A80608:1100
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.
Defender.
I should think mine eye were very obscure indeed, if I should run to a Smiths shop to fetch the Authority of the civill Magistrate from thence: or if I should think his Authority could not ⟨p. 156⟩be put forth against all evil doers (and amongst others, against Heretics) without a Sword of Iron or Steele. If their be stones in the streets, the Magistrate need not fetch a Sword from the Smiths shop, nor an Halter from the Ropers, to punish an Heretic. A pleasant wit can play with a feather of every flying Fancy, and yet (which is to be lamented) bring in such light conceits into grave Discourses, and Disputes about the holy things of God.
I should think mine eye were very obscure indeed, if I should run to a Smiths shop to fetch the Authority of the civill Magistrate from thence: or if I should thinke his Authority could not ⟨p. 156⟩be put forth against all evill doers (and amongst others, against Hereticks) without a Sword of Iron or Steele. If their be stones in the streets, the Magistrate need not fetch a Sword from the Smiths shop, nor an Halter from the Ropers, to punish an Heretick. A pleasant wit can play with a feather of every flying Fancy, and yet (which is to be lamented) bring in such light conceits into grave Discourses, and Disputes about the holy things of God.
But two things let the Discusser understand, 1. That the Lord (through his grace) hath opened mine eye many a year ago, to discern, that a National Church is not the Institution of the Lord Jesus. And himself confesseth, that elsewhere I have profest against such a Church State: nor will he ever be able to make it good, that the Church in New-England is implicitly any National, or State-Church.