CHAPTER XXXIII

CONCERNING THOSE CONFESSORS WHO HAD BEEN ENGAGED IN MILITARY SERVICE

“ONCE more, with respect to those who had previously been preferred to any military distinction, of which they were afterwards deprived, for the cruel and unjust reason that they chose rather to acknowledge their allegiance to God than to retain the rank they held; we leave them perfect liberty of choice, either to occupy their former stations, should they be content again to engage in military service, or to live in undisturbed tranquillity, with an honourable discharge from all duty. For it is fair and reasonable that men who have displayed such magnanimity and fortitude in meeting the perils to which they have been exposed, should be allowed the choice either of enjoying peaceful leisure, or resuming their former rank.