An exposition upon the thirteenth chapter of the Revelation by that reverend and eminent…

Thirdly,¹ this may serve to teach us the lawfulness of christians waging war in their own just defence. You see it evident here, the Beast did make war against the Saints, and did overcome them at length, though at first the Saints overcame them, and killed divers of them; they stood upon their own defence, and it it is not laid to their charge, but still they are accounted Saints while they make war: It is true, their confidence in the arm of flesh, and listening to Popish ⟨p. 109⟩pretences was an argument of weakness, and timorousness, but it was not their failing to resist: and had they not hearkened to those suggestions brought to them by those that lye in wait to deceive; had they not leaned to humane policy, and trusted to humane strength, they had certainly prospered. It is true indeed, when the Laws of a State are armed against Religion, though christians be fewer, or more in number, they are to submit, and not take up arms; and that was the constant practice of the Primitive Church, the Laws of the Empire being for Idolatry, they willingly suffered, though they were more then the rest. Or secondly, when the Laws of a State are ordained for Religion, private christians must lift up their hands, to right the abuse of the Laws, and therefore David being a private person, he would not lift up his hand against Saul, the Lords Anointed, though he did against Law. But yet nevertheless, if the Law be for the maintenance of Peace and Trueth, and true Religion; and Governors and Princes will against Law, and beyond Law, and consequently against the Oath which themselves have taken to maintain the Laws and Religion, if they will make war against the Saints, and Religion, and Truth, or against the way of Justice and happiness, which they are sworn to maintain; now in such a case as this, It is as lawful to take up arms of defence, as it was for these men to take up war in their own just defence.

Thirdly,¹ this may serve to teach us the lawfulnesse of christians waging warre in their own just defence. You see it evident here, the Beast did make warre against the Saints, and did overcome them at length, though at first the Saints overcame them, and killed divers of them; they stood upon their own defence, and it it is not laid to their charge, but still they are accounted Saints while they make warre: It is true, their confidence in the arme of flesh, and listning to Popish