A treatise of miscellany questions wherein many useful questions and cases of conscience are…A treatise of miscellany questions wherein many usefull questions and cases of conscience are…

CHAP. XIV.

Another most useful case of Conscience discussed and resolved, concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, Heretics, or any other known Enemies of truth, and Godliness.

Another most usefull case of Conscience discussed and resolved, concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, H•reticks, or any other known Enemies of truth, and Godlinesse.

While I have occasion to speak of humane Covenants, it shall not be unprofitable to speak somewhat to that question so much debated, as well among Divines, as among Politicians and Lawyers, whether a confederacy and association with wicked men, or such as are of another Religion, be lawful, yea, or no. For answer whereunto shortly, let us distinguish, 1. Civill Covenants. 2. Ecclesiastical, Sacred or Religious Covenants. 3. Mixed Covenants, partly civill, partly Religious.¹ The last two being made with wicked men, and such as differ in Religion from us, I hold to be unlawful, and so do the best Writers. When the Israelites are forbidden a Covenant with the Canaanites, special mention is made of their gods, altars, images, Exod. 23. 32. and 34. 13. 14. Jud. 2. 2. that no such superstitious, unlawful worship might be tolerated. As for civil Covenants, if they be for commerce or peace, which were called [Greek or Hebrew], they are allowed according to the Scriptures,