Wholesome severity reconciled with Christian liberty. Or, the true resolution of a present controversy…VVholesome severity reconciled with Christian liberty. Or, the true resolution of a present controversie…

And lest it be thought that this is but the opinion of some few, that the magistrate ought thus by a strong hand, and by civill punishments suppress Heretics and Sectaries: let it be observed what is held forth and professed concerning this business, by the Reformed Churches in their public Confessions of Faith. In the latter Confession of Helvetia, cap. 30. it is said that the magistrate ought to root out lies and all superstition, with all impiety and idolatry. And after; Let him suppress stubborn Heretics. In the French Confession, art. 39. Therefore he hath also delivered the sword into the hands of the Magistrates, to wit, that offences may be repressed, not only those which are committed against the second Table, but also against the first. In the Belgic Confession, art. 36. Therefore hath he armed the Magistrate with the sword for punishing them that do evil, and for defending such as do well. Moreover it is their duty not only to be careful and watchful for the preservation of the civill government, but also to defend the holy Ministry, and to abolish and overthrow all Idolatry, and counterfeit worship of God. Beza de haeret, à magistr. puniend. tells us in the beginning, that the Ministers of Helvetia had declared themselves to be of the same judgement, in a book published of that Argument. And toward the end he citeth the Saxon Confession, ⟨p. 5⟩Luther, Melanchthon, Brentius, Bucerus, Wolsangus Capito, and Bullinger. The Synod of Dort, Ses. 138. in their sentence against the Remonstrants doth not only interdict them of all their Ecclesiastical and Academical functions, but also beseech the States General by the secular power further to suppress and restrain them.

And lest it be thought that this is but the opinion of some few, that the magistrate ought thus by a strong hand, and by civill punishments suppresse Hereticks and Sectaries: let it be observed what is held forth and professed concerning this businesse, by the Reformed Churches in their publicke Confessions of Faith. In the latter Confession of Helvetia, cap. 30. it is said that the magistrate ought to root out lies and all superstition, with all impiety and idolatry. And after; Let him suppresse stubborne Hereticks. In the French Confession, art. 39. Therefore he hath also delivered the sword into the hands of the Magistrates, to wit, that offences may be repressed, not only those which are committed against the second Table, but also against the first. In the Belgick Confession, art. 36. Therefore hath he armed the Magistrate with the sword for punishing them that doe evill, and for defending such as doe well. Moreover it is their duty not only to be carefull and watchfull for the preservation of the civill government, but also to defend the holy Ministery, and to abolish and overthrow all Idolatry, and counterfeit worship of God. Beza de haeret, à magistr. puniend. tells us in the beginning, that the Ministers of Helvetia had declared themselves to be of the same judgement, in a booke published of that Argument. And toward the end he citeth the Saxon Confession,