A26892:8370
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Answ. You must distinguish, 1. Between such Defence as the Law of the Land alloweth, and such as it forbiddeth.
2. Between Necessary and Unnecessary actions of defence.
Prop. 1. There is no doubt but it is both lawful and a duty to defend our selves by such convenient means, as are likely to attain their end, and are not contrary to any Law, of God or Man! We must defend our Neighbour if he be assaulted or oppressed; and we must love our neighbours as our selves.
Prop. 2. This Self-defence by force, is then lawful, when it is Necessary, and other more gentle means have been uneffectual, or have no place, (supposing still that the means be such as the Law of God or man forbiddeth not).
Prop. 3. And it is necessary to the Lawfulness of it, that the means be such as in its nature is like to be successful, or like to do more good than harm.