A26982:144
Richard Baxter's penitent confession and his necessary vindication in answer to a book called…
Richard Baxter's penitent confession and his necessary vindication in answer to a book called The second part of the mischiefs of separation, written by an unnamed author with a preface to Mr. Cantianus D. Minimis, in answer to his letter which extorted this publication.
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1691
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.
13. I did and do believe that as every Man hath a power of private Self-defence against a Murderer or Thief, so every Kingdom hath a power or right of public Self-defence, against Foreign or Home bred Enemies.
13. I did and do believe that as every Man hath a power of private Self-defence against a Murderer or Thief, so every Kingdom hath a power or right of publick Self-defence, against Forreign or Home bred Enemies.
14. But I believe that this power belongeth not to a wronged or persecuted party, but only to the Body of the Kingdom: Because their good is not the bonum publicum, and a Civil War would do more hurt than their death or ruin. Nor may a Kingdom defend all its Rights, or revenge all its injuries by a Civil War, which will do more hurt than their wrongs: But where the destruction of the Kingdom is apparently endeavoured, or the change of their Constitution, or a hurt greater than a Civil War, a Self-defence is lawful and necessary.
15. I believe Grotius and all Politics, that Regere & perdere rempublicam are inconsistent, and that whoever declareth his purpose to destroy the Kingdom, can be no King of it: For the terminus is essential to his relation. If it be Murder not to defend the Life of a Brother against the assault of a Murdering Robber, it is far worse not to do our Duty to save a Kingdom against public Murderers, and Destroyers.
15. I believe Grotius and all Politicks, that Regere & perdere rempublicam are inconsistent, and that whoever declareth his purpose to destroy the Kingdom, can be no King of it: For the terminus is essential to his relation. If it be Murder not to defend the Life of a Brother against the assault of a Murdering Robber, it is far worse not to do our Duty to save a Kingdom against publick Murderers, and Destroyers.