Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
Quest. II. If Peace-makers be blessed, how can any Nation with good conscience make war?
Answ. The Lord’s commandment to have peace with all men, doth not bind men simply, but with this condition, if it be possible, and as much as in us lieth: but when there is no hope of maintaining peace, then the Lord alloweth a lawful war, such as is for just defence, or claim of our needful due and right: for herein the case standeth with the body politick, as it doth with the natural body; while there is hope of health and safety, the Physician useth gentle means; but when the case is desperate, then he useth desperate means, and sometimes gives rank poison, to try if by any means life may be saved. And so may the safety of a State be sought by war, when Motions of peace will not take place.
For the reference, see William Perkins on lawful warfare.
Answ. The Lord’s commandment to have peace with all men, doth not bind men simply, but with this condition, if it be possible, and as much as in us lieth: but when there is no hope of maintaining peace, then the Lord alloweth a lawful war, such as is for just defence, or claim of our needful due and right: for herein the case standeth with the body politick, as it doth with the natural body; while there is hope of health and safety, the Physician useth gentle means; but when the case is desperate, then he useth desperate means, and sometimes gives rank poison, to try if by any means life may be saved. And so may the safety of a State be sought by war, when Motions of peace will not take place.
For the reference, see William Perkins on lawful warfare.
