A80608:1129
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.
For though it be the duty of Civill States, thus to be qualified: yet their want of such qualifications, doth not make them unlawful States. Many due qualifications are required in Husbands, Wives, Children, Servants, Magistrates, Churches, the want of which maketh them defective, and sinful, but doth not make them unlawful. This will need no proof to any sober mind.
For though it be the duty of Civill States, thus to be qualified: yet their want of such qualifications, doth not make them unlawfull States. Many due qualifications are required in Husbands, Wives, Children, Servants, Magistrates, Churches, the want of which maketh them defective, and sinfull, but doth not make them unlawfull. This will need no proofe to any sober minde.
Much less will it follow upon the former Premises, that the very Common-wealth hath then more light concerning the Church of Christ, then the Church it self.
Muchlesse will it follow upon the former Premises, that the very Common-wealth hath then more light concerning the Church of Christ, then the Church it selfe.
For it is a weak Church, that knows no more light, then Principles: And what light the Common-wealth hath, it may have received from the Church. Howsoever, the Magistrates power to establish the Religion of Christ doth no way infer. That he that establisheth that Religion, which is professed in the Church, hath more light concerning that Religion, or any part of it, then the Church it self. Albeit, it is not impossible, nor is it absurd that sometime the Magistrate may have more light in matters of Religion, then the Church it self. David (for ought we read) was the first that discerned the disorder in Carting the Ark of God,