The Bloody Tenant of Persecution for the Cause of Conscience, Part 4 · Chapter 100
CHAP. C.
Peace.
THeir eighth question is this: viz. What power Magistrates have about the gathering of Churches?
First, the Magistrate hath power, and it is his duty to incourage and countenance such persons, as voluntarily joyn themselves in holy Covenant, both by his presence (if it may be) and promise of protection, they accepting the right hand of fellowship from other neighbour Churches.
Secondly, he hath power …o forbid all Idolatrous and corrupt Assemblies, who offer to put themselves under their patronage, and shall attempt to joyne themselves into a Church-estate, and if they shall not hearken, to force them therefrom by the power of the Sword, Psal. 101. 8. For our tolerating many Religions in a State in severall Churches, beside the provoking of God, may in time not only corrupt, leaven, divide, and so destroy the peace of the Churches, but also dissolve the continuity of the State, especially ours whose wals are made of the stones of the Churches: it being also contrary to the end of our planting in this part of the World, which was not only to enjoy the pure Ordinances, but to enjoy them all in purity.
Thirdly, He hath power to compell all men within his grant, to heare the Word, for hearing the Word of God is a duty which the light of Nature leadeth even Heathens to: The Ninivites heard Ionah, though a stranger, and unknowne unto them, to be an extraordinary Prophet, Ionah 3. And Eglon the King of Moab hearing that Ehud had a message from God, he rose out of his seat for more reverent attention, Iudg. 3. 20.
Yet he hath no power to compell all men to become members of Churches, because he hath not power to make them fit members for the Church, which is not wrought by the power of the Sword, but by the power of the Word: Nor may he force the Churches to accept of any for members, but those whom the Churches themselves can freely approve of.
Truth.
To the first branch of this head, I answer, That the Magistrate should encourage and countenance the Church, yea and protect the persons of the Church from violence, disturbance, &c. It being truly noble and glorious, by how much the Spouse and Queene of the Lord Iesus transcends the Ladies, Queens, and Empresses of the World, in glory, beauty, chastity and innocency.
'Tis true, all Magistrates in the world do this: viz. Incourage and protect that Church or Assembly of worshippers, which they judge to be true and approve of; but not permitting other consciences then their owne: It hath come to passe in all ages, and yet doubtlesse will, that the Lord Iesus and His Queene are driven and persecuted out of the World.
To the second, That the Magistrate ought to suppresse all Churches which he judgeth false, he quoteth Psal. 101. 8. Betimes I will cut off the wicked of the Land, that I may cut off all evill doers from the City of Jehovah: unto which, he addeth foure Reasons.
Peace.
Deare Truth, first, a word to that Scripture, so often quoted, and so much boasted of.
Truth.
Concerning that holy Land of Canaan, concerning the City of Iehovah, Ierusalem, out of which King David here resolves to cut off all the wicked and evill doers.Psal. 101. 8. concerning the cutting off the wicked, examined. I shall speake more largely on the 11 Head or Question in the differences between that and all other Lands.
At present I answer, There is no holy Land or City of the Lord, no King of Sion, &c. but the Church of Iesus Christ, and the King thereof, according to 1 Pet. 2. 9. Ye are a holy Nation, and Ierusalem is the holy people of God in the true profession of Christianity, Heb. 12. Gal. 4. & Rev. 21. Out of which the Lord Iesus by his holy Ordinances,No Land of Canaan, nor holy City now in such a government, and by such governours as he hath appointed, he cuts off every wicked person and evill doer.
If Christ Iesus had intended any difference of plate, Cities or Countries, doubtlesse Ierusalem and Samaria had been thought of, or the Cities of Asia, wherein the Christian Religion was so gloriously planted.
But the Lord Iesus disclaimes Ierusalem and Samaria forth having any respect of holinesse more then other Cities, Iohn 4.
And the Spirit of God evidently testineth that the Churches were in the Cities and Countries, No difference of Lands and Cities since the comming as was before the comming of the Lord Jesus.not that the whole Cities or Countries were Gods holy Land, and Cities out of which all false worshippers and wicked persons were to be cut, Rev. 2. & 3.
The Divells throne was in the City of Pergamus, in respect of the state and persecution of it, and yet there was also the Throne of the Lord Iesus set up in His Church of worshippers in Pergamus, out of which the Balaamites, and Nicholaitans and every false worshipper was to be cast, though not out of the City of Pergamus, for then Pergamus must have beene throwne out of Pergamus, and the World out of the World.