2 All private revenge is forbidden; or it is unlawful to render evil for evil. 2. Thes. 5.15. the Apostle saith, See that no man recompense unto any man evil for evil. Note there three things: first, that he gives this as a special charge, as a thing most hateful or ill-beseeming a Christian. Secondly, what he saith, No man must do it: Great men have no more liberty by private quarrels to revenge their dishonour or hurt, than mean men. Thirdly, that he saith, To no man: we must not render evil to any man, of any religion, condition, or estate, whatsoever the injury be. So, Rom. 12.17. the like charge is given, and two excellent reasons against private revenge: One, because vengeance belongs to God only: It is his office. And it is best God should revenge, because he gives recompense to every transgression: and besides, he gives a just recompense, Heb. 2.2. whereas men that will perform their own revenge, give or seek many times an unequal revenge; as when our Gallants will have blood for a reproach: this is not equal, that a mans life should be taken for a supposed wrong to their reputation: And further, God hath never failed to execute vengeance, whereas men many times fail, and cannot perform the revenge they seek; but rather the contrary; Gods vengeance falls upon them for taking his office out of his hands, as many of those that seek the blood of others in revenge, lose their own, Heb. 10.30. Also it is worth the noting, that in that place to the Romans, the Apostle adds another reason against private revenge, which greatly crosseth the proud and passionate spirits of our times; and that is couched in these words, Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with goodness: which words imports, that he is overcome, and hath lost his honour, that will revenge: and contrariwise, he doth overcome, that will render good for evil. If this point were seriously considered, it would mightily subdue that unruly pride and passion that discovers it self in the most men: and it doth directly prove, that Duels or single combats are ⟨p. 202⟩simply unlawful and intolerable in any well governed Common wealth, and should warn all Christians to take heed of allowing themselves in the desires or projects of revenge.
2 All private revenge is forbidden; or it is unlawfull to render evill for evill. 2. Thes. 5.15. the Apostle saith, See that no man recompence unto anie man evill for evill. Note there three things: first, that he gives this as a speciall charge, as a thing most hatefull or ill-beseeming a Christian. Secondly, what he saith, No man must doe it: Great men have no more liberty by private quarrels to revenge their dishonour or hurt, than meane men. Thirdly, that he saith, To no man: we must not render evill to any man, of any religion, condition, or estate, whatsoever the injury bee. So, Rom. 12.17. the like charge is given, and two excellent reasons against private revenge: One, because vengeance belongs to God onely: It is his office. And it is best God should revenge, because he gives recompence to every transgression: and besides, he gives a just recompence, Heb. 2.2. whereas men that will perform their owne revenge, give or seeke many times an unequall revenge; as when our Gallants will have bloud for a reproach: this is not equall, that a mans life should be taken for a supposed wrong to their reputation: And further, God hath never failed to execute vengeance, whereas men many times faile, and cannot perform the revenge they seeke; but rather the contrary; Gods vengeance falls upon them for taking his office out of his hands, as many of those that seeke the bloud of others in revenge, lose their owne, Heb. 10.30. Also it is worth the noting, that in that place to the Romans, the Apostle addes another reason against private revenge, which greatly crosseth the proud and passionate spirits of our times; and that is couched in these words, Be not overcome of evill, but overcome evill with goodnesse: which words imports, that he is overcomne, and hath lost his honour, that will revenge: and contrariwise, he doth overcome, that will render good for evill. If this point were seriously considered, it would mightily subdue that unruly pride and passion that discovers it selfe in the most men: and it doth directly proove, that Duells or single combats are ⟨p. 202⟩simply unlawfull and intolerable in any well governed Common wealth, and should warne all Christians to take heed of allowing themselves in the desires or projects of revenge.
