A80608:1122
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.
It is enough that they are called of God to be wise and learned in the service of Christ, and in the ways of his Kingdom. Psal. 2.10, 11, 12. which if they have learned, they ought to rule with him, and for him: or else how shall it be fulfilled, which is written of them, The Kingdoms of the world, are become the Kingdoms of the Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever? Rev. 7.15. Yea in this case, it is learning enough, if they know the Principles and Foundations of Religion, and can discern the Arrogancy of a tumultuous spirit after conviction For such want not judgement; to censure Apostasy, to Heresy in doctrine, to Idolatry in worship, to Tyranny in Government.
It is enough that they are called of God to be wise and learned in the service of Christ, and in the wayes of his Kingdome. Psal. 2.10, 11, 12. which if they have learned, they ought to rule with him, and for him: or else how shall it be fulfilled, which is written of them, The Kingdomes of the world, are become the Kingdomes of the Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reigne for ever? Rev. 7.15. Yea in this case, it is learning enough, if they know the Principles and Foundations of Religion, and can discerne the Arrogancy of a tumultuous spirit after conviction For such want not judgement; to censure Apostacy, to Heresie in doctrine, to Idolatry in worship, to Tyranny in Government.
Discusser
But then I ask, whether upon this ground, it must not evidently follow, that then either there is no Common-wealth, nor Civill State of men in the world, that is not qualified with this discerning: (and then the Common-wealth hath more light concerning the Church, then the Church it self:) Or that the Common-wealth and Magistrates thereof must judge and punish as they are persuaded in their own belief and Conscience (be their Conscience, Paganish, Turkish, or Antichristian:) And what is this, but to confound Heaven and Earth together? and to take away not only the being of Christianity out of the world, but all civility, yea the world out of the world, and to lay all upon heaps of confusion?