A80608:1118
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.
I Answer, As God needs not the help of a material Sword of Steele to assist the Sword of the Spirit in the affairs of Conscience: so those men, those Magistrates, yea the Common-wealth which makes such Magistrates must needs have power and Authority from Christ Jesus to sit Judge, and to determine in all the great Controversies concerning Doctrine, Worship, Government &c.
I Answer, As God needs not the help of a materiall Sword of Steele to assist the Sword of the Spirit in the affairs of Conscience: so those men, those Magistrates, yea the Common-wealth which makes such Magistrates must needs have power and Authority from Christ Iesus to sit Iudge, and to determine in all the great Controversies concerning Doctrine, Worship, Government &c.
Defender.
God needeth not the help of a material Sword of Steele, to assist the Sword of his Spirit of righteousness in the duties of the second Table, no more then to assist the Sword of the Spirit of holiness in the duties of the first Table. The Law of Righteousness is as fully and plainly written by the Spirit of God in the hearts and Consciences of men, as is the Law of holiness: yea and more too. And yet the Discusser doth not (for ought I know) make it a needless matter for God to accept the help of the material Sword to assist the Spirit of Righteousness in the affairs of Conscience, which pertain to the second Table. The truth is, God needeth not the Arm of flesh to help him, that is, he needeth not any help, which the wisdom or strength of the creature can invent, or bring forth, which himself appointed not. But yet God thinks it no dishonour to himself, to make use of his own Ordinances, in their own bounds, to his own ends; Nor doeth he then need them, when he useth them, but we need such helps for the performance of our duty both to God, and man. Which made it a cursed sin in Meroz, not to come out to help the Lord, Judge. 5 23.