A Reply to his Chap. 40.

CHAP. 40. A Reply to his Chap. 40.

Discusser.

But it hath been thought and said, shall Oppositions against the Truth escape unpunished? will they not prove mischievous? I answer as before, concerning the blind Guides, their case being incurable is rather to be lamented, since none but the right hand of the Lord, in ⟨p. 83⟩the meek and gentle Dispensing of the word of Truth; can release them, &c.

BƲt it hath been thought and said, shall Oppositions against the Truth escape unpunished? will they not prove mischievous? I answer as before, concerning the blind Guides, their case being incurable is rather to be lamented, since none but the right hand of the Lord, in ⟨p. 83⟩the meeke and gentle Dispensing of the word of Truth; can release them, &c.

Defender.

So it is with all scandalous offenders against the civil State: none can give them healing Repentance, but the right hand of the Lord Jesus, in the dispensing of the word of Truth: yet that doth not restrain Magistrates from executing just Judgement upon them. So neither doth it restrain them from executing the like just Judgement against these, though not to procure the Repentance of incurable obstinate Heretics, and Idolaters: yet to prevent the seduction and subversion of others. What though a dead soul, though changed from one Worship to another, (like a dead man shifted into several suites of Apparel) cannot please God?