Men are gods, or, The dignity of magistracy, and the duty of the magistrate…

Paul forbiddeth going to law, 1 Cor. 6.1, 2. therefore no use of a Magistrate.

Answer.

The Apostle doth not absolutely forbid going to law; But 1. before Heathen Judges, when godly Christians might have decided their differences and ended their controversies. They that deny to refer their lighter causes to honest understanding persons, give occasion to others to suspect both their causes and Christianity, v. 1, 3, 4, 5.2. Among brethren, the very name of brethren should allay heats and charm discords, v. 8. The nearer their relation (though spiritual) was, the dearer their affection ⟨p. 216⟩should have been, and therefore the sinfuller their division. 3. About trivial and small matters. If Mahometans go to law for mean toys, they are punished. 4. With vindictive spirits: whereas a Christian should go to law with a meek, mild, Gospel spirit, without either hate or heat, as Tilters break their spears on each others breast, yet without wrath or intention of hurt. So then it is not simply unlawful to go to law before Heathen, if right cannot be had elsewhere, and the matter be weighty, and we do it not out of spleen or malice, but with meekness and quietness of spirit.

The Apostle doth not absolutely forbid going to law; But 1. before Heathen Judges, when godly Christians might have decided their differences and ended their controversies. They that deny to refer their lighter causes to honest understanding persons, give occasion to others to suspect both their causes and Christianity, v. 1, 3, 4, 5.2. Among brethren, the very name of brethren should allay heats and charm discords, v. 8. The nearer their relation (though spiritual) was, the dearer their affection