Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

380 The rearm of the fifth petition expounded, from the by law; if thefe cautions be obferved: I. That it IY trifirate' with thefe ' be not done in anger, or malice, or defire of re-. cautions venge; which commonly are the grounds of mens obferved. going to law: but that it be done with a charitable mind towards the fociety where we live, towards our brother who bath offended us , and towards i. our felves. Firft, towards the fociety; i. If the offenfe be fuch as according to the laws of the fo- ciety is to be punifhed by order of juftice : for that punifhment it is not in our power to remit. 2. If the offenfe be dangerous to the fociety, either in refped of Gods judgement, or in refpet of conta- gion, then is it good the fault fhould be punifhed, that evil may be taken from among us , and the judgement of God prevented, and others may fee and fear, and fearing their punifhment may not fol- low their example: in which ref peels molt meet and neceffary it is that the infolency and outrage of wic- ked men fhould be reftrained. 2. Secondly, as touching the party : If he cannot be reclaimed by private means, we are to feek that by publick authority he may be reclaimed and brought to repentance: and we are to take heed left by our patience our neighbour become worfe. 3. Thirdly,concerning our felves: We may provide for our fafetie for the time to come, rather then by too much bearing to expofe our felves to the wrongs and injuries of the wicked. For if it were not lawfull for godly men to complain to the Magi - ftrate, &c. there would be no meafure nor no end of indignities offered unto them. And albeit we are to ram every wrong offered unto us as an affliOion laid