A80608:1074
The bloody tenet, washed, and made white in the blood of the LambThe bloudy tenent, washed, and made white in the bloud of the Lambe
The bloody tenet, washed, and made white in the blood of the Lamb: being discussed and discharged of blood-guiltiness by just defence. Wherein the great questions of this present time are handled, viz. how far liberty of conscience ought to be given to those that truly fear God? And how far restrained to turbulent and pestilent persons, that not only raze the foundation of godliness, but disturb the civill peace where they live? Also how far the magistrate may proceed in the duties of the first table? And that all magistrates ought to study the word and will of God, that they may frame their government according to it. Discussed. As they are alleged from divers Scriptures, out of the Old and New Testament. Wherein also the practise of princes is debated, together with the judgement of ancient and late writers of most precious esteem. Whereunto is added a reply to Mr. Williams answer, to Mr. Cottons letter. / By John Cotton Bachelor in Divinity, and teacher of the church of Christ at Boston in New England.The bloudy tenent, washed, and made white in the bloud of the Lambe: being discussed and discharged of bloud-guiltinesse by just defence. Wherein the great questions of this present time are handled, viz. how farre liberty of conscience ought to be given to those that truly feare God? And how farre restrained to turbulent and pestilent persons, that not onely raze the foundation of godlinesse, but disturb the civill peace where they live? Also how farre the magistrate may proceed in the duties of the first table? And that all magistrates ought to study the word and will of God, that they may frame their government according to it. Discussed. As they are alledged from divers Scriptures, out of the Old and New Testament. Wherein also the practise of princes is debated, together with the judgement of ancient and late writers of most precious esteeme. Whereunto is added a reply to Mr. Williams answer, to Mr. Cottons letter. / By John Cotton Batchelor in Divinity, and teacher of the church of Christ at Boston in New England.
London: printed by Matthew Symmons for Hannah Allen, 1647
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.
Again secondly, there may be a Law made for the establishing of true Religion: and it though it be violated, yet the Discusser will say, no civill Law is violated, because no Law concerning the second Table is violated. But that is his mistake, to think the civill Laws concern only the outward Estate of the People, and not their Religion.
Againe secondly, there may be a Law made for the establishing of true Religion: and it though it be violated, yet the Discusser will say, no civill Law is violated, because no Law concerning the second Table is violated. But that is his mistake, to thinke the civill Lawes concerne onely the outward Estate of the People, and not their Religion.
That is a civill Law whatsoever concerneth the good of the City, and the propulsing of the contrary. Now Religion is the best good of the City: and therefore Laws about Religion are truly called civill Laws, enacted by civill Authority, about the best good of the City, for the promoting, and preserving of that good of the City. But having thus spoken to his second case first (wherein he saith, a false Religion will not hurt a civill State.)
That is a civill Law whatsoever concerneth the good of the City, and the propulsing of the contrary. Now Religion is the best good of the City: and therefore Lawes about Religion are truly called civill Lawes, enacted by civill Authority, about the best good of the City, for the promoting, and preserving of that good of the City. But having thus spoken to his second case first (wherein he saith, a false Religion will not hurt a civill State.)
I come now to his first: which was, that a false Religion will not hurt, if it be out of the Church, no more then weeds in the wilderness will hurt the enclosed Garden.