either from that which being puffed up, affecteth singularity, and there-through would be observed, commended, and exalted, or from the malignity of some humours and natural tempers, which will be contradicting without cause, and secretly begetting divisions, animosities and emulations. by which the unity and unfeigned love of the brethren is lessened or rent, all things proceeding from this root and spirit, however little they may be supposed to be of themselves, are to be guarded against, withstood and denied, as hurtful to the true church's peace and hindrance of the prosperity of truth. And now we come to take notice of some things, that others professing christianity deem lawful, which are not so to us: as swearing and fighting, or going to war when required by lawful authority. The first we testify against, because it is contrary to the express command of our blessed Saviour, who said, "Swear not at all;"* and the apostle James writing to the twelve scattered tribes, who according to their law, were to "swear by the Lord, and perform their oaths to him," saith: "But above all things, my brethren, swear not; neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay, lest you fall into condemnation."t By this we believe, that all oaths commanded or allowed by the Mosaical law, which took their beginning from want of truth and faithfulness, as well as the oaths of those times, are totally abrogated, and instead thereof the speaking of truth established. And we are greatly thankful to God, that our superiors in Great Britain have been pleased to grant relief and ease to us in that point, and hope it will be a firm and renewed obligation upon us to keep peaceable, faithful, harmless and honest towards all the children of men and then we shall assuredly be pre * Mat. 5. 34. † James 5. 12. served out of those contests, fallacies, strife and perfidies, against which oaths were at first introduced as a remedy, and are still alleged to be a security. And since we must not "swear at all," we cannot administer oaths to others; therefore, let all of our community, who are or may be concerned as magistrates, be tender of God's honour in this matter. And as for wars and fightings, they are altogether unlawful to us, because our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who for the excellency of his government, is called "the Prince of Peace,"* in his blessed sermon upon the mount, commanded that we should "love our enemies."+ And the apostle Paul exhorts, not to "avenge ourselves;" but "if our enemy hunger, we must feed him; if he thirst, give him drink." But it is evident, that war teacheth to hate, famish and destroy them. The same apostle declares, that we war not after the flesh, nor wrestle against flesh and blood."|| But outward war is according to the flesh, and against flesh and blood, for the shedding of the one, and destroying of the other. The same apostle saith further, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God;" so are not the weapons of outward warfare. And the apostle James testifies, that wars and fightings come from lusts,** and those lusts war in the members of carnal men: but such as have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts, cannot indulge them by waging war; nor can the servants of Christ fight, because his "kingdom is not of this world." So that when Peter used the sword, his Lord and Master reproved him, saying, "Put up again thy sword into his place, for all they that take the sword, shall perish with the sword." We are not without sorrowful instances, of some that have been educated in the peaceable principles here asserted; and yet became so far degenerated from it as to use the sword; and they perished by the sword; which is here mentioned only as a warning to those, who by pursuing the vanity of their minds, may happen to stray out of the pure path of peace, and fall into the like inconveniences. By all which it may appear, that Jesus Christ, the captain of our salvation, calls those that list themselves under his banner, to bear his cross, and abide in humility, patience, simplicity and true charity, and not any ways indulge the least thought of revenge, or "rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing ;"* much less endeavour to advance themselves by the fraudulent stratagems of war; but suffer true love to take place of wrath, and forgiveness to overcome injury and revenge; so the lamb will be preserved before the lion, and "the lion" resign to, and "lie down with the lamb." And although these testimonies of Christ and his apostles are so clear against wars and fightings, yet our elder brethren, and some of us, formerly suffered much because we could not ourselves bear arms, nor send others in our places, nor pay for buying of drums and other military attire; as also, for not observing those days, which were appointed to crave a blessing for success to the arms of the nation where we lived, or to give thanks for the victories acquired by the effusion of much blood. There are other things, as giving flattering titles, uncovering the head, and cringing to men; calling the days and months by the heathen names, and drinking one to another, drinking healths, riotings, banquetings, and using games, sports, plays, revels, comedies, and such like, which many of the professors of christianity allow, are not at all lawful to us, because they not only waste that time which is but lent us, and should be spent to the honour of God, but also naturally * Rom. 12. 17. 1 Peter 3. 9. draw men from God's fear; and we know the testimony of the Spirit of Truth is against them, and the inward convictions of light and grace in our own hearts, have prevailed upon us to lay them aside. And some called Christians, about the first coming forth of our friends, encouraged people to go from their worships to gaming, sportings, music, dancing, wrestling, running of races, and the like; counting it not inconsistent with religion so to do; which was so abominable in the sight of God, that he was pleased to raise a holy zeal in our elder brethren against those ungodly practices, and against drinking healths, banquetings and riotous living, which not only provoke people to excess of eating, drinking, laughter, foolish talking, jesting, and such like things, that are sinful, and in no wise becoming the solidity, gravity and sobriety, which men professing christianity ought to be adorned with; but it is obvious, that such as run into those excesses, bring a scorn and slight upon their profession, to the grief of the honest-hearted; and not only so, but they lay themselves open to commit all such vices as the devil may tempt them to. And our constant testimony has been, and is, against saying you to a single person; not only because it is contrary to the true propriety of speech and scripture language; but it gratifies that proud Haman-like spirit, which possesses the heart of such, who would arrogate to themselves the homage and reverence due to God; requiring to be addressed in such language, as they judge more honourable than that which they bestow upon the Almighty. And because our ancient friends and elders in the truth could not join with that spirit, they suffered deeply for their innocent testimony against it; and yet, upon all occasions, showed the decent respect due to men, and maintained in the wisdom of God, the true honour and obedience due from subjects to their prince, inferiors to superiors, from children to parents, and servants to masters; whereby the mutual relations betwixt those different ranks and degrees of men, have been, and are asserted and endeavoured to be established, after the manner our Saviour and his apostles were pleased to direct. Now, before we go further, we think proper to give some account of our principles and practices, concerning those mutual relations or ranks of men. And first, of kings, rulers, and magistrates; as it is our belief, that the powers and government we live under are of the Lord, so we acknowledge, that fidelity and subjection is due to those who are in authority over us, expecting only the benefit of those good laws which are deemed our birthright as English subjects, and not the protection by gun and sword, which others make the terms of their allegiance. And we faithfully own, that magistracy is an ordinance of God, and "those who rule well are worthy of double honour,”† and deserve to be really valued and much esteemed; not by giving them vain appellations or flattering titles, nor by bowing the body, or uncovering the head, nor by feigned words, called compliments; but by obeying their just and lawful commands, wherein the true honour and subjection due to them doth chiefly consist. And it has been, and is our frequent concern, according to the pure leadings and dictates of God's Holy Spirit, in our nearest approaches to the throne of his grace, to make “supplication, prayer, intercession, and giving of thanks for kings, and all that are in authority." And we have not been wanting in our respective places and stations, to put people in mind, as the apostle exhorted, to be "subjected to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, and submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto gover * Rom. 13. 1. + Rom. 13. 2. 1 Tim. 5. 17. ‡ 1 Tim. 2. 1. |