Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/95

32 Chelčický found the arguments of Jakoubek unconvincing and the doctrine of Thomas Aquinas unacceptable. Chelčický became a nonconformist when he declared: "God never revoked His commandment 'Thou shalt not kill!'" Thomas Aquinas (relying wholly on St. Augustine, see the latter’s, cxxxviii; , xxii:74; , i:19, , clxxxix, etc.) writes: 1) In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary: First, the authority of the sovereign by whose command the war is waged. For it is not the business of a private individual to declare war, because he can seek for redress of his rights from the tribunal of his superior And as the care of the common weal Is committed to those who are in authori tyauthority [sic], it is their business to watch over the common weal of the city, kingdom or province subject to them. And just as it is lawful for them to have recourse to the sword in defending that common weal against internal disturbances, when they punish evil-doers, according to the words of the Apostle (Rom. 13:4): 'He beareth not the sword in vain: for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil'; so too, it is their business to have recourse to the sword of war in defending the common weal against external enemies. 2) Secondly, a just cause is required, namely that those who are attacked, should be attacked because they deserve it on account of some fault. Wherefore Augustine says: 'A just war is wont to be described as one that avenges wrongs, when a nation or state has to be punished, for refusing to make amends for the wrongs inflicted by its subjects, or to restore what is seized unjustly.' 3) Thirdly, it is necesaary that the belligerents should have a rightful intention, so that they intend the advancement evil For it may happen that the war is declared by the legitimate authority, and for a just cause, and yet be rendered unlawful through a wicked intention. (The " of St. Thomas Aquinas, Part II, Second Part, translated by the Fathers of the English Dominican Province, London: Burns Oates & Washbourne, 1916. First Number, Question 40; vol. 9, pp.500–503.) Some later teachers like Bellarmine and Suarez have added the condition that the war must also be carried out in a just manner, without unnecessary violence and damage. (Cf. A. Vanderpool,, Paris, 1919, p.54).