238 AUTHENTIC HISTORY 



disagreeable, but pressing necessity, rather tlian be crushed by an iron 

 rod, to re-ascertain their own just rights ; and stand forth all of them to 

 oppose such tyranny: Here then is another instance of self-defence — in 

 which a war is both unavoidable and necessary, and therefore lawful, if 

 self-preservation is lawful; which is the point I shall next, in order, 

 endeavour to prove indisputably, both from the light of nature, and 

 divine revelation ; and first from the light of nature. 



It is certainly evident, wherever we turn our eyes, on any part of the 

 whole creation of God, that the principle of self-love or self-preservation, 

 or the desire of existence, is deeply engraved on the nature of every 

 creature. And when this great first principle is observed, it is, and must 

 be agreeable to God, as he will love his own work ; and so also, the ne- 

 glect of the exercise of this principle, can not but displease him, as it is 

 ■unnatural and monstrous. Thus the generous vine will extend her arms, 

 to lay hold on the first neighbouring prop ; and with her little tender 

 tendants, twine around it, to preserve her clusters from perishing on the 

 cold ground. 



The little industrious bee is furnished by her Creator, with a sting to 

 preserve for her own use, to herself, her sweet honey, the fruit of her 

 toil and industry. 



The ox has his horns; and the horse his teeth and hoofs. The deer 

 her feet for flight, and the fowls their wings to escape danger, and pre- 

 serve themselves. And shall man, the noblest creature in the lower 

 world, be destitute of this necessary principle ! which we see engraved by 

 instinct on the irrational creation ? Man is blest with reason to direct 

 his enquiries, in search of happiness. His maker God allows him to 

 seek, to be as happy as he possibly can, both in this life and the life to 

 come. But since man is a fallen, sinful creature, he has lost his true 

 road to happiness — and can never find it, until his maker point it out to 

 him in the Holy Bible. Here we are taught how to conduct both in the 

 civil and religious life : We are certain the Scriptures allow us to de- 

 fend ourselves in the best manner we can against an enemy. 



Therefore, such passages, as would seem to speak a different language ; 

 such as those already quoted, must be understood, in a consistency with 

 this great law of nature ; as well as consistent with other parts of scrip- 

 ture. For Christ came not to make void, or destroy the law, but to 

 fulfil— when therefore we are forbid to shed blood, or to kill; it is inno 

 cent blood is meant— but this doth not forbid to execute a murderer. The 

 divine law requires, that a murderer should be executed, and forbids to 

 take a ransom for his life. 



Also, when a body of wicked people join together, or a nation unite, 

 to call upon and destroy without any just cause an innocent people. The 

 insulted, or invaded people, are then to unite together, to oppose, expel 



