A77854:516
Vindiciæ legis
Vindiciæ legis: or, A vindication of the moral law and the covenants, from the errors of papists, Arminians, Socinians, and more especially, Antinomians. In XXIX. lectures, preached at Laurence-Jury, London. / By Anthony Burgess, preacher of Gods Word.Vindiciæ legis: or, A vindication of the morall law and the covenants, from the errours of papists, Arminians, Socinians, and more especially, Antinomians. In XXIX. lectures, preached at Laurence-Jury, London. / By Anthony Burgess, preacher of Gods Word.
London: printed by James Young for Thomas Underhill, 1646
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.
MATTH. 5. 21, 22. You have heard it hath been said by them of old, &c.
There remain two Questions more to be decided in this business, concerning Christs interpretation of the Law of Moses: The one is about the lawfulness of repelling force by force: The other about applying our selves to the Magistrate, to defend us against the injury, and violence of others. Now, that I may not be tedious in the discussing of these, I will lay down some few grounds that serve to the clearing of the truth herein, and so proceed to other matter, although (as you have heard) this tendeth much to the dignity and excellency of the Law.
THere remaine two Questions more to be decided in this businesse, concerning Christs interpretation of the Law of Moses: The one is about the lawfulnesse of repelling force by force: The other about applying our selves to the Magistrate, to defend us against the injury, and violence of others. Now, that I may not be tedious in the discussing of these, I will lay down some few grounds that serve to the clearing of the truth herein, and so proceed to other matter, although (as you have heard) this tendeth much to the dignity and excellency of the Law.
First therefore take notice, that there is in all a cursed proneness to do things by way of revenge: Insomuch that there is not 1one in a thousand that doth rise up in practise to this excellent way, and rule of patience. The Heathens, they thought to revenge our selves was lawful: Thus Tully, It's the first office of Justice to hurt no body, unless first provoked by injury: O quam simplicem, veramque sententiam (saith Lanctantius) duorum verborum adjectione corrupit! But Seneca, he was against this, Immane verbum est ultio; and, Qui ulsciscitur, excusatiùs peccat. Now whatsoever the thoughts of men may be about the lawfulness, it's certain, the practises of men are much contaminated this way. In State and Civill matters, in Church matters, what a revengeful spirit breatheth in men? This certainly cometh much short of our Saviours Directions. There is no injury or violence offered unto thee, but, in stead of revengeful affections, there may be holy mortifying thoughts in thee: As when