A80608:1103
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.
2. Let him understand further, that I should think mine eye not only obscured, but the sight of it utterly put out; if I should conceive, as he doth, That the National Church State of the Jews did necessarily call for such weapons to punish Heretics, more then the Congregational State of particular Churches doth call for the same, now in the days of the New-Testament. For was not the National Church of the Jews as completely furnished with spiritual Armour to defend it self, and to offend men: and Devils, as the particular Churches of the New-Testament be? Had they not power to convince false Prophets, as Elijah did the Prophets of Baal? Had they not power to separate all evil doers from the fellowship of the Congregation? what power have our particular Churches now, which their National Church wanted? or what efficacy is their found in the exercise of our power which was wanting to them?
2. Let him understand further, that I should thinke mine eye not onely obscured, but the sight of it utterly put out; if I should conceive, as he doth, That the Nationall Church State of the Jewes did necessarily call for such weapons to punish Hereticks, more then the Congregationall State of particular Churches doth call for the same, now in the dayes of the New-Testament. For was not the Nationall Church of the Iewes as compleately furnished with spirituall Armour to defend it selfe, and to offend men: and Divells, as the particular Churches of the New-Testament be? Had they not power to convince false Prophets, as Elijah did the Prophets of Baal? Had they not power to seperate all evil doers from the fellowship of the Congregation? what power have our particular Churches now, which their Nationall Church wanted? or what efficacy is their found in the exercise of our power which was wanting to them?
If it be said, Their Nation was an holy Nation, and an unclean person might not live amongst them:
If it be said, Their Nation was an holy Nation, and an uncleane person might not live amongst them: