A34674:402
The Covenant of Grace
The covenant of grace discovering the great work of a sinners reconciliation to God / by John Cotton ... ; whereunto are added Certain queries tending to accommodation [sic] between the Presbyterian and Congregational churches ; also a discussion of the civill magistrates power in matters of religion ; by the same author.The covenant of grace discovering the great work of a sinners reconciliation to God / by John Cotton ... ; whereunto are added Certain queries tending to accommodadation [sic] between the Presbyterian and Congregationall churches ; also a discussion of the civill magistrates power in matters of religion ; by the same author.
London: printed by M.S. for Francis Eglesfield and John Allen, 1655
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2 A second Argument is taken from 1 Tim. 2.1,2. We are to pray that we may have such Magistrates as may act Authoritatively in matters of Religion and piety, as well as of righteousness and honesty; therefore it is the mind of God, that civil Magistrates should put forth their power in the one as well as in the other.
2 A second Argument is taken from 1 Tim. 2.1,2. We are to pray that we may have such Magistrates as may act Authoritatively in matters of Religion and piety, as well as of righteousnesse and honesty; therefore it is the mind of God, that civil Magistrates should put forth their power in the one as well as in the other.
Object. Yea but some have said, If you now allow civil Rulers power in matters of Religion, they will persecute us.
Answ. The Apostle doth not answer; pray therefore in these persecuting times of Romish Emperors, that they may not ⟨p. 35⟩meddle at all coercively in matters of Religion, as being to usurp power not belonging to them; but rather pray that they may use this power which they have aright, or as we may peaceably exercise acts of Religion, as well as honesty; nor doth he say, pray that they may deal in matters of Religion negatively, that is, so as authoritatively to hinder any from disturbing any Christian in that which he taketh up for truth or piety; or in any opinion which he may hold, and yet be a godly man; no more then he saith, pray that they may deal so in matters of honesty, as to hinder any from disturbance in any supposed course of honesty, yea in any acts of dishonesty, which may be incident to one, that yet in the main is godly, for that were to pray to be let alone in all ungodliness or dishonesty: Nor doth he say, pray that every one may live according to his Conscience, or hold out any opinion, Tenet, or practice, suiting with his conscience, so it race not the foundation of godliness; but pray for them, that we may live in all godliness peaceably, or that we may with quietness