaſphemy and Blaſphemers.

aaRuffinus l. 1. c. 5. Socrates Schol. Hiſt. l. 1. c. 9. Cent. Magd. 4. c. 7. 545, 546.Constantine the great (the firſt Chriſtian Emperor) baniſhed the grand Heretick Arrius and his ſix followers: burned his Books, commanding thoſe who concealed them to be put to death; and proteſted he would baniſh all thoſe who would not ſubſcribe the Decrees of the Councel of Nice made againſt him. After which he made a notable Edict againſt the Novatians, Valentinians, Marcianiſts, Paulians, Phrygians, with all other Hereticks and Schiſmaticks of his time: which being the firſt formal Law againſt Hereticks that I find, and very p. 36ful and ſeaſonable for our preſent time and Iſle (wherein this Emperor was **uſserius de Eccleſ. Brit. Primordiis c. 8. p. 172, &c.both born and crowned) I ſhal transſcribe Verbatim out of bbDe vita Conſtantini, l. 3. c. 61, 62, 63, 64Euſebius, who records it, and informs us of the good effects it then produced.