be employed.(351)

To which we answer, 1. That the scriptures cited conclude most expressly
against conjunctions of that kind in defensive wars. Such was Asa's
covenant, such was Ahaz his confederacy. Were not the reproofs of the
prophets directed particularly against the people's seeking of help from
Egypt and Assyria, in the case of their own just and necessary defence?
Jer. ii. 18, Hosea v. 13, and vii. 8, 11, Isa. viii. 12, 13, 2 Chron. xvi.
to ver. 10. 2. The law and rule given, Deut. xxiii. is general, regulating
all their wars whether defensive or offensive, and it is strange that any
should imagine such a difference where the law makes none, nay, when the
ground of the law is moral and general, equally respecting all wars. Is
there any ground of conscience, why wicked persons may not be kept in the
camp when we invade others, and yet these may be employed and intrusted
when we defend ourselves? If there be any reason to prefer the one to the
other in this point, we conceive defensive war should have the preference,
because when the Lord brings upon us an unjust invasion, he is ordinarily
pursuing a controversy against us. And therefore we ought to be most
tender and circumspect, that there be no unclean thing in the camp, and
put away every wicked thing from us, even the appearance of evil, lest we
add oil to the flame of his indignation, and he seeing such an unclean
thing in us, turn yet further from us, except we say, that we need not
take care to have God in the camp with us, when we are upon just and
necessary defence, seeing our cause is so good. 3. There is more hazard
and danger to our religion and liberties in having a wicked malignant army
at home among us, than abroad in another nation. While they are here, they
have the power of the sword, and can command all, but there might be some
hope and endeavour for vindicating our own liberties and religion while
they are abroad, as it fell out in the time of the Engagement.

II. It is answered, that there is a difference between this case and the
Engagement, because there was then no necessity of choosing such
instruments, a competency of power might be had, but now it is not so, and
therefore the scriptures mentioned do not militate against the present
case. _Answer 1_. The scriptures cited will obviate this. What made Israel
and Judah run to Egypt and Assyria for help, but their weakness and
necessity? Their wound was incurable, and their bruise grievous,