ABSTRACT
By analogy, the raging magistrate could be rightly removed from public authority, like Nebuchadnezzar when he had turned into a raging beast was banished from human society. Merely private subjects without a lawful calling are not permitted to take up arms, neither to attack tyrants to prevent a danger, nor to defend themselves against them when the danger takes place, nor to avenge themselves after the danger has taken place, if they can be defended by a regular authority. With regard to a violent attack of private persons the major premise is fully conceded, but with regard to the spiritual – in the case of pastors – and real assault in the case of magistrates the major premise is refuted entirely.
