The Bloody Tenant of Persecution for the Cause of Conscience, Part 3 · Chapter 45
CHAP. XLV.
FOr (to keepe to the similitude which the Spirit useth, for instance) To batter downe a strong hold, high wall, fort, tower or castle, men bring not a first and second Admonition, and after obstinacie, Excommunication, which are spirituall weapons concerning them that be in the Church: nor exhortations to Repent and be baptized, to beleeve in the Lord Jesus, &c. which are proper weapons to them that be without, &c. But to take a strong hold, men bring Canons, Culverins, Saker, Bullets, Powder, Musquets, Swords, Pikes, &c. and these to this end are weapons effectuall and proportionable.
On the other side, to batter downe Idolatry, false worship, heresie, schisme, blindnesse, hardnesse, out of the soule and spirit, it is vaine, improper,Spirituall weapons, only effectuall in spirituall & soule causes. and unsutable to bring those weapons which are used by persecutors, stocks, whips, prisons, swords, gibbets, stakes, &c. (where these seem to prevaile with some Cities or Kingdomes, a stronger force sets up againe, what a weaker pull'd downe) but against these spirituall strong holds in the soules of men, Spirituall Artillery and weapons are proper, which are mighty through God to subdue and bring under the very thought to obedience, or else to binde fast the soule with chaines of darknesse, and locke it up in the prison of unbeleefe and hardnesse to eternity.
2. I observe that as civill weapons are improper in this businesse,Civill weapons not only improper, but unnecessary in spirituall causes. and never able to effect ought in the soule: So (although they were proper, yet) they are unnecessary, for if as the Spirit here saith (and the Answerer grants) spirituall weapons in the hand of Church officers are able and ready to take vengeance on all disobedience, that is able and mighty, sufficient and ready for the Lords worke either to save the soule, or to kill the soule of whomsoever, be the party or parties opposite, in which respect I may againe remember that speech of Iob, How hast thou helped him that hath no power? Iob 26.
Peace.
Offer this (as Malachie once spake) to the Governours the Kings of the Earth, No earthly Kings or Governours will be so served, as we pretend to serve the King of Kings.when they besiege, beleagure, and assault great Cities, Castles, Forts, &c. should any subject pretending his service bring store of pins, sticks, strawes, bulrushes, to beat and batter downe stone walls, mighty Bulwarkes, what might his expectation and reward be, but at least the censure of a man distract, beside himself? &c.
Truth.
What shall we then conceive of His displeasure, (who is the chiefe or Prince of the Kings of the earth, and rides upon the Word of Truth and meeknesse, which is that white Horse, Rev. 6. and Rev. 19.Psal. 45. The white Troopers. with His holy witnesses the white Troopers upon white horses) when to His helpe and aid men bring and adde such unnecessary, improper and weake munition?
Will the Lord Iesus (did He ever in His owne Person practice, or did he appoint to) joyne to His Breastplate of Righteousnesse, Spirituall Ammunition. Eph. 6. applied Materiall and Spirituall …htly joyned together.the breastplate of iron and steele? to the Helmet of righteousnesse and salvation in Christ, an helmet and crest of iron, brasse, or steel, a target of wood to His shield of Faith? His two edged sword comming forth of the mouth of Iesus, the materiall sword, the worke of Smiths and Cutlers? or a girdle of shooes leather to the girdle of truth, &c. Excellently fit and proper is that alarme and item, An alarme to civill or earthly Rulers.Psal. 2. Be wise therefore O ye Kings (especially those ten Horns, Rev. 17.) who under pretence of fighting for Christ Iesus give their power to the Beast against Him, and be warned ye Iudges of the Earth: Kisse the Son, that is with subjection and affection, acknowledge Him only the King and Iudge of soules (in that power bequeathed to His Ministers and Churches) lest if His wrath be kindled, yea but a little, then blessed are they that trust in Him.